It's not necessary to master a huge amount of desserts. Just become proficient in making a few basic desserts, and people will think you're a professional. Below is a list of some of those basic dessert and other sweet treat recipes.
1. Basic Cake - Yellow
Photo © 2009 Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com, Inc.
If you had to make just one cake, this is it. It's so moist and easy to make.
Basic Yellow Cake
Basic White Cake
Chocolate Fudge Cake
Basic Yellow Cake
Basic White Cake
Chocolate Fudge Cake
2. Basic Frosting - Buttercream
2009 Chocolate Fudge Cake Photo by Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com
You can't have cake without a frosting. Buttercream is my absolute favorite.
Vanilla Buttercream
Chocolate Buttercream
Vanilla Buttercream
Chocolate Buttercream
3. Basic Pie - Apple
Photo © 2009 Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Of all of the pies out there, Apple Pie is by far the most popular and basic.
4. Basic Cookies - Sugar
Photo © 2008 Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com, Inc.
It's hard to decide to which cookie to choose as an over-all cookie. I think Sugar Cookie is perfect because there are many flavor variations.
The second option I had for cookies would be Chocolate Chip
The second option I had for cookies would be Chocolate Chip
5. Basic Candy - Fudge
Photo © 2007 Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com, Inc.
This is not your typical fudge recipe, as you don't need a candy thermometer.
6. Basic Trifle
2009 Basic Trifle Photo by Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com
What I like about this recipe is that there are several flavor options. You can use whatever is on hand.
7. Basic Bread Pudding
2009 Basic Bread Pudding Photo by Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com
It's amazing such simple ingredients can made such a rich dessert.
8. Basic Crepes
Photo © 2007 Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Crepes are so versatile. They're good for dessert, breakfast and can be served savory for dinner.
9. Basic Sorbet
Photo © 2008 Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com, Inc.
You choose the fruit and fruit juice that goes into this recipe.
10. Basic French Toast
Photo © 2007 Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Got some day-old bread, a couple of eggs and a non-stick frying pan? You can make this recipe for French Toast.
11. Basic Pancakes
2008 Pancakes Photo by Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com.
12. Basic Quick Bread - Banana
Photo © 2009 Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com, Inc.
If you had to be able to make at least one quick bread, it would have to be Banana Bread. I've been making this recipe for about as long as I have been baking. It comes out perfect every time.
