Nothing hits the spot quite like a homemade treat. If you have a penchant for the sweeter things in life, then we’ve got you covered. In recent years there has been a boom in the gourmet baking kit market, both locally and internationally. Between The Caker’s array of indulgent cake kits and Real Rad Food’s healthy bliss ball mixes, there’s something to suit every sweet enthusiast looking to get that bakery quality at home. With so many options being allergen-friendly, they also make wonderful gifts with a hand-crafted touch, too.
In addition to being cost and time efficient, the beauty of baking kits is that you typically only need one or two ingredients to complete the recipe. Ideal to reach for when you’re hosting an extravagant dinner party, in need of a little weekend entertainment, or you have impromptu visitors call in on Sunday afternoon, these gourmet baking kits are at the top of the list.
The Caker
Reigning supreme as Tamaki Makaurau’s queen of cake, Jordan Rondel of The Caker possesses an unrivalled ability to enthral our palates and ignite our DIY prowess. While she’s renowned for her made-to-order cakes, the baker’s avant-garde cake kits are unlike any other on the market right now. Utilising only premium ingredients, her current offerings range between a decadent Espresso Dark Chocolate and a delicate Lemon Strawberry Poppyseed. With options available for vegans and gluten-free bakers alike, these kits come with all the essentials you need to whip up a truly Instagram-worthy cake.
Allen Road Kitchen
It’s no secret that traditional baking with ingredients such as butter and flour can be a headache for those with allergies. Born from a heartfelt conversation around the family table, cousins Sophie and Abbie founded Allen Road Kitchen as a haven for bakers like themselves with dietary restrictions. With three enticing options to choose from — Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Brownies, and Banana Bread — you can immerse yourself in the joy of baking knowing that each recipe is meticulously crafted to be vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and based on the natural sweetness of coconut sugar. What’s not to love?
Real Rad Food
Bringing you health and decadence in just one bite, Real Rad Food’s bliss ball mixes are the perfect pick for those wanting to watch their sugar intake. Crafted without refined sugar, dairy, or gluten, indulge in the indulgent flavours of Mint Choc Chip, Raspberry Brownie, and Cookies and Cream, knowing that each bite is a guilt-free delight. Ideal for little ones, these mixes require only coconut cream to whip up, with no baking necessary.
Halo & Swoon
Halo & Swoon’s baking kits are delivering Kiwi favourites like Anzac biscuits and savoury scones without unnecessary additives or fillers. While such recipes are traditionally laden with allergens, all of Halo & Swoon’s kits are gluten, soy, dairy, egg and nut free, so you can get your baked-good fix without the subsequent allergy flare up. If their uber-chic packaging isn’t enough to tempt you, their vegan takes on traditional favourites surely will.
Sage & Grace
If we have any sage advice to impart, it’s that a Sage & Grace cake kit is always a good idea. Equal parts eco-conscious and dietary inclusive, this brand is revolutionising the baking game with their ‘cake in a jar’ kits. With a focus on seasonal flavours and delightful textures, there’s everything from birthday cake to sticky date on offer. Utilising coeliac certified gluten-free flour, these kits make the perfect gifts for the gluten-sensitive person in your life.
Posh Porridge
Anyone who has ever made it to Christchurch’s Saturday morning Farmer’s Market knows that you need to be there bright and early to get your Posh Porridge fix. Slow cooked steel cut oats generously topped with delectable flavour combinations like Raspberry Compote & White Chocolate, Salted Caramel & Apple, Coconut Caramel Banana & Almond, Nigella’s Prunes with Walnut & Dark Chocolate, and Raspberry & Lemon Curd — to name a few — are wholesome and delicious. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a local Cantabrian to enjoy the goodness (even though these breakfasts are worth a trip, standalone), you can order Posh Porridge kits from their online store. With seasonal flavours and a range of crumbles, curds, and compotes to build your own box of flavour-on-demand, these are a pantry staple for an impromptu brunch at yours on a chilly winter morning. Or even as a gift idea for someone in need of a pick-me-up.
