Baking has long been my cherished hobby. As a child, I eagerly awaited the oven timer, often burning my hands in my excitement to taste the results. Today, I still cherish the calming process of baking, from measuring ingredients to savoring the aroma of almost-finished treats. Even if I'm baking for friends, I adore the whole experience—especially the indulgent moments of sneaking brownie batter and cookie dough. This passion means my friends often seek my advice for fun baking projects.
Featured image by Michelle Nash.
24 Exciting Baking Ideas (Brownies, Cakes, Cookies, and More!)
Baking lifts my spirits, no matter my mood. Stressed? I bake. Happy? I bake. Bored? You guessed it—I bake. I can't count the number of desserts I've whipped up during those idle hours. Thankfully, gluten-free and dairy-free options have broadened my culinary adventures.
Choosing a new recipe can be challenging. Should I stick to a favorite, try something new, or invent a dish? If you're feeling the same, this list serves as your ultimate resource. From bread to brownies, these delightful recipes will spark inspiration when you're unsure what to bake.
Cookies
Flower-Pressed Shortbread Cookies
Why We Love It: These cookies bring together my favorite aspects of spring and summer: stunning botanicals, vibrant hues, and just the right amount of sweetness. Trust me, this recipe from edible flower expert Loria Stern is a must-try.
Hero Ingredient: Edible flowers truly elevate these cookies.
Cast-Iron Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookies
Why We Love It: This dessert is not only visually appealing but also requires common ingredients you likely already have. It reminds me of the delicious Chocolate Chip Pizookie from high school, only better!
Hero Ingredient: Add a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat straight from the skillet.
Chocolate Orange Linzer Shortbread Cookies
Why We Love It: These buttery, chocolate cookies are among the best creations I've ever made. They require minimal ingredients and are perfect for weekend baking. Don't forget to package them beautifully for gifts!
Hero Ingredient: A dash of Grand Marnier adds a zesty kick to the filling.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Why We Love It: Thanks to Camille for discovering this gem! I love chocolate chip cookies, but this recipe has become my go-to, even without walnuts for my sister with allergies.
Hero Ingredient: Almond butter enhances the flavor beautifully.
Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cinnamon Glaze
Why We Love It: These cookies are delicious enough to enjoy year-round. Soft and warm, they quickly become a favorite. Plus, they can be made in one bowl!
Hero Ingredient: The cinnamon glaze adds a delightful warmth.
Cakes
Orange Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Why We Love It: This carrot cake is a stunning centerpiece for spring and summer celebrations. Its citrusy flavor makes it stand out from average carrot cakes. Trust me, guests will love it!
Hero Ingredient: The combination of orange zest and extract gives this cake its vibrant taste.
Walnut & Honey Olive Oil Cake with Candied Citrus
Why We Love It: Olive oil plays a vital role in this cake, enhancing its flavor profile. Paired with walnuts, it creates a light, fluffy texture that you'll crave.
Hero Ingredient: Walnuts reduce the flour needed, adding a rich flavor and extra nutrition.
Lemon Ricotta Poundcake with Candied Lemon Slices
Why We Love It: This cake combines lemon and ricotta beautifully. It's moist, tender, and offers a homemade ricotta option that makes a real difference in flavor.
Hero Ingredient: Almond extract contributes complex notes to this delightful cake.
Rhubarb Meringue Cake
Why We Love It: This cake is surprisingly simple to make and showcases rhubarb beautifully. The rhubarb compote, made with just four ingredients, pairs perfectly with whipped cream between cake layers.
Hero Ingredient: A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a charming touch.
No-Bake Mango and Cardamom Cream Icebox Cake
Why We Love It: In summer, I crave no-bake desserts. This beauty layers ripe mango, cardamom cream, and pistachio crumble for a stunning treat your guests will adore.
Hero Ingredient: Pistachios add a unique flavor that elevates this dessert.
The Best Classic Chocolate Pound Cake
Why We Love It: With just one bowl and ten ingredients, this cake is a breeze to make. The addition of chocolate ganache makes it an unforgettable treat.
Hero Ingredient: The two-ingredient ganache elevates everything.
Peanut Butter Banana Snack Cake
Why We Love It: During quarantine, I focused on perfecting my snack cakes instead of banana bread. This easy recipe makes a fantastic afternoon treat or a breakfast option alongside coffee.
Hero Ingredient: A lighter frosting enhances the flavor, and this two-ingredient frosting is a favorite.
Flourless Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake
Why We Love It: I'm a chocolate lover at heart. This flourless chocolate cake is incredibly moist, resembling a giant, gooey brownie with a crispy top layer. Pure bliss.
Hero Ingredient: Peppermint extract adds festive flair.
Pumpkin Snack Cake
Why We Love It: Snack cakes are the perfect blend of classic dessert and a sweet treat for any time. This pumpkin version is especially comforting when the weather cools.
Hero Ingredient: A blend of spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves—makes this cake shine.
Citrus Olive Oil Muffins
Why We Love It: I love recipes that blend flavor and presentation, and these muffins certainly do. Topped with edible blooms, they resemble cupcakes while being perfectly suitable for breakfast.
Hero Ingredient: Greek yogurt creates a tender crumb with a delightful tang.
Vegan Banana Muffins
Why We Love It: I often buy bananas but can't use them all in time. This recipe turns overripe bananas into easy, filling muffins—ideal for a quick breakfast.
Hero Ingredient: The crumble topping is irresistible and adds great texture.
Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric + Berry Muffins
Why We Love It: Make these on a Sunday and enjoy them throughout your week. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they're a nourishing snack or breakfast option.
Hero Ingredient: Turmeric lends these muffins a beautiful golden color.
Cranberry Orange Muffins
Why We Love It: Cranberry and orange create a heavenly flavor combination. The tangy berries and citrus zest wrapped in buttery batter make for a delightful grab-and-go breakfast.
Hero Ingredient: Coarse sparkling sugar adds a lovely shine to the muffins.
Bars, Biscuits, and Brownies
No-Bake White Chocolate Lemon Cardamom Slices
Why We Love It: While these aren't technically baked, they're too good to leave out. Our food editor, Suruchi, created this recipe last year, and I've made these bars over ten times since. The balance of spice, sweetness, and citrus is perfect, with a delicious cookie crust.
Hero Ingredient: Freshly ground cardamom enhances the flavor significantly.
Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake
Why We Love It: Homemade biscuits are incredibly easy to make, and this gluten-free version is a game-changer for summer desserts. They smell divine while baking and are perfect with butter and jam.
Hero Ingredient: These biscuits pair wonderfully with dollops of dairy-free whipped cream, offering a sweet-tangy twist.
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
Why We Love It: Cheesecake was never my favorite—until these brownies appeared! Rich layers of chocolate brownie, tangy cheesecake, and salty caramel create a dessert you won't forget.
Hero Ingredient: Espresso powder is a must for enhancing brownie flavor.
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Brownies
Why We Love It: These brownies are surprisingly good for being gluten- and dairy-free. Oat and almond flour create a moist texture, while flax eggs add fiber. Serve them with dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a delightful combination.
Hero Ingredient: Sea salt balances the flavors beautifully across all baked goods.
Gluten-Free Lemon Bars
Why We Love It: Lemon bars are a must-have during spring and summer. This gluten-free version uses graham crackers for a quick and easy treat everyone can enjoy.
Hero Ingredient: While lemon is key, it's the eggs that give these bars their rich flavor.
No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Bars
Why We Love It: Can you ever have too many pumpkin recipes? I surely don't think so! These bars are perfect for snacking anytime, and they'll disappear quickly. One for breakfast, one for a snack, another after dinner…
Hero Ingredient: Pumpkin butter, whether store-bought or homemade, makes these bars perfectly sliceable.
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