If you love to riff on recipes while making healthy dinners or brunches recipes but avoid turning on the oven unless you need to roast some veggies or chicken, then perhaps it's time to expand your repertoire. Baking can seem intimidating to those who mostly only cook on the stove-top, where adjusting spices and flavors while things come together is a part of the process. Suddenly you can't taste it until it's all the way done! And woe to anyone who needs a baking powder substitute and just throws in baking soda instead, hoping it'll work (or vice versa).
But there's no need to be intimidated. There's a magic to pouring batter into a pan, popping it into a hot oven, and discovering a fully cooked, light and fluffy treat when the timer goes off. And not only is baking fun, but it can also be rewarding when you end up with delicious treats to eat or share with family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned pro just looking for something simple to make, or a newbie just starting to get flour on your apron, these recipes are great for when you're just starting out, or simply want to make something without a lot of fuss. From bars and brownies to cookies, simple cakes, tarts and muffins, to even an easy no-knead bread, these are the two dozen recipes every baker should have in his or her back pocket. Give them a whirl, and build your confidence!
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1
Fudgy Stout Brownies
The secret to really rich, super complex fudgy brownies? It starts with little dark beer.
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2
Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Drizzle
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3
Grandma's Poppy Seed Cake
Quick breads, seed cakes, and the like are ideal for sweet breakfasts or for afternoon snacks with coffee or tea.
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4
Buttermilk Cupcakes
This easy cupcake recipe tastes extra rich and tangy. The secret? Buttermilk. If you don't want to buy it, you can also make your own with a little vinegar or lemon juice.
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5
Mini Strawberry-Rhubarb Galettes
Easier and faster than a pie, these simple mini galettes are a great way to learn how to make crust.
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6
Cheddar, Bacon, and Chive Quick Bread
Not every easy baking project has to be sweet! Make this savory quick bread on a weekend, and you've got a week's worth of breakfasts ready.
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7
Caramel-Chocolate-Walnut Thumbprint Cookies
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8
Meyer Lemon-Blueberry Cake
You can make one giant bundt cake with this recipe. But the mini cakes are so cute, and just as easy.
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9
One-Bowl Chocolate Banana Bread
Banana bread is a classic easy-bake project. This one gets upgraded with a generous helping of chocolate.
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10
Dark Chocolate-Pecan Toffee
A dusting of sea salt balances out the sweetness of chocolate in this pecan toffee.
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11
Pecan Slab Pie
This larger-than-life pecan slab pie feeds a crowd. It's welcome at tailgates and dinner parties, too.
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12
Gingerbread Pear Loaf
Though it makes a great holiday gift, this sweet, complex-tasting gingerbread loaf is also good to just keep on hand. Eat a slice with a cup of coffee.
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13
Strawberry Rhubarb Shortbread Bars
Shortbread bars get a lot of their flavor from the generous amount of butter and sugar, but this recipe adds in a smart helping of fresh spring fruit.
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14
Banana-Butterscotch Cake
Another great reason to keep a bundt pan in your cupboard, this take on banana cakes is incredibly rich.
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15
Carrot, Cranberry, and Pecan Muffins
These hearty high-in-fiber grab-and-go breakfast muffins will keep you going until lunch.
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16
Brown Butter-Hazelnut Blondies
Dessert bars are so much more than just brownies. If your taste buds favor brown butter over chocolate, give these a whirl.
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17
Raspberry Crumb Bars
These easy oat bars are possibly the best use of fresh raspberries.
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18
Flower Fruit Tarts
Don't be intimidated by the filling—store-bought jam or custard is all you need for these pretty little cookies.
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19
Peanutty Cap'n Crunch Candy Bars
These sweet treats make a great use of popular breakfast cereal and are more fun to eat than store-bought candy bars.
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20
Cranberry Granola Bars
Take these DIY granola bars on your next hike or camping trip.
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