Bake Off is back, teasing us with delicious-looking cakes, biscuits and desserts every week while we sit at home, lapping up the drama when ridiculously-ambitious baked sculptures end up in pieces on the floor. It is difficult to get through an episode without salivating over the bakes and craving a sweet treat. So, to get in the baking spirit, here are five quick and super-straightforward recipes (tested by yours truly) that budding bakers of any ability can master.
This banana bread is a delicious way to use up over-ripe bananas, and can be easily customised if you’re feeling creative: why not add some chocolate chips for added yumminess? A teaspoon of cinnamon for a bit of spice? Or perhaps you’d rather add some chopped nuts, for some crunch and extra goodness. With only one mixing bowl required, this recipe produces minimal dishes, yet maximum flavour.
Chocolate orange marble loaf cake
Chocolate orange is a seriously unbeatable combination, so this cake is bound to be a winner with your friends and family – especially when fresh out of the oven and still warm! Tip: If you want a really orangey kick, we recommend adding a teaspoon or two of orange extract for a more intense flavour.
For a scrummy afternoon snack to enjoy with a cuppa, these cookies are a must-try. Beware: they are incredibly more-ish and their delicious buttery smell will fill your house, so it may be worth doubling the recipe! Trust me, they won’t be around for long!
This impressive-looking carrot cake is surprisingly straightforward, so don’t be put off if you’re new to the baking scene. A perfect cake for entertaining and wow-ing visitors – or if you fancy a bit of baking with a delicious reward!
For something you can pack in the kids’ or your own lunchbox and take to work, why not try these – relatively – healthy muffins? Why not customise them by adding some bananas or grated carrot? The comments section is always a great place to browse on BBC Good Food, where you can see how other bakers have tweaked the recipe to make it their own, or to share your own advice once you’ve tried the recipe.
