Baker’s Corner: Sweet & Simple Recipes for Teen Chefs

Double chocolate chip cookies. Brownie doughnuts. Mini Oreo cheesecake bites.

Lemon meringue scones. In the world of baking, the sky’s the limit. Along with classic desserts like banana bread and cake pops, there are endless opportunities for unique yet delectable baked goods to make their appearance. If you’re on the hunt for a new hobby to pick up, searching for the perfect dessert to give to your loved ones, or just want to kick off the new year learning how to make your own sweet treats, try brewing up one (or all!) of these three tasty recipes. You never know, they might just be the perfect addition to your ever-growing cookbook.

1. Mile-High Nutella Mug Cake:

The microwave mug cake, reinvented. This delicious cake oozes, rises, and tastes delightful.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp flour

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder

• ¼ tsp baking powder

• 1 egg

• 2 tbsp milk

• 1 tbsp oil

• 2 tbsp Nutella

• Ice cream, to serve

• Chocolate sauce, to serve

Method:

Step 1: Combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, and baking powder in a bowl.

Step 2: Make a well in the center and add the egg, milk, and oil. Use electric beaters to beat until well combined.

Step 3: Spoon into a mug. Spoon the Nutella into the center. Microwave for 70 seconds or until risen. Top with ice cream and drizzle with chocolate sauce.

2. Pancake Skewers:

Banana pancakes and fruit skewers combine to make a quick, easy, and convenient summer treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas

• 4 eggs

• ½ cup oats

• Melted butter, to grease

• Strawberries, sliced

• Kiwi, sliced

• Honey, to drizzle

Method:

Step 1: Process the banana, eggs, and oats in a food processor until smooth.

Step 2: Heat a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Lightly grease with melted butter. Drop 2 tsp of the batter into the pan to make a mini pancake. Repeat to make 6 pancakes. Cook for 1 minute on each side or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more butter as needed to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Thread the pancakes onto skewers with strawberry and kiwi fruit. Drizzle with honey.

3. Mini Passionfruit Tarts:

Using only a few ingredients, these tangy bites can be made in minimal cooking time and will leave you eager for more. 

Ingredients:

• 250g butternut snap biscuits

• 395g sweetened condensed milk

• ¼ cup passionfruit pulp, plus extra to serve

• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice

Method:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place 1 biscuit into each hole of a 12-hole patty pan. Bake for 3 minutes, then carefully press the softened biscuits into the holes to create a shell. Set aside to cool in the pan. Transfer to a serving plate. Repeat with the remaining biscuits.

Step 2: Whisk the condensed milk, passionfruit pulp, and lemon juice in a bowl until well combined. Place 12 biscuit cups back into the patty pan. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each biscuit shell and bake for 10 minutes or until just set. Set aside for 5 minutes to cool slightly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining biscuit cups and condensed milk filling. 

Step 3: Spoon a little extra passionfruit pulp on top of each tart to serve. Best served within 6 hours of making.

Well, there you have it! Three easy and enjoyable recipes that are sure to build up your confidence in the kitchen. The more you practice each new recipe, the more you’ll gradually become a well-rounded baker. With a willingness to experiment, you’ll discover your own potential to the fullest and learn useful skills that will last a lifetime.

Sources: All recipes found on Taste.com.au