Want to get busy on a lazy weekend afternoon? Check out these fun baking ideas, including cakes, breads, bars and more, that you'll be glad you tried.
48 Baking Ideas for When You’re Feeling Bored
Updated on Nov. 14, 2023
Mini Blueberry Tarts
I served this recipe to my family while we were on vacation and they were all amazed! The best part: I didn’t spend tons of time on it thanks to refrigerated pie crust. Watch your mini tarts around the 13-minute mark to make sure they don’t brown too quickly. If you’d like, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.—Allison Bell, Hillsdale, New Jersey
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Focaccia
Total Time
50 min
Servings
1 loaf (24 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
Focaccia is one of my favorite bread recipes. It’s one of the least labor-intensive since there isn’t any kneading. The dough is very wet, which is perfect for a tender, yet chewy, bread with a very distinct salt bite. —James Schend, Taste Recipes Deputy Editor
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 95 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 61mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Olive Oil Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A good olive oil cake isn’t overly sweet, so it can just as easily be a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack as it can be a dessert. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 279 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Lemon Chess Pie
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This bright and creamy lemon chess pie cuts beautifully and has a smooth texture. It’s one of my favorites. —Hannah LaRue Rider, East Point, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 363 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
5/49
Pennsylvania Dutch Potato Doughnuts
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My relatives have been making these tasty doughnuts for years. The potatoes keep them moist, and the glaze provides just the right amount of sweetness. —Marlene Reichart, Leesport, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 doughnut: 163 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
6/49
Jewish Chocolate Chip Mandel Bread
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This traditional Jewish mandel bread recipe has been passed down in my family for four generations. It tastes wonderful with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa or milk. —Monica Schnapp, Irvine, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 84 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 33mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Buttery Spritz Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 7-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This tender spritz cookie recipe is quite eye-catching on my Christmas cookie tray. The dough is easy to work with, so it's fun to make these spritz cookies into a variety of festive shapes. This is hands-down the best spritz cookie recipe ever. —Beverly Launius, Sandwich, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 43 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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Cherry Chocolate Marble Cake
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cherries and chocolate are natural partners that make desserts such as this simply scrumptious! The marbled effect is easily achieved by layering the two contrasting batters. —Sandra Campbell, Chase Mills, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 606 calories, 31g fat (16g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 544mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
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Rosemary-Lemon Shortbread Sandwich Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These beautiful shortbread sandwich cookies are always a welcome addition to our annual ladies holiday tea luncheon. The distinctive rosemary flavor, paired so well with the tangy lemon curd, has made them a favorite in our group for years! —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 144 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 91mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Plum & Hazelnut Pie
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom taught me about Italian prune plums and pie. Sprinkling the crust with ground hazelnuts gives it a luscious flavor and also keeps it from getting soggy. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 454 calories, 22g fat (13g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 308mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
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Chocolate-Hazelnut Magic Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 bars
From the Recipe Creator:
This hazelnut bar recipe puts a Nutella spin on the classic magic bar! Drizzle melted Nutella spread on top for extra flair. —James Schend, Taste Recipes Deputy Editor
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 305 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 138mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
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Giant Molasses Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My family always requests these soft molasses cookies. These chewy cookies are also great for shipping as holiday gifts or to troops overseas. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 310 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
14/49
Tiramisu Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These tiramisu cookies bring out the delicious flavors of tiramisu, sandwich-style. Pack these treats in a decorative container for an easy edible hostess gift. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 344 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 176mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
15/49
Soft Garlic Breadsticks
Total Time
50 min
Servings
20 breadsticks
From the Recipe Creator:
I rely on a bread machine to mix the dough for this buttery garlic breadsticks recipe that is mildly seasoned with garlic and basil. I like to use this dough when making pizza, too. —Charles Smith, Baltic, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 breadstick: 88 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Orange-Chip Cranberry Bread
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 loaves
From the Recipe Creator:
Tart berries, crunchy nuts and sweet chocolate are simply scrumptious when mixed together in this easy quick bread. Sometimes I'll top it off with an orange-flavored glaze. —Donna Smith, Fairport, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 220 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Meringue Shells with Lemon Curd
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love a dazzling dessert of meringue shells filled with sunny lemon curd. It’s sweet and tart, crunchy and fluffy. Top this lemon curd dessert with whipped cream and berries. —Kris Brill, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 meringue shell with 2 tablespoons curd: 146 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 77mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Zucchini Walnut Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What gardener doesn't have extra zucchini? When it is abundant, I shred and freeze plenty so I have it on hand to bake this moist zucchini cake with walnuts all year long. The cream cheese frosting is yummy, and the big panful always goes fast at a picnic or potluck. —Marie Hoyer, Hodgenville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 275 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
20/49
Mexican Chocolate Walnut-Cherry Biscotti
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to combine flavors and spices from different cultures. These cookies have ground cinnamon in them, which is a classic flavor in Mexican chocolate. They are very crunchy and are loaded with maraschino cherries and toasted walnuts. —Nancy C. Evans, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 208 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
21/49
Chocolate Babka
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 181 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Cherry Hand Pies
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There’s nothing better than a sweet, from-scratch delight like traditional cherry pie. These precious little hand pies always go fast when I sell them at my pie bakery! —Allison Cebulla, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pie: 589 calories, 27g fat (16g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 83g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
23/49
Banana Bundt Cake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This absolutely scrumptious banana Bundt cake needs no icing, just a dusting of confectioners’ sugar. Even though the recipe has been a family secret for years, I’m delighted to share it with my fellow home cooks. —Oma Rollison, El Cajon, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 244 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Pink Velvet Cupcakes
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter loves all things pink, so this recipe was just right for her birthday. Even my teenage son (not a fan of pink) ate his share, too. —Paulette Smith, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 266 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Wyoming Cowboy Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These cookies are very popular here in Wyoming. Mix up a batch for your crew and see why! —Patsy Steenbock, Shoshoni, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 105 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 61mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
26/49
Peach Blueberry Cobbler
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone loves a peach blueberry cobbler. This one is the perfect, scrumptious treat! If you're taking it to a party, you might want to make another one for yourself. There won't be leftovers! —Laura Jansen, Battle Creek, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 260 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
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Best Ever Crescent Rolls
Total Time
50 min
Servings
32 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter and I have cranked out dozens of these homemade crescent rolls. It’s a real team effort. I cut the dough into pie-shaped wedges; she rolls them up. —Irene Yeh, Mequon, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 104 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 107mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
28/49
Snickerdoodle Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My maternal grandmother preferred sewing and quilting to cooking and baking, but there were some things that she cooked and baked really well. She was the only person I knew who made snickerdoodles, simple but yummy cookies that I've always enjoyed. Since cheesecake is my very favorite dessert, I couldn't resist coming up with one that re-creates those flavors. I think of my grandmother each time I make it! Sometimes I'll drizzle the slices with maple syrup. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 513 calories, 35g fat (19g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 343mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
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Blueberry Banana Bread
Total Time
50 min
Servings
3 mini loaves (5 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Blueberries and bananas combine in these tender, golden loaves. Whether you enjoy a slice as a snack or for breakfast, this bread is so flavorful, you won’t need butter. —Sandy Flick, Toledo, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 202 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Pineapple Coconut Upside-Down Cake
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is one of my favorites! The tropical flavors remind me of being on vacation with my family in the Caribbean—I have so many fun memories. —Stephanie Pichelli, Toronto, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 458 calories, 22g fat (17g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 262mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
32/49
Mini Chocolate Chip Sandwich Cookies
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I love baking cookies to give as gifts to my family and friends. I created this recipe for my annual holiday cookie platter and it received rave reviews from both children and adults. If the buttercream doesn't come together after all of the butter has been incorporated, add some shortening one tablespoon at a time until the mixture starts to transform. —Julie Thomas, Saukville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 120 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
33/49
Fudgy Layered Irish Mocha Brownies
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are big fans of Irish cream, so I wanted to incorporate it into a brownie. I started with my mom's brownie recipe, then added frosting and ganache. These decadent treats are the result, and we really enjoy them! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 295 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
34/49
Pina Colada Zucchini Bread
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
3 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
At my husband's urging, I entered this recipe at the Pennsylvania Farm Show—and won first place! You'll love the cakelike texture and tropical flavors. —Sharon Rydbom, Tipton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 225 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
35/49
Ginger-Glazed Lemon Bundt
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tangy ginger, tart lemon and puckery cranberries make this melt-in-your-mouth cake as crisp—and gorgeous—as autumn. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 468 calories, 19g fat (12g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
36/49
Gooey Butter Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me a quick version of this gooey butter cake recipe using a cake mix, but I prefer baking from scratch, so I came up with my own. My family can’t get enough! The middle will sink a little; this is normal. This dessert is delicious served warm or cold. —Cheri Foster, Vail, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 381 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
37/49
Dutch-Oven Raisin Walnut Bread
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
1 loaf (32 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
On a cold day, nothing is better than a warm, crusty Dutch oven raisin bread filled with walnuts. —Catherine Ward, Taste Recipes Prep Kitchen Manager
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 130 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
38/49
Apple Stack Cake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom loved to bake this sky-high apple stack cake. Layer the apple goodness two days before serving. Later, a dusting of confectioners' sugar is the only topping you'll need. —LeVa Clement, Jackson, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 506 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 94g carbohydrate (55g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
39/49
Sour Cream & Cheddar Biscuits
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s my go-to recipe for biscuits. Brushing them with the garlic-butter topping before baking seals the deal! —Amy Martin, Vancouver, WA
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscuit: 206 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
40/49
Frosted Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Heavenly is a good description for this chocolate chip cheesecake, conveniently made a day ahead. When I don’t have a candy bar on hand, I melt 3/4 cup chocolate chips to use in the frosting. —Arlene Butler, Ogden, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 442 calories, 26g fat (15g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 247mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
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Chocolate Chip Blondies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks who adore the classic cookies will enjoy that same beloved flavor in these chocolate chip bars. This blondie recipe can be mixed up in a jiffy, tastes wonderful, and is perfect for occasions when company drops by unexpectedly or you need a treat in a hurry. —Rhonda Knight, Hecker, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 blondie: 102 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
42/49
Raspberry Moscow Mule Cake
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Moscow mule cake is my favorite cake I’ve ever made from scratch. It’s so moist and flavorful, and it reminds me of my favorite cocktail. —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 488 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
43/49
Pear Cake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When pears are in season, I love to make this family favorite. It's moist and keeps well, and makes a wonderful dessert as well as a breakfast or brunch cake.
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 424 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
44/49
Rustic Cranberry Tarts
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 tarts (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve colorful desserts for gatherings with family and friends. These beautiful tarts are filled with cranberry and citrus flavor, and they’re easy to make and serve. —Holly Bauer, West Bend, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 260 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
45/49
Apple Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These apple streusel muffins remind us of coffee cake, and my husband and kids love them as a quick breakfast or snack on the run. The drizzle of glaze makes them pretty enough for company. —Dulcy Grace, Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 295 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
46/49
Herbed Onion Bagels
Total Time
45 min
Servings
9 bagels
From the Recipe Creator:
I create my delightful bagels by adapting several other recipes. I enjoy them spread with cream cheese or onion and chive cream cheese. —Pam Kaiser, Mansfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 bagel: 195 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
47/49
Orange Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A delightful orange frosting is the secret to this cake from Kathleen Gingras of Thorold, Ontario. "It is great with a scoop of ice cream," she suggests.
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 242 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 254mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
48/49
Homemade Irish Soda Bread
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
Some people consider bread to be the most important part of a meal…and this Irish bread satisfies such folks! This recipe is by far the best soda bread I’ve ever tried. With the addition of raisins, it is moist and delicious! —Evelyn Kenney, Trenton, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 223 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
49/49
Golden M&M’s Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
"Our family loves to take drives, and I often bring these bars along for snacking in the car," relates Martha Haseman of Hinckley, Illinois.
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 233 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
