Delicious Baking Recipes from Scratch

Baking from scratch is a rewarding experience that allows you to create delicious treats for yourself and your loved ones. Whether you're a novice or an experienced baker, these recipes will inspire you to get into the kitchen and whip up something delightful. Here, we explore various baking recipes that cover breads, cakes, cookies, and more, each with detailed instructions to help you achieve the best results.

1. Easy Homemade Bread: Soft & Fluffy

This homemade bread recipe is a staple that should be in every baker's repertoire. With its soft and fluffy texture, it's perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter.

• 2 cups warm water (105-115 degrees) (474g)
• 1/4 cup sugar or honey (85g honey, 50g sugar)
• 1 Tbsp active dry yeast
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp oil
• 4-5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour (500g-688g)

1. In a bowl, mix warm water with a pinch of sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add the remaining sugar, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour. Mix until combined.
3. Gradually add more flour, about half a cup at a time, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is elastic and smooth, then place it in a greased bowl to rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Once risen, punch down the dough, shape it into loaves, and let it rise again for 30-60 minutes.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-33 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.

Enjoy the bread fresh out of the oven with a spread of butter or use it for sandwiches. It also makes excellent toast for breakfast!

2. Dulce de Leche Cake: A Caramel Lover's Dream

This cake is moist, rich, and features dulce de leche buttercream, making it an exquisite dessert for any celebration.

• Cake:
  • 2/3 cup butter (room temperature)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 2/3 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup whole milk (room temperature)
  • 2 Tbsp sour cream
  • 1 can (14 oz) dulce de leche
• Dulce de Leche Buttercream:
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (slightly cold)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 can (14 oz) dulce de leche
  • Flake salt (optional)

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs one at a time.
3. Mix in the sour cream and half of the dulce de leche. Combine the dry ingredients and alternate adding them with the milk into the batter.
4. Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 23-25 minutes. Allow cakes to cool completely.
5. For the frosting, beat together the butter, powdered sugar, and the remaining dulce de leche until fluffy.
6. Assemble the cake by frosting one layer, spreading dulce de leche, adding the second layer, and applying a crumb coat. Chill for 10-20 minutes, then frost again and top with additional dulce de leche.

This cake is perfect for celebrations and pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors of caramel and vanilla will leave your guests asking for more!

3. The ONLY Chocolate Cake Recipe You’ll Ever Need

This chocolate cake is rich and moist, topped with a silky frosting. It's an easy recipe that guarantees a delicious outcome every time.

• 2 cups sugar (400g)
• 1 3/4 cups + 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (235g)
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (64g)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup buttermilk (227g)
• 1/2 cup oil (99g)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water (237g)

• 1/2 cup melted butter (113g)
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (57g)
• 3 cups powdered sugar (360g)
• 1/3 cup milk (83g)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

1. Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
2. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla; mix well until combined.
3. Stir in boiling water (the batter will be thin).
4. Pour into prepared 8-inch round cake pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes.
5. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting with the rich chocolate frosting.

This chocolate cake is perfect for birthday parties or any celebration, and it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

4. Easy Homemade English Muffins: No Oven Needed!

These homemade English muffins are fluffy and buttery, cooked on a griddle for that perfect golden crust.

• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
• 1 3/4 cup buttermilk (warmed) or regular milk
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)
• 3 Tbsp butter (melted)
• 3 1/3 cups flour
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup cornmeal (for coating)

1. Mix the dough and let it rise for about an hour.
2. Scoop the dough onto a floured surface and shape into rounds, then coat with cornmeal.
3. Cook on a griddle until golden brown on both sides.
4. Split, toast, and serve with butter or homemade jam.

These English muffins are a perfect addition to breakfast and can be served with eggs or used to make delicious breakfast sandwiches.

5. Easy No Knead Artisan Bread

This no-knead artisan bread is a simple way to enjoy a crusty, golden loaf with minimal effort.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp coarse sea salt
• 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)

1. Mix flour, salt, and yeast in a bowl. Add warm water and stir until a sticky dough forms.
2. Cover and let rise for 3-4 hours (or up to 15 hours in the fridge).
3. Shape the dough into a ball on a floured surface, place on parchment, and cover. Let rise for another 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
5. Drop the dough (on parchment) into the hot pot, cover, and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

This artisan bread is perfect for serving with soups or salads, and it tastes wonderful with a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar.

6. My Go-To Texas Sheet Cake

This Texas sheet cake is rich, fudgy, and topped with a warm chocolate frosting that everyone loves.

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup butter
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 6 tbsp milk
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar

1. In a saucepan, bring water, butter, and cocoa powder to a boil.
2. Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
3. Combine the sour cream and egg mixture with the flour mixture.
4. Add the boiling chocolate mixture to the batter and mix until smooth.
5. Pour into a 18x13” sheet pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
6. For the frosting, combine milk, cocoa powder, and butter in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and beat in the powdered sugar.
7. Pour the frosting over the warm cake and let it set.

This cake is perfect for gatherings and is sure to impress with its rich flavor and fudgy texture!

7. Homemade Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This homemade vanilla cake is a classic, and the cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tangy sweetness.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla.
4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide batter into pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cakes cool completely before frosting with the cream cheese mixture.

This cake is perfect for birthdays and celebrations, and it pairs beautifully with a cup of tea!

8. Easy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These oatmeal chocolate chip cookie bars are chewy and gooey, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.