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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    When I Nearly Gave Up Baking, These 29 Classics Reminded Me Why I Loved It

    Published: Sep 15, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    I’ll admit, there was a point when I nearly gave up baking because every recipe felt more like a chore than a joy. Then I stumbled back into some tried-and-true classics that instantly reminded me why I fell in love with the process in the first place. From the smell of something sweet in the oven to the comfort of familiar flavors, these timeless treats brought all the fun back into my kitchen.

    The Buttermilk Pie That Brought Me Back to Baking

    A buttermilk pie that has been cut into slices.
    The Buttermilk Pie That Brought Me Back to Baking. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    This buttermilk pie reminded me that simple, creamy desserts never go out of style. The tangy-sweet filling makes it worth turning the oven on again.
    Get the Recipe: The Buttermilk Pie That Brought Me Back to Baking

    Almond Cookies That Reminded Me Why I Loved the Oven On

    Almond Cookies That Reminded Me Why I Loved the Oven On. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

    Warm Up Your Winter: Southern Classics!

    FREE EMAIL BONUS: Southern staples made simply & cozy

    Almond cookies proved that baking doesn’t have to be complicated. Crisp, nutty, and perfect with coffee, they pulled me right back in.
    Get the Recipe: Almond Cookies That Reminded Me Why I Loved the Oven On

    Chocolate Chunk Cookies That Made Me Bake Again

    Chocolate Chunk Cookies That Made Me Bake Again. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

    Chocolate cookies showed me that deep cocoa flavor can be done in minutes. Soft, chewy, and classic—they were the nudge I needed to bake again.
    Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chunk Cookies That Made Me Bake Again

    The Brownie Pie That Pulled Me Out of My Baking Slump

    The Brownie Pie That Pulled Me Out of My Baking Slump. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

    Chocolate brownie pie reminded me that dessert can be both rich and playful. A flaky crust under fudgy filling made me love baking all over.
    Get the Recipe: The Brownie Pie That Pulled Me Out of My Baking Slump

    Rice Krispie Cookies That Reignited My Baking Joy

    Rice Krispie Cookies That Reignited My Baking Joy. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

    Rice Krispie cookies proved that baking can be fun and unfussy. Chewy, crunchy, and kid-friendly—they reminded me why I enjoyed it in the first place.
    Get the Recipe: Rice Krispie Cookies That Reignited My Baking Joy

    Mississippi Mud Brownies That Made Me Keep Baking

    Mississippi Mud Brownies That Made Me Keep Baking. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

    Mississippi mud brownies reminded me why gooey chocolate bakes are unbeatable. Marshmallows and frosting on top made it impossible to stop baking.
    Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Brownies That Made Me Keep Baking

    The Coca-Cola Cake That Proved Baking Still Matters

    The Coca-Cola Cake That Proved Baking Still Matters. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

    Coca-Cola cake reminded me how baking turns quirky ideas into classics. Rich chocolate with gooey marshmallows was all it took to hook me again.
    Get the Recipe: The Coca-Cola Cake That Proved Baking Still Matters

    Lemon Poppy Seed Cake That Renewed My Baking Love

    Lemon Poppy Seed Cake That Renewed My Baking Love. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

    Lemon poppy seed cake reminded me that baking can be bright and fresh. Moist, citrusy, and speckled with crunch—it felt like baking joy in springtime.
    Get the Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Cake That Renewed My Baking Love

    Bread Pudding That Reminded Me Why Baking Feels Like Home

    Bread Pudding That Reminded Me Why Baking Feels Like Home. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

    Bread pudding reminded me that comfort comes from the simplest recipes. Warm and custardy with spiced bread, it was the kind of bake that brings me back.
    Get the Recipe: Bread Pudding That Reminded Me Why Baking Feels Like Home

    Peach Cobbler That Brought Back My Baking Spirit

    A close-up of a baked peach cobbler in a white dish, with a golden-brown crust and a serving spoon scooping out the warm, gooey peach filling.
    Peach Cobbler That Brought Back My Baking Spirit. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Peach cobbler reminded me why Southern bakes stay timeless. Sweet fruit under a golden crust had me falling in love with baking again.
    Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler That Brought Back My Baking Spirit

    Apricot Bars That Pulled Me Back Into the Kitchen

    A batch of apricot bars on parchment paper.
    Apricot Bars That Pulled Me Back Into the Kitchen. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Apricot bars showed me that old-school recipes still have magic. With dried apricots, shortbread, and a nutty topping, they gave me the push to keep baking.
    Get the Recipe: Apricot Bars That Pulled Me Back Into the Kitchen

    Apple Crisp That Made Baking Feel Worth It Again

    A bowl of apple crisp with oatmeal topping, topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream, with a spoon resting in the bowl. The dessert sits on a light gray surface with a cloth napkin nearby.
    Apple Crisp That Made Baking Feel Worth It Again. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Apple crisp reminded me how easy baking can warm up a kitchen. Spiced apples and buttery oats brought me right back to why I loved it.
    Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp That Made Baking Feel Worth It Again

    Raspberry Blondies That Reminded Me Baking Can Be Fun

    Six Dessert Bars are shown on parchment paper. These blondies have a golden-brown base with swirls of vibrant red raspberry sauce and visible chunks of white chocolate throughout.
    Raspberry Blondies That Reminded Me Baking Can Be Fun. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Raspberry white chocolate bars proved that simple squares can be indulgent. Sweet, tangy, and creamy—they made me want to bake again.
    Get the Recipe: Raspberry Blondies That Reminded Me Baking Can Be Fun

    Fudgy Brownies That Made Me Fall for Baking Again

    A platter of fudgy brownies.
    Fudgy Brownies That Made Me Fall for Baking Again. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Fudgy brownies reminded me that classics don’t need improving. Crackly tops and gooey centers made me fall for baking all over again.
    Get the Recipe: Fudgy Brownies That Made Me Fall for Baking Again

    Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble That Sparked My Baking Love

    A baking dish of strawberry rhubarb crisp with a scoop of ice cream.
    Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble That Sparked My Baking Love. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Strawberry rhubarb crumble reminded me that rustic desserts are still worth it. Sweet and tart fruit under buttery oats made baking feel natural again.
    Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble That Sparked My Baking Love

    Eggnog Pie That Reminded Me Holidays Need Baking

    A single slice of eggnog pie.
    Eggnog Pie That Reminded Me Holidays Need Baking. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Eggnog pie reminded me that holiday baking carries its own charm. Creamy, spiced filling in a crust made me glad I didn’t give it up.
    Get the Recipe: Eggnog Pie That Reminded Me Holidays Need Baking

    Pumpkin Pie That Made Me Remember Why I Bake

    A slice of pumpkin pie topped with pralines.
    Pumpkin Pie That Made Me Remember Why I Bake. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Pumpkin pie reminded me why holiday tables always feel complete with dessert. Smooth, spiced filling in a flaky crust brought back my love for baking.
    Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie That Made Me Remember Why I Bake

    Chocolate Chess Pie That Proved Baking Never Left Me

    A chocolate chess pie topped with whip cream swirls.
    Chocolate Chess Pie That Proved Baking Never Left Me. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Chocolate chess pie proved that baking doesn’t have to be fussy to impress. Rich cocoa in a simple crust pulled me right back in.
    Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chess Pie That Proved Baking Never Left Me

    Turtle Brownies That Rekindled My Baking Obsession

    A batch of turtle brownies stacked on top of each other.
    Turtle Brownies That Rekindled My Baking Obsession. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Turtle brownies reminded me that baking can be both messy and rewarding. Gooey caramel, pecans, and chocolate made me glad I stuck with it.
    Get the Recipe: Turtle Brownies That Rekindled My Baking Obsession

    Italian Almond Cake That Brought Me Back to the Basics

    Italian Almond Cake That Brought Me Back to the Basics. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Italian almond cake showed me how a few ingredients can do all the work. Moist, nutty, and simple, it made baking feel easy again.
    Get the Recipe: Italian Almond Cake That Brought Me Back to the Basics

    Hot Chocolate Cupcakes That Made Baking Feel Festive Again

    Hot Chocolate Cupcakes That Made Baking Feel Festive Again. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Hot chocolate cupcakes reminded me that shortcuts can still feel festive. Warm, chocolaty, and cheerful—they put the fun back into baking.
    Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Cupcakes That Made Baking Feel Festive Again

    Thumbprint Cookies That Reminded Me Baking Can Be Simple

    Thumbprint Cookies That Reminded Me Baking Can Be Simple. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Apple butter thumbprints reminded me that small cookies can hold big flavor. A spiced center and sugary coating brought me back to baking with joy.
    Get the Recipe: Thumbprint Cookies That Reminded Me Baking Can Be Simple

    Blondies That Brought Back My Love for Baking Squares

    Blondies That Brought Back My Love for Baking Squares. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

    Blondies reminded me that baking doesn’t need limits on mix-ins. With chocolate, butterscotch, and marshmallows, they made me want to keep going.
    Get the Recipe: Blondies That Brought Back My Love for Baking Squares

    Coffee Cake That Made Me Fall Back in Love with Baking

    Coffee Cake That Made Me Fall Back in Love with Baking. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

    Chocolate chip coffee cake reminded me that family recipes have staying power. With a tender crumb and walnut streusel, it made baking feel like home.
    Get the Recipe: Coffee Cake That Made Me Fall Back in Love with Baking

    Bar Cookies That Proved Quick Baking Still Counts

    Bar Cookies That Proved Quick Baking Still Counts. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

    Chocolate chip bar cookies reminded me how quick desserts can still shine. Starting with a mix, they were soft, chewy, and enough to keep me baking.
    Get the Recipe: Bar Cookies That Proved Quick Baking Still Counts

    Almond Chocolate Cookies That Kept Me Baking After All

    Almond Chocolate Cookies That Kept Me Baking After All. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

    Almond flour chocolate cookies showed me that flavor matters more than rules. Rich, nutty, and no mixer required—they kept me from giving up.
    Get the Recipe: Almond Chocolate Cookies That Kept Me Baking After All

    Coconut Meringue Pie That Brought Back My Baking Memories

    Coconut Meringue Pie That Brought Back My Baking Memories. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

    Coconut meringue pie reminded me how special homemade pies can be. A creamy custard and fluffy topping made me fall for baking again.
    Get the Recipe: Coconut Meringue Pie That Brought Back My Baking Memories

    Peach Cobbler That Reminded Me Easy Baking Still Shines

    Peach Cobbler That Reminded Me Easy Baking Still Shines. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Bisquick peach cobbler proved that beginner-friendly bakes can still impress. Juicy fruit and golden topping made it easy to keep baking.
    Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler That Reminded Me Easy Baking Still Shines

    Zucchini Pumpkin Cake That Pulled Me Back Into Baking

    Zucchini Pumpkin Cake That Pulled Me Back Into Baking. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

    Zucchini pumpkin cake reminded me that seasonal baking is worth the effort. Spiced, moist, and topped with cream cheese frosting, it brought me back in.
    Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pumpkin Cake That Pulled Me Back Into Baking

    Travel-Proof, Crowd-Tested, Stress-Free Desserts

    A collage featuring a glazed bundt cake with chopped pecans, a frosted sheet cake sprinkled with pecans, and a peach cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream, all displayed on a blue background.
    Travel-Proof, Crowd-Tested, Stress-Free Desserts. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

    From sheet cakes to cobblers, these 16 Southern recipes are made to hold up in the heat, travel without a fuss, and still get you all the compliments at the potluck table
    Grab it here: Travel-Proof, Crowd-Tested, Stress-Free Desserts

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    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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