15 Timeless Dessert Recipes Every Aspiring Baker Should Master

Baking can seem overwhelming, especially when you’re just starting, but mastering a few timeless dessert recipes can make the process easier and more rewarding. These classic recipes not only teach essential baking techniques but also provide a solid foundation for building your skills. From fluffy cakes to fudgy brownies, each recipe combines simple ingredients with classic techniques to help you master the art of baking. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, these desserts will quickly become staples in your kitchen.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

To make these classic chocolate chip cookies, you’ll need 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 cup unsalted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ¾ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 large eggs, and 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown around the edges. Let them cool for a few minutes before enjoying the perfect balance of crispy and chewy!

Classic Cheesecake

For a smooth and creamy classic cheesecake, you’ll need 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup melted butter, 3 packages (8 oz each) of cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 large eggs, and 1 cup sour cream. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, pressing it into the bottom of a springform pan. Beat cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the vanilla and eggs one at a time, mixing well. Fold in sour cream before pouring the mixture over the crust. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until set in the center, then cool for an hour before refrigerating for at least 4 hours. The result is a rich, velvety dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Fudgy Brownies

These fudgy brownies are a must-master for any baker. You’ll need 1 cup melted butter, 1 ¼ cups sugar, ¾ cup cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 large eggs, ¾ cup all-purpose flour, and ½ cup chocolate chips. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk together the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and pour the batter into a greased baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is set, but the center is still slightly gooey. Let them cool for 10 minutes before cutting into rich, fudgy squares.

Vanilla Cupcakes

For light and fluffy vanilla cupcakes, you’ll need 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ cup unsalted butter, 1 cup sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, and ½ cup milk. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. Cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Pour the batter into the liners, filling them about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool completely before frosting with your favorite buttercream.

Lemon Bars

Lemon bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a tangy lemon filling. For the crust, you’ll need 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup sugar, ½ cup unsalted butter. For the filling, 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 3 large eggs, and ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the crust ingredients and press them into the bottom of a baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown. While the crust bakes, whisk together the sugar, flour, eggs, and lemon juice for the filling. Pour the filling over the hot crust and bake for an additional 20 minutes. Let them cool completely before slicing into squares for a sweet and tart treat.

Apple Pie

A classic apple pie is a must for any aspiring baker. You’ll need 6-8 tart apples (such as Granny Smith), 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon butter, and 2 store-bought pie crusts. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel, core, and slice the apples, then toss them with the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Line a pie dish with one of the crusts and fill it with the apple mixture, dotting with butter. Cover with the second crust, crimp the edges, and cut slits for ventilation. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. Let it cool slightly before serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Chocolate Mousse

This indulgent chocolate mousse requires 1 cup heavy cream, 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 large eggs (separated). Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Once melted, let it cool slightly. Beat the egg whites in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, whip the cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Stir the egg yolks into the melted chocolate, then gently fold in the whipped cream and beaten egg whites. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving. The result is a light, airy dessert with a rich chocolate flavor.

Banana Bread

To make moist and flavorful banana bread, gather 2-3 ripe bananas, ⅓ cup melted butter, ¾ cup sugar, 1 beaten egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon baking soda, a pinch of salt, and 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, then add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture, then fold in the flour. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a delicious Italian dessert that requires 1 cup strong brewed coffee, 2 tablespoons sugar, 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 24 ladyfinger cookies, and 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional). Start by brewing the coffee and allowing it to cool. In a mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese and sugar together. In another bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the mascarpone mixture. Dip each ladyfinger briefly into the coffee, then layer them in a dish. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, then repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and mascarpone. Dust with cocoa powder and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Pavlova

A crisp yet soft pavlova requires 4 large egg whites, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the vinegar, vanilla, and cornstarch. Spoon the meringue onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping it into a circle with slightly raised edges. Bake for 60-75 minutes until crisp on the outside. Turn off the oven and let the pavlova cool completely inside. Top with whipped cream and fresh fruit before serving for a light and refreshing dessert.

Crème Brûlée

For a creamy and caramelized crème brûlée, you’ll need 4 large egg yolks, 2 cups heavy cream, ⅓ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons sugar (for topping). Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick. Heat the cream in a saucepan until just hot, then gradually whisk it into the egg mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into ramekins and place them in a baking dish. Fill the dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 40-45 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Chill for at least 2 hours. Before serving, sprinkle the tops with sugar and caramelize with a kitchen torch for a perfectly crisp topping.

Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a Southern favorite that requires 1 cup corn syrup, 1 cup sugar, 3 large eggs, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 ½ cups pecans. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir in the pecans, then pour the mixture into a prepared pie crust. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the filling is set and the crust is golden. Allow the pie to cool completely before serving for a rich and nutty dessert that’s perfect for holidays or special occasions.

Pumpkin Pie

A fall favorite, pumpkin pie is made with 1 can (15 oz) of pumpkin puree, 1 can (12 oz) of evaporated milk, ¾ cup sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 unbaked pie crust. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, and spices until smooth. Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes until the center is set. Let the pie cool completely before serving with a dollop of whipped cream.

Strawberry Shortcake

For a light and sweet strawberry shortcake, you’ll need 2 cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ cup unsalted butter, ¾ cup heavy cream, and 2 cups fresh strawberries. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then stir in the cream to form a soft dough. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden. Meanwhile, slice the strawberries and sprinkle them with a bit of sugar. Split the shortcakes, fill them with strawberries and whipped cream, and serve immediately for a summery treat.

French Macarons

Mastering French macarons takes patience and precision. You’ll need 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar, 1 cup almond flour, 3 large egg whites, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and food coloring (optional). Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy, then gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the almond flour mixture and food coloring if desired. Pipe small circles onto the baking sheet and let them sit for 30 minutes to form a skin. Bake for 15-18 minutes, then cool completely before filling with buttercream or ganache.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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