10 Baking Recipes Using Common Pantry Ingredients
Below are my top 10 basic-ingredients baking recipes, plus a few extra ideas at the end.
Dear Coronavirus,
You’ve forced many of us indoors and emptied store shelves, but you’ve also reminded us how comforting homemade food can be. Now more than ever, simple, pantry-friendly baking recipes are a welcome source of warmth and satisfaction.
Hazelnut Shortbread Cookies
Crisp at the edges and tender inside, these four-ingredient shortbread cookies use ground hazelnuts for a subtle nutty flavor and can be filled with your favorite hazelnut spread. If you don’t have hazelnuts, swap in another nut, use almond meal, or omit nuts entirely—these cookies still bake beautifully with basic pantry staples.
Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Bread
This chocolate chip hazelnut loaf is pure comfort: moist, tender bread that comes together in two bowls and about ten minutes of hands-on time. It uses simple pantry ingredients and offers flexible variations—add extra chocolate, fold in dried fruit, or swap the nuts for seeds depending on what you have at home.
Carrot Muffins with Streusel
Bright, spiced, and topped with a crunchy streusel, these carrot muffins are a fast way to welcome spring flavors into the kitchen. The batter is simple and adaptable—use grated apple or zucchini if you’re low on carrots, and freeze extra muffins for later.
Double Chocolate Muffins
These double chocolate muffins were born from a late-night chocolate craving and make a decadent breakfast or dessert. Enjoy them warm with ice cream or as a coffee companion. They’re rich without being fussy, and easy to mix from basic baking staples.
Master Pie Crust
A reliable pie crust is an essential skill. Made with a few basic ingredients, this crust works for sweet pies, savory quiches, and more. Once made, it refrigerates or freezes well, so you can keep a homemade base ready for last-minute bakes.
Pie Crust Cookies
Turn your pie crust into charming cookies. This is a great two-for-one: practice the crust, then take time to shape and decorate buttery cookies that are crisp and delicate. They’re a fun project and use minimal ingredients.
S’mores Babka
Warm, swirled sweet bread like babka is the ultimate cozy bake. This enriched dough takes some time to rise but rewards you with a versatile base—shape it into a babka, braid it into rolls, or make filled crescents. Fillings can be chocolate, marshmallow bits, or any pantry-friendly spread.
Puff Pastry Twists
Puff pastry twists are one of the most forgiving pantry-cleanout bakes. Use Nutella, peanut butter, jam, or cinnamon-sugar—whatever you have on hand—to make irresistible, flaky twists. They’re quick, versatile, and perfect for using small jars and leftovers.
Chocolate Celebration Cake
For any reason to celebrate—or no reason at all—this chocolate cake is rich, delicious, and surprisingly straightforward. Made from basic ingredients, it delivers big flavor while staying approachable for home bakers of all levels.
Caramel Popcorn Cookies
Yes—caramel popcorn cookies exist, and they’re delightful. Don’t worry if you don’t have ready-made caramel popcorn; it’s easy to make on the stovetop or in the oven using simple pantry ingredients, then fold into a cookie dough for sweet, crunchy treats.
More simple pantry bakes you might enjoy
- 5-Minute Scones
- No-Mixer Maple Pound Cake
- Maple Tahini Cookies
If you bake any of these recipes, tag @OneSarcasticBaker on Instagram—I’d love to see your versions and how you use pantry swaps to make each recipe your own.
If you found this roundup helpful, save the image below to one of your cake or dessert boards so you can return to these easy, comforting recipes whenever you need them.
