Are you ready to bake like a professional?
Get started on your baking journey with my list of amazing baking books. Each book is filled with easy-to-follow recipes, tips, and tricks that will help you learn the basics of baking in no time! From cookies and cupcakes to pies and cakes, these books provide everything a beginner baker could need.
Don’t just settle for making average desserts - become an expert baker by learning how to craft the perfect treat every single time! And best of all, each book includes colorful images that will inspire you as well as detailed instructions that make it simple for beginners.
Keep reading to find out more about these awesome books so you can start your new hobby off right by learning from the very best in no time at all.
How I choose
A lot of people want to start baking, but don't know where to start.
It can be overwhelming when you're starting out there are so many cookbooks and recipes out there, how do you know which one is best for you?
After reading through thousands of reviews from bakers like you, I've compiled a list of the 10 best baking books for beginners. My criteria are based on what matters most to bakers- things like ease of use, simplicity, and results.
The Perfect Loaf
Bakers of all ages and skill levels will love The Perfect Loaf. This book makes the often intimidating art of sourdough baking accessible to both novice bakers as well as experienced chefs. With its step-by-step tutorials on how to create signature sourdough loaves and simple explanations of the science behind why ingredients react the way that they do, the reader feels like a pro in the kitchen. After just a few days with this book, you'll be able to create sublimes sourdough creations—and impress all your friends with your newfound baking knowledge!
Why I love It!
"The Perfect Loaf" is an amazing book that I absolutely love! It's a great resource for both experienced bakers and individuals just starting to explore the joy of sourdough baking. What stands out the most to me about this book is the vast array of knowledge coupled with Maurizio's detailed explanations on each aspect of making beautiful, delicious loaves of bread. His helpful tips make it easy to tackle any kind of recipe, even something unfamiliar like a polenta grain loaf or baguette. Even for novice bakers, this book offers comprehensive exercises that build up to the end result – a perfect loaf of sourdough bread. The Perfect Loaf is an incredible tool for anyone looking to develop their baking skills and has delicious loaves of bread on hand at all times!"
What you should know
This book provides step-by-step instructions on building and maintaining healthy starters for sourdough along with tips and tricks for shaping, proofing, slashing, and even scoring bread to perfection. In addition to bread, the book includes recipes for various pastries like bagels and croissants, as well as sweet treats like cakes and cookies. Stunning full-color photographs alongside each of Leo’s instructions are sure to make you want to jump straight into baking! This book is the perfect companion for any baker - beginner or experienced - looking to improve their skills in sourdough baking.
The Bread Baker's Apprentice, 15th Anniversary Edition
Presenting a scientific approach to bread-baking, this cookbook offers a comprehensive overview of the craft along with 75 step-by-step formulas and recipes for extraordinary bread. With detailed instructions ranging from baguettes to pizza dough and sourdough starters, readers will find every tool they need to make artisanal-style loaves. Written with an easy-to-understand tone, the knowledge gained from The Bread Baker's Apprentice is sure to transform beginner bakers into experienced artisans in no time!
Why I love It!
I love how this book guides individuals who are passionate about baking with step-by-step techniques that enhance flavor and texture while allowing creative flexibility and personal choice. From whole wheat sourdoughs to classic brioches and baguettes, this book basically offers all the best recipes for creating delicious loaves of homemade bread. Everything in the publication is backed up with science and solid explanations which means anyone who reads and follows the instructions will attain expert-level results. Plus, each recipe is accompanied by clear imagery demonstrating exactly what every aspect of every loaf should look like when it comes out of an oven. This marvelously comprehensive visual aid provides invaluable confidence to home bakers as well as professional chef-level bakers. Without a doubt, this book is one of my favorite baking companions!
What you should know
Written by acclaimed chef, baker, and instructor Peter Reinhart, this book will give you a complete understanding of bread-making techniques. It will take your bread-making skills to the next level with plenty of recipes that utilize many different grains and flours like rye and wheat, as well as sourdough and laminated doughs. Reinhart also includes plenty of illustrations and photographs to explain his detailed instructions along with personal stories from his own experiences in baking. With this book, you can become an artful baker quickly while learning all aspects of professional baking at the same time.
Taste of Home Ultimate Baking Cookbook
The Taste of Home Ultimate Baking Cookbook offers everything a home baker needs to create delicious treats. With over 400 recipes, the book covers cakes, cookies, pies, and more. Packed with tips and secrets, it provides detailed instructions on decorating, frosting, and adding those special touches to showstopping desserts. Helpful hints teach the basics of baking like determining oven temperature and prepping plans for success. Crafted from legendary home bakers' best-loved recipes and tested by professional chefs in the Taste of Home Test Kitchen, this cookbook can guide any level baker to perfect results every time.
Why I love It!
Baking can be a tricky subject, especially if you're new to the—often overwhelming—the world of doughs and batters. But Taste of Home's Ultimate Baking Cookbook makes it easy for novice bakers to understand the basics and then quickly move on to mastering more complex recipes. For example, the cookbook includes helpful notes on decorating that gradually guide readers from simpler techniques to more advanced methods as their skill level increases. In addition to great tips, Taste of Home also offers over 400 recipes that use only common ingredients that can be found right at your local grocery store. It's down-home cooking at its finest! From classic cakes like red velvet cupcakes to adventurous treats like "Cherry Mocha Truffles," this is one recipe book I'll never tire of exploring.
What you should know
If you’re an avid baker, or just enjoy creating delicious snacks and treats in the kitchen, then you need the Taste of Home Ultimate Baking Cookbook. This cookbook is full of over 400 incredibly yummy recipes experimented with and perfected by culinary experts, as well as helpful tips that will guarantee baking success. With plenty of options including traditional holiday staples, cheesy casseroles, cookies, and cakes— all made with easy-to-find ingredients from your local store – your belly will be filled with smiles! What’s great about this book is that no matter the skill level – amateur or experienced chef – these amazing recipes are designed for anyone to try. So grab a copy of this book today, get out your favorite mixing bowl, and let the mouthwatering creativity begin!
Cake Confidence 2nd Edition
Mandy Merriman's Cake Confidence 2nd Edition is the perfect instructional guide for beginner and advanced bakers alike. No matter your level of experience with baking, this book is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the basics, along with helpful tips and tricks to take your cakes to incredible heights. With straightforward instructions and step-by-step diagrams throughout, this book will help make your baking projects easier than ever before. Mandy Merriman provides everything you need to whip up some spectacular cake confections from classic cakes to unique creations! With her added guidance, you'll be well on your way to becoming an expert baker.
Why I love It!
I am absolutely in love with Mandy Merriman's book “Cake Confidence 2nd Edition”. Not only does it contain detailed instructions on how to make beautiful and delicious cakes, but it also provides inspiration for creative cake decorating. As an amateur baker, I was immediately drawn in by the stunning photographs, which provide an abundance of eye-catching ideas. But beyond that, each recipe is easy to follow and accessible for any skill level. Whether I'm baking a red velvet cake for a birthday party or making bread from scratch for my family's Sunday night dinner, this book gives me the confidence and knowledge to take on any project. Plus the plated cakes at the end of each chapter left me feeling motivated and excited about creating something spectacular - just like Mandy!
What you should know
After a long wait, the highly anticipated “Cake Confidence 2nd Edition” by Mandy Merriman has finally been released. This book provides step-by-step tutorials for baking both classic and specialty cakes with confidence. It contains clear instructions for essential techniques such as cake mixing, shaping, and decorating, making it great for those who are beginner bakers or looking to brush up on their skills. The color photos of cakes within are set to inspire and help readers learn different possibilities when creating their own cakes. With this cake bible, you can learn all the tips and tricks you need to start taking your cake designs to the next level!
Bake Up! Kids Cookbook
Bake Up! is the perfect way to turn your kids from cooking novices into little master chefs. Written by Nicole Hendizadeh, this cookbook offers a unique approach to food preparation - it equips kids with fundamental techniques and recipes that will set them up for success. From easy-to-follow baking basics, such as proper measuring and cooling techniques, to a variety of recipes for both sweets and savory dishes, your little ones will learn important fundamentals and the joys of making delicious treats with their own hands. Whether they're gearing up to make pizza bagels or banana muffins, Bake Up! allows children aged 8-12 to explore the kitchen independently with endless possibilities - all while having fun in the process.
Why I love It!
I absolutely love the book “Bake Up! Kids Cookbook: Go from Beginner to Pro with Recipes and Essential Techniques” by Nicole Hendizadeh. This book is perfect for all levels of young bakers, from beginners to pros. The easy-to-follow recipes incorporate essential techniques needed for success, so kids can become confident in the kitchen early on. Plus, each recipe includes step-by-step photos to make the process simpler and more fun. Alongside the delicious recipes are creative ideas for styling and presentation to make any dish look masterpiece-worthy. Whether children are just starting out or want to expand their baking skills, this fantastic cookbook provides them with all they need to know!
What you should know
“Bake Up! Kids Cookbook: Go from Beginner to Pro with Recipes and Essential Techniques” is a great book to get the younger generation cooking! Written by chef Nicole Hendizadeh, this fun and informative cookbook has delicious recipes and essential techniques for new cooks to easily understand. It contains colorful photography, helpful illustrations, and step-by-step instructions for successful cooking results. For example, recipes are labeled with levels of difficulty that cater to beginner, intermediate, or advanced cooks. Additionally, instructional sections cover guidelines on safety in the kitchen as well as nutrition information with tips on how children can make healthy versions of their favorite dishes. With this comprehensive cookbook, it won't be long until your little bakers will become pro chefs!
Baking Science
This book is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their baking skills - from everyday bakers just getting started to experience professional patissiers with decades of expertise. With step-by-step instructions and clear explanations of baking concepts, it can help you create delicious recipes like perfect chocolate chip cookies or a classic fruit pie. From understanding the basics of measurements and ingredients to mastering delicate dough mixtures and complex flavors, this is essential reading for anyone serious about their craft - guaranteed to leave your kitchen smelling delightful!
Why I love It!
"Baking Science" is one of my favorite baking books because it makes baking less intimidating. This book is packed with clear photographs, comprehensive instructions, and science-backed explanations. With this book as my baking coach, I have managed to understand the chemistry behind recipes and can now tweak them according to taste. It has made me confident in baking, and I now rarely ever let a batch go wrong! The recipes inside this cookbook are delicious and always turn out perfectly – exactly how they are meant to be which makes for amazing results when presented to guests or family. Baking Science goes beyond just providing foolproof recipes; it teaches bakers tricks and tips for making perfect creations each time making it one of the best baking books on the market.
What you should know
If you're looking to get serious about baking, "Baking Science" is a must-have guide. Unlike other baking books that provide basic recipes, this book takes things to the next level with scientific explanations of how and why certain steps should be taken in order to create the best cakes, pies, cookies, bread, and more. The author takes the time to discuss all kinds of ingredients and help readers figure out how they can personalize their recipes. If you want comprehensive guidance on baking but don't want an overly technical textbook experience- this book is a great choice!
Macaron School
Macaron School by Camila Hurst offers an inviting and approachable guide to mastering the world’s most perfect cookie. Packed with 50 delicious recipes, this book is sure to have something for everyone — whether you’re a complete novice looking for basics or an experienced baker trying to take your creation to the next level. With a step-by-step explanation of techniques and an in-depth reference section, it’s easy to find helpful tips on shaping, filling, and baking. And with colorful photos, descriptive ingredient lists, and clear instructions all along the way, Macaron School is sure to make the sometimes intimidating task of baking macarons manageable and fun.
Why I love It!
I love “Macaron School" because it is a great resource for all bakers. Not only does it provide 50 delicious recipes and step-by-step instructions on how to make the perfect macarons, but it also contains helpful tips, tricks, and advice on troubleshooting common pitfalls that home bakers often encounter when making these delightful treats. All of this is shared in an easy-to-understand voice, ensuring that first-time bakers and experts alike can enjoy a rewarding baking experience. As someone who enjoys baking, I highly recommend this book.
What you should know
This comprehensive guide not only features clear-cut instructions and tips on creating the perfect macarons, but it also offers delicious recipes for all kinds of flavors. No matter if you are a beginner baker or if you’re looking to perfect complex techniques - this book will surely be your guide. In addition to ingredients and skills, the author also provides interesting insights that will help elevate your baking game beyond the traditional cream filling; like recipe variations for chocolate, strawberry, mango, and more! If you want to make outstanding macarons in no time – “Macaron School” is a must-have for every aspiring baker!
The Baking Bible
The Baking Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum is an absolute must for any budding baker. With over 300 recipes, 600 full-color photographs, and crisp, easy-to-understand instructions, this baking guidebook has it all. Recipes vary from basics like bread and cakes to more complicated desserts like croissants and pie dough. More importantly, the book takes a unique approach to bake by emphasizing the use of accurate measurements while stressing details like the temperature and time of day in which ingredients are used. As such this book provides a comprehensive look at baking with precision so that anyone can produce repeatable consistent results each time they bake; perfect for anyone aspiring to become a masterful baker.
Why I love It!
Not only does it contain over 500 baked goodies like cakes, bread, and pastries - everything is also well-suited for a variety of skill levels. It covers all the basics of baking and contains additional tips so you can become an expert baker in no time. What I love most about The Baking Bible is that it guides me through every step of the way with clear instructions on ingredients and exact measurements. With this cookbook in my kitchen, amazing homemade treats are just moments away!
What you should know
It features 300 classic baking recipes that are easy to make and delicious to eat. Rose explains all of her techniques in detail, from simple explanations of the basics of baking to more involved methodologies like how to measure and handle ingredients. Her specialty is cakes, but The Baking Bible includes recipes for bread, desserts, pastries, frozen treats, snacks, and more. There are tips on buying equipment and gadgets that you may need as well as guidelines on presentation. Rose also provides fool-proof advice on what ingredients can be substituted with each other so you can make whatever recipe is calling out your name.
Beginner's Baking Bible
From cakes to cookies, pies to tarts, this book has something for everyone! It is full of delicious recipes, clear instructions, helpful tips and tricks, and plenty of mouthwatering photographs. If you have always wanted to become a baker but weren't sure how to get started, this book is the perfect way to start learning all the basics. With more than 130 recipes, everything is clearly explained in an easy-to-understand language so even the most novice bakers can achieve the same results as a professional pastry chef. So why wait? Get baking now with Beginner's Baking Bible today!
Why I love It!
The “Beginner's Baking Bible” is one of my favorite baking books! Not only does it give me step-by-step instructions on creating irresistible treats like cupcakes, cookies, and pies, but Heather Perine's comforting voice and friendly advice make the book a joy to read. I also appreciate that she offers useful tips and techniques that even seasoned bakers can benefit from. I'm always trying something new when I bake, so having a reference book like the “Beginner's Baking Bible” just makes it so much easier. Plus, the gorgeous photographs of finished desserts (many of which are mouthwateringly delicious) add an extra dose of inspiration each time I open the book. In short, if you're looking for a comprehensive resource on all things baking – from simple everyday recipes to show-stopping french pastry desserts – this is definitely the book for you!
What you should know
This is the perfect book for novice bakers who are looking to learn baking fundamentals. Written in an easy-to-follow format, the book starts by outlining all the essential tools, ingredients, and techniques you need to know before getting started, helping you become familiar with the basics of baking. Not only does it include over 130 delicious recipes with step-by-step instructions, but it also offers tips for troubleshooting issues that you may run into along the way as well as advice on how to make mealtime memories with your family. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned baker looking to brush up on your skills, this comprehensive guide has something for everyone.
Small Batch Baking
This cookbook offers a variety of recipes from sweet treats like Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies to savory dishes like Butternut Squash Gnocchi. The small batch baking feature of the book means each recipe will yield four to eight portions making it perfect for those who want to make just enough for themselves or a few friends. Kline's creative recipes are easy to follow and even easier to enjoy. Whether you're an amateur or professional baker, Small Batch Baking provides the perfect opportunity to make delicious meals - without the fuss!
Why I love It!
This baking book has a wide range of sweet and savory recipes, but what I like best about it is the small batches that each recipe makes. The serving sizes are just enough for an individual, or for a romantic date night for two. It takes away the worry of making too much food! Not only does it save time in the baking process, but it also cuts down on food costs. Each ingredient list is short, so it’s easy to create all these treats without breaking the bank. Saura Kline really thought of everything when she put this book together - her recipes are creative yet simple to make and delicious-tasting!
What you should know
If you’re in the mood for delicious, homemade treats but don't want to make too much, Small Batch Baking is an excellent choice. This book features a variety of tasty baking recipes, ranging from classic desserts like chocolate chip cookies and brownies to savory dishes such as focaccia bread or roasted garlic rosemary biscuits. Weighing in at just 160 pages and offering helpful tips for all levels of bakers, this cookbook gives you the confidence to bake anything from scratch — perfect for busy weeknights or occasional indulging alike! You’ll have trouble deciding which recipe to try first with such an abundant selection of sweet or savory options. Small Batch Baking may be exactly what you need so don’t hesitate any longer. Give it a shot.
Small-Batch Keto Baking Cookbook
Are you looking for delicious, low-carb treats that won't break the calorie bank? Then you'll love Small-Batch Keto Baking Cookbook. This cookbook has all the recipes you need to enjoy keto baking in moderation. Inside, the book is filled with tasty recipes like fluffy low-carb bread, gooey cookies, moist cakes, and more -all made in small enough portions to keep cravings at bay and your diet on track. For single servings or to share with family and friends, this good baking cookbook shows anyone how they can indulge guilt-free in keto baking. So don't pass up on Small-Batch Keto Baking Cookbook; it's the perfect way to get all kinds of baked goods without packing on extra pounds!
Why I love It!
I love the Small-Batch Keto Baking Cookbook because it offers delicious recipes for low-carb baking that produce just the right amount of food. There's nothing worse than making a whole cake or batch of cookies, only to have most of it go to waste. This book solves that problem and allows me to enjoy my favorite keto treats without wasting any ingredients. The recipes are easy to understand and come with great step-by-step instructions and photos so I can know exactly what the end product should look like. This book is perfect for those looking to cut down on carbs while still enjoying delicious treats that they can make in small batches at home.
What you should know
With recipes made using just 5 simple ingredients, this cookbook offers delicious and easy-to-make recipes for all levels of bakers. It includes classic recipes like chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon buns, as well as unique dishes such as keto hot cross buns and sugarless bundt cakes. You can even learn how to make vegan variations or double the portions of certain dishes, thanks to the helpful substitutes provided in the book. A perfect addition to your at-home library, this best baking cookbook will help bring satisfaction and joy from successfully creating small-batch treats on a ketogenic diet.
The right book for you!
There you have it! My top picks for the best baking cookbooks for beginners. These books will teach you everything you need to know about baking like you are an expert from king Arthur baking company, from recipes to tips and tricks. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your baking journey today your taste buds will thank you! And don't forget to share this list with your friends who love to bake (or who need some help in the kitchen)!