weekend baker: easiest melt-and-mix desserts

I’m all for no-fuss treats, especially when I'm short on prep time! Stirring together a few favourite ingredients all in one bowl can sometimes be all it takes to bake the most beautiful desserts!

chocolate and maple banana cake

In our latest Fast issue, we've come up with the fudgiest chocolate cakes that you can simply stir in a bowl and bake! Sweetened with maple syrup and ripe bananas, this beautiful treat is so easy to master!

blueberry and yoghurt loaf

A gorgeous classic that never goes out of style, this simple yoghurt and blueberry loaf is basically no-fail, and a great recipe to make with the kids!

spiced chai bundt cake

Adding the flavour of chai to a simple cake mixture elevates it to a guest-worthy treat! I love serving this cake for afternoon tea.

rum and raisin chocolate brownies

The smell of brownies wafting from the kitchen is one of my favourite things. This recipe has the extra indulgence of rum and raisins – yum!

one-bowl banana cake

This is seriously the most easiest cake you'll ever make! Melt and mix cakes sometimes mean you get a crack on the top, just drizzle with icing to cover it up!

coffee and brown sugar tray cake

This classic tray cake is swirled with strong black coffee to balance the crumbly and sweet caramelised brown sugar topping – it’s perfect for morning tea!

lemon and yoghurt cake

One of my favourite cakes to make when I have guests over, I just love the citrus tang of this lemon and yoghurt cake. It looks so beautiful, but it's so easy to make!

sticky ginger puddings

These individual puddings are a great winter warmer – it’s so satisfying to dig into the sponge layer to discover the saucy goodness underneath.

date doughnuts with spiced sugar

I love the addition of soft, fresh dates to these light-as-air baked doughnuts – they create a deeper, satisfying sweetness.

salted dark chocolate layer cake with milk chocolate ganache

I absolutely love the combination of salty and sweet, and this beautiful layer cake from our latest Fast issue is filled with a cheat's ganache and finished off with a sprinkling of salt.

all-time favourite: gluten-free cakes

Using a clever combination of nuts, buckwheat flour or coconut, you'll see how seriously simple it is to side-step gluten. We definitely don't miss it in this wholesome selection of flourless delights.

Raw caramel slice

Forget baking! Keep your cool with this refrigerated raw caramel slice.

Carrot and coconut cake with ricotta icing

Who needs flour? This fluffy carrot and coconut cake has a delicious crumb and perfect texture. Filled with creamy ricotta icing for a flour-free take on an old classic.

Coconut cake

Whether you're after a celebration cake, afternoon tea or indulgent dessert, this coconut cake will hit the spot.

Zucchini ricotta pistachio and chia cake

This wholesome zucchini ricotta pistachio and chia cake uses buckwheat flour and almond meal as a gluten-free substitute; nourishing and seriously yummy.

Flourless cacao fudge cake

With only five ingredients this flourless cacao fudge cake is nothing short of full chocolate flavour.

Lime and pistachio cake

Packed with fragrant pistachios and a hint of lime this cake has a distinct Middle Eastern undertone.

Flourless chocolate fudge layer cake

No gluten? No problem! You can still treat yourself with this decadent chocolate fudge layer cake.

Mandarin and polenta syrup cake

Using an almond meal and polenta substitute this mandarin syrup cake is a vitamin-rich citrus delight perfect for any occasion.

weekend baker: top five homemade breads

I just love the smell of freshly baked bread – it's always better made at home! From seriously simple no-knead rolls to cheesy flatbreads and loaves, a big pumpkin bread or rosemary-infused crunchy knots, these will get you baking!

no-knead bread rolls

This is the no-fuss way to make bread. The secret behind the no-knead process is all about fermentation. Giving it time to rise, instead of kneading it, lets the yeast work wonders. The result? Lovely, airy-textured bread.

garlic, sage and blue cheese twisted loaf

The soft blue cheese mixed in with the garlic and sage offers a punch of flavour you and the family will love. The perfect accompaniment to pizza on a night in.

blackcurrant, brussels sprout and cheese flatbread

Bread doesn't need to be bland. Bring your loaf to life by experimenting with various colours and ingredients. It'll look just like a work art, you almost won't want to eat it!

pumpkin, speck and fennel no-knead loaf

I absolutely adore the unique flavour the pumpkin and speck add to this rustic loaf. It takes me back to the countryside every time I make it.

rosemary and provolone seeded knots

Making these knots takes only a flick of the wrist. Simple, quick and elegant it's like a present for your tastebuds!