What To Bake Desserts is my go-to answer when I want something sweet but can't decide what to make. It's a simple, buttery dessert base that you can dress up in so many ways.
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Think of it like a blank canvas. You can stir in chocolate chips, swirl in jam, or top it with fruit. It's forgiving and always delicious.
The best part? It comes together in one bowl with ingredients you probably already have. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted
Use unsalted to control the salt. You can substitute coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
Regular white sugar works best. You can use coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
1 large egg
Room temperature egg blends more smoothly. If you're out, use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pure vanilla gives the best flavor. You can use almond extract for a different twist.
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
Gluten-free 1:1 flour works too. For a nuttier taste, try whole wheat pastry flour.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Ensure it's fresh for proper rise. You can use 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice.
1/4 teaspoon salt
Kosher or sea salt is fine. If using salted butter, omit this.
1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips (or any add-in)
Use your favorite add-ins: nuts, dried fruit, or candy pieces. For a fruity version, use 1/2 cup fresh berries.
Tips & Tricks
- Don't overmix the batter. Stop as soon as the flour disappears to keep the dessert tender.
- Use a light-colored metal pan for even browning. Dark pans can cause the edges to burn.
- Let it cool completely before cutting for clean slices. Warm dessert will crumble.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until combined. Add the egg and vanilla, and mix until smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt over the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Fold in Add-ins
Gently fold in your chocolate chips or other add-ins. Reserve a few to sprinkle on top.
5. Transfer to Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved add-ins on top.
6. Bake to Golden
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The edges will be pulling away from the pan.
7. Cool and Serve
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Delicious Variations
Fruity
Add 1/2 cup fresh blueberries and 1 teaspoon lemon zest.
Nutty
Stir in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts and 1/4 cup caramel bits.
Spiced
Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and use dried cranberries.
How to Store What To Bake Desserts
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Warm individual pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt to a pinch or omit it entirely.
Q: How do I know when it's done?
The top should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes.
I hope you enjoy this flexible dessert base as much as I do. Try it tonight and let me know what add-ins you choose! Happy simplifying!
What To Bake Desserts
What To Bake Desserts: a flexible, easy dessert base with endless flavor variations. Perfect for busy weeknights and customizing with what you have.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips (or any add-in)
📋 Instructions
- 1Preheat and Prep — Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- 2Mix Wet Ingredients — In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until combined. Add the egg and vanilla, and mix until smooth.
- 3Add Dry Ingredients — Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt over the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
- 4Fold in Add-ins — Gently fold in your chocolate chips or other add-ins. Reserve a few to sprinkle on top.
- 5Transfer to Pan — Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved add-ins on top.
- 6Bake to Golden — Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The edges will be pulling away from the pan.
- 7Cool and Serve — Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Maya writes about sustainable living and zero-waste swaps for busy households. She focuses on small, actionable changes that fit into real life, from kitchen composting to low-impact cleaning routines. Her articles are grounded in everyday practicality rather than theory.
