97 Baking Recipes to Help You Relax and De-stress

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German Apple Cake

With the long, cold winters we have here, this German apple cake recipe has warmed many a kitchen. The cake is perfect for breakfast, dessert or as an evening snack. I’ve made it for many parties, and I’ve always received compliments on it. —Grace Reynolds, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Scones

Chocolate, hazelnuts and the tangy taste of buttermilk —these delicious scones are easy to make. They come together fast. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Cherry Chocolate Marble Cake

Cherries and chocolate are natural partners that make desserts such as this simply scrumptious! The marbled effect is easily achieved by layering the two contrasting batters. —Sandra Campbell, Chase Mills, New York

Pennsylvania Dutch Potato Doughnuts

My relatives have been making these tasty doughnuts for years. The potatoes keep them moist, and the glaze provides just the right amount of sweetness. —Marlene Reichart, Leesport, Pennsylvania

Jewish Chocolate Chip Mandel Bread

This traditional Jewish mandel bread recipe has been passed down in my family for four generations. It tastes wonderful with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa or milk. —Monica Schnapp, Irvine, California

Baklava

Our baklava recipe takes the mystery out of this beloved dessert! Learn to perfect your own flaky, sticky, sweet baklava right in your home kitchen.

Lemon Bread

I often bake this sunshiny-sweet lemon bread when company’s due. It has a loaf-like texture. —Kathy Scott, Lingle, Wyoming

Cherry Hand Pies

There's nothing better than a sweet, from-scratch delight like traditional cherry pie. These precious little hand pies always go fast when I sell them at my pie bakery! —Allison Cebulla, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Chocolate Chip Muffins

Both of my daughters love these chocolate chip muffins! I usually double this chocolate chip muffin recipe so I have extras to keep in the freezer for a quick breakfast or snack. —Lori Thompson, New London, Texas

Lemon Tart

This sunshiny lemon tart recipe will make everyone smile. It is a simple treat with intense citrus flavors, and it can be easily decorated for elegant events.

Roasted Strawberry Sheet Cake

My Grandma Gigi loved summer berry cakes. Almost any time I’d call her during the warmer months, she’d invite me over to taste her latest masterpiece. This cake is a tribute to her. —Kristin Bowers, Rancho Palos Verdes, California

Biscotti Recipe

Take a break and have some coffee or tea with one of these tasty biscotti. It's sweet but not overly so, and it's a crunchy, satisfying snack that's fantastic for when you want to relax and have something simple to eat.

Pumpkin Spice Cake

We sometimes call this pumpkin spice cake “Thanksgiving Cake” because it’s a tasty alternative to pie, but we don’t relegate it to just that holiday. I think you’ll agree it’s delicious any time of the year.—Kathy Rhoads, Circleville, Ohio

Mini Blueberry Tarts

I served this recipe to my family while we were on vacation and they were all amazed! The best part: I didn't spend tons of time on it thanks to refrigerated pie crust. Watch your mini tarts around the 13-minute mark to make sure they don't brown too quickly. If you'd like, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.—Allison Bell, Hillsdale, New Jersey

Margarita Cake

This margarita cake is perfect for a picnic on a warm day. You’ll be surprised at how closely it tastes like the real thing. These other margarita dessert recipes are delicious, too. ?—Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

Chocolate Chess Pie

Chocolate chess pie is all the gooey yumminess of chocolate pecan pie, without the pecans!

Olive Oil Cake

Grab your favorite bottle of EVOO and break out the mixer. We'll show you how to make olive oil cake with a hint of citrus and almond.

Cookie Sticks

If you have a craving for cookies and you want them now, these yummy strips take just a few minutes to make from start to finish. —Kathy Zielicke, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

Three-Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake

This decadent cake is what every chocolate lover dreams of!

Chocolate Chip Cranberry Bread

This cranberry bread is tender and moist. The first time I made it, it immediately became a favorite for the fall and winter holidays. The tart cranberries complement the sweet chocolate so well.—Jessica Hornaday, Nampa, Idaho

Crusty Bread

This easy crusty bread recipe proves that you absolutely can make a bakery-quality loaf at home—no kneading required. Once you've mastered the basic recipe, try variations with cheddar, herbs and more.

Carrot Sheet Cake

We sold pieces of this to-die-for carrot cake at an art show. Before long, we sold all 10 cakes we had made! —Dottie Cosgrove South El Monte, California

Dream Cupcakes

My grandchildren absolutely love these cream-filled cupcakes, and I hope the chocolaty treats become a favorite in your home as well. —Dorothy Bahlmann, Clarksville, Iowa

Chewy Salted Peanut Bars

My rich bars are studded with the all-American peanut. I like to think famed peanut farmer Jimmy Carter would approve. —Ann Marie Heinz, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

Homemade Boston Cream Pie

Boston cream pie is an elegant-looking dessert that is so easy to prepare. Our dinner guests always enjoy it.—Jane Uphoff, Cunningham, Kansas

Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

The wait may seem hard, but these overnight cinnamon rolls are worth it. These rolls are made with a doughy, moisture-rich dough packed with cinnamony goodness and are the perfect addition to your weekend brunch spread. Serve them piping hot with the decadent glaze dripping down the edges.

Banana Skillet Upside-Down Cake

My grandmother gave me my first cast iron skillet, and I've been cooking and baking with it ever since. Sometimes I add drained maraschino cherries to this banana skillet dessert and serve it with a ice cream. —Terri Merritts, Nashville, Tennessee

Bake-Sale Lemon Bars

The recipe for these tangy lemon bars comes from my cousin, who is famous for cooking up farm feasts. —Mildred Keller, Rockford, Illinois

Herbed Oatmeal Pan Bread

This beautiful, golden pan bread is especially good with a steaming bowl of homemade soup. The oats give it a distinctive flavor, and we really like the herb and Parmesan cheese topping.—Karen Bourne, Magrath, Alberta

Chocolate Pistachio Biscotti

Chocolate, pistachios and cranberries make a dramatic, delicious trio. Introducing the cranberries to this recipe added tartness, texture and color, too. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware

Cherry Rhubarb Crunch

My husband's grandmother gave me this recipe, along with a bundle of rhubarb, when we were first married. I had never cared for rhubarb, but after trying this dessert, I changed my mind. Now my children dig in too! —Sharon Wasikowski, Middleville, Michigan

Big Soft Ginger Cookies

These ginger cookies are soft, easy to make and loaded with the flavors of fall.

Favorite Frosted Brownies

These are my tried-and-true brownies for many holidays. Everyone always agrees that they are absolutely yummy! I sometimes top them with candy sprinkles for a little color. —Barbara Birk, St. George, Utah

Nantucket Cranberry Tart

While everyone is enjoying a bountiful meal, this eye-catching tart can be baking to perfection in the oven. The pretty holiday dessert calls for very few ingredients, and it's a snap to assemble. —Jackie Zack, Riverside, Connecticut

Coconut Chiffon Cake

Toasted coconut adds visual appeal to this tall and impressive cake. With an airy texture and heavenly coconut-ginger flavor,it's a lovely end to meals throughout the year.

Chocolate Chip Blondies

These chocolate chip blondies are a comforting treat that's ready in just 30 minutes. Meet your new go-to potluck dessert!

Favorite Irish Soda Bread

My best friend, Rita, shared this irresistible Irish soda bread recipe. It bakes up high, with a golden brown top and a combination of sweet and savory flavors. —Jan Alfano, Prescott, Arizona

Chocolate Salted Caramel Bars

I love to experiment with different recipes and combine classic and new flavors. I've been making this shortbread for over 20 years and finally have found the perfect pairing! I love salted caramel, and of course I love dark chocolate, so I layered these two flavors with my favorite shortbread crust. It's melt-in-your-mouth good, and it is quickly becoming a favorite with my family, friends and customers! For even more gooey goodness, drizzle bottled caramel sauce over top. —Lisa Glenn, Sarasota

Dutch Apple Cake

My husband and I came to Canada from Holland more than 40 years ago. This traditional Dutch recipe is a family favorite and has frequently gone along with me to potluck suppers and other get-togethers. —Elizabeth Peters, Martintown, Ontario

Chocolate Malted Cookies

These cookies are the next best thing to a good old-fashioned malted milk. With malted milk powder, chocolate syrup, and chocolate chips and chunks, these are the best cookies I've ever tasted … and with six kids, I've made a lot of cookies over the years! —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

Moist Chocolate Cake

This moist chocolate cake recipe with coffee reminds me of my grandmother because it was one of her specialties. I bake it often for family parties, and it always brings back fond memories. The cake is light and airy with a delicious chocolate taste. This recipe is a keeper! —Patricia Kreitz, Richland, Pennsylvania

Rustic Oatmeal Scones

My family loves scones, but traditional recipes contain excessive fat and calories. After lots of experimentation, I came up with this alternative recipe. The effort is well worth the delicious flavor, amazing texture and nutrient density of these scones. —Gail D'Urso, Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Lemon Bundt Cake

When life gives you lemons, make a gorgeous lemon Bundt cake. We will show you how to make this citrusy cake which has a triple dose of lemon. Yum!

Brownie Cookies

The next time you long for a chocolaty dessert, bake up a batch of these jumbo-size brownie cookies. They are tender, rich and irresistibly delicious.

Cast-Iron Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

I love this cast-iron banana bread because it cooks evenly every time. The end result is so moist and delicious! —Ashley Hudd, Holton, Michigan

Tiramisu Cookies

Tiramisu is a wonderful dessert, and these tiramisu cookies spin the classic flavors in a completely different direction. And unlike regular tiramisu, they're portable: You can drop a few in your bag for treats on the go.

Lemon Popovers with Pecan Honey Butter

My mom passed this recipe down to me many years ago. We love the delicate lemon flavor with the pecan honey butter. The popovers are a nice addition to any dinner, but they're especially delicious at breakfast with a bowl of fruit and yogurt. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Plum Good Crisp

This is a great crisp that goes well with any meal, but you can also serve it as a breakfast treat or snack.When it's warm, it can't be beat! —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas

Brown Sugar & Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake

Searching for a dessert superstar? This chocolate swirl cheesecake is the one that people ask for again and again. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Sour Cream Fan Rolls

I received this recipe from an email pen pal in Canada. The dough is so easy to work with, and it makes the lightest yeast rolls. I haven't used another white bread recipe since I started making this one. -Carrie Ormsby, West Jordan, Utah

Raspberry Breakfast Braid

We also like using blackberries, Marionberries, a mixture of raspberries and blackberries, or all three in this quick and easy pastry. —Tressa Nicholls, Sandy, Oregon

Frosted Brownies

These Frosted Brownies have an amazing chocolate frosting that you'll adore. Sit back and savor every bit of the chewy brownie base and rich, fudgy frosting.

Butter Pecan Cake

My husband has a sweet tooth and I enjoy making great desserts like this cake for him! We have two farms - both of which are wonderful - but I also love being in the kitchen. I collect cookbooks and have written one myself.

One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Bread

My family hops out of bed on Valentine’s Day because they know I’m baking this quick bread for breakfast. They’re major chocoholics, and the easy bread always hits the spot. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

Pecan Cake with Cookie Butter Frosting

My mom and I bought a jar of cookie butter to try it out, and we fell in love with it. I knew the flavor would go well with maple syrup and pecans, so I came up with this cake. I like to make a pretty design on the top of the cake with pecan halves. —Natalie Larsen, Columbia, Maryland

Rustic Fruit Tart

My husband and I love pie, but we can't eat a whole 9-inch pie by ourselves. So I make these easy tarts using rhubarb and raspberries picked at home. Sometimes I substitute apples, peaches or our garden blueberries for the rhubarb. —Naomi Olson Hamilton, Michigan

Bee Sting Cake

The bee sting cake, or bienenstich, may look daunting, but it's well worth the effort. Take the steps one at a time and you'll be surprised how easy it is to make. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Moist Pumpkin Scones

Pumpkin scones are known for being especially moist and tender thanks to the high moisture content of pumpkins. These scones are simple to make, have a decadent glaze topper and can be thrown together in under an hour for a just-sweet-enough breakfast treat that'll leave your taste buds—and your belly—satisfied.

Shortbread

I live in Missouri, but many of our family recipes come from New Zealand, where I lived as a youngster. I proudly claim a Down Under heritage! These special-occasion cookies bring back warm and sweet memories of my childhood, and I'm going to make sure they're passed on to the next generation in my family—no matter where they live. —A. Swenson, Camdenton, Missouri

Hazelnut Cake Squares

When one of my daughters is asked to bring a dish to a church function, a birthday party or any special occasion, she asks me for this recipe. It is so easy to prepare because it starts with a cake mix. It doesn't need icing, so it's perfect for bake sales too. —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Our chocolate zucchini bread surpasses any regular zucchini bread by miles. Save up your zucchini bounty so you can later enjoy this bread bounty.

Golden Apple Pie

Pies are the dessert I like best to prepare. This one's the favorite for family get-togethers, and it has been awarded blue ribbons at a couple of local fairs. —Theresa Brazil, Petaluma, California

Pineapple Upside-Down Muffins

For a modern version of upside-down cake, we use pineapple and a sweet batter to make fun muffins with a cherry on top. —Suzeanne Longwill, Ortonville, Michigan

Banana Bread

Our best ever banana bread is soft, moist and filled with a caramelized banana flavor. It’s easy to see why bakers love this recipe!

Raspberry Crumble Bars

Use fresh or frozen fruit to make a tart, tender batch of raspberry crumble bars.

Best Ever Crescent Rolls

My daughter and I have cranked out dozens of these homemade crescent rolls. It’s a real team effort. I cut the dough into pie-shaped wedges; she rolls them up. —Irene Yeh, Mequon, Wisconsin

Peanut Butter Cookies

We cream shortening instead of butter for this dough, resulting in an ultra-rich-tasting version of traditional peanut butter cookies. Also nice? They take less than 30 minutes to prepare. 

Pizookie

What's better than a chocolate chip cookie? How about a giant chocolate chip pizookie!

Pina Colada Zucchini Bread

Pina colada zucchini bread is a fun new take on the usual quick bread loaf. This recipe is filled with tons of summery flavors, from tropical pineapple and coconut to heady rum and vanilla.

Olive Focaccia

When I add my own special touches to a basic focaccia recipe—including sun-dried tomatoes, olives and roasted sweet red peppers—the results were simply delectable. The flavorful, chewy loaf makes a wonderful accompaniment to nearly any meal. —Dee Froemel, Hayward, Wisconsin

Magic Bars

These rich bar cookies will melt in your mouth! They’re ideal to have on hand for a snack. —Pauline Schrag, Theresa, New York

Heavenly Cheese Danish

This tempting cheese Danish bakes to flaky perfection's shines with the simple gloss of an egg wash. It tastes just as decadent as any breakfast pastry you'd find in a bakery or coffee shop. —Josephine Triton, Lakewood, Ohio

Blueberries and Cream Coffee Cake

With juicy blueberries and a lovely, cinnamon-tinged crumble, this blueberry coffee cake with sour cream is delicious at any time of year.

Vanilla-Glazed Ginger Scones

Gingerbread is a flavor that works with all sorts of delicious holiday baked goods. To glaze these ginger scones, just dip a fork or spoon into the glaze mixture and then drizzle over the tops. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese icing are a delicious (and surprisingly easy) festive fall treat. Flavorful, moist and oh, so simple, you'll be making these on repeat!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake

I've tried different variations of these cakes for my family and this chocolate peanut butter mug cake is a winner! I have made it with almond milk and melted coconut oil, and both ways are delicious! —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

Blackberry Pie

Celebrate the summer harvest with our blackberry pie. One slice, and you’ll see why this pie is the best pie.

Peach Cobbler Bread

I developed this recipe to take advantage of our wonderful Georgia peaches. My husband, Andy, says it tastes just like peach cobbler.

Fluffy Biscuits

If you're looking for a flaky basic biscuit, this recipe is the best. These golden brown rolls bake up tall, light and tender. They're good on their own, but taste even better served warm and spread with butter or jam. —Nancy Horsburgh, Everett, Ontario

Strawberry Buttermilk Skillet Shortcake

This scratch-made strawberry buttermilk cake is a family favorite. The recipe is over 100 years old, and I remember my grandma making it. We still carry on the family tradition by making this old-fashioned recipe each summer. —Claudia Lamascolo, Melbourne, Florida

Swiss Beer Bread

This recipe is a favorite of my family because it isn't greasy like most of the other cheese breads I have tried. It will not last long! —Debi Wallace, Chestertown, New York

Caramel Cashew Cheesecake

When a friend served this luscious cheesecake at a birthday party, I left with the recipe. Every time I make it, rave reviews and recipe requests come my way. —Pat Price, Bucyrus, Ohio

Key Lime Blondie Bars

Here’s my tropical take on a beloved treat. These Key lime bars combine the taste of the classic pie with a blondie batter and cream cheese frosting. You can make a thicker crust if desired. —Kristin LaBoon, Austin, Texas

Black Forest Upside-Down Cake

The divine flavors of this simple Black Forest cake will impress your guests and leave you with many requests for the recipe! —Kimberly Campbell, Wheeling, West Virginia

Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread

The kids will get a kick out of pulling off gooey pieces of this delectable monkey bread. It's hard to resist a caramel-coated treat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Red Velvet Cake

Our red velvet cake recipe is traditionally southern with light, tender, ruby-red cakes held together with a rich vanilla frosting.

Cast-Iron Apple Nutmeg Coffee Cake

I'm not a great baker, but I do love coffee. In an effort to practice my baking, I use up the morning's last bit of coffee to make this cake—literally. It is super moist and crumbly, and tastes as if you dunked your cake right into a cup of hot joe. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas

Hazelnut Madeleine Cookies

These soft, cakelike cookies have a delicate hazelnut flavor—perfect for making great memories! They’re baked in the distinctive shell-shaped madeleine pan, available in kitchen specialty stores. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Peanut Butter-Chocolate Cake Rolls

Who knew something this impressive could start with a cake mix! The mini chocolate chips add a tasty crunch to each slice. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania

Mango Cream Tart

This fresh, luscious tart makes me happy!—Jami Geittmann, Art Director, Taste of Home Magazine

Chocolate Angel Cake

When I was married in 1944, I could barely boil water. My dear mother-in-law taught me her specialty—making the lightest angel food cakes ever. This chocolate version is an easy, impressive treat. —Joyce Shiffler, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Coconut Dream Cupcakes

My daughter, Elizabeth, came up with this incredible recipe. The cream cheese in the middle is a fun surprise when someone takes their first bite. —Julie Flournoy, Laurelville, OH

Lemon-Blueberry Pound Cake

Lovely, lemony pound cake studded with blueberries is a stunning summertime bake that's worth turning on the oven for. The velvety cake gets its rich flavor from a trifecta of cream cheese, butter and lemon yogurt.

Triple-Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

What could be better than a brownie crust layered with chocolate cheesecake and topped with chocolate ganache? These cheesecake bars will satisfy even the biggest chocolate lovers out there. —Andrea Price, Grafton, Wisconsin

Sage Fontina Focaccia

These rustic loaves have plenty of sage flavor—a tasty addition to any feast. — Beth Dauenhauer, Pueblo, Colorado

Creamy Chocolate-Banana Pie

You can make almost any dessert more awesome with chocolate. In this cream pie, fresh banana and chocolate make a truly irresistible combo. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan