<\/a>\t\t\t\t <\/a>\t\t\t\t There’s no better way to say “thank you” or show you care than with a homemade baked good. These are the recipes we turn to when we want to brighten someone’s day.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n I\u2019m a big believer in the idea that a little effort goes a long way. Gifting a simple homemade bake can be a powerful gesture, whether you\u2019re supporting a friend, thanking a neighbor, showing appreciation to a teacher, or just saying \u201cI thought of you!\u201d to add a bright spot to someone\u2019s day. It\u2019s a genuine way to show you care (with plenty of sugar and sprinkles).<\/p>\n Here at Taste of Home<\/em>, we\u2019re embracing that idea with our Community Bakes<\/a> project from Bakeable<\/a>. It\u2019s not about baking an Instagram-ready platter of picture-perfect cookies. Instead, it\u2019s about connecting with your community: friends, family, first responders, small-business owners, volunteers, teachers, postal workers, neighbors\u2014anyone and everyone you appreciate.<\/p>\n But what to bake? Our favorite bakes to make and share are delicious, portable, and easy to double if needed. Most of the recipes work as bake sale recipes<\/a> when you\u2019re raising funds for an organization, and we\u2019ve included plenty of familiar and popular desserts<\/a> (a good choice if you don\u2019t know the recipient well). Think brownies, chocolate chip cookies and quick bread recipes<\/a>. Expect a few modern and trendy bakes, too, like French blondies, banana pudding cupcakes and chocolate-hazelnut babka buns.<\/p>\n If you can (without ruining the surprise), find out about any allergies or dietary restrictions beforehand. We included vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free dessert<\/a> options, but many of our recipes can be modified. Once you\u2019ve settled on the right recipe, think about quantity. If you\u2019re gifting to many, double the batch so there\u2019s enough to go around. You can never have too many sweet treats.<\/p>\n <\/body><\/div>\n 1<\/span>\/<\/span>30<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Sometimes, the most familiar bakes make the sweetest gifts. These double-chocolate brownies are a great go-to option, but there are a lot of amazing brownie recipes<\/a> out there. If you want something a little more out-of-the-box, try making mochi brownies<\/a> or copycat Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/body>\n\t\t<\/div>\n 2<\/span>\/<\/span>30<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> If you don\u2019t know your giftees that<\/em> well, go with something safe like banana bread. The addition of blueberries makes this loaf a little more memorable than a plain version. This recipe makes three mini loaves, so there\u2019s enough to go around to more than one house.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 3<\/span>\/<\/span>30<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> You simply can\u2019t go wrong with a plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies. Most people have a texture preference, but these cookies represent the best of both worlds: They\u2019re lightly chewy and slightly crunchy. If you want to upgrade your treat and offer something a little more gourmet, feel free to add some mix-ins to create brown butter chocolate chip cookies<\/a> or peanut butter oatmeal chocolate chip cookies<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 4<\/span>\/<\/span>30<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Most people have had lemon bars, but have they had Meyer lemon<\/a> bars? These lemons are a cross between a lemon and a mandarin, with a deeper yellow-orange hue and a lovely floral note. Turn them into a curd, and these lemon bars are a knockout.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 5<\/span>\/<\/span>30<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Bring a loaf of homemade bread to your friend, neighbor, co-worker or really anyone<\/em>, and I guarantee they\u2019ll be delighted. There just seems to be something about homemade bread that makes people feel especially loved. If you have a sourdough starter at home, even better. Taylor Swift has been gifting sourdough<\/a> to her friends and family, too!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 6<\/span>\/<\/span>30<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Traditional banana pudding<\/a> is delicious, but it\u2019s not exactly conducive to gift-giving. It\u2019s awkward to ask someone to return your trifle dish when they\u2019re done! Cupcakes, however, are the perfect gifting vessel. Bonus: A box of yellow cake mix makes this recipe super easy.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 7<\/span>\/<\/span>30<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Jams, jellies and preserves make an amazing gift. They have all the thoughtfulness of a homemade recipe and are naturally packaged in the perfect handout container. You can gift any jelly or jam recipes<\/a>, but elderberries are known for being high in antioxidants. It\u2019s a good option to bring to a friend who\u2019s feeling a little under the weather.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 8<\/span>\/<\/span>30<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> This pretty Bundt cake certainly looks impressive, but a thoughtful gift should also taste fantastic. Luckily, between lemon juice, lemon extract, lemon zest and sour cream in the cake and<\/em> glaze, this cake delivers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 9<\/span>\/<\/span>30<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Gifting homemade fudge feels like quite the feat, but this recipe is beginner-friendly. In other words, you don\u2019t need a candy thermometer or any master candy-making techniques to pull it off. It\u2019s made with sweetened condensed milk<\/a>, a shortcut ingredient that creates fudge in only 15 minutes. Plus, it\u2019s flecked with brown graham crackers and mini marshmallows for a s\u2019mores taste.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 10<\/span>\/<\/span>30<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> If you\u2019re struggling to find dairy-free or vegan desserts<\/a>, try making these chocolate cupcakes. Coconut milk and dairy-free margarine replace milk and butter, and the recipe doesn\u2019t call for any eggs. If you\u2019re bringing these to someone following a plant-based diet, make sure to spring for vegan sugar.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 11<\/span>\/<\/span>30<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Even if you\u2019re not much of a baker, you can still package up something impressive. Rice Krispies treats<\/a> are incredibly easy to make, even if you elevate the classic recipe with salted caramel sauce, vanilla wafers and instant espresso powder. These additions zhuzh them up into something truly decadent.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 12<\/span>\/<\/span>30<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Have a bumper crop of zucchini? Harvest it for this banana zucchini bread. It has all the comforting flavors of a typical banana bread<\/a>, but with extra moisture thanks to the zucchini. Don\u2019t forget to let your giftee know where the zucchini is from; it makes the bread all the more special. Our recipe makes two loaves, so you can pass out two or keep one for yourself.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 13<\/span>\/<\/span>30<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Perfectly portable and therefore giftable, these cherry hand pies are a fun bake to pass out. We make the cherry filling from scratch, but the pie crust is store-bought for ease. The recipe makes eight hand pies, but you can easily double it if you need more.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 14<\/span>\/<\/span>30<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> I love that chocolate truffles look (and taste) luxurious and decadent yet come together in just a few simple steps. This recipe only has three ingredients, although you can give the truffles a unique finish by adding coatings for a gourmet look. Try cocoa powder, cacao nibs, chocolate sprinkles or espresso powder.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 15<\/span>\/<\/span>30<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Gifting to the masses? Homemade caramels are a fantastic option. Our recipe makes 64 individually-wrapped pieces that are a great gift for teachers, neighbors, coworkers, friends and family.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 16<\/span>\/<\/span>30<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> When I don\u2019t know someone\u2019s taste preferences, I try to bake something a little more on the mild side. What if they don\u2019t like chocolate? However, mild doesn\u2019t mean tasteless, and this pound cake proves it. Buttermilk creates a lovely tanginess, and the sugar coating adds texture and sweetness.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 17<\/span>\/<\/span>30<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Lemon olive oil cake is a masterclass in the art of simplicity. It\u2019s straightforward to make and easy to gift. All its goodness comes from quality olive oil<\/a>, fresh lemon juice and perfectly zested lemons. Your foodie friend will really appreciate this one; mine always do.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 18<\/span>\/<\/span>30<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Each one of these babka buns is filled with Nutella, halva with pistachios and chocolate chips. The dough is braided and twisted, so the buns bake into bakery-worthy buns that look like a pretty present. These are such a joy to hand out.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 19<\/span>\/<\/span>30<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Also known as \u201cbiscuits\u201d across the pond, these Scottish shortbreads come together with just three ingredients. Seriously! Of course, that doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t dress them up by half-dipping them in chocolate or adding mix-ins to the dough. Wrap them up using cookie packaging ideas<\/a> for a pretty gifting presentation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n![\"recipes](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Meyer-Lemon-Bars_TOHD25_279374_NancyMock_02.jpg\")
\t\t<\/p>\t\t<\/p>![\"recipes](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/updated-headshot2.jpeg?resize=200,200\")
\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\nRecipes
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tBrownies\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tAs someone who grew up in the country, I love getting out into nature whenever I can. I also love home-style recipes, including these yummy brownies. \u2014Carol Prewett, Cheyenne, Wyoming\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\nRecipes
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tBlueberry Banana Bread\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tBlueberries and bananas combine in these tender, golden loaves. Whether you enjoy a slice as a snack or for breakfast, this bread is so flavorful, you won’t need butter. \u2014Sandy Flick, Toledo, Ohio\t\t<\/p>\nRecipes
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tChocolate Chip Cookies\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tEveryone has a favorite type of chocolate chip cookie\u2014a little crispy, a little chewy\u2014but they all have to begin with a basic chocolate chip cookie recipe. This is the best place to start! \u2014Megumi Garcia, Milwaukee, Wisconsin\t\t<\/p>\nRecipes
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tMeyer Lemon Bars\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tThe lovely, anticipated flavor of seasonal Meyer lemons shines in these sweet and citrusy Meyer lemon bars. \u2014Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts\t\t<\/p>\nRecipes
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tDutch Oven Bread\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tCrackling homemade bread makes an average day extraordinary. Enjoy this beautiful crusty bread recipe as is, or stir in a few favorites like cheese, garlic, herbs and dried fruits. \u2014Catherine Ward, Mequon, Wisconsin\t\t<\/p>\nRecipes
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tBanana Pudding Cupcakes\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tI’m from the south, where everyone loves banana pudding. I also love cupcakes, so this is an amazing way to have a special treat of both at the same time! \u2014Lori Johnson, Alex City, Alabama\t\t<\/p>\nRecipes
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tElderberry Jelly\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tThis dark, richly floral jelly has a unique wild grape flavor with a whisper of anise. It’s wonderful on fresh muffins or buttered homemade bread, or try it dolloped on yogurt or vanilla ice cream. \u2014Mandy Naglich, New York, New York\t\t<\/p>\nRecipes
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tLemon Bundt Cake\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tEveryone raves about this pretty lemon sour cream pound cake\u2014and it sure doesn’t last long with my family. It also freezes beautifully, so why not make two and pop one into the freezer for another day? \u2014Annettia Mounger, Kansas City, Missouri\t\t<\/p>\nRecipes
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tS\u2019mores Fudge\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tYou’ll find it nearly impossible to resist this rich chocolate delight. It’s chock-full of marshmallows and graham crackers\u2014and no one will believe that the tantalizing treat is low in fat. \u2014Holly Mann, Temple, New Hampshire\t\t<\/p>\nRecipes
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tVegan Chocolate Cupcakes\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tThese indulgent vegan chocolate cupcakes have no butter, eggs or dairy milk, but you’d never guess it. This recipe is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings that include guests with food restrictions. \u2014Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin\t\t<\/p>\nRecipes
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tSalted Caramel Cream Cold Brew Rice Krispies Treats\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tWe capture the flavor of one of Starbucks’ sweetest coffee drinks in a marshmallowy dessert bar! Salted caramel cream cold brew Rice Krispies treats have a gooey filling of coffee cream, caramel sauce and crushed cookies. \u2014Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts\t\t<\/p>\nRecipes
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tBanana Zucchini Bread\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tMy grandmother made this zucchini banana bread for as long as I can remember, and I’ve been making it ever since I learned how to bake. Children love it for a snack, and it’s good to serve at any meal. It’s another delicious way to use zucchini, which is so abundant in late summer. \u2014Eva Mae Hebert, Lafayette, LA\t\t<\/p>\nRecipes
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tCherry Hand Pies\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tThere’s nothing better than a sweet, from-scratch delight like traditional cherry pie. These precious little hand pies always go fast when I sell them at my pie bakery! \u2014Allison Cebulla, Milwaukee, Wisconsin\t\t<\/p>\nRecipes
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tChocolate Truffles\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tYou may be tempted to save these chocolate truffles for a special occasion since these smooth, creamy chocolates are divine. But with just a few ingredients, this truffle recipe is easy to make anytime. \u2014Darlene Wiese-Appleby, Creston, Ohio\t\t<\/p>\nRecipes
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tCaramel Candy\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tI discovered this caramel recipe in a local newspaper years ago and have made these soft buttery caramels ever since. I make them for Christmas, picnics and charity auctions. They are so much better than store-bought caramels. Once people have a taste, they ask for the recipe. \u2014Marcie Wolfe, Williamsburg, Virginia\n \t\t<\/p>\nRecipes
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tButtermilk Pound Cake\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tNow that I’ve retired from teaching, I have more time to bake. This buttermilk pound cake is the one I make most often. It is a truly southern recipe, and one I think can’t be topped\u2014once people taste it, they won’t go back to their other recipes with buttermilk. \u2014Gracie Hanchey, De Ridder, Louisiana\t\t<\/p>\nRecipes
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tLemon Olive Oil Cake\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tOlive oil cakes are tender and moist, and stay that way longer than butter-based cakes, so they are wonderful if you need to make dessert ahead of time. Serve this recipe with fresh berries when your favorites are in season. \u2014Nicole Gackowski, Antioch, California\t\t<\/p>\nRecipes
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tChocolate-Hazelnut Babka Buns\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tThis recipe is the result of many years of tweaking and perfecting. It is a favorite request when visitors come to my farm. \u2014Dawn Lamoureux-Crocker, Machiasport, Maine\t\t<\/p>\nRecipes
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tScottish Shortbread\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tMy mother, who is of Scottish heritage, passed this shortbread recipe, along with other favorite recipes, on to me. When I entered this treat at our local fair, it won a red ribbon. \u2014Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba\t\t<\/p>\n