13 Baking Ingredients You Should Be Stocking Up On At Aldi

Baker's Corner granulated sugar

When you're preparing delicious baked goods, having an ample supply of sugar is essential. As a versatile staple in the kitchen, sugar plays a crucial role in contemporary cooking. It's perfect for sweetening baked items like cookies and cakes, but just a small amount can enhance sauces, soups, and even savory dishes such as pot pie. A touch of sweetness can help harmonize various flavors, whether they are spicy, salty, or tangy.

This 4-pound bag will support you through numerous baking endeavors. While it lacks a resealable closure, this is typical for sugar packages of this size. You can fold the top over to prevent spills if the bag is tipped. Be cautious with the corners, as even minor tears can allow small sugar granules to escape. Aldi generally doesn't carry specialized sugars from specific regions or finer caster sugar, but there are easy substitutes available if needed. This is a reliable all-purpose cane sugar with a wide range of uses in the kitchen, so keep some on hand for both baking and cooking.

Baker's Corner all-purpose flour

Many baked goods start with flour, making it essential to have some readily available. Flour is versatile; it can be used to create breads, cakes, and dough, and it also serves as an effective thickening agent for soups, stews, sauces, and gravies.

There are various types of flour, such as cake flour, which has lower protein content for a lighter texture, and bread flour, which has higher protein content for a sturdier outcome, along with a general all-purpose flour. Aldi offers the all-purpose variety in a 5-pound bag. This flour is bleached, enriched with nutrients, and pre-sifted to eliminate any large clumps. Aldi does not disclose the specific type of wheat used in their flour, so if you have particular requirements, it’s best to start with one package to see if it meets your needs.

Similar to sugar, the flour packaging is not resealable, but it features a sturdy flap at the top that can be easily folded down to keep the flour contained. Since flour is finer than sugar, expect some to escape from the corners of the bag and settle on the shelf over time. This cost-effective product from Aldi is an excellent option for those looking to save money.

Baker's Corner almond flour

For your gluten-free baking needs, consider using this almond flour from the Aldi store brand. It is finely ground and ideal for specialty desserts like macarons. Since almond flour lacks gluten, its dough doesn't possess the same elasticity as that made with conventional flour. However, it’s an excellent pantry staple, allowing those with sensitivities to enjoy delicious baked goods.

This flour is produced from blanched almonds, which are smoother than regular almonds due to the removal of the tougher outer skin. The result is an ultra-smooth and fine flour that retains the flavor of almonds while serving as a substitute for traditional wheat flour.

It is available in a 1-pound bag, which is significantly smaller than the 5-pound bag of all-purpose flour found on the adjacent shelf. However, this specialty flour is typically sold in smaller packages at most retailers, except for the largest warehouse stores, so you may need to purchase several bags to stock up, regardless of where you shop.

Baker's Corner baking powder

Did you know that baking is essentially a more delicious form of chemistry? Baking powder is a key ingredient that initiates the chemical reactions necessary for creating light and airy desserts. As it bakes, it releases carbon dioxide gas, which forms tiny bubbles or air pockets in the mixture. This ingredient is commonly found in cakes, pancakes, quick breads, and even cookies. If a dessert is fluffy and light, it likely contains some baking powder in its recipe.

Aldi's Baker's Corner baking powder is double-acting, meaning the crucial chemical reaction occurs twice during the baking process. When you combine the baking powder with wet ingredients like melted butter, oil, eggs, and water, it generates carbon dioxide gas. This is why you see small bubbles forming in your batter or dough as you mix. The second reaction takes place in the oven when the dish is heated, resulting in the desired light and fluffy texture.

A little baking powder goes a long way, so you may find that you can go months without needing to replenish your supply. The Aldi container holds just over 8 ounces, but it can last through many baking sessions. Keeping a stock on hand ensures that you’re always prepared for your next baking adventure.

Baker's Corner light brown sugar

Brown sugar adds a rich depth and flavor to baked goods. While it is similar to white sugar, brown sugar contains added molasses, which enhances its sweetness and slightly alters its texture. Compared to white cane sugar, brown sugar is more compact and contributes additional moisture to your recipes.

Aldi offers only light brown sugar, which is affordable and performs well in baking. If you prefer dark brown sugar, you can create your own by mixing in some extra molasses, but achieving the right balance can be tricky. It’s important to mix thoroughly to ensure an even consistency. For dark brown sugar, it may be better to shop at another store.

The 2-pound package lacks an airtight seal at the top, which can lead to clumping and hardening over time. If you frequently use brown sugar, this is less of a concern. However, if you only use it occasionally, you may find the hardened clumps more difficult to work with. To soften hard brown sugar, simply microwave it for about 20 seconds with a damp paper towel. To prevent hardening, store it in an airtight container.

Baker's Corner semi-sweet chocolate morsels

There are numerous choices for baking chips, but the semi-sweet variety is definitely one to consider. It offers a delightful balance of sweetness and richness. When added to recipes like chocolate chip cookies or pancakes, it provides a deeper flavor profile compared to standard milk chocolate. Of course, you can always blend different types of chips to enhance the flavor even further.

Aldi's semi-sweet chocolate chips are available in a 12-ounce bag, with options for both regular and mini sizes. We prefer to keep both on hand, but if you're just starting out, we suggest opting for the standard size due to its versatility. Priced at just over $3 per bag, they are quite budget-friendly, especially when a name-brand bag of the same size can cost nearly $6.

As you begin to explore baking more, consider trying butterscotch and white chocolate chips as well. Baker's Corner also offers a dark chocolate chip that is quite similar to the semi-sweet variety. Together, these chips add a burst of flavor and melt-in-your-mouth goodness to cookies, muffins, cakes, and cupcakes. You can even create a rich batch of pancakes using any combination of these morsels.

Specially Selected double chocolate brownie mix

Craving a quick dessert? The cake and brownie mixes from Aldi are the ideal solution. We particularly love the double chocolate premium brownie mix for its rich flavor and added chocolate. Each box yields a full tray of brownies, and all you need to do is mix in water, vegetable oil, and one egg. Bake them for 39 to 43 minutes, but we suggest pulling them out a bit earlier if you prefer them soft and gooey.

This mix offers a speedy route to delicious, fudgy brownies. You can easily enhance it with extras like nuts, dried fruit, or butterscotch, but it already includes chocolate chips for an extra indulgent taste. Aldi also offers a more affordable standard brownie mix under the Baker's Corner label, but we recommend opting for the premium version for just a bit more. Priced around $2, it’s still less expensive than most brownie mixes found at other stores. Enjoying a semi-homemade dessert to share for less than the price of a single brownie at a bakery is a no-brainer!

Baker's Corner yeast

Whether you require active dry yeast or instant yeast, this ingredient is the unsung hero of the baking realm. Typically found in small packets that often get tucked away at the back of the pantry, yeast is essential for a variety of baked treats. Active dry yeast may take a bit longer to activate, so it's advisable to dissolve it in warm water before incorporating it into your recipe to ensure that the yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise. On the other hand, fast-rising instant yeast can be used straight from the packet, which is why it’s called "instant."

These packets are individually sealed, allowing you to use only what you need for your recipe. Aldi sells both fast-rising instant yeast and active dry yeast, but you must purchase them in sets of three packets. Fortunately, they are very affordable at around $1 each, so even if you only need one packet, it won’t break the bank. Both types of yeast can be stored in the pantry for up to two years, provided you can locate them when needed. Since most yeast packets are small, it’s a good idea to keep them in a container that won’t crush them.

Baker's Corner frosting

In addition to purchasing your favorite brownie or cake mix, you can also stock up on canned frosting at Aldi. They offer three popular flavors: vanilla, cream cheese, and chocolate, perfect for decorating cakes or cupcakes. One container is sufficient for a two-layer round cake or a larger sheet cake. You can keep any leftover opened containers in the fridge for a few weeks, allowing you to easily add a dollop of frosting to other desserts as needed.

While the selection of flavors at Aldi may not be as extensive as that of other grocery stores, these frostings are just as creamy as the name-brand options. You can enhance them with sprinkles or fresh fruit. When combined with other baking staples, like chocolate chips, they can be transformed into unique creations. The frostings tend to be thick and rich, so if you prefer a lighter option, simply fold whipped cream into the frosting in a large bowl.

Bake House Creations pie crust

Creating a pie from scratch can be quite labor-intensive, which is why the prepared pie crust from Aldi's Bake House Creations brand is a real lifesaver. Each box includes two crusts designed for a 9-inch round pie. You can use one for the bottom and the other for the top, just remember to cut vents to prevent cracking. The dough is also easily cut into strips for a beautiful lattice design. The crusts arrive folded, so a little water can help reshape them and fix any cracks that may appear as you unfold them. You'll find this pie crust in the refrigerated section of the store, not alongside the other baking essentials.

You can shape this crust into both full-sized and mini pies. It’s perfect for fruit pies, as well as other varieties like chocolate custard. It also holds up nicely for savory dishes, such as chicken pot pie. You can keep it in the fridge or freezer, but be sure to thaw it thoroughly before use.

Millville protein pancake mix

Looking to add some extra protein to your diet without relying solely on meat dishes? Using protein baking mixes is a delicious and convenient option. Aldi's Millville breakfast brand offers two protein-enriched pancake mixes: one in a classic buttermilk flavor and the other featuring chocolate chips. All you need to do is add water, eliminating the need to keep track of additional ingredients in your fridge or pantry. For an even creamier taste, you can substitute buttermilk for the water.

While you can certainly whip up pancakes with this protein-packed mix, it’s also perfect for creating other baked breakfast treats and desserts. You can turn the mix into muffins or use it as a flour substitute in your favorite baked recipes. It may take a bit of trial and error to find the ideal mix-to-flour ratio, but this is a fantastic way to boost the protein content in your breakfasts, breads, and even desserts.

Specially Selected premium chocolate chunks

Aldi offers a variety of budget-friendly chocolate chip options that are perfect for basic cookies and desserts, as well as sweet breakfast treats like pancakes. For a richer dark chocolate experience, consider upgrading to the premium selection from the store brand Specially Selected. With 62% cacao, it delivers a more robust flavor while remaining smooth and delightful. This chocolate is sourced from Belgium, renowned for its creamy and luxurious chocolate.

These chunks are slightly larger than traditional chips, providing a more pronounced flavor and texture, especially when mixed into batter and dough. They contribute a delightful bittersweet chocolate essence to your baked goods. While they may not be ideal for snacking straight out of the bag, they are perfect for baking. You can also incorporate them into ice cream, oatmeal, or yogurt for an indulgent twist. Just be prepared for a firmer bite, as they are solid rather than chewy or soft. However, when baked, they melt beautifully.

Jiffy corn muffin mix

Many of our favorite baking staples at Aldi come from the store's standard or premium brands. However, when you spot Jiffy cornbread mix on the shelves, it's a great idea to stock up. It's simple to prepare, tasty, and budget-friendly. This boxed corn muffin mix is one of the most popular options available, priced at just about 69 cents at Aldi, compared to around $1.20 at other retailers. While it's marketed as a muffin mix, you can also use it to create traditional loaf cornbread. All you need to add is milk and an egg, and it only takes about 20 minutes to bake in the oven.

Cornbread is a perfect complement to chili and stew, but these savory and sweet muffins can also be enjoyed for breakfast or brunch. For a fun twist, make oversized muffins that can double as edible bowls for chili, sure to impress your guests.