Baking is something I’ve been doing rather a lot of recently. In common with many other people, I imagine, as comfort food is very much on the self-care agenda. There’s something about the careful combining of ingredients and the anticipation of waiting for your creations to cook, isn’t there? While I’m certainly no baker, I have enjoyed creating some yummy and easy bakes with Flora recently. So, in no particular order, I thought I’d share our top five favourites with you.
What Constitutes Easy Bakes and Comfort Food?
First though, let’s be clear about what exactly I mean by easy bakes and comfort food. For me, it’s something that doesn’t require too many ingredients, or pots and pans, and uses a recipe that even a complete beginner can easily follow. And any addition of chocolate is a bonus 😉
Chocolate Nutella Twists
You might have seen this one pop up on my Instagram feed a while ago – this is entirely Flora’s creation and she’s rightly proud of it. In her own words, “It couldn’t be easier.” Of course, if you want to go to the bother of making your own puff pastry then who are we to stop you, but we didn’t. Our principles were easy bakes, so local shop-bought, ready-made puff pastry suited us just fine.
Ingredients
- 1 x sheet shop bought puff pastry
- Nutella
- Milk for washing
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350F/180C/Gas 4 and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Unroll your pastry sheet, cut it into 6 pieces, and spread those with Nutella.
- Cut each piece in half but leave the top 2cm in place as a header and twist the other two strips together.
- Brush with milk and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Leave to cool for 10 minutes, take your pretty photo for Instagram, serve and enjoy. Quick, easy, and (to Flora) irresistible comfort food.
Banana Tarte Tatin and Orange Ice Cream
This one is a very slight adaptation of this gorgeous recipe from that goddess, Nadiya Hussein*. Because we didn’t have any cardamom so substituted with some orange oil, and none of us are keen on hazelnuts. We thought orange ice cream and banana tarte would be a good combination and we were right 🙂 If orange isn’t your thing though, try one of these 21 no churn ice cream recipes instead.
I know, technically, ice cream isn’t a bake, but my blog, my rules. And come on, isn’t ice cream the ultimate comfort food? Especially when you don’t even have to churn it yourself? Top tip: when you’re making the caramel, watch it like the proverbial hawk. Because burnt caramel smells disgusting and is a nightmare to get off your pan.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
There are a gazillion banana bread recipes out there but I adore this delicious recipe from the wonderful Soph. So, definitely go and check out her recipe over on her blog. We omitted the vanilla extract, but are in wholehearted agreement with her that chocolate chips are a staple in banana bread!
Top tip: don’t put your bake on too high a shelf in the oven though. Because I did this the first time we made this, and when it rose, it got stuck in the grill….
Scones
This was another of Flora’s solo easy bakes, and a Food Technology challenge set by her school recently. She made her scones from scratch, watching this YouTube video. The only help she had was to turn the oven on and, yes, with the washing up afterwards (naturally). We’d run out of white self-raising flour so she used wholemeal, and she opted for butter instead of margarine (bleurgh).
They turned out beautifully: light, fluffy and delicious with some of last year’s homemade plum jam. And her photo made it onto the school’s WOW WALL for the week too, so she was very happy! So are we, because she’s made them a couple more times since then too.
Beer Bread
As I said, I’m no baker, and neither am I vegan (although if you are, then any and all of Sophie’s recipes are a MUST). But how could I resist a three-ingredient vegan bread recipe that requires no proving, kneading or any other kind of faff? Oh, and in case you were wondering, yes, it really does use beer! Katy Beskow* I think I love you. The type of beer affects the flavour of the loaf. So Spitfire Kentish Ale (in the photo) gives a very different flavour to Wolf Rock IPA.
The darker ales really do give an almost sourdough taste. Win, win, my favourite type of bread. And there’s nothing like the smell and taste of freshly baked bread with lashings of butter, is there? A truly easy bake and the ultimate irresistible comfort food, no?
So, there we are, my top five easy bakes for ultimate comfort food. Have you made any of them before? Which do you think would be your favourite? Any top recipe tips to share for this extremely novice baker? 🙂
* This post contains affiliate links (please see my disclaimer).
The chocolate Nutella twists look insane! Such lovely ideas I will most definitely have to try some of these!
Amber – The Unpredicted Page
They are soooooooo good, and they really gave Flora confidence before she tackled scones!
I want to eat everything on this list! All the food looks so delicious, the Nutella strips especially! I really need to try making those because I love Nutella and that would be a perfect snack! X
Honestly, the Nutella twists are so delicious, they’re practically a staple in our household now! x
I am so glad I had eaten before reading! Some lovely comfort recipes I will definitely be trying out, the other half will love the beer bread! Thank you for a fab post!
Sarah
SimplysarahJayneLoves
Ha, that made me chuckle! And yes, the beer bread went down well with my husband too, funnily enough 🙂
Oh my goodness, these look amazing!! The Nutella twists look super yummy. Think the husband would probably like the beer bread. Looks like I’ll be popping to the shop today 🤣🤣
Flora made some more Nutella twists yesterday and they’ve all gone already, haha. Good luck with the beer bread, it’s delicious too 🙂
This all sounds absolutely delicious! I’m a sucker for scones, but honestly never considered making them myself. I love baking but my downside is always presentation.
You’ve motivated me however! I think I need to get myself out of bed and in the kitchen.
Kate
Ah, that’s so lovely to hear, we are working on our presentation because Flora has got into flatlays now too, haha. And yes, do try some homemade scones, speaking as a consumer I can highly recommend!
As someone who often struggles in the kitchen, these recipes are perfect for me! Those scones sound delicious! I often buy scones but I should definitely try making them myself. Also anything with Nutella in it is a major yes from me!
Well, I’m no baker but these recipes are all really easy (although I haven’t tried scones myself but Flora says they are!) – hope you enjoy them 🙂
It’s all about the scones 😀 nothing beats a freshly made scone! Though the tarte tatin looks nice.
After eating Flora’s scones, I would have to agree with you 🙂
I am not a very experienced baker at all. But these seem relatively easy. I haven’t heard of beer bread before. Sounds interesting! I love scones but never actually tried baking them before! These are some great baking recipes. Thank you for sharing these Lisa xxx
Oh neither am I, but these recipes really are super easy to follow. Definitely go with beer bread, you can make it vegan if you wish, but you don’t have to! xxx
I’ve been wanting to make tarte tatin for ages but I can’t get my mum on board and I always like it when we bake together. I think I’ve won her round to try and make Creme Brule though! Hope it turns out as good as your stuff did <3
Oooooh, we love Creme Brulee, although I have to confess I don’t like the crunchy sugar topping, just the sweet creaminess underneath – good luck, I’m sure it will be delicious! x
Great post! These look delicious! My favorites are either the nutella twists or the banana bread!
Thank you – and good choices, both are yummy!
Thanks for sharing, all the bakes that you have made during this time, they all look very yummy 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
You’re welcome, and they are indeed 🙂
Well I know I’d absolutely adore everything on this list, however the beer bread sounds SO INTRIGUING. I’ve never heard of that before!! The fact that it has 3 ingredients and no faff means I’ll definitely be making it. I’m a carb fiend, too so it’ll be a very welcome bake!
Alice Xx
Oh yay, do let me know how you get on with the bread, it’s been such a game changer for me, I make it about once a week now, haha! xx
These bakes all look amazingly tasty! I’ve been doing lots of baking recently too! I’m keen to try banana bread so I’ll definitely be trying this recipe here. I’m also a sucker for scones! xxx
Thank you – I have to say that yes, they are all yummy, and I’m a huge fan of how easy they are to do as well – highly recommended! xxx
I feel like the only person who hasn’t made banana bread, so I definitely need to give that a go, especially with the added chocolate chips! Thanks for sharing all of these recipes!xx
Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/
That’s how I was feeling too, haha, but now we make it all the time, we all love this recipe! xx
Ah everything looks absolutely delicious! I watched an episode of Nadiya’s cooking program recently and she made the banana tarte tatin and I thought then that’s one I need to try, even more so now! It looks incredible. I’ve been baking a lot whilst in lockdown too as it fills a good chunk of time! xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
That’s what prompted us to track down her recipe and we’re so glad we did! You should definitely try it too, you’d make a fab job of it, I know 🙂 xx
These sound Delicious especially those nutella twists. I’ve been baking lots of chocolate chip banana loaves too.
Flora’s Nutella twists are to die for, they are the best! 🙂
I love to cook but I don’t bake much, so when I do it has to be something simple! I’ve been making scones since I was a child and I used to bake them with my nan in her kitchen. Those chocolate nutella twists look so good too, definitely a recipe I’ll have to try 🙂
Oh absolutely, simple is key, as is very little washing up! I bet your scones are amazing 🙂
Those Chocolate nutella twists sound amazing! i love nutella any time, but will definitely try those out.
Oh yes, do try them, I’m sure you’ll love them!
These look so good and easy. I definitely want to try the scone recipe. Nothing beats a good scone.
I’d have to agree with you, especially when I’m not the one baking them!
Oh wow a chocolate twist! I haven’t had one of those for so long & they sound delicious. Thanks for sharing
I’d never had one before Flora made them, they are yummy!
Who doesn’t love an easy bake?! Those chocolate twists look amazing. It’s great that Flora is making things by herself and following along!! Shows how easy they are to make if they’re child friendly too ☺️ x
Sophie
Ps thank you for the mention! 🥰
I’m so proud of her baking independently, she’s really good at it – now I just have to train her to clear up independently as well… and you’re welcome! x
These all look and sound delicious. I love that you have added savoury bakes as well as sweet too! I think i will have to try all of these out to see which is my definite favourite. I do like the sound of the beer bread though!
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
https://aimsysantics.co.uk/diy-pom-pom-rug-how-to-make-your-own/
Oh the beer bread is delicious, it’s a staple on our menu now, we need to test all the different beers, haha!
These all look delicious, Lisa! I’ll have a plate of the Nutella twists and a Banana tarte tatin and orange ice cream ready for my visit, please 😉 xxx
Duly noted, and I will put Flora on notice too! xxx
Wow, these are indeed easy bakes! I love the idea of nutella twists; puff pastry is so good and I cannot say no to chocolate. Banana bread has to be one of my favorite snacks, since the bananas make the bread so moist.
I love the idea of pairing orange ice cream with bananas! That is a flavor combination I have not yet tried.
I had beer bread for the first time this year and fell in love it. It is simple and so easy to make, as beer and sugar create the yeast. 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing this! My recommendation for your next kitchen experiment would be fudge. 🙂
They are indeed, Jaya, but they taste so good and are a lot of fun too! Yes, we can definitely recommend orange and banana, it’s a winning combination. And fudge sounds fun, I know Flora would love that, thank you 🙂 x
Great post dear, comfort food without the drama. I love the sound of the chocolate chip banana bread and Nutella twists, definitely a recipe I need to try.
Tx
Oh, I should have titled the post that, what a great strapline, thank you! 🙂
Yum! Nutella twists sound right up my alley! Thank you for sharing these easy yummy recipes 😊
You are most welcome, enjoy! 🙂
My favorite comfort foods are anything with pasta or bread. So the banana bread and scones would be my favorites from your list, but really I could see any of these hitting the spot. I love how they are all easy to make, so when you get that comfort food craving, you don’t need to wait an eternity while things cook.
Yes, that’s it exactly. When you want comfort food you want something that’s quick and easy to bake, no faffing around and no long waits!
I might have to bake some chocolate Nutella twists as my boyfriend would absolutely love them, he’s big on chocolatey pastry’s. Thanks for sharing these comfort foods they look incredible x
Oh yes, do it, do it! They are so easy and so yummy 🙂 xx
You know what, you just solved a problem for me! 😀 I have a full tub of Nutella because I just needed a little bit of it once for something. And I was just thinking what I should do with it. But after reading this I know exactly what to do! To buy puff pastry i go –>
Teresa Maria | Outlandish Blog
Yay, that’s so good to hear – you won’t regret it, we promise! 🙂
The ingredients for chocolate Nutella twists are getting added to the shopping list this weeks! They look amazing!!
They really are, we have them every week now!
These all look delicious! I’ve never made scones before but it’s something I want to try.
Thank you – and yes, these are pretty simple, according to Flora (she’s ten!) 🙂
Everything just looks irresistible! Fantastic blog !
Thank you so much 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing all these, they look so delicious, haven’t tried any of them but will try them out. Thanks for sharing Lisa.
You are very welcome, I hope you love them if you do have a go!
I make banana bread for the kids all the time! And I love scones and biscotti because they aren’t quite as sweet, and perfect with an afternoon cup of tea or coffee! I’ll need to check out your recipes. I’m definitely going to have a go at the vegan beer bread. Thanks for the inspiration!
http://www.susanberkkoch.com/blog
I wish I lived in your house, haha, we’d eat so well! And yes, do try the beer bread, it’s been a revelation to us 🙂
OMG! These all look delightful and now I’m craving them! I’ve been wanting to broaden the recipes I make and try new things. The Nutella twists sound amazing and they would be a winner in my household. There are a few recipes I haven’t heard of that sound lovely so hopefully I’ll be able to make these if I can get the ingredients. Love this post!
Oh thank you so much, that’s so kind of you. Yes, do try the Nutella twists, they’re a real crowd pleaser and so easy too 🙂
These all looks so great and you make it look easy. I’ll have to try it out
Thank you so much, I hope you enjoy them as well 🙂
I love easy bakes too. The banana tarte train looks delicious. I have Nadiyas other book. Great recipes in it. Think I will try this.
It was yummy, and really quick to make as well – I hope you enjoy it too!
Yum the nutella twists look amazing!! I definitely wanna try the beer bread too!
Oh do try it, it’s so yummy, we’re going to try with cider next time!
I love easy bake items – and these look delicious!! Thank you for sharing!
You are welcome!
All of these sound so delicious and also super easy. They are perfect for when you just need to bake something! I can’t wait to try the Nutella twists.
That’s why we love them so much – especially the two 3-ingredient ones!
The second recipe looks like something I want to try. Thank you for sharing all these recipes Lisa.
You are very welcome – I hope you love the banana tarte tatin!
You had me at scones, definitely going to give those a try!
I know what you mean, haha!
The Nutella twists look so gooood. I have some Nutella but can i substitute the puff with pie crust? That’s all i have on hand
I’m sure you can if the pie crust isn’t already baked? It won’t be as flaky though 🙂
Strangely enough as much as we love Nutella in this house I’ve never thought to bake with it! I might have to give that a try! They all look delicious!
TBH, before Flora did these twists, neither had we, but they’re gorgeous 🙂
Thanks for these easy ones. I do bake but I have to get in the mood coz there are a lot of things to prepare and wash in the end. These save time and yes less ingredients.
Yes, exactly, but the two 3-ingredient recipes are great for almost zero clear up!
This is delicious list and I love easy bakes. I would love to try the Beer bread. Flora did great making it on her own.
We all love the beer bread, it’s so quick to make, perfect comfort food – and thank you, she’s very proud!
I’m looking for a simple bread recipe. And this Beer Bread must be it.
Thanks for sharing!
Oh yes, this is so easy, you’ll love it!
This blog post just made me so hungry! I love easy bakes, I’ll definitely be trying to recreate the Chocolate Chip Banana Bread!
Blog of Sunshine x
Yay, that’s so good to hear, I hope you love it as much as we do! x
OMG these looks soooo good! I’m definitely going to try the nutella twists and the scones (I’ve been looking for a good scone recipe). I love beer bread, I’m so glad you’ve included it here! I’ve been making so much of it in quarantine cause it’s so easy, and for awhile the store only had self-rising flour. But with a little bit of butter…there’s nothing better! Great stuff!
Oh I’m so glad you’re a fellow beer bread fan, it’s amazing isn’t it? And the scone recipe is wonderful, so light and fluffy, just yum – do let me know what you think of the Nutella twists if you do make them! 🙂
While I LOVE trying a new or elaborate recipe from time to time, sometimes you just need to keep it quick and easy so that you can reward yourself with a little comfort treat, right? These all look delicious! I’m going to bookmark this so that I can pull it up the next time that I need to make myself a little something special.
I’m not the world’s most enthusiastic baker so quick and easy is the order of the day – I hope you enjoy any or all of these if you try them!
I am loving the look of the Nutella Twist too, that looks scrumptious. The banana tarte tartin also looks lovely, I would probably give that a try. I have an ice cream maker, might give the orange ice cream a whirl too.
Nutella Twists are our staple go-to for sweet treats now – and the orange ice cream would probably be even more gorgeous in an ice cream maker!
Oooo Chocolate Nutella twists sound amazing! I need to try making it. Thank you for sharing, great post!
xoxo Olivia | https://www.oliviaandbeauty.com
They really are delicious, I hope you love them too 🙂 x
they all look immensely delicious. I want to try the Nutella twist for sure
Flora’s Nutella twists are the best 🙂
My mom has been making banana bread for so many years, I never thought you could put other things in it. I’m going try putting in chocolate chips in it to see how it taste. That sounds so good!
Honestly, banana and chocolate is a match made in heaven!
I’ve never heard of beer bread but it sounds so tasty!!
It really is delicious 🙂
Oh man! I have just spent an hour writing a food plan for the next few weeks, a really super healthy one and none of these things are on that list!
These look incredible, and as someone who is not a great baker, I think I could manage these… Maybe I’ll have to try before the diet starts on Monday (AGAIN!)
Thanks for sharing the yumminess x x
Oh, that’s great timing – yes, do bake some of these before next week, think of it as an incentive and a weekend treat! xx
These are really fun little bakes. I am so hungry now, about to go and have Nutella twists for breakfast…oops! Thank you for sharing these really easy baking recipes. I love scones too so I think I am going to be having my own tea party this evening! Thank you for sharing
Em x
http://www.loveemblog.com
They really are fun and super easy so I hope you did have Nutella twists for breakfast – that’s a good idea, guess what I’m having tomorrow! xx
This is great. I’d never heard of beer bread before, but now you’ve mentioned it, it makes perfect sense!
Thank you – and yes, it does, win win!
This post has made me so hungry! I want to make (and eat) all of them! Thanks so much for sharing all these great recipes!
Em x
That was my aim, haha, I’m glad you enjoyed them 🙂
Those Nutella twists look SO good! I will have to try and make some!
They are and yes, you definitely should 🙂
These all look so good but my favourite definitely has to be the banana tarte tatin – I’ll have to give it a try! Thanks for sharing x
I must say it is utterly delicious, I’m sure you’ll love it! x
I LOVE chocolate chip banana bread! My all time fave thing to bake as it’s so easy to make but tastes so incredible x
Well, your recipe certainly makes it super easy and yummy, so thank you for sharing it in the first place! x
I’m now really hungry! The thought of fresh bread with butter is making my mouth water and those Nutella twists look delicious! I’ve also never had orange ice cream before but really want it! Thanks for sharing x
That’s what prompted me to try making beer bread too, it’s so quick and easy as well as delicious. And definitely try the orange ice cream (or lemon if you prefer!) x
Okay, the Chocolate Nutella twists have won hands down for me! I think they would go down a real treat at my house. The only thing is, I’m a bit intimidated by using pastry!
Shop bought pastry makes it serious easy though, you just unroll it and cut it to shape!
These look delicious. Love the look of the choc chip banana bread!
It’s absolutely yummy, the chocolate makes all the difference!
Ooh, these look amazing! We’ve been saying since lockdown we’ll have to make something, so I am very drawn to the idea of easy baking! The beer bread looks fantastic. Will have to give that a try.
Lots of love, Helen x
Easy baking is the best! And yes, do try the beer bread, it’s absolutely amazing, highly recommended! x
Delicious! I had breakfast not long ago and I am hungry again. Thanks for sharing!
Lindifique
You are very welcome, I’m glad you like them!
All of them look so delicious. Thank you for sharing recipe.
You are welcome, I’m glad you liked them!
Oh my! Lisa these are some of my favorite ones. Especially the banana bread. I live to eat sweet baked items. That is the reason I avoid baking at home. hehehe. But I will definitely try these look so delicious. 🙂
Via | https://glossnglitters.com
Yay, that’s great to hear, Via! I don’t normally bake this much either, but when in lockdown and when you have a daughter who’s so keen…! 🙂
Ohh I have everything in for the Nutella Twists I definitely need to try those
Oh do it, do it, you won’t regret it! 🙂
You can’t beat comfort food. I’ve never tried banana bread, ever. That’s something I’ll have to put on my bucket list so I can say I finally know what it actually tastes like! xx
Oh, you won’t regret it, it’s delicious, perfect for any occasion! x