Welcome to Bucko Bakery Classes

Class use turntable: White plastic turntable, good for beginning on a budget. It's what we use during class (from Amazon)

What I recommend to use at home: This turntable works wonderfully and I highly recommend it for beginners or anyone really. The friction ring in the middle makes sure your cake stays in place as you decorate. It's also very useful that the table can be lifted for detail work (from Amazon)

Angled Spatula: These spatulas last forever, are dishwasher safe and I swear by them (from Hobby Lobby)

Small Rubber Spatulas: These are easy to use and clean, heat safe, dishwasher safe and are perfect for mixing small amounts of icing (from Amazon)

Large Rubber Spatulas: Same spatulas but are great for large amounts of icing. Everyone I introduce these to love them (from Amazon)

Class use benchscraper: Metal benchscraper, most budget friendly option (from Amazon)

What I recommend to use at home: This benchscraper is nice and heavy, has a perfect handle and has lasted me a long time (from Orson and Gygi)

Patterned scrapers: These acrylic scrapers are great to begin getting used to working with non smooth cake surfaces you want to perfect. They are tall and perfect for any cake (from Amazon)

Class use cake board: These are perfect for beginners because they are cheap and effective. They should not be used for cakes larger than a 6" though. These are used in between each tier of cake for tiered cakes (from Michael's) 

Cake drum: This is what I use for all of my cakes no matter the height. This ensures your cake doesn't crack, your board is strong and it looks better (from Amazon)

Note: When making a cake, make sure you are using a cake drum/board that is 2" bigger than your cake base. If you don't, it may look strange and it won't be as supportive. 

Piping Bags: I highly recommend these piping bags, they rip less, easier to use and they aren't too thin. I never use anything else (from Hobby Lobby)

Hobby Lobby Piping Tips: These piping tips last forever, they don't rust and they are dishwasher safe. Highly recommend these.

Couplers: These couplers fit most small piping tips, are easy to wash and are so useful (from Amazon) 

Recommended tips for beginning:

1M, 2A, 2D, 4B, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 21, 47, 81, 102, 103, 104, 233, 352

Cake pans: I recommend ditching aluminum and going for stainless steel. One of the reasons is they are dishwasher safe so you won't constantly have to handwash them. These pans have lasted me years and I love them (from Amazon)

Tweezers: These are used for precision sprinkle placement, taking off dye bottle seals, taking out lemon juice dropper tops, etc. Super useful (from Hobby Lobby)

Parchment paper: This is what I use for all of my parchment paper needs. I use them for baking random things but also for the bottom of my cake pans, cookie sheets, etc. I highly recommend using them instead of putting your goodies in contact with pans. It's easier cleanup, makes everything non stick, ensures that your baked goods will slide right out, etc. (from Costco)

Cake leveler: This is an easy, adjustable leveler that is so useful. This is one of my tools that is constantly used (from Hobby Lobby)

Vanilla: This vanilla has given consistent results, isn't an imatation vanilla and is reasonably priced (from most grocery stores)

Butter: This butter has less yellow dyes, is a good price and is a good way to go (from Walmart)

Cocoa: Ghiradelli cocoa is good quality and rich (from most grocery stores)

Candy Melts: These candy melts have given me very little issues compared to other brands. They will seize less often, come in a ton of colors and melt beautifully. As always, be careful not to heat them too much or they will bloom (from Hobby Lobby)

Non stick spray: I spray all of my pans with this non stick spray then add parchment to the bottom of each pan. They never stick and it's super easy and affordable (from Costco)

Note: The most expensive ingredients aren't always the best ones. Trust me, with all of the testing I've done, there are plenty of good, cheap alternatives that will get you the results you are looking for. 

Measuring Cups: These last a long time, are easy to clean and are adorable (from Amazon)

Oven Thermometer: I'm not particular with thermometers but definitely make sure you are using one! Your oven could be wrong. 

Knives: This brand is fabulous and sharp, I love them (from Victorinox)

Digital Scale: These are always helpful to have on hand, I don't have a specific brand I use.

Bowls: These rubber grip bowls are super helpful for mixing and have so many uses (from Amazon)

Stand Mixer: KitchenAid is my go to brand. I use their hand mixers and multiple stand mixers. 

Cupcake Pan: Highly recommend getting a 24 count cupcake pan. These are super effecient and clean really easily (from Amazon)

Kitchen Mat: Anti-fatigue mats are great to have when you work in an area a lot. Since I'm standing all day, these have changed the way feet and back feel at the end of the day (from Amazon)