13 Essential Cake Supplies Every Home Cook Needs

Updated on Mar. 31, 2024

The star of any party is always the cake. Be prepared to make a showstopper for any occasion with a good collection of cake supplies. Check out our favorite tools.

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Whether you’re just getting started with some easy cake recipes or are a star baker who loves to make gorgeous layer cakes, you’ll need a few cake supplies to make these desserts. A few basics like good pans and spatulas can get you far with any recipe you choose. Check out our cake-making must-haves.

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Nordic Ware Bundt Pan via amazon.com

Bundt Pan

For an impressive-looking cake without all the fuss, grab an elegant Bundt pan. The gorgeous designs give your cakes all the decoration they need, though a dusting of powdered sugar never hurts.

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Bakers Joy Cake Pan Spray 2 Pack via amazon.com

Cake Pan Spray

If your cakes are prone to sticking, a specialty cake spray is the way to go. This brand has flour included in the spray and works on even the most intricate nooks and crannies.

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PAPERCHEF PARCHMENT BAKING CUPS via surlatable.com

Parchment Baking Cups

These cute paper liners give bakers the best of both worlds: Your cupcakes will pop out of each cup with ease and your baking pan will be simple to clean.

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Mini Cupcake Pan via surlatable.com

Mini Cupcake Pan

If you have a cupcake pan, you’ll surely want a mini cupcake pan, too. It’ll come in handy for making bite-sized desserts of all kinds.

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Nordic Ware Baking Sheet via amazon.com

Sheet Pans

Feeding a crowd? Try a simple but tasty sheet cake. Since you’ll be turning to these recipes again and again, you’ll want a good sheet pan. This one from Nordic Ware is our Test Kitchen’s favorite.

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Cake Turntable

Serious cake bakers and decorators will never regret adding a decorating turntable to their collection of cake supplies. This lazy Susan-like tool allows you to spin your layered cakes to help achieve even layers of icing and beautiful finishes. It makes decorating even a simple cake such a breeze.

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Piping Bags and Tips via amazon.com

Piping Bags and Tips

If you want to go above and beyond with your decorating, invest in a few simple cake supplies. Piping bags and a few pastry tips can really give your bakes that professional touch. Really serious about decorating? Check out these frosting tools. Also check out how to use a piping bag the right way.

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Cake Leveler via amazon.com

Cake Leveler

To level off the top of a cake or to split a layer into two, you can rely on a good eye, a steady hand and a serrated knife. For those that don’t want to risk uneven layers, rely on a cake leveler. It’ll help you get even layers every time.

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Cake Tester

Yes, you can absolutely test cake doneness with a toothpick. However, if you’re baking a thicker cake like a Bundt, you’ll struggle to hit the center of the cake with a small toothpick. That’s where a cake tester really comes in handy.

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Cake Lifter via amazon.com

Cake Lifter

Moving a cake from your turntable onto a cake stand can be pretty nerve-wracking. Make the job easier with a cake lifterThis extra-wide spatula slides under your cake and makes it easy to move from plate to plate.

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Cake and Cupcake Carrier via target.com

Cake and Cupcake Carrier

Baking a cake or a batch of cupcakes? Surely you’re taking them somewhere to share. Invest in a cake carrier—this one also can carry cupcakes—to transport your goodies safely.

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Nordic Ware Anniversary Loaf Pan Via williams-sonoma.com

Decorative Pan

If you don’t have time to frost your cake, let a decorative pan do all of the work for you. With this pan, the design bakes directly into your sponge. Get more cake decorating tips here.

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MOSSER JADEITE CAKE STAND, 12" via onekingslane.com

Cake Stand

Display your finished cake with pride! This retro-inspired stand (which comes in three sizes) is perfect for showcasing one of our top 10 cake recipes.