Baking can be my place of relaxation, an escape from daily life, my happy place. It can also be stressful, messy and overwhelming. I believe the key to enjoying baking is to start with the right mind set, to keep a semi clean work area, and to choose the right recipes to start with. I have compiled a list of what I believe to be the best recipes for beginner bakers. It is a combination of beginner techniques, clear instructions and delicious results that make these recipes perfect for anyone working on their baking skills.
WHat SHould a Beginner Baker Make?
Being a major foodie means that my love for baking has always been driven by my stomach. Usually inspiration for recipes or menu items for the week comes from my cravings. Flavors got especially unique at our bakery when I was pregnant… I always feel like I get the most excited about my bake when I am looking forward to eating it. My advice to you would be to choose something that makes your mouth water. That excitement will help you as you as you are reading through the ingredients and learning the important techniques that come with every bake. That being said, I do not suggest croissants as your first bake…
Another thing that drives my baking is baking something I know someone else will love. My husband’s favorite dessert is just a plain white cake with vanilla buttercream. I personally have had enough cake to last me a lifetime, but I still love making it for him for his birthday because I know how much he is going to enjoy it.
Top Tips for Beginner Bakers
- Learn the technique. Each bake usually has a key technique to it. For example, in cookies you always beat the sugar and fat to start, add in the eggs and vanilla, and then only mix until incorporated for the dry ingredients. Some recipes have more instruction, but almost all at least have that. Once you understand the basic technique behind your bake, you will be able to conquer so many recipes.
- Have the right mindset. Remember this is suppose to be enjoyable? Baking is much more exciting when you can’t wait to try your product, so I always suggest baking something that sounds yummy to you. Or baking for someone you know is going to love it.
- Keep your workspace as clean as possible. I read this in the Bouchon Bakery book, and at first, I rolled my eyes. How many times had I heard this from my own mother? But once again to my annoyance, she was right. Not only does it help me think more clearly, but it also allows you to relax once your bake is done and not have a huge mountain to clean after you have finished.
- Get a scale! If you have read any of our other articles you have probably heard this before but baking with a scale is life changing. I have owned many scales, here is my favorite.
Best Recipes for Beginner Bakers
Simple Sugar cookie recipe
Cookies always seem like something simple that you can just follow any old recipe and have them prepared in an hour or two. But they actually have several ways they can go wrong. They can come out too flat, or too domed, too dry or too doughy. This recipe is one of the Best Recipes for Beginner bakers because it spells out the most important steps not just for this cookie recipe, but for all cookies.
Simple Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe
Cakes are the perfect way to test and grow your baking skills. This is a recipe that my sister, Ellen, came up with and it is genius. It’s rich with flavor and perfectly moist. Cakes are such a fun bake because they allow your personality and creativity to shine.
Browned Butter Apple Blondies
This recipe involves several steps, but each one teaches a new skill. Browning butter will change your life! The aroma it creates, just from putting butter on the stove. I included this is in Best Recipes for Beginner Bakers because I believe as a baker it’s nice to have an item you are known for. Something that people always look forward to you bringing to gatherings. This recipe is unique enough that you don’t have to worry about another person bringing it, but also simple enough that it suits most tastes. We serve these at the bakery in the fall, and they are one of our most popular items.
Lemon Quick Bread Recipe
Quick Breads are a great way to start baking. They are full of flavor and are beautiful. I recommend this as one the Best Recipes for Beginner Bakers because it allows to solely focus on the bake. Some bakers love the decorating part, the personalization of their bake. But sometimes you just want to be able to focus on mixing the ingredients and baking your item to perfection without having to focus on the presentation. The best part of this recipe is that it is delicious and naturally beautiful.
same day pizza crust- Recipe below!
I love to make homemade pizza! It’s so budget friendly and yet probably one of my favorite things to eat! I often use a recipe that overnight ferments in the fridge, but sometimes I just need to have pizza TONIGHT! This easy pizza crust recipe only has four ingredients (and that includes water), it’s easy, and it tastes awesome! I generally use bread flour, but all-purpose will work as well. Sometimes I don’t have quite enough bread flour, so I just use a combination of both,
This pizza crust recipe uses a stand mixer for kneading, but it isn’t necessary if you don’t have one. I’ve kneaded it by hand many times when I just didn’t want to get the mixer out and it turns out lovely. Sometimes, I just like to get my hands in the dough. Speaking of the dough, this particular dough is heavy on the hydrations side. In other words, it will seem wet to you. That’s the way it’s supposed to look, so don’t panic and start adding more flour. Trust me, it’s gonna be good!
For sure, baking times can really vary with this pizza crust. First, everyone’s oven varies so just start with the instructions, but you might need to add time if your oven isn’t as hot as mine. Or maybe you like your pizza really crispy–just add a couple minutes and check it again. The main thing is to keep your eye on it. Anything baking at 500 degrees can change really fast. I will say that getting some “brown” on this pizza really enhances the flavor of the crust–yum! Now let’s get started!
Ingredients
Flour (Bread flour or All-purpose) 3 3/4 cups (500 grams)
Salt 2 teaspoons
Yeast (I use instant yeast for everything) 2 teaspoons
Very warm water 1 1/2 cup (350 grams)
Instructions
In large bowl of stand mixer, add dry ingredients and whisk together. Add water and stir until most of the dry ingredients are moistened. Using the dough hook, mix the dough for approximately 5 minutes. If you don’t have a stand mixer, this is easily done by simply kneading on a lightly floured counter until smooth. Lightly rub with olive oil, (or vegetable oil, or baking spray) and flip the dough in the bowl to allow all sides of the dough to get moistened with the oil. Cover bowl with cling wrap and allow to rise in warm place until doubled, approximately 45 minutes. Punch down the dough, allow to rise until doubled again. This recipe is enough for two 14-inch pizzas if you want thin crust or 1 large 10 x 15 rectangular pizza, if you like a thicker crust. Divide your dough onto pizza pans which have been sprayed with baking spray. Allow dough to rest on the pans for about 15 minutes. Spread the dough and top with your favorite pizza sauce and fixings! Bake at 500 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on how crisp you like your pizza. We like ours well done, so we always bake at least 10 minutes. Enjoy!
Lilly, you never cease to amaze me! I am so excited inspired by your knowledge and dedication to what you do! You are definitely way beyond your years! (Especially if you can make croissants…..I would love to try but the process kind of scares me, lol!) I know your sweet mom had a hand in teaching you well! I have always been a “clean as you go” cook and baker! It’s the ONLY WAY I know! I am loving all of your posts and advice! In the next couple of days I am trying some new recipes for cookies and a Red Velvet cake or cupcakes with homemade cream cheese icing! Wish me luck!!!! I tried my hand at a Red Velvet cake roll (first time ever doing a roll!) last weekend but I had struggles for sure! It cracked, but it was pretty tasty, dispute the way it looked! Just know that I look forward to the contents of your blog! Depending on how my cookies, and/or the cake/cupcakes turn out…..I may send you some pictures!
You always have such kind words! Good luck with your baking adventures and I would love to see pictures:)