31 Easy Summer Baking Recipes We’re Making ASAP (2024)

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31 Easy Summer Baking Recipes We’re Making ASAP (1)Katie BandurskiUpdated: Feb. 09, 2024

    Dive into these easy summer baking recipes! We have delicious ideas to enjoy all season long—including cakes, cookies, breads and more.

    1/29

    Peach Crumb Bars

    I had the most beautiful peaches and really wanted to bake with them. I started with my blueberry crumb bar recipe, and after a couple of tries, I was so happy with the results. My co-worker taste testers were, too! —Amy Burns, Newman, Illinois

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    2/29

    Margarita Cupcakes

    My hobby is cake decorating, and this is my most-requested recipe. It is delicious!! If you are unable to find Key lime juice, you can use regular lime juice. —Kerri McMillan, Sylvester, Georgia

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    3/29

    Blueberry Bread

    This blueberry bread recipe is a simple quick bread that I look forward to making when fresh blueberries are in season. It's so good that I end up making it year-round. —Karen Scales, Waukesha, Wisconsin

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    4/29

    Corn Pone

    My husband's grandmother gave me this corn pone recipe years ago. She always made it with bacon drippings—which is heavenly—but if you're trying to be a little more health-conscious, you can use canola oil or a combination of the two. I cook it until it's crisp almost all the way through. It's delicious hot, warm or cold. —Tina Quiggle, LaGrange, Georgia

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    5/29

    Coconut Cupcakes

    I took these coconut cupcakes to a picnic one year, and they went like hotcakes! I should have made a double batch. With their creamy frosting and sprinkling of coconut, they appeal to just about anybody.—Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona

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    6/29

    Chocolate Zucchini Cookies

    This recipe started out as a plain zucchini cookie. But over the years, I added nuts and chocolate chips. These soft cookies never make it to the cookie jar! —Tina Lunt, Bass Harbor, Maine

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    7/29

    Garlic Knots

    These novel garlic knots are handy because they can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed. —Jane Paschke, University Park, Florida

    8/29

    Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

    I make these banana bars with cream cheese frosting whenever I have ripe bananas on hand, then store them in the freezer to share later. With creamy frosting and big banana flavor, this treat is a real crowd-pleaser. —Debbie Knight, Marion, Iowa

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    9/29

    Tennessee Peach Pudding

    This out-of-this-world dessert is one of our favorite, easy peach recipes. I was raised in Oklahoma, and we used Elberta peaches right off our trees when we made this outstanding cobbler. —Virginia Crowell, Lyons, Oregon

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    10/29

    Parmesan Zucchini Bread

    This loaf has a rugged, textured look that adds to its old-fashioned appeal. The mild Parmesan flavor nicely complements the zucchini, which adds bits of green color to every tender slice. —Christine Wilson, Sellersville, Pennsylvania

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    11/29

    Best Angel Food Cake

    For our daughter's wedding, a friend made this lovely, angel food cake from a recipe she's used for decades. It really is one of the best angel food cake recipes I've found. Serve slices plain or dress them up with fresh fruit. —Marilyn Niemeyer, Doon, Iowa

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    12/29

    2-Ingredient Biscuits

    These 2-ingredient biscuits make a satisfying accompaniment to any meal. I never made biscuits until I tried this recipe, now my husband wants them all the time! —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida

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    13/29

    Sour Cream Peach Kuchen

    For an old-fashioned treat, there's nothing that beats my mom's peach kuchen. With a melt-in-your-mouth crust and a lightly sweet filling, this dessert is perfect after a big meal. —Cathy Eland Hightstown, New Jersey

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    14/29

    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

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    15/29

    Cheddar Skillet Cornbread

    Here's a tasty spin on traditional cornbread. It may become your new favorite! —Terri Adrian, Lake City, Florida

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    16/29

    Taste of Home

    Best Strawberry Shortcake

    For a dazzling summer dessert, you can’t beat juicy strawberries and fresh whipped cream over homemade shortcake. My father added even more indulgence to this recipe by buttering the shortcake. This is the best strawberry shortcake recipe. —Shirley Joan Helfenbein, Lapeer, Michigan.

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    17/29

    Ice Cream Bread

    Ice cream gets a whole new use in this tender bread recipe that I pared down to serve two. Be sure to use full-fat ice cream for best results. —Katherine Kuehlman, Denver, Colorado

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    18/29

    Feta 'n' Chive Muffins

    This is a spring variation on the savory muffins my husband has made for years. It has a light texture almost like a popover and tastes best eaten hot right from the oven. —Angela Buchanan, Boulder, Colorado

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    19/29

    Chocolate Chip Blondies

    Folks who adore the classic cookies will enjoy that same beloved flavor in these chocolate chip bars. This blondie recipe can be mixed up in a jiffy, tastes wonderful, and is perfect for occasions when company drops by unexpectedly or you need a treat in a hurry. —Rhonda Knight, Hecker, Illinois

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    20/29

    Quick Focaccia Bread

    Green olives complement this quick focaccia recipe for an easy pizza-like bread. With very few ingredients, it’s still packed with flavor. Serve the focaccia as an appetizer or alongside pasta, soup or salad for a mouthwatering meal.—Ivy J Laffoon, Ceres, California

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    21/29

    Flavorful Herb Bread

    This bread is one of my favorites. It has a wonderful texture and slices beautifully, and the flavor of the herbs really comes through. (Psst—If you don't have a bread machine on hand, learn how to make bread without one!) —Gerri Hamilton, Kingsville, Ontario

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    22/29

    Pineapple Cherry Cake

    When our granddaughter visits on weekends, I try to find something fun for her to do. This pineapple cherry dump cake recipe is super simple for her to fix. —Melissa Defauw, Auburn Hills, Michigan

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    23/29

    Moist Cream Cheese Pound Cake

    Warm a slice of this cream cheese pound cake in the microwave for about 25 seconds. Then serve it with a scoop of butter pecan ice cream, fresh fruit or alone. —Betty Smith, Evans, Georgia

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    24/29

    Taste of Home

    Blueberry-Orange Muffins

    This recipe was given to me some time ago, and I've used it often since. In fact, it's so good that it won first prize at a county fair! Blueberries are plentiful here in the Midwest, and this is a delicious way to prepare them. —Irene Parry, Kenosha, Wisconsin

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    25/29

    Key Lime Pound Cake

    This Key lime pound cake was inspired from a basic pound cake recipe that I like to play around with. It's now the only cake requested at every gathering. The unfrosted cake freezes well. —Pat Stewart, Canton, Georgia

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    26/29

    Taste of Home

    40-Minute Hamburger Buns

    Here on our ranch, I cook for three men who love burgers. These fluffy hamburger buns are just right for their big appetites. The buns are so good that I also serve them plain with a meal. —Jessie McKenney, Twodot, Montana

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    27/29

    Lemon Blueberry Whoopie Pies

    These pies are soft, cakey cookies studded with tart, juicy blueberries and filled with tangy cream cheese frosting. I bring them to family and school events and they are always the first thing gone! Make sure to continually scrape the side of the bowl with a spatula while mixing the batter and frosting. —Kathy Martino, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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    28/29

    Taste of Home

    Banana-Zucchini Bread

    My grandmother made this zucchini banana bread for as long as I can remember, and I've been making it ever since I learned how to bake. Children love it for a snack, and it's good to serve at any meal. It's another delicious way to use zucchini, which is so abundant in late summer. —Eva Mae Hebert, Lafayette, LA

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    29/29

    Sour Cream Chive Bread

    This savory loaf mildly flavored with chives is delicious when served warm with a meal, soup, salad or stew. It also tastes wonderful toasted the next day for breakfast. —Deborah Plank, West Salem, Ohio

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    Originally Published: May 19, 2021

    31 Easy Summer Baking Recipes We’re Making ASAP (30)

    Katie Bandurski

    As Senior Shopping Editor, Katie connects Taste of Home readers with the best gifts, deals and home products on the market. An avid foodie and a holiday enthusiast, Katie is an expert at cultivating meaningful moments.When she’s out of the office, you’ll find her exploring Wisconsin, trying out new vegetarian recipes and watching Christmas movies.

    31 Easy Summer Baking Recipes We’re Making ASAP (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the one big rule in baking? ›

    #1 Read through the recipe.

    What is your best baking secret? ›

    Combine ingredients as gently as possible without overmixing. Creamed butter and sugar should be pale and fluffy, never yellow and gritty. Butter temperature is a vital detail that should not be overlooked. Don't open the oven door until goods are done baking.

    What dessert does well in the heat? ›

    These refreshing desserts are perfect for the lingering summer heat.
    • 1Raspberry jelly. ...
    • 2Frozen raspberry marble yoghurt bites. ...
    • 3Mini neapolitan ice-pops. ...
    • 4Chocolate & mint cheesecake. ...
    • 5Frosé ice blocks. ...
    • 6Ginger and coconut ice-cream. ...
    • 7Raspberry and white chocolate cheesecake. ...
    • 8Yoghurt papaya pops.

    What is the most common mistake in baking? ›

    Using ingredients at the wrong temperature

    One of the most common baking mistakes is using ingredients that are either too cold or too hot. Room-temperature ingredients are typically best for baking, so if your recipe calls for butter, eggs, or milk at room temperature, make sure to set them out ahead of time.

    What is the golden rule of baking? ›

    Martha Stewart's Best Baking Tips. "My golden rule for baking is make it cold and bake it hot," she said.

    What was the old woman baking? ›

    The old lady was baking the cake for Saint Peter but the Saint Peter was not satisfied by the cake of her greedy behaviour and desire and changed her into a woodpecker.

    What is the secret to good cupcakes? ›

    Top Tips for Baking Better Cupcakes
    • Read the Recipe. Read the recipe all the way through first. ...
    • Check Oven Temperature. ...
    • Check the Dates. ...
    • Substitute with Caution. ...
    • Use the Right Temperature. ...
    • Take Time to Sift. ...
    • Measure with Care. ...
    • Cream the Ingredients.

    What are the 5 basic baking skills? ›

    Chocolate Devil's Food Cake
    • 1) Organisation. Baking is a juggling act. ...
    • 2) Attention to detail. Accuracy is important when it comes to baking. ...
    • 3) Co-ordination. If hand-eye coordination doesn't come naturally to you, you can learn with practice. ...
    • 4) Patience. ...
    • 5) Creativity.

    What is the simplest thing to bake? ›

    All Easy Baking Ideas
    • Banana Bread. Recipe | Courtesy of Mary Sue Milliken|Susan Feniger. ...
    • Sugar Cookies. Recipe | Courtesy of Alton Brown. ...
    • Crispy-Cakey Chocolate Chip Cookies. Recipe | Courtesy of Food Network Kitchen. ...
    • Twice-Baked Potatoes. ...
    • Banana Walnut Bread. ...
    • Shortbread Cookies. ...
    • Banana Bread. ...
    • Classic Deviled Eggs.

    What is the number one dessert? ›

    1. Pie. Pie earns a spot on the top of everyone's list of popular desserts merely for its delicious versatility. From fruit pies to cream pies, from seasonal favorites like pumpkin to year-round standards like apple, what's not to love?

    What summer treats won't melt? ›

    Five Amazing Desserts That Won't Melt in the Sun
    • Carrot-Cake Doughnuts. “They can hang out and not melt at all. ...
    • Red Velvet Whoopie Pies. ...
    • Peanut-Butter-Pretzel Cookies. ...
    • Lemon Bars. ...
    • Blueberry Hand Pies. ...
    • Extra: Her Simple Summer co*cktail.
    May 24, 2016

    Which baking rule is the most crucial? ›

    14 Crucial Baking Rules We Wish We Knew When We Started Baking
    1. Read the recipe through before you start. ...
    2. Use a trusted recipe source. ...
    3. Trust the baking indicators. ...
    4. Using ingredients at room temperature is not just a suggestion. ...
    5. Avoid substitutions (seriously) ...
    6. Bake on the centre rack of the oven.
    Jun 23, 2023

    What is the number one rule when cooking? ›

    1. Read the recipe. Of all the important advice out there about cooking, this by far has to be the number 1 rule of cooking: read your recipe completely before getting started. This may seem like a mundane task (especially when you're excited dive in!), but you'll be so thankful you took the time to do it!

    What is the most important baking principle? ›

    Temperature control is one of the most important parts of bread making. If the dough temperature is too warm the dough will ferment too rapidly.

    What is Cook's Golden Rule? ›

    11 Golden Rules of Cooking That Everyone Should Know
    • Season and taste your food as you cook. ...
    • Don't crowd the pan. ...
    • Keep your knives sharp. ...
    • Always add garlic at the end. ...
    • Add dried herbs at the beginning, add fresh herbs at the end. ...
    • Prep all of your ingredients before you cook. ...
    • Use enough fat.
    Mar 21, 2019

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