Baking can be a fun and rewarding activity. You can create tasty treats with just a few simple ingredients.

From cookies to cakes, there are many easy recipes to try at home.

These 30 baking recipes will give you plenty of options for your next baking project. You’ll find ideas for both sweet and savory baked goods.

Many of these recipes use five ingredients or less, making them quick and easy to whip up.

1. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are a classic treat loved by many. You can make them at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cream together butter and sugars until smooth. Mix in eggs and vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually add this to the wet ingredients. Fold in chocolate chips.

Scoop the dough onto baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Let cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

For extra chocolatey cookies, press a few more chips on top while they’re still warm. Enjoy your homemade chocolate chip cookies with a cold glass of milk.

2. Banana Bread

Banana bread is a beloved baked good that turns overripe bananas into a tasty treat. To make it, you’ll mash ripe bananas and mix them with flour, sugar, butter, and eggs.

Most recipes call for 3-4 very ripe bananas for the best flavor.

The batter is poured into a loaf pan and baked until golden brown.

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon to customize your banana bread. For extra moisture, some bakers include yogurt or sour cream in the batter.

Banana bread freezes well, so you can make a big batch and save some for later. Just slice it before freezing for easy portions.

3. Lemon Drizzle Cake

Lemon drizzle cake is a beloved British treat that’s perfect for any occasion. You’ll love its tangy flavor and moist texture.

To make this cake, you’ll need butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and lemons. Mix these ingredients together to create a light and fluffy batter.

Pour the batter into a loaf tin and bake until golden brown.

While it’s still warm, poke holes in the top and drizzle with a mixture of lemon juice and sugar.

The lemon syrup will soak into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful. For a finishing touch, add a simple icing made from lemon juice and powdered sugar.

This easy recipe is sure to become one of your favorite go-to desserts. It’s great for afternoon tea or as a sweet treat any time of day.

4. Red Velvet Cupcakes

Red velvet cupcakes are a popular treat known for their vibrant color and rich flavor. You’ll love how moist and buttery these cupcakes taste.

To make them, you’ll need ingredients like cocoa powder, buttermilk, and red food coloring. Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine them to create a smooth batter.

Fill your cupcake liners about 2/3 full with the batter. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

For the frosting, whip together cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. Once the cupcakes have cooled, top them with this creamy frosting.

These eye-catching cupcakes are perfect for special occasions or anytime you want a delicious dessert.

5. Sourdough Bread

Sourdough bread is a classic baking project that yields delicious results. To make it, you’ll need a sourdough starter, which is a mix of flour and water that ferments over time.

Mix your starter with more flour and water to create the dough. Let it rise for several hours or overnight. This slow fermentation gives sourdough its unique tangy flavor.

Shape your dough and place it in a proofing basket or bowl.

When ready to bake, preheat your oven with a Dutch oven inside.

Score the top of your loaf with a sharp knife or razor blade. This helps the bread expand as it bakes.

Carefully transfer the dough to the hot Dutch oven and bake until golden brown and crusty.

6. Carrot Cake

Carrot cake is a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. You can make this classic dessert at home with simple ingredients.

To start, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, and spices.

In another bowl, combine eggs, oil, and grated carrots. Blend the wet and dry ingredients until smooth.

Pour the batter into greased cake pans. Bake at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes.

Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean.

Let the cakes cool before frosting. A cream cheese frosting works great with carrot cake. You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

7. Blueberry Muffins

Blueberry muffins are a classic treat that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, milk, oil or melted butter, and fresh or frozen blueberries.

Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet in another. Combine them gently, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the blueberries last.

Spoon the batter into a greased muffin tin. For extra flavor, sprinkle some brown sugar on top before baking.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes. Check if they’re done by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let the muffins cool before enjoying your homemade treat.

8. Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is a classic fall dessert that’s easy to make. You’ll need a pie crust, pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, and spices.

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Mix pumpkin puree, condensed milk, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl until smooth.

Pour the mixture into your pie crust.

Bake for 15 minutes, then lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for about 40 minutes.

Your pie is done when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let it cool before serving. You can top it with whipped cream for extra flavor.

9. Cheesecake Brownies

Cheesecake brownies combine two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat. To make them, you’ll need to prepare two batters: a rich chocolate brownie base and a creamy cheesecake topping.

Start by making the brownie batter with cocoa powder, flour, sugar, eggs, and melted butter.

For the cheesecake layer, mix cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Pour most of the brownie batter into a lined baking pan. Add the cheesecake mixture on top, then dollop the remaining brownie batter. Use a toothpick to create swirls for a marbled effect.

Bake at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes. Let the brownies cool completely before slicing. For best results, refrigerate them for an hour before serving.

10. French Baguette

French baguettes are iconic long, thin loaves with a crispy crust and soft interior. To make them, you’ll need flour, water, yeast, and salt.

Mix the ingredients and knead the dough until smooth. Let it rise for about an hour, then shape it into long loaves.

Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet or baguette pan. Let it rise again for 30-45 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Before baking, slash the tops of the loaves diagonally with a sharp knife.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. For extra crispiness, spray the loaves with water before and during baking.

11. Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are a beloved breakfast treat. You can make these soft, gooey pastries at home with a few simple ingredients.

Start by making a yeast dough and letting it rise.

Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread it with butter, cinnamon, and sugar.

Roll up the dough and cut it into individual rolls. Place them in a baking pan and let them rise again.

Bake the rolls until they’re golden brown. While still warm, top them with a sweet glaze or cream cheese frosting.

For extra softness, bake for a shorter time. For a firmer texture, leave them in the oven a bit longer.

12. Apple Pie

Apple pie is a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. You can make a delicious homemade apple pie with just a few simple ingredients.

Start by making a flaky pie crust. Fill it with sliced apples tossed in sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of flour. Some recipes call for pre-cooking the filling, while others use raw apples.

Bake your pie in a hot oven at first, then lower the temperature. This helps achieve a golden, crispy crust and tender apples. The total baking time is usually about an hour.

For the best flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apple varieties. Popular choices include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn apples.

Serve your apple pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly classic treat.

13. Vanilla Sponge Cake

Vanilla sponge cake is a classic dessert that’s light, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion. To make this treat, you’ll need basic ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Beat the eggs and sugar until they’re light and foamy. Gently fold in the flour and vanilla extract.

Pour the batter into two greased 8-inch cake pans. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.

Let the cakes cool before frosting. You can use a simple vanilla buttercream or get creative with different flavors.

This versatile cake pairs well with fresh fruit, chocolate, or cream fillings.

14. Focaccia Bread

Focaccia is a simple Italian bread that’s easy to make at home. You don’t need to knead the dough, making it perfect for beginners.

Start by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to form a sticky dough. Let it rise for about an hour.

Spread the dough on a baking sheet and dimple the surface with your fingers. Drizzle with olive oil and add toppings like rosemary, garlic, or sea salt.

Bake the focaccia for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy it warm as a snack or side dish. You can also use it to make sandwiches.

15. Zucchini Bread

Zucchini bread is a tasty way to use up extra summer squash. You’ll need flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg for the dry ingredients.

For the wet ingredients, mix oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Grate fresh zucchini and add it to the batter. This veggie adds moisture and a subtle flavor to the bread.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.

Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about an hour. Your kitchen will smell amazing as it cooks!

Let the bread cool before slicing. Enjoy it plain or with a pat of butter for a delicious treat.

16. Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is a classic Southern dessert that’s easy to make. You’ll need fresh peaches, sugar, and a simple batter for the topping.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F.

Mix sliced peaches with sugar and cinnamon in a baking dish.

For the topping, combine flour, sugar, milk, and melted butter. Pour this batter over the peaches.

Bake for about 45 minutes until the top is golden brown. The batter will rise and create a crispy crust over the bubbling peach filling.

Serve your peach cobbler warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or any time you crave a comforting dessert.

17. Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that’s perfect for summer. You can make it with a sweet biscuit or cake base.

To start, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Add milk to form a soft dough.

Pat the dough into a baking pan and bake until golden brown. Let it cool before slicing.

For the filling, slice fresh strawberries and mix them with sugar. Let them sit to release their juices.

To serve, split the cake or biscuits. Layer with sweetened strawberries and top with whipped cream. It’s a simple yet delicious treat.

18. Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a beloved Italian dessert that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need ladyfingers, strong coffee, mascarpone cheese, eggs, sugar, and cocoa powder.

Start by mixing egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy.

In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Fold the whipped cream into mascarpone cheese.

Dip ladyfingers in coffee and layer them in a dish. Spread half the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.

Repeat with another layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone.

Dust the top with cocoa powder and chill for at least 4 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and the texture to set perfectly.

19. Raspberry Tarts

Raspberry tarts are a delightful dessert that you can easily make at home. To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Use mini pie shells or cut circles from pie crust to fit into a muffin tin. This will form the base of your tarts.

Mix frozen raspberries with lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch for the filling. Spoon this mixture into each tart shell.

Bake the tarts for about 15-20 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. Let them cool before serving.

For extra flair, you can add a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar on top.

20. Marble Cake

Marble cake combines vanilla and chocolate batters for a stunning swirled effect. To make it, prepare a vanilla cake batter and set aside a portion.

Mix cocoa powder into the reserved batter to create the chocolate part. Pour some vanilla batter into your cake pan.

Add spoonfuls of chocolate batter on top. Use a knife to gently swirl the batters together, creating a marbled pattern. Bake your cake until a toothpick comes out clean.

The result is a moist, flavorful cake with beautiful swirls throughout. Marble cake works well in loaf pans or round cake pans. Serve slices plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

It makes a great snack or dessert that both chocolate and vanilla lovers will enjoy.

21. Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat. You’ll love their warm, spicy flavor and soft texture. To make them, mix flour, baking soda, and spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.

Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add egg and molasses. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.

Chill the dough before rolling and cutting into shapes. Bake the cookies at 350°F until the edges are lightly browned.

Let them cool completely before decorating. You can use royal icing or simple powdered sugar glaze to add festive designs. These cookies keep well in an airtight container.

You can also freeze them for later enjoyment. Gingerbread cookies make great gifts or party treats during the holiday season.

22. Black Forest Cake

Black Forest Cake is a classic German dessert that combines chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream. You can make this delicious treat at home in about 2-3 hours.

Start by baking chocolate cake layers. Mix dry ingredients, then add wet ingredients to create a moist batter.

Pour into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. While the cakes cool, prepare a cherry filling using canned or fresh cherries.

Make a simple syrup to brush on the cake layers for extra moisture. Assemble the cake by layering chocolate cake, cherry filling, and whipped cream.

Repeat until you’ve used all the layers. Frost the outside with more whipped cream and decorate with chocolate shavings and cherries.

23. Pound Cake

Pound cake is a classic dessert that’s simple to make and delicious to eat. You’ll love its rich, buttery flavor and dense texture.

To bake a perfect pound cake, use room-temperature ingredients. This helps create a smooth batter and even texture. Mix butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, then fold in flour carefully. Don’t overmix the batter. Bake your pound cake for about 70 minutes at 350°F.

Check it at the 60-minute mark with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes before removing.

This prevents it from breaking apart. Enjoy your homemade pound cake plain or with toppings!

24. Brioche Bread

Brioche is a rich, buttery French bread that’s perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. You can make it at home with a few key ingredients: flour, eggs, butter, and yeast.

To start, mix the dough in a stand mixer or by hand. Let it rise until doubled in size. Then shape it into a loaf or buns.

For a classic look, try making brioche à tête. This style has a small ball of dough on top of the main loaf. Before baking, brush the dough with egg wash for a golden crust.

Bake until the bread is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Enjoy your homemade brioche plain, with jam, or use it for French toast.

25. Coconut Macaroons

Coconut macaroons are sweet, chewy cookies that are easy to make. You only need a few ingredients to whip up these tasty treats.

Mix shredded coconut, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Add egg whites and vanilla extract, then stir until everything is well combined.

Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a lined baking sheet. Bake at 325°F for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. For extra flavor, you can dip the cooled macaroons in melted chocolate.

These cookies are perfect for coconut lovers and make a great addition to your baking repertoire.

26. Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a classic dessert that’s perfect for holidays and special occasions. You’ll love its rich, nutty flavor and gooey texture.

To make pecan pie, start with a buttery pie crust. Mix together eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla for the filling.

Pour chopped pecans into the bottom of your pie shell. Then add the sweet syrup mixture on top. Some recipes call for toasting the pecans first for extra flavor.

Bake your pie at 350°F for about 30 minutes. Cover the edges with foil to prevent over-browning. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly when done.

Let the pie cool before serving. Enjoy it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

27. Baklava

Baklava is a sweet Middle Eastern dessert that’s sure to impress. You’ll need phyllo dough, chopped nuts, butter, and a honey syrup.

Start by layering buttered phyllo sheets in a baking dish. Sprinkle a nut mixture between layers.

Repeat until you’ve used all the ingredients. Cut the baklava into diamond shapes before baking. This makes serving easier later.

Bake until golden brown and crisp. While it’s in the oven, prepare a syrup with honey, sugar, and water.

Pour the hot syrup over the baked baklava. Let it cool completely before serving.

28. Danish Pastries

Danish pastries are a beloved treat known for their flaky, buttery layers. You can make these delicious pastries at home with some practice and patience.

The dough is similar to puff pastry, but with added yeast for a lighter texture. You’ll fold and roll the dough multiple times to create those signature layers.

Common shapes include pinwheels, pockets, and braids. Fill your pastries with fruit, nuts, or cream cheese for extra flavor.

Bake Danish pastries until golden brown and flaky. Serve them warm for breakfast or as a sweet snack with coffee or tea.

29. Bagels

Bagels are a beloved bread with a chewy texture and distinctive round shape. To make them at home, you’ll need to mix and knead a yeast dough.

Let it rise, then shape it into rings. The key to authentic bagels is boiling them before baking.

Drop the shaped dough into simmering water for 1-2 minutes per side. This gives bagels their signature crust.

After boiling, brush with egg wash and add toppings if desired. Popular choices include everything seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds.

Bake the bagels until golden brown. With practice, you can create delicious homemade bagels rivaling any bakery’s offerings.

30. Croissants

Croissants are a beloved French pastry known for their flaky layers and buttery taste. To make them, you’ll need flour, yeast, sugar, salt, milk, and butter.

Start by making a dough and letting it rise. Then fold in layers of butter through a process called lamination. This creates the signature flaky texture.

Shape the dough into crescents and let them proof again. Brush with egg wash before baking until golden brown. Making croissants takes time and practice.

The key is keeping the dough and butter cold as you work. With patience, you can create delicious homemade croissants right in your kitchen.

Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t open the oven door too often. This lets heat escape and can cause uneven baking.

Use the oven light to check progress instead.

Avoid overmixing batters and doughs. This can lead to tough, chewy textures.

Mix just until ingredients are combined.

Preheat your oven fully before baking. Place items in the center of the oven for even heat distribution.

Don’t substitute ingredients unless you understand how they’ll affect the recipe. Baking is a science, and changes can alter the final product.

Let baked goods cool completely before frosting or cutting. This helps set their structure and prevents them from falling apart.