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Our 10 favourite easy baking recipes

by Malou Herkes

published on 3 September 2024

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.

Jane’s Patisserie’s Lemon Drizzle Traybake

by Jane Dunn

This simple six-ingredient traybake is packed with zesty flavour, and is a great go-to for feeding a crowd.

From the book

Jane’s Patisserie’s Caramel Carrot Cake

by Jane Dunn

Looking for an easy yet impressive cake for afternoon tea? This brilliant recipe by Jane’s Patisserie combines a classic carrot cake sponge with a rich caramel frosting.

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. 

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. 

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.

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