Are you tired of complicated baking recipes that require a never-ending list of ingredients? Do you want to enjoy the sweet satisfaction of homemade treats without spending hours in the kitchen? Well, you're in luck! We've got the perfect solution for you: 5 ingredients or less baking recipes! These recipes are not only easy to make, but they also deliver mouthwatering results that will impress your friends and family. So put on your apron and let's get baking!
1. Nutella Brownies: The Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence
Who can resist the heavenly combination of chocolate and hazelnut? With just four ingredients, you can whip up a batch of fudgy Nutella brownies that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Simply mix Nutella, eggs, flour, and a pinch of salt, and bake until the edges are slightly crispy. The result? A gooey, chocolatey delight that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Nutella
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare Baking Pan:
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well to prevent sticking.
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Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, combine Nutella and eggs. Mix until well combined and smooth.
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Add Dry Ingredients:
- Sift in the all-purpose flour and baking powder (if using). Add a pinch of salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the Nutella mixture until just combined.
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Transfer to Baking Pan:
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
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Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
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Cool:
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Cut and Serve:
- Once completely cooled, cut the brownies into squares. Enjoy them as they are or dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
These 5-ingredient Nutella brownies are quick to make and have a rich, fudgy texture. It's a simple yet indulgent treat for any chocolate lover!
2. Peanut Butter Cookies: A Classic with a Twist
Craving some old-fashioned goodness? These peanut butter cookies are a breeze to make and require only three ingredients: peanut butter, sugar, and an egg. Mix them together, roll the dough into balls, and press them with a fork to create that iconic crisscross pattern. Pop them in the oven for a few minutes, and voila! You'll have a batch of chewy, nutty cookies that will transport you straight to cookie heaven.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Mix Peanut Butter and Sugar:
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter and granulated sugar. Mix until the sugar is fully incorporated into the peanut butter.
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Add Egg:
- Add the egg to the peanut butter and sugar mixture. Mix well until a smooth dough forms.
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Add Baking Soda and Salt:
- Stir in the baking soda. If desired, add a pinch of salt for flavor enhancement. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
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Form Cookie Dough Balls:
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
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Create Crosshatch Pattern (Optional):
- Use a fork to create a crosshatch pattern on each cookie, pressing down gently on each ball with the fork.
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Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep in mind that the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
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Cool on Baking Sheet:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Enjoy:
- Once cooled, these peanut butter cookies are ready to be enjoyed! They are deliciously soft and chewy.
Note:
- You can customize these cookies by adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
- Be cautious not to overbake; the cookies might appear soft when you take them out of the oven, but they will firm up as they cool.
These 5-ingredient peanut butter cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly tasty. Enjoy baking and savoring these delightful treats!
3. Lemon Bars: Tangy and Refreshing
When life gives you lemons, make lemon bars! These zesty treats are perfect for those who love a burst of citrus flavor. With just five ingredients – butter, sugar, flour, eggs, and lemon juice – you can create a tangy and refreshing dessert that will brighten up any day. The buttery crust and the luscious lemon filling come together to create a harmonious symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Lemon Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from the lemons used for juice)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
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Make the Crust:
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In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and mix until the dough comes together.
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Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
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Bake the Crust:
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until it's lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
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Prepare the Lemon Filling:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and flour until well combined.
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Pour the Lemon Filling:
- Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
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Bake the Lemon Bars:
- Bake in the oven for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly firm.
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Cool and Chill:
- Allow the lemon bars to cool in the pan at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled. This step helps in easier cutting.
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Cut into Bars:
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the lemon bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and cut into squares.
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Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional):
- Dust the tops of the lemon bars with powdered sugar just before serving, if desired.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Lemon bars can be served chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy the bright and zesty flavors!
These 5-ingredient lemon bars are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. The buttery crust combined with the tangy lemon filling creates a harmonious balance of flavors. Enjoy!
4. Banana Bread: A Slice of Happiness
Got some overripe bananas sitting on your kitchen counter? Don't throw them away! Instead, transform them into a moist and delicious loaf of banana bread. With just five ingredients – ripe bananas, flour, sugar, butter, and eggs – you can create a comforting treat that will make your home smell like a bakery. The best part? You can customize your banana bread by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon. It's the perfect way to use up those forgotten fruits and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Believe it or not, you can make bagels with just two ingredients: self-rising flour and Greek yogurt. Mix them together, shape the dough into bagel rings, and boil them briefly before baking. The result? Soft, chewy bagels that rival your favorite bakery. Top them with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or your favorite spread, and you'll have a breakfast treat that will make you feel like a baking pro.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups self-raising flour
- 2 cups Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, etc.
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
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Add Greek Yogurt:
- Add the Greek yogurt to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture starts to come together.
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Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
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Divide and Shape:
- Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then shape it into a ring to form a bagel. If desired, you can also make a traditional bagel shape by rolling the dough into a rope and connecting the ends.
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Optional Toppings:
- If you like, you can brush the tops of the bagels with a beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning.
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Bake:
- Place the shaped bagels onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the bagels are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cool:
- Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooled, slice the bagels and enjoy them with your favorite spreads or fillings.
These self-raising flour and Greek yogurt bagels are easy to make and have a chewy texture. Feel free to get creative with your favorite toppings and enjoy your homemade bagels!
So there you have it – five delicious baking recipes that require only a handful of ingredients. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these recipes will make your life easier and your taste buds happier. So why wait? Grab your mixing bowl, gather your ingredients, and let the baking magic begin!