The ultimate nightmare: unexpected guests are coming over, and your pantry is as bare as your social calendar used to be! But don’t worry, friend, I’ve got you covered with these Quick Easy Baking Recipes that’ll save the day (and your reputation as a host). Who needs hours of prep time when you can whip up a storm in under 30 minutes? Not me, that’s for sure!
When it comes to fast cakes and simple cookies, I’m all about keeping things easy peasy. I mean, who has the time (or patience) to spend hours in the kitchen when you can have a delicious dessert ready in no time? Not to mention, these pantry desserts are perfect for when you’re running low on ingredients – just grab what you have and get baking!
1. Chocolate Chip Cookies
These classic cookies are a staple for a reason – they’re quick, easy, and utterly delicious. I mean, who doesn’t love a warm, chewy cookie straight from the oven?
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Why You’ll Love It:
These cookies are perfect for a last-minute baking session – they’re ready in under 30 minutes and are sure to impress your guests. Plus, who can resist the allure of a warm, chewy cookie?
2. Banana Bread
This quick bread is a game-changer – it’s moist, delicious, and ready in under an hour. I mean, what’s not to love?
Ingredients:
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
5. Stir in the chopped walnuts (if using).
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Why You’ll Love It:
This banana bread is a fast and easy solution to your baking needs – it’s perfect for a last-minute breakfast or snack. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those ripe bananas that are going brown.
3. Lemon Bars
These simple and tangy bars are a refreshing twist on traditional desserts. I mean, who doesn’t love a good lemon flavor?
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together the flour and confectioners’ sugar. Add the softened butter and mix until a crumbly mixture forms.
3. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
5. While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
6. Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust.
7. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set.
8. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Why You’ll Love It:
These lemon bars are a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth – they’re perfect for a last-minute dessert or snack. Plus, the lemon flavor is a great way to brighten up any day.
4. Peanut Butter Cookies
These classic cookies are a staple for a reason – they’re easy to make and delicious. I mean, who doesn’t love a good peanut butter flavor?
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth.
4. Gradually add the sugars and mix until combined.
5. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
6. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Why You’ll Love It:
These peanut butter cookies are a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth – they’re perfect for a last-minute snack or dessert. Plus, the peanut butter flavor is a great way to add some protein to your diet.
5. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
These sweet and sticky donuts are a fast and easy treat to make. I mean, who doesn’t love a good cinnamon sugar flavor?
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar (for coating)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Whisk together the flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms.
5. Pipe the batter into donut shapes.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Coat with cinnamon sugar before serving.
Why You’ll Love It:
These cinnamon sugar donuts are a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth – they’re perfect for a last-minute breakfast or snack. Plus, the cinnamon sugar flavor is a great way to add some warmth to your day.
In conclusion, these Quick Easy Baking Recipes are perfect for when you need a fast and delicious dessert or snack. Whether you’re in the mood for fast cakes, simple cookies, or pantry desserts, there’s something on this list for everyone. So next time you’re faced with last-minute guests, don’t stress – just whip up one of these quick easy baking recipes and you’ll be sure to impress!
