A baking spatula is a type of spatula specifically designed to assist with baking tasks. Many kitchen supplies stores sell baking spatulas, which come in an assortment of blade lengths and styles. Especially when making professional quality cakes, a baking spatula is essential. The gadget can also be useful around the kitchen for other tasks.

The three primary characteristics which set a baking spatula aside from other spatulas are the width, flatness, and flexibility of the blade. A baking spatula has a very narrow blade, allowing the baker to use it in tight quarters without the risk of messing up. The blade is also flat, not at all curved or rounded, and extremely flexible so that it can be bent and torqued easily. When selecting a baking spatula, remember that it is supposed to feel slightly flimsy, since the give in the spatula ensures that it does not gouge baking projects like a stiffer spatula can.

There are two primarily styles of baking spatula. A straight blade spatula has a straight blade, running in one line from the tip of the blade to the handle. An offset baking spatula has an angled blade, distancing the hand of the user from the cooking project. For small cakes and precision projects, an offset spatula can be very useful. If a cook often ends up with his or her hands in the frosting, an offset spatula is crucial.

Metal and plastic are both used to make baking spatulas. Metal tends to be a more flexible, yet sturdy choice, while plastic can seem bulky, yet floppy at the same time. For a short bladed baking spatula, this different may not be terribly important, but metal is sometimes a better choice for longer blades. In both cases, the spatula is often made heat resistant and dishwasher safe, for convenience. Individual care directions should always be checked to make sure that a baking spatula can, in fact, be run through the dishwasher.

The primary application for a baking spatula is frosting. The blade can be used to spread frosting onto a cake and smooth it out so that the frosting has an even and aesthetically appealing look. A baking spatula can also be used to a similar end on other foods where a smooth appearance is desired. In some cases, a baking spatula is also designed to double as a serving utensil. Some companies make baking spatulas with a serrated edge for cutting cakes.