So, you took an interest in baking and decided to make it your new hobby. It’s been going seamlessly, and every recipe you make is a slam dunk. Now what?
Obviously, you need to challenge yourself and tackle difficult recipes that would test your patience, technique, and dedication. Where can you find that?
That’s what I’m here to do. This post covers six bucket list bakes that will push your limits and improve your culinary skills. Let’s not waste any time.
1 – Madeleines
You’ve probably seen how everyone goes crazy over madeleines, with good reason. Not only are they delicious and fulfilling, but they’re also lighter than air. What more could you want?
Looking at their peculiar shape, you might think these buttery cakes are hard to make. The process may not be that easy, but at least the recipe uses simple ingredients.
Ultimately, madeleines require patience, attention, and precision, but that’s what baking is all about anyway. So, don’t call Gordon Ramsy just yet, and have fun exploring the world of French pastries yourself first. You won’t regret it. I promise.
2 – French Macarons
If you don’t believe in love at first sight, macarons will turn you into a believer. The cute, small, round shells? The diverse, vibrant colors? How could you not fall in love with them?
Don’t get me started on their taste. Macarons are all about balance; the creamy filling is sweet and rich, while the shells are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Combine those two elements, and you get a one-of-a-kind tasting experience.
I’ll be honest: Macarons aren’t easy to make. However, as long as you follow the recipe to the teeth, pay attention to the measurements, and use the right ingredients, you’ll get them right on the first try.
3 – Glazed Donuts
Let’s face it. You saw this one coming. Donuts are a stable on every baker’s bucket list.
I would even go as far as to say you can’t call yourself a home baker unless you tried making donuts at one point.
So, why are they getting such a high rank on this list? Because they test you on a personal and technical level.
Yes, donuts are all about the technique, but they also require patience. If you don’t have both, you’ll end up with a culinary disaster. Flavor-wise, they’re crispy, chewy, sweet, and everything else you want them to be.
The best part? Donuts are more versatile than you think. If you’re not a fan of the classic recipe, you can find countless variants that might appeal to you.
4 – Bagels
To beginning bakers, bagels and donuts may not look that different. Well, let me tell you the difference is day and night. While donuts are sweet and light, bagels tend to be chewy and savory.
In fact, the classic bagel is usually plain in terms of flavor. I know what you’re thinking: “Why would I make a plain pastry?”
Surprisingly, that plainness makes bagels appealing because it means you can fill them with whatever you want. You’ve probably eaten bagels with ham or cream cheese before.
Well, what if you want something sweet? You can fill them with jam, chocolate, caramel, and more. When it comes to bagels, the only limit is your imagination.
5 – Éclair
I can describe an éclair in one word: Perfect. How could it not be? It’s a piece of fluffy, light pastry filled with a rich, buttery cream/custard and topped with a layer of chocolate.
It doesn’t get any better than this—or does it? You see, like donuts and bagels, éclairs have countless variants.
Yes, the classic recipe dictates a custard filling. However, you can fill it with whatever you think fits the pastry, whether it’s strawberry, mocha, peanut butter, etc.
The same thing goes for the topping; you don’t have to stick to the classic chocolate glazing. You can top éclairs with coconut, caramel, pistachio, or matcha.
6 – Brownies
If you’ve been following chefs on social media, you might have seen them do these crazy 100-hour brownie recipes. It makes you wonder: “Are brownies worth spending 100 hours to make?”
Yes, they are. Of course, you don’t always have to spend that much time on one tray, but it just shows you how much people are invested in that recipe.
After all, not many desserts offer that rich chocolate flavor with a moist, chewy texture. So, whenever you feel like enjoying a flavorful, texture-heavy dessert, you know what to make.
Final Thoughts
Now you have it: Six bucket list bakes that will push your limits and make you a better baker. If you’re new to baking, you don’t have to start with these recipes, as some of them are a bit advanced.
However, if you’re looking to challenge yourself, feel free to explore any of them. Don’t just stick with the traditional variants, though. Experiment with different interpretations to open a new world of flavors.
Sarah is the founder of Baking Kneads, LLC, a blog sharing guides, tips, and recipes for those learning how to bake. Growing up as the daughter of a baker, she spent much of her childhood learning the basics in a local bakery.