Any time I come home from school for a long break, I always find myself looking for something to do to break up the monotony of my day. Usually that leads to me wandering around my kitchen or pantry looking for something to bake. Due to the recent pandemic and ensuing stay-at-home order, I have found myself turning to baking even more to not only give me something to do between classes and work, but also to relieve stress. Below are some of my tips and recipes for sweet spring treats that I have baked this past month that I would recommend to anyone.
1. Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
One of the first things I consider while looking for something to bake is what ingredients in my house may be expiring soon and need to be used. Most recently, I found three bananas in my pantry that had begun to brown. I then turned to my trusty recipe friend, Pinterest, where I came across a recipe for Banana Crumb Coffee Cake. I was immediately hooked by the idea of a coffee cake and after tasting it, I was even more in love. The coffee cake was not only moist and warm in the middle after baking, but for the first time I actually preferred to eat the crisp edges of the cake as well. I highly recommend this recipe for anyone looking for a sweet breakfast treat that is made slightly healthy with the addition of the bananas.
2. Strawberry & Creme Poke Cake
For those of you looking for something a little lighter, I definitely recommend this next recipe for Strawberry & Creme Poke Cake. I’ve actually been making this cake for many years and it’s a personal favorite of mine, especially during warmer months. Not only does the recipe require very minimal ingredients that can be changed to nearly any flavor, but is also very easy to follow, even for the most novice baker. The cake is also the perfect item to bring to any spring or summer picnic or family gathering.
3. Easter Crack/Bunny Bait
The last recipe on my list is also a friend and family favorite that I’ve made at least 100 times and it never disappoints. This particular variation is called Easter Crack or Bunny Bait, but its name, like its colors, change with the seasons. The snack mix is essentially any variation of mini pretzels, rice cereal, cheerios, M&M’s, marshmallows, sprinkles and melted white chocolate chips. During the winter months, I will make several versions of this mix known as either Blizzard Mix with blue and white M&Ms or Santa Mix with red and green M&Ms and sprinkles. Regardless of the color or deviation in the ingredients, this mix never fails to be a success at any apartment hangout or family get together. Any time I make it, I also always make extra for my family or roommates to munch on throughout the week while working or finishing homework.
Although your life may be overly chaotic at the moment, even the simple act of baking a cake or making a snack mix can help relieve the stress of the long days. Also consider making extra for the individuals in your life who may not have access to a grocery store and could use a safe, clean delivery of a homemade treat to brighten their day.