I hope you are all safe and well. With the lockdown extended another week, a little comfort goes a long way. For me, food and desserts bring family together like nothing else. Tough times feel a little lighter when you’re surrounded by good food and the people you love. A small bit of joy is something we all need right now.
During last year’s lockdown I began creating simple recipes you can make with pantry staples, without needing to step outside. This year I continued that effort with easy favorites like three lemonade flavors and a mango ice cream cake. I wanted a single place where you can find these uncomplicated lockdown recipes to choose from when you want to bake for yourself or your loved ones. This article is that space—let’s get baking!
You’ll not mess up – 4 important baking tips
Before you head into the kitchen to try these lockdown recipes, here are a few baking fundamentals every home baker should know:
- Know your equipment – Ovens vary in how they heat, so watch time and temperature closely. Size, brand, and model affect baking results. Bakeware sizes differ too, so be familiar with the pans and tools you own and how they affect a recipe.
- Follow the recipe – Recipes are the result of many trials. The order of steps and proportions matter. Skipping steps or dumping ingredients together can prevent the mixture from coming together properly, so follow instructions for best results.
- Use room-temperature ingredients – Unless a recipe specifies otherwise, bring refrigerated items like eggs, butter, and milk to room temperature. This helps ingredients combine smoothly and gives more consistent outcomes.
- Mix correctly – Avoid overmixing or undermixing. When combining dry and wet ingredients, fold and cut rather than beating aggressively. Overmixing can make baked goods tough; undermixing leaves pockets of unincorporated flour.
If you’re new to baking or want to improve, I have detailed guides on basic and advanced baking tips that will help you a lot.
1) 40-second microwave cupcakes
When late-night cravings strike, I don’t want to wait in front of an oven. That’s when my 40-second microwave cupcakes save the day. Yes—these ultra-fluffy chocolate cupcakes take less than a minute to make. They’re perfect for midnight snacks or whenever you’re short on time. Light, soft, and easy, they’re a wonderful quick lockdown treat.
2) No-Bake easy Banoffee Pudding
If you love bananas and toffee, this banoffee pudding is for you. This simplified take on banoffee pie is easy to assemble yet includes all the classic flavors. It’s a comforting, no-bake dessert that’s quick to put together—perfect for those who prefer assembling over baking. A small sweet bite can lift the mood, and this pudding is exactly that kind of treat.
3) Home-made Bounty Bars
Chocolate can be messy but it’s indispensable. One of my favorites is the coconut-chocolate combo in Bounty bars. These homemade bars use just three ingredients—shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate—and taste just like the originals. They’re simple to make and perfect for chocolate-and-coconut lovers.
4) Mango Custard Tart
Mangoes are one of the best parts of summer, and a no-bake mango custard tart is a delightful way to celebrate the season. Tarts can seem intimidating, but biscuit-base tarts are straightforward and quick to put together. This recipe gives you the creaminess of custard and the bright flavor of mango without complicated steps.
5) Home-made cream cheese
DIY recipes were popular last year, and homemade cream cheese is a useful one to have. I use cream cheese in many desserts—cheesecakes and frostings are favorites. For readers who can’t find cream cheese in stores, this simple homemade version is a great alternative and a valuable addition to your baking repertoire.
6) Eggless Cinnamon Rolls from scratch
My mother adores cinnamon, and cinnamon rolls are a family favorite covered with cream cheese frosting. Making cinnamon rolls from scratch might sound intimidating, but the recipe is straightforward and yields soft, comforting rolls—perfect for sharing at home during lockdown.
7) 3-Ingredient Oreo Truffles
Truffles are a wonderful quick treat for any occasion or for cheering yourself up. Oreo and chocolate pair beautifully, and these 3-ingredient Oreo truffles come together in under 10 minutes. They’re indulgent, simple, and perfect for when you need a fast sweet pick-me-up.
8) Three Lemonade Flavors
I start many mornings with fresh juice, and in summer I love a good lemonade. A sweet, tart lemonade helps replenish fluids and refreshes on a hot day. My three lemonade flavors are made with fresh fruit and no refined sugar—great for staying cool and hydrated as temperatures rise.
9) Mango Ice Cream Cake
For my birthday last year I baked a carrot cake, and this year I wanted something summery and no-bake. A mango ice cream cake blends two favorite things—mangoes and ice cream—into a cooling, delicious dessert ideal for summer and for celebrating small moments at home during lockdown.
10) Cafe-style Coffee
Making cafe-style coffee at home can be tricky, but these recipes recreate frappuccino-style blended drinks with either a coffee or crème base, ice, and flavorings. They’re simple to prepare and taste like the cafe versions—great for a homemade indulgence during lockdown.
I hope these recipes bring a little brightness to your lockdown days. If you try any of them, tag me on social media using #Bakewithshivesh—I’d love to see what you make.