Have a baking BFF? A bread-making bestie? Treat them to an adorable gift basket full of foodie essentials and fun gadgets.
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How to Make the Sweetest Gift Basket for Your Favorite Baker
Updated on Apr. 18, 2024
When it comes to giving to our BFFs, moms, sisters and all around favorite people, it’s always fun to tap into their hobbies to create the perfect gift (even though gift cards are way easier!). Of course, being Taste Recipes foodies, we all know a few bakers in our lives. Next holiday or birthday, why not create the perfect gift basket chock full of fun kitchen gizmos, tasty ingredients and useful gear. Here’s how you can assemble one quick and easy.
Step 1: Gather your gear
As cooks and bakers, we know what our baking gal pals want (and need). Fill your baking gift basket with a few useful gadgets—you, know the kind you can never have enough of—like hot pads, dish towels, spatulas and cookbooks. Then sprinkle in a few novel gifties. We love the idea of adding in a favorite ingredient, like your go-to shortcut cake mix or a fancy bottle of vanilla extract.
Here’s what we filled our dream gift basket with:
- Taste Recipes Cookies, Bars & More
- Floral pattern mitt and potholder (Amazon)
- Wood-handled whisk (Williams Sonoma)
- Gingham striped tea towel (Designed / Tenjin)
- Gold-colored measuring spoons (Target / Threshold)
- Vanilla cake mix (Trader Joe’s)
- Colorful cookie cutters
And if you’re in need of a few ideas for “why didn’t I think of that?” gifts, we’ve got you covered below!
Step 2: Find the right container
While this is of course a gift basket of sorts, don’t limit yourself to packing all these gifts up in a typical basket. Why not find a pretty mixing bowl, canister or cookie jar to hold all those goodies? We chose a pastel mixing bowl from Mason Cash. (Find it here.) Though its patterned exterior makes it pretty enough to display on the counter, it’s durable enough to be put to work in one of our favorite cake recipes.
Step 3: Make it personal
If you’ve got a favorite recipe that your bestie just loves or find one you is right up her alley, why not include a handwritten recipe card? Along with a personal note, your thoughtful creation of the gift basket is sure to be something she’ll treasure.
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Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread
The kids will get a kick out of pulling off gooey pieces of this delectable monkey bread. It's hard to resist the caramel-coated treat. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Mille Crepe CakeNo other dessert has wowed family and friends the way this stunning crepe cake did the first time I made it. A showstopper in every sense of the word, it features layers of tender chocolate crepes and rich white chocolate buttercream frosting draped in a semisweet chocolate ganache. —Tina Sawchuk, Ardmore, Alberta
Bread Machine Cinnamon RollsThese bread machine cinnamon rolls are a sweet and gooey treat, dripping with flavor thanks to maple syrup, a fine spice blend and a dose of sugar too.
BaklavaOur baklava recipe takes the mystery out of this beloved dessert! Learn to perfect your own flaky, sticky, sweet baklava right in your home kitchen.
Chocolate EclairYou will feel like a French baker when you make our classic chocolate eclair.
Italian Cream CakeThis sweet and tangy Italian cream cake features three decadent layers of moist, coconut-scented cake held together by a thick layer of homemade cream cheese frosting, made crunchier thanks to a handful of chopped pecans.
Maple Butter TwistsMy stepmother gave me the recipe for a delicious yeast coffee cake shaped into pretty rings. When I make it for friends, they always ask for seconds. —June Gilliland, Hope, Indiana
Coconut Cheesecake & Rhubarb CompoteI took my daughter’s love of cheesecake plus my mom’s love of coconut and rhubarb and ran with it. Try it with a smidge of chocolate sauce, too. —Wendy Rusch, Trego, Wisconsin
Olive FocacciaWhen I add my own special touches to a basic focaccia recipe—including sun-dried tomatoes, olives and roasted sweet red peppers—the results were simply delectable. The flavorful, chewy loaf makes a wonderful accompaniment to nearly any meal. —Dee Froemel, Hayward, Wisconsin 
Cherry DanishSometimes a cup of coffee just demands a sweet treat to go with it, and a fresh-baked cherry Danish is the perfect choice. This recipe is less complicated than most, with just a few minutes' prep and a slow, overnight rise.
Homemade BreadsticksSoft and tender homemade breadsticks are the all-star side. They’re ideal for dunking in sauce, serving with cheese or plating alongside a pasta dinner or savory salad.
Chocolate BabkaI love this chocolate babka. It's a rewarding recipe for taking the next step in your bread baking. Even if it's slightly imperfect going into the oven, it turns out gorgeous. Look at those swirls! —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Poteca Cake“Rock Springs is home to 56 nationalities, and this recipe showcases its Slavic heritage. It’s one of my favorite ethnic holiday treats.”
—Rachelle Stratton
Rock Springs, Wyoming
Focaccia BareseThis focaccia has been in my mom's family for several generations. It is one of my most-requested recipes whenever I am invited to a party—I am not allowed to attend unless I bring it! —Dora Travaglio, Mount Prospect, Illinois
Dutch Apple CakeMy husband and I came to Canada from Holland more than 40 years ago. This traditional Dutch recipe is a family favorite and has frequently gone along with me to potluck suppers and other get-togethers. —Elizabeth Peters, Martintown, Ontario
Lemon Cream PuffsThe fluffy filling for these light crisp shells has a delectable citrus flavor. —Doreen Martin, Kitimat, British Columbia
Chocolate CannoliWe made two Italian treats into one with beautiful pizzelle cookies wrapped around a rich, chocolaty cannoli filling. The chopped pistachios are a pretty added touch. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Chocolate Ganache CakeThis decadent chocolate ganache cake is what every chocolate lover dreams of!
Homemade BagelsOur easy bagel recipe lets you skip the store and make a dozen homemade bagels right in the comfort of your kitchen. Customize them with your favorite bagel toppings like everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds or Asiago cheese.
Apple StrudelThe ideal fall recipe has arrived: the apple strudel. Filled with a gooey inside and wrapped in a golden, flaky outer crust, this apple strudel is as pretty as it is delicious.
Homemade ChurrosThese fried cinnamon-sugar homemade churros are best when fresh and hot. Try them with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Don't be surprised if people start dunking...and then go back for more.
Gingersnap Crumb Pear PieThis basic recipe was one my grandmother used for making crumble pies from fresh fruit. She simply substituted oats, gingersnaps or vanilla wafers depending on the fruit. Pear was always my favorite, and I added the ginger and caramel to give it a new twist. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Swiss Cheese BreadThis bread will receive rave reviews, whether you serve it as an appetizer or with a meal. For real convenience, you can make it ahead of time and freeze it! —Karla Boice, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Bee Sting CakeThe bee sting cake, or bienenstich, may look daunting, but it's well worth the effort. Take the steps one at a time and you'll be surprised how easy it is to make. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Sage & Gruyere Sourdough BreadA sourdough starter gives loaves extra flavor and helps the rising process. This bread, with sage and Gruyere cheese, comes out so well that I’m thrilled to share it. —Debra Kramer, Boca Raton, Florida
Minted Chocolate TorteOur family has enjoyed this remarkable layered cake for years. It's a favorite for many occasions. —Barbara Humiston, Tampa, Florida
Soft Giant PretzelsThis giant pretzel recipe creates big soft pretzels that are perfect for any Oktoberfest celebration. Pair the bread machine pretzels with an ice-cold lager and a side of beer cheese sauce for dunking.
Lemon Chiffon CakeLemon chiffon cake is soft and spongy, with a luscious buttercream frosting. You'll want to eat this cake quickly, as chiffon cakes don't last very long—but that shouldn't be a problem, given how delicious it is.
Baklava CheesecakeWith a phyllo dough crust, a spiced ground walnut layer and a mascarpone and honey cheesecake filling, this baklava cheesecake satisfies the sophisticated sweet tooth.
Lemon Ricotta FrittersThese mouthwatering fritters are golden brown outside, soft and cakelike inside, and have a lovely citrusy and creamy flavor from the classic duo: lemon ricotta. Fritters are great served warm with jam or honey. —Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Unicorn CakeThis magical unicorn cake tastes as good as it looks. Baking in smaller pans creates impressive height, and a few simple decorating tricks turn it into a showstopping dessert. —Lauren Knoelke, Des Moines, Iowa
Nut Roll RecipeYou don't need Hungarian ancestors to appreciate this nut roll recipe. It's elegant and not too sweet, perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.
Italian Rainbow CookiesColorful, gorgeously layered and filled with yummy almond, raspberry and chocolate flavors, our Italian rainbow cookies will be a recurring presence on your annual holiday cookie tray.
Coffee CakeOur coffee cake recipe turns coffee-o-clock into a true treat!
Cinnamon Twirl Roly-PolyMy whole house smells incredible when this cake is in the oven. Change it up with other extracts—maple is heavenly. —Holly Balzer-Harz, Malone, New York 
Pumpkin Pan RollsServe these spicy-sweet pumpkin rolls for dinner—or at any time of day–and get ready to hear a chorus of yums in your kitchen! —Linnea Rein, Topeka, Kansas
Strawberry-Rhubarb PieStrawberry-rhubarb pie is the best way to celebrate the coveted summer season of fresh strawberries and rhubarb.
Chocolate-Raspberry Whoopie PiesI’ve saved this jam-filled whoopie pie recipe for years after cutting it out of a newspaper. It’s one of my grandson's personal favorites. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
Ricotta BreadRicotta bread is a traditional Italian spring treat. It is a sweet and tender glazed loaf that can be dressed up with colorful sprinkles.
Jamaican Chocolate Cookies with Caramel CremeI made these for an office party cookie contest—not a crumb was left on the platter! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Lemon Ricotta CakeThis lemon ricotta cake recipe is a family gem that was passed down from my grandmother and mother. Garnished with shaved lemon zest, the moist four-layer cake is the perfect dessert when you want to impress. —Nanette Slaughter, Sammamish, Washington
Peach CrumbleFor an outstanding peach crumble, use the ripest, most juicy peaches you can find. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Dulce de Leche CheesecakeThis decadent dulce de leche cheesecake features rich cream cheese filling with swirls of dulce de leche atop a spiced gingersnap and walnut crust.
Pecan Kringle SticksMy family loves that the kringle is flaky and not too sweet—it just melts in your mouth. This makes a beautiful presentation on a cookie platter along with other holiday sweets. —Connie Vjestica, Brookfield, Illinois
Crunchy BreadsticksThese thin, crisp breadsticks created in our Test Kitchen add a bit of elegance to a holiday dinner. Each bite is perfectly seasoned with thyme and coarse salt.
Peanut Butter ‘N’ Jelly CakeI made this fun and flavorful peanut butter and jelly cake for my son's first birthday. He just turned 33, and he still has to have his favorite treat. Kids of any age have a hard time turning down peanut butter and jelly—especially when it comes tucked into cake and frosting! —Linda Graybill, Sebring, Florida
Apple Raisin BreadI've been making this bread for many years. It smells so good in the oven and tastes even better. I make bread almost every Saturday, and it doesn't stay around long with our sons home from college in the summer. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington
Caramel-Pecan Apple PieYou'll love the smell in your kitchen—and the smiles on everybody's faces—when you make this scrumptious caramel apple pie recipe. It takes me back home to Virginia, to my granny's table. —Jean Castro, Phoenix, Arizona
Cinnamon Roll MacaronsThese macarons are a fall and winter staple for me. Inspired by the classic cinnamon roll, they are a delicious treat for a cold or snowy day. These pair well with a mug of tea, and can be eaten as a dessert or just a snack. Other fillings would work well with this—including custard, mousse, ganache or other buttercream.
—Elizabeth Ding, El Cerrito, California
Pumpkin Cranberry BreadWhat makes this pumpkin cranberry bread recipe truly special is its versatility and ease of preparation yielding two loaves that are delicious to share or to stock your freezer for future sweet treats.
Caramel CheesecakeWhat makes cheesecake even better? A delicious, gooey caramel topping. Our caramel cheesecake has a crushed vanilla-wafer crust and a warm caramel-walnut topping. Oh yeah, it's really easy to make too!
Contest-Winning Chocolate Angel Food CakeAt once rich and fluffy, this chocolate angel food cake will be a celebrated delight.
Pumpkin Cranberry Bread PuddingSavor your favorite fall flavors with this scrumptious bread pudding, served warm with a sweet vanilla sauce. Yum! —Judith Bucciarelli, Johnson, New York
Cinnamon BreadOur homemade cinnamon bread recipe makes a loaf fit for magazine covers: tall and golden brown with soft, sweet dough and swirls of cinnamon sugar. Here's how to make it.
S’more CheesecakeThis luscious dessert is just as wonderfully tasty as the campfire snack that inspired it. It's a great way to savor a summer classic anytime of year. Our 4-year-old daughter likes it so much that she's requested it for her next birthday! —Robin Andrews, Cary, North Carolina
