Baking is a fun and rewarding activity that can bring joy to your kitchen. With the right recipes, you can create delicious treats without spending hours in the kitchen or using a long list of ingredients.
These 30 baking recipes are easy to make and use five ingredients or less. You’ll find options for cookies, cakes, breads, and other sweet and savory baked goods. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced home cook looking for quick ideas, these simple recipes will help you whip up tasty baked treats in no time.
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic treat loved by many. To make them, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water and add it to the mixture along with salt.
Stir in flour and chocolate chips. Some recipes include walnuts for extra crunch.
Scoop the dough onto baking sheets. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. For a special touch, press extra chocolate chips on top while they’re still warm.
Lemon pound cake is a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s moist, tangy, and bursting with citrus flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to make this delicious treat.
To start, mix butter, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest in a bowl. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then fold in some sour cream for extra moisture.
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Let it cool before adding a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Your lemon pound cake will have a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. The bright lemon flavor makes it a refreshing dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Red velvet cupcakes are a classic treat with a beautiful red color and subtle cocoa flavor. To make them, you’ll need flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, butter, eggs, and red food coloring.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining a muffin pan with cupcake liners. Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and beat the butter and sugar in another until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, vanilla, and food coloring to the butter mixture. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Spoon the batter into the liners and bake for about 18-20 minutes.
Once cooled, top your cupcakes with cream cheese frosting for the perfect finishing touch.
Blueberry muffins are a classic breakfast treat you can easily make at home. To start, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, combine eggs, milk, and melted butter.
Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries.
Spoon the batter into a greased muffin tin. Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes. The muffins are done when a toothpick comes out clean.
For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking. You can also use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a tangy twist.
Creamy and rich, cheesecake is a classic dessert you can master at home. Start with a graham cracker crust by mixing crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Press this mixture into a springform pan and bake briefly.
For the filling, beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar and continue mixing. Incorporate eggs, vanilla, and any other flavorings you like. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust.
Bake your cheesecake in a preheated oven, usually at around 325°F. When done, the edges will be set but the center will still jiggle slightly. Let it cool slowly to prevent cracks.
Refrigerate your cheesecake for at least 4 hours before serving. For clean slices, dip your knife in warm water between cuts.
Brownies are a classic chocolatey treat loved by many. You can make them from scratch with just a few ingredients. Start by melting butter and chocolate together.
Mix in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Then add flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Pour the batter into a greased pan.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center still slightly gooey. Let them cool before cutting into squares.
For extra indulgence, add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter. You can also frost them or serve with ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Cinnamon rolls are a beloved breakfast treat. To make them, you’ll need a soft, enriched dough. Roll it out into a rectangle and spread with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Roll the dough tightly from one end to form a log. Cut into even pieces and place in a greased baking pan. Let the rolls rise until puffy.
Bake until golden brown. While still warm, drizzle with a sweet glaze. You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it for fresh rolls in the morning.
For best results, use room temperature ingredients and measure carefully. Enjoy your homemade cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Pumpkin pie is a classic fall dessert you can easily make at home. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F.
Mix pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, heavy cream, and milk in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth. Add cornstarch and spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
Pour the filling into an unbaked pie crust. Bake for about 45 minutes or until the center is set.
Let the pie cool completely before serving. Top with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Your homemade pumpkin pie will be creamy, flavorful, and perfect for autumn gatherings or holiday meals.
Macarons are delicate French cookies that look impressive but can be tricky to make. You’ll need almond flour, powdered sugar, and egg whites as your main ingredients.
Start by sifting the dry ingredients together. Whip the egg whites into stiff peaks, then gently fold in the dry mixture. Pipe small circles onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Let the piped macarons rest for 30 minutes before baking. This helps form a thin crust on top. Bake at 300°F for about 15 minutes.
Once cooled, sandwich two cookies together with your favorite filling. Try flavors like chocolate ganache, buttercream, or fruit jam. Practice makes perfect with macarons, so don’t get discouraged if your first batch isn’t flawless.
Tiramisu is a beloved Italian dessert that combines coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a creamy mascarpone mixture. To make it, you’ll need mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, sugar, and eggs.
Start by mixing the mascarpone with whipped cream and sweetened egg yolks. Dip ladyfingers quickly in coffee, then layer them in a dish. Spread half the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
Repeat the layers, ending with the cream on top. Dust with cocoa powder before serving. For best results, let the tiramisu chill in the fridge for a few hours.
This no-bake dessert is perfect for warm days when you don’t want to turn on the oven. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, tiramisu is sure to impress your guests.
Croissants are a beloved French pastry known for their flaky, buttery layers. You can make these treats at home with some patience and practice.
Start by creating a yeasted dough and letting it rise. Then, fold in thin layers of butter through a process called lamination. This creates the signature flaky texture.
Shape the dough into crescents and let them proof before baking. Brush with egg wash for a golden shine.
Bake your croissants until they’re crisp and golden brown. The result is a pastry that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Enjoy your homemade croissants plain or filled with chocolate, ham and cheese, or almond paste.
Apple pie is a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. To make one, you’ll need a flaky pie crust and a tasty apple filling.
Start by preparing your pie dough and chilling it while you work on the filling. Peel and slice your apples, then mix them with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of flour to thicken the juices.
Roll out your chilled dough and line a 9-inch pie dish. Fill it with your apple mixture and top with another layer of crust. Don’t forget to cut some vents in the top crust.
Brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar for a golden, crispy finish. Bake your pie at 425°F for about an hour, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Profiteroles are delightful French pastries that combine light, airy choux pastry with creamy fillings. To make them, you’ll start by preparing the choux dough on the stovetop.
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Boil water, butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Add flour all at once and mix vigorously.
Pipe small mounds of dough onto the baking sheets. Bake until golden brown and crisp. Let them cool before filling.
For the filling, whip cream with sugar and vanilla. Pipe the cream into the profiteroles or split them and add a dollop. Finish with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a classic touch.
Carrot cake is a beloved dessert that combines sweet and spicy flavors. You’ll love how moist and flavorful this cake turns out.
To make carrot cake, you’ll need grated carrots, flour, sugar, eggs, oil, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine them.
Pour the batter into cake pans and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
The classic topping is cream cheese frosting. Mix softened cream cheese with butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread it generously between layers and over the entire cake.
Vanilla cake is a classic treat loved by many. You can make a delicious vanilla cake at home with simple ingredients.
Start by creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture. Mix in vanilla extract for flavor. Pour the batter into greased cake pans.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. Let the cakes cool before frosting. You can use vanilla buttercream or any frosting you prefer.
This versatile cake pairs well with various fillings and frostings. It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you want a sweet treat.
Gingerbread cookies are a holiday favorite. To make them, you’ll need flour, brown sugar, spices, butter, molasses, and milk. Mix the dry ingredients first.
Cut in the butter until the mixture looks like fine crumbs. Add molasses and milk, mixing until combined. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes.
Bake the cookies until they’re firm around the edges. Let them cool before decorating with icing or candies. These spicy-sweet treats are perfect for gifting or enjoying with family.
You can adjust the spices to your taste. Some recipes include allspice or black pepper for extra kick. Store your gingerbread cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Making bagels at home is easier than you might think. Start by mixing flour, yeast, salt, and water to form a dough. Knead it well and let it rise for about an hour.
Shape the dough into rings and let them rest. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil. Drop the bagels in for a quick boil before baking.
Brush the boiled bagels with egg wash and add toppings if desired. Bake them in a hot oven until golden brown.
Fresh homemade bagels have a chewy texture and crisp exterior. They’re perfect for breakfast or sandwiches. Try different flavors like everything, sesame, or cinnamon raisin.
Pecan pie is a classic dessert that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need a pie crust, pecans, eggs, corn syrup, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix the filling ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Chop some pecans and spread them in the bottom of your unbaked pie crust.
Pour the filling mixture over the pecans. Place a pie shield around the edges to prevent burning. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the center looks set but still soft.
Let the pie cool completely before slicing. This can take 4 hours or more. Serve your homemade pecan pie at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Focaccia is a delicious Italian flatbread you can easily make at home. You’ll need flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil for the basic dough.
Mix the ingredients and let the dough rise for about an hour. Then spread it in a baking pan and let it rise again.
Before baking, press dimples into the dough with your fingertips. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt or herbs.
Bake the focaccia at around 220°C (430°F) for about 20 minutes until golden brown. The result is a crispy exterior with a soft, airy interior.
Serve your homemade focaccia warm as a side dish or use it to make sandwiches. You can also add toppings like olives, tomatoes, or cheese for extra flavor.
Peach cobbler is a classic summer dessert you’ll love. It’s easy to make and tastes great. You can use fresh or canned peaches, depending on what’s available.
The dish has two main parts: juicy peaches and a sweet topping. The peaches are mixed with sugar and spices. The topping is like a biscuit or cake batter.
To make it, you’ll pour the peach mixture into a baking dish. Then you’ll add the topping over the peaches. As it bakes, the topping becomes golden and crispy.
Serve your peach cobbler warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect ending to a summer meal.
Key lime pie is a classic dessert with a tangy, sweet flavor. You’ll need graham crackers, butter, and sugar for the crust. Press this mixture into a pie pan and bake it briefly.
For the filling, combine egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and fresh key lime juice. Mix these ingredients until smooth. Pour the filling into the cooled crust.
Bake the pie until it’s set but still slightly jiggly. Let it cool completely before serving. You can top it with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
This refreshing treat is perfect for warm weather. Its bright citrus taste will delight your taste buds.
Éclairs are elegant French pastries that will impress your friends and family. To make them, you’ll need to prepare choux pastry dough. Heat water, butter, salt, and sugar in a saucepan until the butter melts.
Add flour to the mixture and stir vigorously. Cook the dough for a few minutes, then transfer it to a bowl. Beat in eggs one at a time until the batter is smooth.
Pipe the dough into 4-inch strips on a baking sheet. Bake at a high temperature initially, then reduce the heat and continue baking until golden brown. Let the éclairs cool before filling them with pastry cream and topping with chocolate glaze.
Baklava is a sweet pastry dessert loved across the Mediterranean and Middle East. You’ll layer thin sheets of phyllo dough with chopped nuts and butter.
To make baklava, start by mixing chopped walnuts or pistachios with cinnamon and sugar. Brush each phyllo sheet with melted butter as you stack them.
Add your nut mixture between layers of phyllo. Cut the baklava into diamond shapes before baking. While it bakes, prepare a honey syrup with sugar, water, and lemon juice.
Pour the syrup over the hot baklava right after it comes out of the oven. Let it soak in for a few hours before serving. Enjoy the crispy, sweet, and nutty treat!
Pavlova is a delightful meringue-based dessert named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. You’ll love its crisp exterior and soft, marshmallow-like interior.
To make pavlova, you’ll need egg whites, sugar, cornstarch, and vinegar. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Whip the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar while continuing to beat.
Mix in cornstarch and vinegar, then spread the meringue on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Shape it into a circle with slightly raised edges and a dip in the center.
Bake the pavlova for about 90 minutes, then let it cool in the oven. Top with whipped cream and fresh fruit before serving.
Rugelach are delicious crescent-shaped cookies with Eastern European Jewish roots. You’ll love their flaky cream cheese dough and sweet fillings.
To make rugelach, roll out the dough into a circle and spread your filling of choice. Popular options include cinnamon-sugar, chocolate, or fruit preserves.
Cut the circle into triangles and roll each one from the wide end to the tip. This creates the classic crescent shape.
Brush the cookies with milk or egg wash before baking. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra crunch and sweetness.
Bake rugelach until golden brown, about 25-30 minutes at 350°F (177°C). Serve warm or at room temperature for a tasty treat.
Essential Baking Techniques
Mastering key baking techniques is vital for creating delicious treats. Two crucial skills are understanding oven temperatures and measuring ingredients accurately.
Understanding Baking Temperatures
Baking temperatures greatly impact your results. Different recipes need different heat levels. Cookies often bake at 350°F (175°C), while bread may need 400°F (200°C) or higher.
Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking from the start. Use an oven thermometer to check if your oven runs hot or cool.
Some recipes call for changing temperatures during baking. Follow these instructions carefully. They help create the right texture and browning.
Importance of Ingredient Measurements
Precise measurements are key in baking. Unlike cooking, baking is a science that needs exact amounts.
Use measuring cups for dry ingredients. Level them off with a straight edge. For liquids, use clear measuring cups at eye level.
Weighing ingredients is even more accurate. A kitchen scale gives consistent results, especially for flour. Too much or too little flour can ruin a recipe.
Some ingredients need special care. Pack brown sugar into the cup. Spoon and level baking powder or soda. Don’t pack them down.
Baking Tools and Equipment
Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Let’s look at the essential utensils and bakeware you’ll need to create delicious treats.
Must-Have Baking Utensils
Start with measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient amounts. Get both dry and liquid measuring cups. A kitchen scale helps with precise measurements.
Mixing tools are vital. Grab a set of mixing bowls in different sizes. A whisk beats eggs and blends batters. Wooden spoons and rubber spatulas stir and scrape bowls clean.
For rolling dough, you’ll want a rolling pin. Cookie cutters come in handy for fun shapes. Don’t forget a pastry brush for greasing pans and glazing pastries.
A hand mixer or stand mixer makes quick work of beating batters and whipping cream. While not essential, they save time and effort on tougher mixing jobs.
Choosing the Right Bakeware
Baking pans come in many shapes and sizes. Start with these basics:
Look for sturdy, non-stick pans that heat evenly. Aluminum and stainless steel are good choices. Glass and ceramic work well for pies and casseroles.
A cooling rack lets air circulate under baked goods. This prevents soggy bottoms on cookies and cakes.
For decorating, grab some piping bags and tips. A offset spatula smooths frosting nicely. Cake stands make decorating and displaying your creations easier.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
