Baking can be a delightful and rewarding experience, but it can also seem intimidating for beginners or those short on time. The good news is that not all baked goods require advanced skills or complex ingredients. If you’re wondering, what is the easiest thing to bake? this guide will introduce you to simple recipes that even a novice can master. These easy-to-bake treats are perfect for satisfying your cravings without the hassle.
Why Choose the Easiest Baking Recipes?
Easy baking recipes are ideal for beginners, busy individuals, or anyone who wants to enjoy homemade treats without spending hours in the kitchen. These recipes often require minimal ingredients, simple techniques, and limited equipment, making them accessible to everyone.
For more beginner-friendly recipes, check out our beginner’s baking guide, where we cover the basics and offer tips for successful baking.
Benefits of Baking the Easiest Things
- Quick Preparation: Easy baking recipes can often be made in under an hour, including preparation and baking time.
- Minimal Ingredients: These recipes typically use pantry staples like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, so you likely have everything you need at home.
- Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’re new to baking, these recipes are straightforward and easy to follow, ensuring successful results.
- Versatile: Easy-to-bake treats can be customized with different flavors, add-ins, or toppings to suit your taste.
The Easiest Things to Bake for Beginners
When it comes to easy baking, certain recipes stand out for their simplicity and delicious results. Here are some of the easiest things to bake that anyone can master.
1. Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Easiest Cookie to Bake
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic favorite and one of the easiest things to bake. The ingredients are simple—flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and chocolate chips—and the process is straightforward. Mix the ingredients, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, and bake. In just 10-12 minutes, you’ll have warm, gooey cookies that everyone will love.
For more cookie ideas, visit our ultimate cookie recipe collection.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can result in thicker, chewier cookies.
- Use Quality Chocolate: High-quality chocolate chips or chunks will make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies will continue to cook slightly after they’re removed from the oven, so take them out when the edges are just set, and the centers are still soft.
2. Banana Bread: A Simple and Easy Bake
Banana bread is another easy and forgiving bake, making it perfect for beginners. It’s a great way to use up overripe bananas and requires just a few basic ingredients. Mix everything in one bowl, pour the batter into a loaf pan, and bake. The result is a moist, flavorful bread that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
For more quick bread recipes, check out our easy quick bread recipes page.
How to Make the Best Banana Bread
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Add Mix-Ins: Customize your banana bread with add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread—if it comes out clean, the bread is done.
3. Muffins: One of the Easiest Things to Bake
Muffins are among the easiest things to bake, requiring just one bowl and a few basic ingredients. Whether you’re making blueberry muffins, chocolate chip muffins, or a simple vanilla muffin, the process is quick and straightforward. Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, combine them, and scoop the batter into muffin tins. In about 20 minutes, you’ll have delicious, fluffy muffins.
For more muffin recipes, explore our best muffin recipes.
Tips for Perfect Muffins
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are moistened—overmixing can result in dense muffins.
- Fill Tins Evenly: Use an ice cream scoop to evenly fill the muffin tins for uniform baking.
- Add a Topping: Sprinkle some sugar, oats, or streusel on top of the muffins before baking for added texture and flavor.
4. Brownies: A Quick and Easy Bake
Brownies are another easy bake that delivers rich, chocolatey goodness with minimal effort. You can make brownies from scratch with just a few ingredients or use a boxed mix for even more convenience. Simply mix, pour the batter into a pan, and bake. In no time, you’ll have a batch of fudgy, delicious brownies.
For more brownie variations, visit our best brownie recipes.
How to Customize Brownies
- Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: Stir in some nuts or extra chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Swirl in Peanut Butter: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter into the batter and swirl it with a knife for a peanut butter brownie twist.
- Top with Frosting: Spread a layer of chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting on top after the brownies have cooled.
5. Scones: An Easy Baking Delight
Scones are surprisingly easy to bake and make for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat. The dough comes together quickly and is shaped by hand, so there’s no need for special equipment. You can make plain scones or add flavors like berries, chocolate, or citrus zest. Bake them until golden brown and enjoy with butter, jam, or clotted cream.
For more breakfast baking ideas, check out our easy breakfast bakes page.
Tips for Perfect Scones
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold butter and cream will help create flaky layers in your scones.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix just until the dough comes together—overmixing can lead to tough scones.
- Brush with Cream: Brush the tops of the scones with a bit of cream before baking for a golden finish.
6. Pizza Dough: The Easiest Dough to Bake at Home
Pizza dough might seem complicated, but it’s actually one of the easiest things to bake at home. With just a few ingredients—flour, yeast, water, and salt—you can create a delicious homemade pizza crust. Once the dough is prepared, you can top it with your favorite ingredients and bake it to perfection.
For more pizza ideas, explore our homemade pizza recipes.
How to Make Pizza Dough
- Use Warm Water: Warm water helps activate the yeast and allows the dough to rise properly.
- Let It Rise: Allow the dough to rise for at least an hour in a warm place until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the Oven: For a crispy crust, preheat your oven and baking stone or sheet before adding the pizza.
7. Cake Mix Cupcakes: The Easiest Cupcakes to Bake
Cake mix cupcakes are an incredibly easy bake, especially when you’re short on time. Using a boxed cake mix, you can whip up a batch of cupcakes in minutes. Simply follow the instructions on the box, fill cupcake liners, and bake. Once cooled, you can frost and decorate them however you like.
For more cupcake inspiration, visit our easy cupcake recipes.
Decorating Cupcakes
- Use a Piping Bag: Use a piping bag and tip to create beautiful swirls of frosting on top of your cupcakes.
- Add Sprinkles: Top your cupcakes with sprinkles, candies, or edible glitter for a festive touch.
- Stuff with Filling: Inject a bit of filling, like jam or cream, into the center of the cupcakes for a surprise inside.
8. Cornbread: A Simple and Easy Savory Bake
Cornbread is a simple, rustic bake that’s perfect as a side dish or a quick snack. It’s made with cornmeal, flour, eggs, and milk, and comes together in just a few minutes. Bake it in a cast-iron skillet or a baking dish, and enjoy the golden, crumbly bread with butter, honey, or alongside your favorite soups and stews.
For more savory bakes, check out our easy savory baking recipes.
Tips for Perfect Cornbread
- Preheat the Skillet: If using a cast-iron skillet, preheat it in the oven before adding the batter for a crispy crust.
- Add Sweetness: If you prefer sweeter cornbread, add a bit of sugar or honey to the batter.
- Check Doneness: Cornbread is done when the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Sugar Cookies: The Easiest Cookies to Decorate
Sugar cookies are one of the simplest cookies to bake and are perfect for any occasion. The dough is easy to make and can be rolled out and cut into shapes or simply dropped onto a baking sheet. Sugar cookies can be decorated with icing, sprinkles, or enjoyed plain.
For more cookie recipes, explore our simple cookie recipes collection.
How to Decorate Sugar Cookies
- Use Royal Icing: Decorate your sugar cookies with royal icing for a professional-looking finish.
- Sprinkle Sugar: Before baking, sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar for a festive look.
- Dip in Chocolate: Half-dip your cookies in melted chocolate and let them set for a delicious twist.
10. Blondies: The Easiest Bars to Bake
Blondies are a great alternative to brownies and are just as easy to bake. These buttery, vanilla-flavored bars are made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or butterscotch chips for extra flavor. Blondies come together quickly and bake into a chewy, delicious treat.
For more bar cookie ideas, check out our bar cookie recipes.
Blondie Variations
- Add White Chocolate: Stir in white chocolate chips for a sweet, creamy addition.
- Top with Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked blondies for extra indulgence.
- Include Fruit: Mix in dried cranberries or chopped dates for a fruity twist.
Tips for Successful Easy Baking
Even the easiest things to bake can benefit from a few tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.
Measure Ingredients Accurately
Baking is a science, and accurate measurements are key to successful results. Use measuring cups and spoons for dry ingredients and a liquid measuring cup for wet ingredients. Level off dry ingredients with a knife to ensure you’re using the correct amount.
For more baking tips, visit our essential baking tips page.
Use the Right Equipment
Having the right tools can make a big difference in your baking experience. Invest in a good set of mixing bowls, baking sheets, and a hand or stand mixer. A silicone spatula, a whisk, and a set of measuring cups and spoons are also essential.
Check out our baking equipment guide for recommendations.
Follow the Recipe for the Easiest Bakes
While it can be tempting to make changes to a recipe, especially with simple bakes, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully. Each step is there for a reason, and altering the method or ingredients can affect the final product.
Explore more about baking techniques in our baking techniques guide.
Don’t Overbake
One of the most common mistakes in baking is overbaking. Keep an eye on your baked goods, and use a timer to ensure you don’t leave them in the oven too long. Most baked goods are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
For more tips on baking times, check out our baking time guide.
Let It Cool
While it’s tempting to dig into your freshly baked treats right away, allowing them to cool properly will improve their texture and flavor. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow cakes and breads to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before turning them out to cool completely.
Learn more about cooling techniques in our baking cooling tips section.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Baking
What Are Some Other Easy Things to Bake?
In addition to the ones mentioned, other easy things to bake include cinnamon rolls, quick breads, and shortbread cookies. These bakes require minimal effort and yield delicious results.
For more ideas, check out our quick and easy bakes.
Can I Make These Bakes Healthier?
Yes, many easy baking recipes can be made healthier by substituting whole wheat flour, reducing sugar, or using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. You can also add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for added nutrition.
Explore more healthy baking options in our healthy baking recipes.
Are Easy Bakes Suitable for Special Occasions?
Absolutely! Easy bakes like brownies, cupcakes, and banana bread can be dressed up for special occasions with frosting, decorations, or by adding special ingredients. These bakes are quick to make but can be made to look and taste impressive.
For more special occasion bakes, visit our special occasion baking page.
Can I Freeze These Baked Goods?
Yes, many easy baked goods freeze well. Cookies, muffins, banana bread, and brownies can be frozen and enjoyed later. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Learn more about freezing baked goods in our baking storage guide.
What Equipment Do I Need for Easy Baking?
For easy baking, you don’t need a lot of special equipment. Basic tools like mixing bowls, baking sheets, a whisk, and measuring cups are essential. If you bake frequently, a hand mixer or stand mixer can be a great investment.
For a full list of recommended baking tools, visit our baking equipment guide.
Conclusion
The easiest thing to bake is something that requires minimal ingredients, simple steps, and delivers satisfying results. Whether you’re in the mood for chocolate chip cookies, banana bread, or muffins, these easy bakes are perfect for any occasion. By following these recipes and tips, even the most novice baker can achieve delicious results. So the next time you’re craving something sweet or savory, try one of these easy bakes—you’ll be surprised at how simple and rewarding baking can be.
For more baking inspiration and recipes, explore our easy baking recipes page.