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Baking 101: 8 Simple Recipes to Cook Up a Love for Baking

Eight simple recipes for beginners.

Illustration by Emily Riebe/Trill

Need a sweet treat or a home-cooked snack for your next get-together?

With these eight simple recipes, you can start your baking journey without the hassle of a million ingredients and steps.

You might even consider yourself a full-blown baker after trying these out. 

Brownie Blondies

Ingredients

  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 and 1 ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract 
  • ½ cup of unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp of baking soda
  • 2 cups of flour
  • 1 tsp of salt
  • ½ cup of chocolate chips

How to bake

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
  2. Combine the butter (can be melted to make the process quicker) and brown sugar.
  3. Once the butter and brown sugar are combined, add the eggs and vanilla. Mix. 
  4. Next, add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix. It may be useful to utilize a mixer to make it quicker/easier. 
  5. Fold in chocolate chips.
  6. Cover your pan with tin foil and spray it with a non-stick spray.
  7. Pour the batter into the pan and evenly spread it. 
  8. Let the brownies cook for 20-25 minutes. 
  9. Keep a close eye on them in the oven to ensure that you do not burn them.
  10. Take them out of the oven and let them cool before cutting. 

This recipe combines simple ingredients, some of which you likely already own!

If you are looking for a treat that is rich and sweet, this is for you!

Tip: Check up on your brownies in the oven to ensure that they are cooked to perfection! Use a toothpick to see if they are cooked throughout.

Cake in a mug

@thegourmets.hut

Yellow Mug Cake Recipe | Easy 2-Minute Microwave Dessert That’s Fluffy, Moist & Irresistible #mugcake #mugcakerecipe #eggless#baking#quickdessert#easyrecipes#microwaverecipe#MicrowaveMugCake #fyp #foryoupage #viralrecipes #usfoodie #canadianrecipes #food #usa🇺🇸tiktok Yellow Mug Cake Recipe — the easiest 2-minute dessert you’ll ever make! Soft, fluffy, buttery, and made right in your favorite mug, this single-serve cake is perfect for late-night cravings or a quick sweet treat. With simple pantry ingredients and a microwave, you’ll have a warm, moist cake in minutes. For the Cake 4 tbsp all-purpose flour 2 tbsp sugar ¼ tsp baking powder Pinch of salt 3 tbsp milk 1 tbsp melted butter (or neutral oil) ¼ tsp vanilla extract For the Frosting 2 tbsp powdered sugar ½ tsp melted butter 1 tsp milk (adjust for consistency) Topping Colorful sprinkles (or fresh berries as an alternative) Top it with frosting and sprinkles for that fun birthday cake vibe, or keep it simple and enjoy straight from the mug. Once you try this, you’ll want to explore all our mug cake variations — from chocolate to lemon to red velvet! 👉 Don’t forget to follow, share, and try our other mug cake recipes for more quick and delicious desserts. yellow mug cake, easy mug cake recipe, microwave cake, 2 minute dessert, fluffy mug cake, birthday cake in a mug, single serve cake recipe, quick dessert in microwave, best mug cake ever, easy dessert recipes, mug cake with frosting, microwave dessert recipes, cake in a cup, easy baking recipes, moist mug cake recipe YellowMugCake, MugCakeRecipe, MicrowaveCake, EasyDesserts, 2MinuteCake, CakeInAMug, QuickDessert, BirthdayCakeVibes, SingleServeDessert, MicrowaveDessert, CakeHack, EasyBaking, QuickTreats, DessertLovers, FluffyCake, DessertInAMug, moistcake, HomeBaking, FoodieFinds, #TikTokDesserts

♬ Cena Engraçada e Inusitada de 3 minutos – HarmonicoHCO

Cake Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp of all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp of sugar
  • 1/4 tsp of baking power
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • 1 tbsp of melted butter
  • ¼ tsp of vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp melted butter

How to bake

  1. Add all of the dry ingredients to a mug and mix well.
  2. Add the wet ingredients and mix. 
  3. Place the mug in the microwave for 1.5 minutes.  

Frosting Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp of powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp of melted butter
  • 1 tsp of milk

Making the frosting

  1. Mix the three ingredients until smooth. 
  2. Add additional milk if needed for consistency. 
  3. Pour the frosting over your cake.
  4. Add toppings!

A simple recipe that is just a few ingredients!

This is a perfect cake for people just getting into baking.

It eliminates waste and is just the right size for a single person.

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars

@mersgoodeats

Soft baked chocolate chips oatmeal bars If you’re looking for an easy meal prep breakfast idea, you’re in the right place! These oatmeal bars are made with simple ingredients and come together in one bowl! Try it and tag me! d’EATS -1 cup rolled oats -1/3 cups oat flour -1 tsp cinnamon -1/2 tsp baking powder -1/4 cup melted butter (sub melted coconut oil) -1 egg -1/3 cup peanut butter -1/3 cup light brown sugar -1/4 cup honey -1/2 cup dark chocolate chips How to: Start by preheating your oven to 350F In a large bowl mix your melted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar and honey together. Once combined add in your egg and vanilla extract. Add in your dry ingredients and stir until combined. Transfer to a lined 8×8 baking dish. Bake on 350F for 22-26 minutes. Allow to cool completely before cutting and enjoying! #healthy #recipe #recipes #breakfast #fyp #foryoupage

♬ Love Letter – Cavendish Music

What you’ll need

  • 1 cup of rolled oats
  • ⅓ cup of oat flour
  • 1 tsp of cinnamon
  • ½ tsp of baking powder
  • ¼ cup of melted butter
  • 1 egg
  • ⅓ cup of peanut butter
  • ⅓ cup of brown sugar
  • ¼ cup of honey
  • ½ cup of chocolate chips

How to

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Mix melted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and honey in a large bowl and mix. 
  3. Add in your egg and vanilla extract and mix. 
  4. Add your dry ingredients, mix. 
  5. Pour into a baking dish. Evenly spread the batter. 
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes. 
  7. Allow to cool before cutting!

These are perfect for breakfast or on the go!

Tip: Use separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients before mixing.

Another microwave favorite in a mug, the perfect single-serving sweet treat!

Ingredients list

  • 1 tbsp salted butter (melted or softened)
  • 1 tbsp of light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp of granulated sugar
  • 1 egg 
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • Chocolate chips

How to bake

  1. Microwave your butter to melt it for 20 seconds in a mug that you will eat the cookie cake in.  
  2. Add brown sugar and sugar. Mix well.
  3. Add egg and vanilla extract, mix. 
  4. Pour in the flour and give it a mix until fully combined. 
  5. Fold in chocolate chips as desired. 
  6. Pop it in the microwave for 45 seconds. 
  7. Cool and enjoy!

Peanut Butter cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of brown sugar
  • 1 cup of peanut butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp of baking soda
  • ½ cup of chocolate chips

Baking instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Combine all ingredients and mix well. The dough should be smooth. 
  3. Roll into balls on a prepared cookie sheet. 
  4. Bake for 8-10 minutes. 
  5. Allow the cookies to cool before taking them off the baking sheet. 

These peanut butter delights are super easy to whip up in just a few minutes.

If you aren’t really a chocolate person, remove the chocolate chips, and the recipe still tastes just as good!

Healthy banana bread/banana muffins

What you’ll need

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1 cup of nut butter, peanut butter is preferred 
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp of baking soda
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract
  • A pinch of cinnamon 
  • (optional) chocolate chips 

Baking instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 
  2. Mash the bananas 
  3. Add the additional ingredients, minus the chocolate chips, and mix well. 
  4. Fold in the chocolate chips if desired. 
  5. Put in muffin tins. (This set is optional; if you prefer a loaf, pour it into a pan)
  6. Let it bake for 20-25 minutes. 
  7. Cool and enjoy!

For a more health-conscious choice, this banana bread may be the perfect choice!

Banana bread is always a crowd pleaser. If you opt to put the batter into muffin tins, it is perfect for an on-the-go morning.

Blueberry lemon loaf

@lovevivv

lemon blueberry bread🫐🍋 recipe posted below and in my bio! Ingredients * 1 cup granulated sugar * 1/2 cup butter unsalted * 2 large eggs * 1 tablespoon lemon zest * 2 tablespoons lemon juice * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour + 1-2 tbsps of flour * 1 teaspoon baking powder * 1/2 cup whole milk * 1 cup whole fresh blueberries Instructions * Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a loaf pan with parchment paper * In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. * In a small bowl, mix the blueberries with 1-2 tbsps of flour until the blueberries are coated. Set aside. * In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. * Beat in the eggs, lemon juice & zest. Gradually add the dry mixture in. Slowly add in the milk and once the batter comes together, scrape the sides of the bowl. Fold in the blueberries. * Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 55-65 minutes. The top of the loaf will be cracked, raised, golden brown in color, and firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf should come out clean once ready. * Let loaf cool, then enjoy!
#bakingrecipe #summerdessert #springrecipes #lemonblueberryloaf

♬ Blue Velvet – Bobby Vinton

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • ½ cup of unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp of lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp of lemon juice
  • ½ tsp of salt
  • 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, plus an additional 1tbsp of flour
  • ½ cup of milk, whole milk preferred, but substitutions will work as well!
  • 1 cup of fresh blueberries

Baking instructions

  • 1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 
  • 2. Put the dry ingredients in a bowl, mix well. 
  • 3. In a separate bowl, mix the blueberries with the 1 tbsp of flour. Mix until the blueberries are coated. 
  • 4. In another bowl, mix the butter and sugar together until a creamy consistency with a mixer.
  • 5. Beat in the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the dry ingredients. 
  • 6. Slowly add the milk and mix. 
  • 7. Fold the blueberries into the batter.
  • 8. In a loaf pan lined with parchment paper, add the mix. 
  • 9. Bake for 50-55 minutes. Check to make sure it is fully cooked by poking a toothpick. 
  • 10. Allow to cool before cutting!

    The blueberry-lemon loaf is perfect for spring and summer.

    Bring this to your picnic or cookout!

    This recipe is a bit more advanced, but it is doable even for amateurs.

    Brownies

    @yummyeats13

    one bowl fudgy brownies recipe 🍫 Ingredients: * 1 cup sugar * 1/2 cup unsalted butter * 2 eggs * 2 tsp vanilla extract * 1/2 cup cocoa powder * 1/2 tsp salt and baking powder * 3/4 cup flour * 1 cup chocolate chips * chocolate bar to add on top I used an 8×8 baking dish, baked at 350 degrees for 30 minutes✨ #brownies #fudgybrownies #baking #recipe

    ♬ Falling Leaves – Glenn Miller & His Orchestra

    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup of sugar
    • ½ cup of unsalted butter (melted)
    • 2 large eggs
    • 2 tsp of vanilla extract
    • ½ cup of cocoa powder
    • ½ tsp of salt
    • ½ tsp of baking soda
    • ¾ cup of flour
    • 1 cup of chocolate chips

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    2. Pour the cup of sugar and melted butter into a bowl and mix together.
    3. Mix the two large eggs into the batter.
    4. Add the vanilla extract to the batter and mix.
    5. Pour the cocoa powder mixture, flour, and baking soda into the bowl with the mixture. Mix well so that the powder is fully incorporated. 
    6. Incorporate the chocolate chips throughout the batter mixture. 
    7. In an 8×8 pan, or similar dish, line your pan or use a nonstick cooking spray. Pour the batter evenly throughout the dish. 
    8. (Optional) Add additional topping to the top of your batter, such as mashed-up chocolate bark or sprinkles. 
    9. Place in your oven for 30 minutes.
    10. Let cool before serving.

    The best recipe for chocolate fanatics.

    Add either chocolate chips or even almonds for an elevated taste.

    Now you have some recipes to try out for your next gathering to impress your friends and family. Homemade baked goods are always a crowd-pleaser.

    Written By

    Shannon Bickert is attending Hofstra University, pursing a B.A. in journalism. She serves as a sports editor for the Hofstra Chronicle and a producer for "The Locker Room" on 88.7 FM WRHU.

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