Best baking channels on youtube (1 Dough You NEED)
Think about it: gone are the days of dusty cookbooks and cryptic instructions. Now, we have a global community of bakers sharing their secrets, tips, and mouthwatering creations right at our fingertips. We’re talking high-definition tutorials, interactive Q&As, and enough baking inspiration to fuel a lifetime of culinary adventures.
But with so many channels vying for our attention, how do you sift through the noise and find the real gems? That’s where I come in! I’ve spent countless hours (and consumed countless calories) exploring the vast world of baking YouTube to bring you the crème de la crème – the channels that are pushing boundaries, inspiring creativity, and serving up seriously delicious content.
And because I know your time is precious, I’m not just going to list a bunch of channels. I’m also going to introduce you to the dough you absolutely NEED to master in 2025. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer.
Section 1: The Rise of Baking Channels on YouTube
Remember when YouTube was just cat videos and grainy webcam recordings? Well, those days are long gone! Baking channels have exploded in popularity, transforming the platform into a vibrant hub for culinary education and inspiration.
I’m talking about a massive shift. A 2023 study by Google found that searches for “baking tutorials” increased by over 200% in the past five years. That’s a lot of people craving cake!
What’s behind this boom? Well, YouTube has democratized culinary knowledge. No longer do you need to attend expensive culinary schools to learn professional techniques. Home bakers can now access world-class instruction from the comfort of their own kitchens.
Take, for example, Rosanna Pansino, one of the OG baking YouTubers. She started her channel, Nerdy Nummies, back in 2011, and now boasts over 14 million subscribers. Her success paved the way for countless other creators, proving that passion, personality, and a love for baking can resonate with a global audience.
And let’s not forget the impact of social media. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have fueled baking trends like never before. Remember the sourdough craze of 2020? Or the Dalgona coffee obsession? These trends often originate (or are amplified) on social media and then find their way to YouTube, where bakers create detailed tutorials and variations.
The key is community. Baking channels thrive on engagement. Creators interact with their audience through comments, live streams, and social media, building loyal followings and fostering a sense of belonging. Have you ever asked a question on a baking channel and gotten a helpful response? It’s like having a personal baking mentor!
Section 2: Innovative Baking Techniques and Trends
YouTube isn’t just about replicating traditional recipes; it’s about pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers in baking. And that means embracing innovative techniques and trends.
One of the biggest changes I’ve seen is the use of technology to enhance the viewing experience. High-speed cameras allow us to see the intricate details of dough rising, frosting swirling, and chocolate melting. Editing software enables creators to create visually stunning and engaging tutorials.
Think about it: a time-lapse of a perfectly laminated croissant dough is way more captivating than reading about it in a cookbook.
And what about trends? No-bake desserts are always a hit, especially during the warmer months. Baking hacks, like using dental floss to cut cakes cleanly, save us time and frustration. Fusion recipes, which combine different culinary traditions, offer exciting new flavor combinations. Ever tried a matcha tiramisu? It’s surprisingly delicious!
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. New tools and gadgets are constantly emerging, and YouTube channels are often the first to showcase them. Things like precision scales, stand mixers with built-in timers, and even 3D-printed cookie cutters are becoming increasingly popular among bakers.
One trend I’m particularly excited about is the rise of personalized baking. With the help of online tools and tutorials, bakers can now create custom flavor profiles, adjust recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions, and even design their own unique desserts.
Section 3: The Best Baking Channels to Follow in 2025
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Here are some of the best baking channels on YouTube that you should be following in 2025. I’ve chosen these channels based on their creativity, innovation, quality of content, and overall impact on the baking community.
Channel 1: Preppy Kitchen
- Description: John Kanell from Preppy Kitchen creates visually stunning and approachable baking recipes. His focus is on classic desserts with a modern twist, often incorporating seasonal ingredients and beautiful presentation.
- Notable Videos: His “Ultimate Chocolate Cake” and “Lemon Blueberry Cake” videos are incredibly popular, showcasing his talent for creating decadent yet achievable recipes.
- Creator’s Background: John is a former middle school math teacher who turned his passion for baking into a full-time career. His teaching background shines through in his clear and concise instructions. I also appreciate that he often features his adorable kids in his videos, making the whole experience feel warm and inviting.
Channel 2: Cupcake Jemma
- Description: Jemma Wilson, the mastermind behind Cupcake Jemma, is a London-based baker who specializes in whimsical and creative cupcake designs. Her channel is a feast for the eyes, filled with colorful frosting, intricate decorations, and a healthy dose of British humor.
- Notable Videos: Her “Giant Cupcake” tutorial and her series on decorating cupcakes with edible flowers are absolute must-watches.
- Creator’s Background: Jemma is a self-taught baker who started her business from her home kitchen. Her passion for baking is infectious, and her channel is a testament to the power of creativity and determination. I love her down-to-earth personality and her willingness to share her mistakes and successes with her audience.
Channel 3: Binging with Babish (Basics with Babish)
- Description: While not strictly a baking channel, Andrew Rea’s “Basics with Babish” series often delves into the fundamentals of baking, offering in-depth explanations of techniques and ingredients. He’s known for his humorous approach and his ability to break down complex recipes into manageable steps.
- Notable Videos: His “Perfect Pie Crust” and “Homemade Bread” videos are essential viewing for any aspiring baker.
- Creator’s Background: Andrew is a self-taught cook and filmmaker who started his channel as a hobby. His passion for food and his talent for storytelling have made him one of the most popular food YouTubers in the world. I admire his commitment to quality and his ability to make even the most intimidating recipes feel accessible.
Channel 4: Claire Saffitz x Dessert Person
- Description: Claire Saffitz is a pastry chef known for her meticulous approach to baking and her ability to explain the science behind every recipe. Her channel is a haven for serious bakers who want to understand the “why” behind the “how.”
- Notable Videos: Her videos on laminated dough and her deep dives into specific ingredients like chocolate and sugar are incredibly informative.
- Creator’s Background: Claire is a graduate of Harvard University and a former editor at Bon Appétit magazine. Her expertise and her passion for baking are evident in every video she creates. I appreciate her attention to detail and her commitment to sharing her knowledge with her audience.
Channel 5: Sally’s Baking Addiction
- Description: Sally McKenney is a self-taught baker who focuses on creating approachable and delicious recipes for home bakers. Her channel is a great resource for beginners who are just starting to explore the world of baking.
- Notable Videos: Her “Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies” and “Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes” videos are incredibly popular, showcasing her talent for creating simple yet satisfying recipes.
- Creator’s Background: Sally started her blog, Sally’s Baking Addiction, as a hobby and has since turned it into a successful business. Her passion for baking is contagious, and her channel is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. I love her friendly and encouraging tone, which makes baking feel less intimidating.
Channel 6: Handle the Heat
- Description: Tessa Arias from Handle the Heat provides in-depth tutorials and baking science explanations that empower bakers to understand the “why” behind recipes. She focuses on helping bakers troubleshoot common baking problems and improve their skills.
- Notable Videos: Her “Ultimate Guide to Chocolate Chip Cookies” and “Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder” videos are incredibly helpful for understanding the science of baking.
- Creator’s Background: Tessa is a self-taught baker and recipe developer. Her expertise and her passion for baking are evident in every video she creates. I appreciate her commitment to providing clear and concise explanations, making complex baking concepts easy to understand.
Channel 7: Modern Honey
- Description: Melissa Stadler from Modern Honey shares delicious and beautiful dessert recipes with a focus on family-friendly baking. Her channel is a great resource for finding recipes that are both impressive and easy to make.
- Notable Videos: Her “Best Brownies Recipe” and “Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies” videos are incredibly popular, showcasing her talent for creating irresistible treats.
- Creator’s Background: Melissa is a self-taught baker and recipe developer. Her passion for baking and her love for her family are evident in every video she creates. I appreciate her warm and inviting personality, which makes baking feel like a joyful experience.
Channel 8: Cloudy Kitchen
- Description: Erin Clarkson from Cloudy Kitchen shares stunning and creative baking recipes with a focus on using high-quality ingredients. Her channel is a feast for the eyes, filled with beautiful photography and detailed instructions.
- Notable Videos: Her “Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies” and “Passionfruit Meringue Pie” videos are incredibly popular, showcasing her talent for creating sophisticated and delicious desserts.
- Creator’s Background: Erin is a self-taught baker and photographer. Her expertise and her passion for baking are evident in every video she creates. I appreciate her attention to detail and her commitment to sharing her knowledge with her audience.
These channels represent just a small fraction of the amazing baking content available on YouTube. But they all share a common thread: a passion for baking, a commitment to quality, and a desire to inspire others. They’re the ones pushing the boundaries of baking and shaping the future of the industry.
Section 4: The Dough You NEED: A Focus on Tangzhong
Okay, remember how I promised you the dough you need to master in 2025? Drumroll please… It’s Tangzhong.
What is Tangzhong, you ask? It’s a simple technique that involves cooking a portion of the flour and liquid in a recipe to create a thick, gel-like paste. This paste is then added to the rest of the dough, resulting in a bread that is incredibly soft, moist, and has an extended shelf life.
Think of it as a secret weapon for achieving bakery-quality bread at home.
Here’s a basic Tangzhong recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 part flour (bread flour or all-purpose flour)
- 5 parts liquid (water or milk)
Instructions:
- Combine the flour and liquid in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth, gel-like paste. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely before adding it to the rest of your dough.
So, how can you use Tangzhong? The possibilities are endless! It’s perfect for making:
- Milk Bread: This is the classic application for Tangzhong. The resulting bread is incredibly soft and fluffy, perfect for sandwiches or toast.
- Dinner Rolls: Tangzhong dinner rolls are melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Cinnamon Rolls: The Tangzhong method will make your cinnamon rolls extra soft and gooey.
- Pizza Dough: Yes, you can even use Tangzhong in pizza dough! It will create a softer, more pliable crust.
Many of the YouTube channels I mentioned earlier have featured Tangzhong recipes on their channels. For example, Preppy Kitchen has a fantastic milk bread recipe that uses Tangzhong, and Sally’s Baking Addiction has a great tutorial on how to make Tangzhong cinnamon rolls.
I’ve personally found that the Tangzhong method elevates my bread baking to a whole new level. The texture is just unmatched. Plus, the fact that the bread stays fresh longer is a huge bonus!
Conclusion
So, there you have it! A glimpse into the exciting world of baking channels on YouTube and a deep dive into the magic of Tangzhong. I hope this article has inspired you to explore these channels, try out the Tangzhong method, and unleash your inner baker.
Remember, baking is more than just following recipes; it’s about creativity, experimentation, and sharing your creations with others. So, go forth, bake something delicious, and share it with the world! The future of baking is bright, and I can’t wait to see what you create.
