Skip to content
Open menu Close menu

Feed your appetite for cooking with Penguin’s expert authors

penguin logo

Our 10 most popular easy baking recipes

by Malou Herkes

published on 17 May 2019

Whether you’re seeking a simple afternoon bake, an easy-but-impressive showstopper or a throw-it-all-in cake recipe to satisfy a last-minute craving, these recipes are guaranteed to inspire you. From Mary Berry’s classic banana loaf, to three-ingredient brownies, to Nigella’s decadent pavlova, there’s something here for everyone.

Nadiya Hussain’s Ginger and Almond Florentines

Nadiya Hussain’s Ginger and Almond Florentines

These crisp, chewy florentines are super easy to make, but look impressive enough to give as a gift. The ginger, orange, and almond flavour pairs beautifully with the melted dark and white chocolate. 

From the book

Nadiya Hussain

Banana Loaf

Banana Loaf

This banana loaf recipe couldn’t be easier and is a wonderful way to use up those last overripe bananas in the fruit bowl. “The riper the bananas the better”, says Mary. 

Linda’s Lemon Drizzle Cake

Linda’s Lemon Drizzle Cake

by Mary McCartney
from Food

Think of tangy lemon syrup seeping into a freshly baked lemon sponge and that’s exactly what this lemon drizzle recipe is all about. Perfect with a cup of tea in the afternoon.

Blackberry Cake

Blackberry Cake

Make the most of blackberry season with this super-quick cake recipe. You can also swap in other berries depending on the time of year. 

The Ultimate Millionaire’s Shortbread

The Ultimate Millionaire’s Shortbread

James Morton has perfected millionaire’s shortbread: expect a simple, crumbly shortbread base, smooth, sweet caramel and a thick layer of chocolate on top.

Clementine, Almond and Olive Oil Cake

Rick Stein’s Clementine, Almond and Olive Oil Cake

Rick Stein’s gluten-free clementine cake is a true celebration of citrus. It’s made with olive oil and almond for a pleasantly dense and damp crumb.

Prodigious Pavlova

Prodigious Pavlova

Nigella gives clear, straight-forward instructions to help you make the perfect meringue, or, as she calls it, “billowing, regally magnificent mega-meringue”. Dolloped with whipped cream, lychees and passionfruit and drizzled with raspberry sauce, this is a deceptively simple show-stopper. 

Malted Chocolate Cake

Malted Chocolate Cake

True to style, Mary Berry achieves perfection with this malted chocolate cake. According to Mary; “The malt extract gives a lovely creaminess to the sponge, while the malted chocolate flavour is echoed in the cake’s topping”.

Nadiya Hussain’s Raspberry Ice Cream Cake

Nadiya Hussain’s Raspberry Ice Cream Cake

This is the ultimate summer crowd-pleaser from Nadiya Hussain; a light sponge, piled high with easy, homemade ice cream and fresh raspberries.

Three Ingredient Chocolate Praline Brownies

Three Ingredient Chocolate Praline Brownies

by Sarah Rainey

A Nutella lover’s dream, this easy recipe for perfectly gooey brownies uses just three ingredients: flour, eggs and Nutella. The key to this recipe is in the cooking time – keep an eye on it so it doesn’t set too solid in the oven. You want them a little bit wobbly for maximum squidge.

Share

You might also like


View all

Recipe Collections

No-bake cheesecake recipes

Satisfy without your sweet tooth with these delicious, decadent, and easy-to-make cheesecakes.

Recipe Collections

Delicious recipes for Ramadan

Find inspiration for meal plans, snacks and drinks for Ramadan from The Ramadan Family Cookbook by Anisa Karolia.

Recipe Collections

The best pancake recipes

From crepes to dutch babies to galettes, discover our collection of sweet and savoury pancake recipes, perfect for any meal.

newsletter

Subscribe to The Happy Foodie email newsletter

Get our latest recipes, features, book news and ebook deals straight to your inbox every week