Bake It Till You Make It: Tips for New Home Bakers

Here’s a confession: my first attempt at baking banana bread ended in something more... banana brick. We’ve all been there. The smoke alarm goes off, the cookies turn into hockey pucks, and somehow, flour ends up in your eyebrows.

But here’s the secret: every great baker starts with a mess.

At OurRecipeTree.com, we believe the kitchen should be a place of joy, curiosity, and maybe a little chaos. If you’re new to baking—or thinking about giving it another go—this post is your friendly pep talk and your toolkit.

1. Start Simple (Fancy Can Wait)

You don’t need a sourdough starter or a stand mixer that costs more than your rent. Start with the basics: chocolate chip cookies, banana bread, muffins, or brownies. Pick a recipe with 10 ingredients or fewer. We’ve got tons of beginner-friendly bakes on OurRecipeTree.com, each one uploaded by real home bakers who once burned their first batch too.

2. Follow the Recipe (Yes, Exactly)

There’s a reason I’m known for saying “exactly” in my baking videos (seriously, someone made a drinking game out of it). Unlike cooking, baking is a science. Use measuring cups and spoons. Level your flour. Don’t guess. Once you’ve nailed the technique, then you can riff.

3. Don’t Fear the Oven

So many new bakers underbake or hover like helicopter parents. Trust the process. Know your oven. Preheat it all the way and invest in an oven thermometer if your cookies always come out uneven. And don’t open the door a million times—your cake needs quiet time.

4. Use Good Ingredients

This doesn’t mean pricey. It means real. Real butter, pure vanilla extract, fresh eggs. These small choices make a big difference in taste and texture. Cheap vanilla and margarine can turn your cookies from “yum!” to “meh.”

5. Messes Are Part of the Magic

Baking is messy. The flour explosion, the sticky dough, the powdered sugar cloud—it’s all part of the fun. Don’t aim for Pinterest perfection. Aim for happy taste testers and a full heart.

6. Share Your Wins (And Fails!)

One of the best things about OurRecipeTree.com is that it’s not just about picture-perfect food—it’s about real people cooking and baking. Upload your first bake, your proudest pie, or your “oops” cake with a story. Your recipe tree is a timeline of your kitchen journey.

You’re a Baker Now. Own It.

If you’ve ever mixed, scooped, stirred, or sprinkled—you’re already in the club. Baking is about showing love, sharing joy, and embracing the sweet (and sometimes crumbly) process.

So tie that apron, crank up your favorite playlist, and bake it till you make it.

#SaveNonna, #OurRecipeTree, #HomeBaker, #BakingTips, #BakingForBeginners, #KitchenConfidence, #YouCanBakeIt, #LearnToBake

CONTRIBUTED BY:

Jill Kanwischer, retired in 2021 after 30 years as Administrative Assistant to the Fire Chief in Windsor, Ontario. She now volunteers at the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, where she organizes volunteers and helps wherever needed—in the kitchen, food bank, office, at fundraisers or behind the scenes. Known for her hands-on spirit, Jill finds joy in supporting others and building community. A proud member of the Our Recipe Tree team, she also enjoys baking and sharing recipes with friends and family.