What is the Easiest Thing to Bake? Simple Baking Ideas for Beginners

Baking can seem intimidating, especially for beginners. With so many recipes requiring precise measurements and specific techniques, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, not all baked goods are complicated. In fact, some are incredibly easy to make, even if you’ve never baked before. So, what is the easiest thing to bake? In this article, we’ll explore a variety of simple baking ideas that are perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick and satisfying baking project.

Why Simple Baking Matters

Before diving into specific recipes, it’s important to understand why starting with simple baking projects is beneficial. Simple baking recipes typically involve fewer ingredients, less time, and minimal equipment, making them accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced baker looking for a quick fix, these easy bakes offer a stress-free way to enjoy homemade treats.

1. Builds Confidence

• Starting with simple recipes allows you to build confidence in the kitchen. Success with these easy bakes will encourage you to try more complex recipes in the future.

2. Requires Basic Ingredients

• Simple baking recipes often require just a few basic ingredients, many of which you might already have in your pantry. This makes them convenient and budget-friendly.

3. Minimal Equipment Needed

• Most of these recipes don’t require any special equipment. A mixing bowl, spoon, and baking sheet are often all you need to get started.

4. Quick and Satisfying

• These easy bakes are perfect for when you want a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen. They come together quickly and are always satisfying.

For more on why simple recipes are a great starting point, check out our beginner’s baking guide.

The Easiest Things to Bake for Beginners

Now that we’ve established why simple baking is important, let’s explore some of the easiest things to bake. These recipes are perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick and easy baking project.

1. Cookies

• Description: Cookies are one of the easiest and most satisfying things to bake. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a batch of warm, delicious cookies in no time.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until well combined.
  5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cookies are incredibly versatile—add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to customize them. For more cookie recipes, visit our cookie recipe collection.

2. Muffins

• Description: Muffins are another easy baking project that requires minimal ingredients and effort. They’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a quick dessert.
• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup berries or chocolate chips (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in berries or chocolate chips if using.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among a muffin tin lined with paper liners.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Muffins are great for experimenting—try different fruits, nuts, or spices to create your favorite flavor combinations. For more muffin ideas, explore our muffin recipes.

3. Brownies

• Description: Brownies are a chocolate lover’s dream and one of the easiest baked goods to make. With a fudgy texture and rich flavor, they’re always a hit.
• Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
  4. Sift together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt, then add to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Brownies are perfect for beginners—add nuts, chocolate chips, or a swirl of peanut butter for extra flavor. For more brownie recipes, visit our brownie recipe collection.

4. Banana Bread

• Description: Banana bread is a classic bake that’s both easy and delicious. It’s a great way to use up overripe bananas and makes for a comforting treat.
• Ingredients:
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
  3. Stir in the baking soda and salt.
  4. Add the flour and mix until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
  6. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Banana bread is a versatile recipe—add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon for variety. For more banana bread variations, explore our banana bread recipes.

5. Pancakes

• Description: Pancakes are not just for breakfast—they’re also one of the easiest things to bake (or rather, cook on a griddle). With a simple batter, you can whip up a batch in minutes.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Instructions:
  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  4. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it.
  5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake.
  6. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.

Pancakes are incredibly versatile—add berries, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon to the batter for extra flavor. For more pancake ideas, visit our pancake recipes.

6. Cornbread

• Description: Cornbread is a simple and delicious bake that pairs perfectly with savory dishes like chili or soup. It’s quick to make and has a wonderful, slightly sweet flavor.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 egg
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, and egg.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cornbread is great on its own or served with butter and honey. For more cornbread variations, explore our cornbread recipes.

7. Scones

• Description: Scones are a simple bake that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. With a tender crumb and slightly sweet flavor, they’re easy to make and can be customized with various add-ins.
• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into wedges and place on a baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.

Scones are highly customizable—add fruits, nuts, or spices for different flavors. For more scone recipes, visit our scone recipe collection.

8. Cupcakes

• Description: Cupcakes are small, individual cakes that are easy to bake and decorate. They’re perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a sweet treat.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
  7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cupcakes are easy to decorate with frosting, sprinkles, or other toppings. For more cupcake ideas, explore our cupcake recipes.

Tips for Successful Baking

Even the simplest baking recipes can benefit from a few tips and tricks. These suggestions will help ensure that your bakes turn out perfectly every time.

1. Measure Accurately

• Baking is a science, and accurate measurements are key to success. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for ingredients like flour and sugar.

2. Don’t Overmix

• Overmixing can lead to tough, dense baked goods. Mix until the ingredients are just combined to keep your bakes light and tender.

3. Preheat Your Oven

• Always preheat your oven before baking to ensure even cooking. An oven thermometer can help you check that your oven is reaching the correct temperature.

4. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

• For best results, use room temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs. This helps them mix more evenly and creates a smoother batter.

5. Test for Doneness

• Use a toothpick or cake tester to check if your baked goods are done. Insert it into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your bake is ready.

For more baking tips and tricks, visit our baking advice section.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Baking

Q: What is the easiest dessert to bake?
A: Cookies are one of the easiest desserts to bake. They require minimal ingredients and steps, making them perfect for beginners.

Q: Can I make these recipes with gluten-free flour?
A: Yes, most of these recipes can be made with gluten-free flour. Just be sure to use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for best results.

Q: How can I make my bakes healthier?
A: You can make your bakes healthier by using whole grain flours, reducing sugar, and adding fruits or nuts for extra nutrients.

Q: What’s the best way to store baked goods?
A: Store baked goods in an airtight container at room temperature. If they contain perishable ingredients, like cream cheese frosting, store them in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I freeze baked goods?
A: Yes, many baked goods freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

Conclusion: Start Your Baking Journey with Easy Recipes

Baking doesn’t have to be complicated. By starting with the easiest things to bake, you can build your confidence and develop your skills in the kitchen. Whether you’re making cookies, muffins, or brownies, these simple recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without overwhelming you. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the delicious results of your baking efforts.

For more easy baking ideas and inspiration, explore our baking recipe archive.