Everything You Need To Make Bakery Quality Muffins at Home
We can’t deny that few things come close to the stomach-grumbling quality of muffins fresh from the bakery—we’d even pull ourselves out of bed on a Saturday morning if it meant getting the first batch of crumbly, warm, delicately sweet muffins.
But, for those mornings when we just can’t bear the thought of standing in line at the bakery, we roll up our sleeves and set about trying to recreate that bakery muffin magic.
Whether you’re looking to satisfy a muffin craving or you’re simply baking muffins for the fun of it—the right equipment can help improve your skills, give you the best kitchen experience and provide more fun in the long run.
Are stand mixers worth it?
Step into any house with a stand mixer and you know you can have a conversation about the magic that’s come out of that kitchen. But as newer bakers get started, the stand mixer can be an investment to look forward to. In many cases, hand mixers and whisks will get the job done.
The KitchenAid® Artisan Stand Mixer is a 5-quart staple that will last, boasting vintage looks, 10 speeds, a dishwasher safe mixing bowl, and removable beaters. Half of cooking is cleaning up, and this mixer makes it easier. You’ll start looking for more recipes just to hang out with your new best friend.
The Cuisinart Stand Mixer is a high quality 5.5-quart mixer with an excellent set of tools included. It’s perfect for those who are looking for a lower price point but still want large-batch functionality.
Are hand mixers useful?
While a reliable stand mixer can get all the big work done, a hand mixer brings a lighter, more versatile touch. Perfect for small batches, quick egg beating and every mixing need in between, hand mixers are exceptional tools to have in your arsenal.
This Cuisinart Power Advantage 5 Speed Hand Mixer has a swivel cord for switching between right and left hands, comes with a spatula, and is a great value addition to your baking setup.
If you’re in need of that extra ‘oomph’ this Breville Handy Mix Scraper is a powerful option, with a burly DC motor and nine speeds. Plus, silicone-coated beaters scrape the bowl as you mix ingredients, so there’s no need to struggle with a spatula while mixing batters, whipping cream or beating egg whites.
Best mixing bowls for baking
Stainless steel mixing bowls
If you’re looking for versatile mixing bowls that are easy to clean, stainless steel is the way to go. They are lighter than glass and come in a variety of sizes. They’re also much more durable and are usually dishwasher-safe, which makes clean up a breeze.
Glass mixing bowls
The perks of clear glass mixing bowls are extensive—they’re microwave safe, their transparent walls allow you to see where ingredients are stuck, they’re highly durable and more.
What makes this Duralex Lys Stackable Set so essential is that you can find a use for every single piece, whether you’re mixing spices or preparing the muffin dough. Oops, frozen butter—add it to a glass mixing bowl, soften in the microwave, and there you go! Durable, reliable and a kitchen time–saver for any task.
What do I need to make muffins?
Without a muffin tin or baking cups, a muffin is just an idea floating around like a pie in the sky. Let’s look at the tools necessary for getting the job done.
Muffin Tins
It’d be hard to make muffins without a muffin tin. These formed baking sheets are ideal for making even, well-rounded muffins and come in a variety of materials and sizes.
Are silicone baking cups worth it?
Silicone baking cups are a must-have for the avid muffin maker. You can get them in different sizes, they’re dishwasher safe, and you can reuse them again and again. No more greasing or dealing with the finicky paper liners getting stuck on the side of the muffin.
Why use paper or foil cupcake liners?
Paper liners are a classic that are hard to let go of. They’re disposable and ideal for parties and holiday gifting. They come in an array of colors so you can maximize the fun. But the downside is that, eventually, the seemingly endless 150–count pack will run out and you’ll have to find a way to get more. Not ideal in a time crunch!
Essential tools every baker needs
5 Best Muffin Recipes from Our Kitchen
When it comes to tools for baking muffins, the best one is a great recipe. Check out a few of our favorites below:
- Honey Blueberry Muffins
- Feta, Roasted Pepper and Basil Muffins
- Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
- Brioche Muffins
- Morning Glory Muffins
And there you have it! Start with the essentials, and as you grow, work toward finding the equipment that will make you more excited to bake the next time around.
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