Baked goods recipes

Traditional German lebkuchen: honey-and-molasses spice cookies studded with citron and nuts, finished with a brushed sugar glaze. A heritage Christmas cookie that gets better as it ages.

Savory supper bread baked in a pie pan with chopped ham, sharp cheddar, mustard, and sesame seeds mixed into a Bisquick batter. Cut into warm wedges for the easiest weeknight dinner or brunch.

Pfeffernuesse are traditional German Christmas peppernut cookies, fragrant with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and a hint of black pepper, studded with citron and almonds and a touch of brandy. A heritage holiday cookie.

A vegan chocolate-cinnamon torte made with tofu and sugar substitute, glazed with a glossy mocha fudge topping spiked with espresso. No eggs, no dairy, and completely plant-based without sacrificing richness.

Flowerpot banana bread: classic banana walnut bread baked in a clay flowerpot in a slow cooker for an unusual conversation-piece presentation. Rustic gift idea with a 1970s charm.

Danish almond cookies (Mandel Kager) with cardamom and cinnamon, brushed with egg wash and topped with a blanched almond half. A traditional Scandinavian Christmas cookie.

Birds nests are thumbprint cookies rolled in egg white and crushed walnuts, then filled with a jewel of fruit jam. A classic holiday tea cookie that bakes in 10 minutes.

Moist zucchini bread with cinnamon, nutmeg, walnuts, and raisins or dates. Makes two loaves that freeze beautifully for later.

Homemade shortbread with just three ingredients: butter, powdered sugar, and flour. The classic Scottish biscuit pressed into a pan, pricked with a fork, and baked golden for buttery, melt-in-your-mouth squares.

Profiteroles au chocolat are crisp French pâte à choux puffs filled with cold ice cream and topped with warm chocolate sauce. The classic Parisian bistro dessert, stunning yet simple to make at home.

Chocolate cake with coffee syrup: a moist, fine-crumbed chocolate butter cake with cocoa bloomed in boiling water, brushed with a Kahlua-spiked sugar syrup that deepens the chocolate. Bakery-quality at home.

Buttermilk chocolate cake made with real unsweetened chocolate and topped with a from-scratch dark chocolate frosting. A rich, tender two-layer cake with deep cocoa flavor.

Upside-down chocolate cake layers marshmallows and a cocoa-walnut syrup under boxed devil's food batter, baking into a gooey self-saucing chocolate dessert.

Brown sugar pie with a rich, caramel-flavored custard filling topped with golden meringue. An old-fashioned Southern cream pie made from simple pantry staples.

Puffy, souffle-like cornmeal spoon bread loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and garlic. Baked golden and scooped warm from the dish, it's Southern comfort at its finest.

Oatmeal cookies loaded with golden raisins and chocolate chips. Chewy, hearty, and ready in 30 minutes from start to finish.