Andrea’s Picks
The Baker's Toolkit
What I actually use. Nothing else.
I spent 16 years running a real bakery. These are the tools I use in my own kitchen — professional quality where it matters, smart affordable alternatives where it doesn't. A baker's list, not a luxury list.
If you don't want to overthink it — just start with the first section.
Build Your Sift Kitchen
Mixer · Cake pans · Turntable · Scoop · Scale
Start with the essentials — everything else is optional.
Note: Some links earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share what I actually use.
Start Here
If you have this, you're set.
The minimum kit you need to bake a Sift cake and have it turn out right.
Upgrade Pick
Fat Daddio's Round Pan, 6"
Why I use this:Consistent pans are the difference between average and bakery-quality cakes. 6" gives you that tall, stacked look. Stack 3-4 layers and the slice is unreal.
Most people grab parchment rounds with this. Shop ↗
Smart Buy
Parchment Paper Rounds
Pre-cut circles for your pans. Prevents every stuck cake disaster. I use these every single time I bake.
Shop ↗
Pink Silicone Spatulas
Gets every bit of batter out of the bowl. The pink ones make me happy and that counts.
Shop ↗"If you want tall, bakery-style layers, go with 6". If you want a classic, easy cake, go with 8"."
Sift Cake Kit
Bake a tall, bakery-style cake.
Everything you need to get that stacked, impressive look.
Pro Pick
Fat Daddio's Round Pan, 6"
6" pans give you that tall, bakery-style cake. Stack 3-4 thin layers and the slice is unreal.
You'll want parchment rounds for this. Shop ↗
Smart Buy
Parchment Paper Rounds
Pre-cut circles for your pans. The single step that prevents every stuck cake disaster.
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Smart Buy
Decorating Turntable
Non-negotiable. The single tool that makes your frosting look professional. You cannot frost a cake properly without one.
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Smart Buy
Offset Spatula
For smoothing between layers and the outside of the cake. Get both sizes. I wish I had this sooner.
Use this with the turntable. Shop ↗
Smart Buy
Bench Scraper
This is how you get those clean, straight sides on your cake. Use it with the turntable and it instantly makes your frosting look professional.
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Polished Look
Cake Boards (Round Set)
Your cake needs a solid base. Makes it easier to transport and instantly looks more polished.
You'll want this with your cake pans. Shop ↗Sift Cupcake Kit
Bakery-style cupcakes at home.
Everything you need for clean, consistent, decorated cupcakes.
Standard Cupcake Pan
Make sure your cup size is 2.75" wide. That's the size that gives you the best-looking cupcake every time.
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Fan Fave
Blue #16 Scoop
Why I use this:This scoop is how we kept every cupcake identical, over a million cupcakes. Perfect portion, consistent bake, every single time.
Use this with piping bags and tips. Shop ↗
Disposable Piping Bags
Why I use this:Buy a box. You'll go through them faster than you think.
Pairs with the tips below. Shop ↗
Ateco 808 Piping Tip
If you only buy one piping tip, this is it. Gives you those big, clean bakery-style swirls in one motion.
Use this with the piping bags above. Shop ↗Sift Edible Glitter
Our own private label glitter is on the way. The finishing touch I use on every celebration cupcake.
Coming soonMixer Essentials
If you only invest in one thing, make it this.
The foundation of every cake I make.
The One I Use
KitchenAid Artisan 5-Qt
Why I use this:This is the foundation of every cake I make — it's powerful, consistent, and lasts for years. If you're serious about baking, this is the one.
Shop at Macy's ↗ Also available on Amazon Pro tip: You'll want the paddle and whisk attachments with this.
KitchenAid Flat Beater
The attachment for cake batter. I use this every single time I bake. If yours is worn, replace it.
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KitchenAid Wire Whisk
For the frosting. Do not skip this when making whipped frosting. It makes all the difference.
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Level Up
Kitchen Scale in Pink
Baking by weight is more accurate and consistent. Once you start, you won't go back. This is one of my favorite shortcuts.
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Measuring Cups
Get a good set that you can toss in the dishwasher. You want these on the counter, not buried in a drawer.
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Magnetic Measuring Spoons
Stack neatly and don't get lost in a drawer. Small upgrade, worth it. Pairs perfectly with the measuring cups.
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High Quality Neutral Oil
The fat in your cake mix matters. Quality oil gives you a better crumb every time.
Shop ↗Make It Giftable
If you're giving this as a gift, this is what makes it feel like it came from a bakery.
After you bake it, this is how you store it, transport it, or give it. This is where people really get compliments.
Gift Ready
Cake Boxes for Gifting
This is one of my favorite shortcuts. A proper box makes the whole gift feel elevated instantly.
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Gift Ready
Cupcake Box for Gifting
For when you want to give a dozen and have it arrive looking like it came from a real bakery.
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Gift Worthy
Mini Cake Pans
Bake individual mini cakes, box them up, and give them as gifts. Everyone loves these.
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Cupcake Carrier with Lid
If you're bringing cupcakes anywhere, this saves you from a mess. Everything stays in place and looks clean.
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My Favorite
Milk Glass Cake Plate
My favorite way to present a finished cake. Makes even a simple cake look intentional and special.
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Cake Plate with Dome Lid
For gifting or keeping a cake fresh on the counter. Also just looks stunning.
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Airtight Cake Storage Container
Keeps your cake fresh for days without drying out. Especially helpful if you're baking ahead.
Shop ↗Under $50
The biggest upgrades for the least money.
These are the smallest investments that make the biggest difference. Start here if you want the biggest upgrade for the least money.
Smart Buy
Parchment Paper Rounds
A few dollars. Prevents every stuck cake disaster. Also works as an air fryer liner.
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Ateco 808 Piping Tip
Under $5. Makes your cupcakes look like they came from a bakery. No excuse not to have this.
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Smart Buy
Finishing Touch
Natural Sprinkles
This is the exact finishing touch I use on Sift cakes. Natural coloring, no artificial dyes. Makes every cake look intentional.
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Smart Buy
Silicone Baking Mats
Less mess, reusable, and great for consistent baking. One of those small upgrades that makes everything easier.
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Fan Fave
Blue #16 Scoop
Under $20. We scooped over 1 Million cupcakes at Sift with this perfect measuring scoop.
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Sift Approved
Raspberry Preserves
Spread a layer between your cake layers. Quality jam is the difference between good and wow.
Shop ↗Need a Recommendation?
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