10 classic baking recipes every home cook should master 6 scaled

10 Classic Baking Recipes Every Home Cook Should Master

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Have you ever wished you could recreate those exquisite baked goods you see in fancy pastry shops? Look no further than these 10 classic baking recipes that every home cook should master. From the rich and velvety chocolate cake to the comforting warmth of apple pie, these recipes will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also impress your friends and family. So, dust off your apron and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure of baking perfection.

10 Classic Baking Recipes Every Home Cook Should Master

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Everyone loves the classic chocolate chip cookie – it’s a timeless favorite that is sure to bring a smile to your face. To create the perfect batch of chocolate chip cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients

To make a delicious batch of chocolate chip cookies, you will need:

  • 1 cup of butter, softened
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1 cup of brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 3 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 cups of chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The cookies will appear slightly undercooked in the center, but they will firm up as they cool.
  8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Tricks

  • For an extra chewy texture, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before baking.
  • Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
  • Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate.
  • Add in your favorite mix-ins, such as chopped nuts or dried fruit, to customize your chocolate chip cookies.
  • Don’t overbake the cookies – they should still be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.

Banana Bread

When you have overripe bananas sitting on your counter, it’s the perfect time to whip up a delicious loaf of banana bread. This moist and flavorful quick bread is a great way to use up those ripe bananas.

Ingredients

To make a delicious loaf of banana bread, you will need:

  • 2-3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  4. Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
  5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

  • Add in 1 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for an extra crunch.
  • Swirl in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or peanut butter chips for a decadent twist.
  • Mix in 1 cup of dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries, to add a burst of sweetness.
  • Sprinkle the top of the loaf with cinnamon sugar before baking for a flavorful crust.

10 Classic Baking Recipes Every Home Cook Should Master

Blueberry Muffins

Start your day off right with a batch of freshly baked blueberry muffins. Bursting with juicy blueberries, these muffins are moist, tender, and perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.

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Ingredients

To make a batch of delicious blueberry muffins, you will need:

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2/3 cup of milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix – a few lumps are okay.
  5. Carefully fold in the blueberries, being careful not to break them.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
  7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Toppings

  • Sprinkle the tops of the muffins with coarse sugar before baking for a sweet and crunchy crust.
  • Drizzle the muffins with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk after they have cooled.
  • Spread a dollop of butter or cream cheese on a warm muffin for a delicious treat.

Carrot Cake

Carrot cake is a classic dessert that is moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. With its rich spices and cream cheese frosting, it’s a crowd favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

To make a delicious carrot cake, you will need:

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups of granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
  • 3/4 cup of vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups of grated carrots
  • 1 can (8 ounces) of crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • Cream cheese frosting (see recipe below)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  3. Add in the vegetable oil and eggs, mixing until well combined.
  4. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts, if using.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
  6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, then frost with cream cheese frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

To make a delicious cream cheese frosting for your carrot cake, you will need:

  • 1 package (8 ounces) of cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups of powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake.

10 Classic Baking Recipes Every Home Cook Should Master

Apple Pie

There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of apple pie, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. With its buttery crust and sweet apple filling, apple pie is a classic dessert that is loved by many.

Ingredients

To make a delicious apple pie, you will need:

  • 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
  • 8 cups of peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples (about 8-10 medium-sized apples)
  • 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place one pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
  3. Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the top of the filling with the small pieces of butter.
  4. Place the second pie crust over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
  5. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
  6. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
  7. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 15 minutes.
  8. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  9. Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving.
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Serving Suggestions

  • Serve the apple pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
  • Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top crust before baking for added flavor.
  • Drizzle caramel sauce over the pie before serving for a decadent twist.

Cinnamon Rolls

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your home. These soft, fluffy, and cinnamon-packed rolls are a treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients

To make a batch of delicious cinnamon rolls, you will need:

  • 4 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup of brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups of flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt.
  2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until it is warm, about 110°F (43°C). Remove from heat and stir in the melted butter.
  3. Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
  4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  6. Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
  7. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
  8. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the butter.
  9. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
  10. Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal-sized pieces and place them in a greased baking dish, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  11. Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
  12. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
  13. While the rolls are cooling slightly, prepare the icing (see recipe below).
  14. Drizzle the warm cinnamon rolls with the icing and serve immediately.

Icing

To make a delicious icing for your cinnamon rolls, you will need:

  • 1 cup of powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons of milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk, if needed. Drizzle the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls.

10 Classic Baking Recipes Every Home Cook Should Master

Brownies

If you’re in the mood for a rich and decadent chocolate treat, look no further than a batch of fudgy brownies. With their dense and gooey texture, these brownies are sure to satisfy any chocolate lover.

Ingredients

To make a batch of fudgy brownies, you will need:

  • 1 cup of unsalted butter
  • 2 cups of granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.
  3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Add the cocoa powder and salt to the mixture, stirring until just combined.
  5. Gradually add the flour, stirring until the batter is smooth and well blended.
  6. Pour the batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Fudgy or Cakey?

  • For fudgy brownies, bake for the minimum recommended time and be careful not to overbake.
  • For cakey brownies, bake for a slightly longer time, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Pancakes

Pancakes are a delicious and versatile breakfast option that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer them plain, topped with syrup, or loaded with fun toppings, pancakes are a classic that everyone can enjoy.

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Ingredients

To make a stack of fluffy pancakes, you will need:

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 3/4 cups of milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
  3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix – a few lumps are okay.
  4. Preheat a non-stick griddle or frying pan over medium heat.
  5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the preheated griddle for each pancake.
  6. Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
  7. Repeat with the remaining batter, adjusting the heat as needed to prevent burning.
  8. Serve the pancakes warm with your favorite toppings.

Fun Toppings

  • Drizzle pancakes with maple syrup or honey for a classic topping.
  • Sprinkle pancakes with a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.
  • Top pancakes with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.
  • For a decadent twist, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on top of your pancakes.

10 Classic Baking Recipes Every Home Cook Should Master

Cheesecake

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of a homemade cheesecake. With its smooth texture and sweet flavor, cheesecake is a dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

To make a delicious cheesecake, you will need:

  • 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups of cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
  3. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
  4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust in the pan, spreading it out evenly.
  6. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
  7. Allow the cheesecake to cool in the pan for at least 2 hours, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before serving.

Graham Cracker Crust

  • You can also use a store-bought graham cracker crust if desired. Simply pour the cream cheese mixture into the crust and follow the baking instructions.

Pizza Dough

Why order takeout when you can make your own delicious homemade pizza? With a homemade pizza dough, you can create your own customized pizza with all your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

To make a batch of pizza dough, you will need:

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups of warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 4 cups of all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
  2. Stir in the sugar, salt, and olive oil.
  3. Gradually add the flour, stirring until a soft dough forms.
  4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  6. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat up.
  7. Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
  8. Roll or stretch the dough into your desired pizza shape – round, rectangular, or even heart-shaped.
  9. Transfer the rolled dough onto a piece of parchment paper.
  10. Add your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings.
  11. Carefully transfer the pizza, along with the parchment paper, onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
  12. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  13. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Toppings

  • Get creative with your pizza toppings! Some classic options include pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives.
  • Add some fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, for extra flavor.
  • Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or feta, to create your perfect pizza.

In conclusion, mastering these classic baking recipes will not only bring you joy but will also impress your loved ones with your culinary skills. From the classic chocolate chip cookies to the indulgent cheesecake, these recipes cover all the bases. So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the baking adventure begin!