17 Brilliant Baking Recipes To Try This Weekend, From Bagels To Brioche

Make these delectable treats your next baking project.

It can be surprisingly tricky to find a moment of pause, even on your days off. Managing chores, family needs and social catch-ups can mean your free time slips away all too quickly — leaving you with precious little time to rest.

These baking recipes could provide an antidote. They require some quiet focus, steady movement and, occasionally, some catharsis (think kneading bread and vigorous mixing). Though they’re a little more labour-intensive, they provide an opportunity to slow down, switch off and devote your time to something tangible.

If you’re a fan of savoury flavours, you could turn to a sea salt-flecked focaccia or a super-crusty Dutch oven loaf. More of a sweet tooth? A wobbly cheesecake or a fruity pastry might take your fancy.

And there are a few additions for the simpler bakes that could elevate your servings. For something savoury, you could try a burned butter, blue cheese, walnut and garlic spread or a sunflower seed pate. And for sweeter fare, try an oven-roasted plum and strawberry jam or use early-season figs for whipped cream.

Savoury

Quick breakfast bread

This is a beginner-level bake that should be at the top of your to-do list. You can portion this out to last you a few weeks and enjoy the fruits of your labour on the daily round.

Paleo bread

This seed-packed bread pairs well with nut butter and spreads, balancing out the dense loaf with creamy textures.

Oregano focaccia with roasted red pepper butter

This herby bread will become a staple for your cheeseboards (as will the accompanying spread).

Homemade bagels

Bagels may seem intimidating but after some practice, they’re a total breeze. Gather all your favourite toppings before making — think cream cheese, avocado and pesto.

Though this loaf needs a few days to ferment, the recipe itself is relatively simple. It’s shared by Grey Lynn farmers’ market staple and local bakery Bread & Butter.

Tomato, olive and feta focaccia

This focaccia is super flavourful, revelling in both sweet and salty. Make sure you have plenty of rosemary on hand.

Quick courgette and chilli bread

Get to this recipe while courgettes are still at their peak. The vegetable adds an earthy flavour to an easy-to-make loaf.

Crusty artisan Dutch oven

This no-knead bread recipe can be baked within just a few hours. It’s enriched by a touch of honey and spelt flour.

Sweet

Cinnamon and walnut brioche scrolls

Is there a pairing sweeter than cinnamon sugar and super-soft dough? This recipe denies the possibility.

Flourless banana and rhubarb loaf

Long stalks of rhubarb provide a dramatic flourish for this loaf. Serve with a cup of tea for dipping.

Greek love cake

This cake is best served after dinner, with a scattering of roast pistachios and a dollop of smooth Greek yogurt.

Strawberry croissant bread and butter pudding

This is a breezier bake that will surprise with its impressive punch of flavours.

Old-fashioned apple pie

This lattice of pastry is charming and cartoonish — an effort that won’t go unnoticed.

Custard doughnuts with chocolate sauce

Custard and rich chocolate sauce complement this pull-apart dough. Make sure to serve warm.

Basque burned cheesecake

This dessert is oh-so striking. Don’t worry about removing the baking paper — it’s just an added flair for the centrepiece serving.

Plum and apple cake

Summerfruit shines in this warm cake, which is best topped with cinnamon and creme fraiche.

Almond and fruit pastries

You could substitute your chosen fruit according to the season. Opt for stonefruits now, but plan ahead for figs in autumn.