8 simple baking recipes you can totally master this winter

Since the South African lockdown began in late March, everyone has been cooking and baking up a storm. It’s been a tad bit intimidating for those of us who aren’t quite skilled in these departments but would like to be. Baking is a science and if you ever did science at school, you’ll know it’s not always the easiest thing.

So if you want to get into baking but are unsure of where to start, we’ve got some basic recipes for you to master, as well as how to take it a step up once you’ve mastered the basics.

Basic bread dough

There’s nothing quite like fresh, homemade bread with some butter and jam or cheese on a cold winter’s day. This one is no fuss and no frills.

Step it up:

Flatbread with roasted shallots

It sounds and looks fancier, but flatbreads are quite easy to make and delicious too. Plus, they look impressive.

Classic vanilla cupcakes

This recipe takes you through every ingredient and its purpose, resulting in a perfectly moist cupcake that promises to stay fresh for days.

Step it up:

Bacon and peanut butter cupcakes

These may sound crazy, but we promise they’ll be delicious.

Fruity wholewheat loaf cake

This loaf cake is a mix of savoury and sweet that’s simple to bake and tasty for a midnight snack or to have with your afternoon tea.

Step it up:

Chocolate marble loaf cake

This one is actually fairly simple but can look like you’ve spent ages making it – plus, you can get creative decorating it.

Hot milk sponge cake

Less than an hour to make a lovely cake that everyone will love? Yes, please!

Step it up:

Black forest cake

Chocolate, cherries, cream, brandy and Amarula are called for in this boozy cake, stepping it up from the simpler version while not being much harder to make than your basic sponge.

Banana bread

This has been a lockdown favourite since so many people stocked up on bananas and then didn’t know what to with them. It’s a pretty simple recipe and you can have it on its own or add custard for a little treat.

Step it up:

Tahini choc-chip banana bread

This is classic banana bread’s fancier cousin. Just add some choc chips, almonds, walnuts and sesame seeds.

Magic 3-ingredient scones

Who says scones have to be complicated? Simple ingredients plus a simple recipe make for a classic and delicious result.

Step it up:

Blueberry scones

These call for a few more ingredients, but if you can get your hands on them, it’s totally worth it.

Traditional lemon meringue pie

Lemon meringue (or me-ring-ue, as Aunty Merle would say) truly isn’t as hard as you think it is.

Step it up:

Lemon meringue custard slices

This small twist on a traditional favourite is a must-try.

Malva pudding

A classic favourite that will warm you up as you watch that new Netflix series.

Step it up:

Naartjie-infused malva pudding

This one involves a few extra steps, but the payoff is definitely worth it.