For some of us, baking is something you only do on special occasions or when you have a craving and a box of brownie mix. But really, baking can be something extraordinary, meditative and surprising. That's what these bloggers have cultivated in their kitchens, and they've made it accessible to the rest of us, whether we've ever sifted flour before or not.
You might not get it Pinterest-perfect the first time around (and their photography skills are a whole other matter), but these bloggers provide step-by-step guidance for some of the most decadent baked goods available to us. We might as well say thank you and give them a shot.
1. Blahnik Baker
Blahnik Baker blogger Zainab is the queen of killer flavor combinations. The ginger-cranberry-pear pie above is just one example. She's also made incredible treats like sweet potato cupcakes with marshmallow frosting, strawberry lemonade pound cake and even grapefruit soufflé. She only started baking in 2012, but her blog is a testament to her incredible talent and sense of taste.
Next up: Bakerella
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2. Bakerella
I love the catchy name of her blog — Bakerella — and all the delicious treats and recipes she shares. Blog author Angie is actually the creator of cupcake pops. She provides dozens of recipes and variations to the bite-size snack and also has recipes for everything from cakes and pies to brownies and cheesecakes. Her blog is full of fantastic photos showcasing her sweet treats and superb creativity. She even has a book — Cake Pops: Tips, Tricks, and Recipes for More Than 40 Irresistible Treats — featuring all things cake pop. Take a look — you'll be glad you did.
Next up: SprinkleBakes
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3. SprinkleBakes
Heather, author of SprinkleBakes, comes from a background of fine arts and painting, and you can tell she lets her creativity shine throughout all of her recipes. Here, she shares her own unique original recipes, family recipes and adaptations of her favorite recipes. Basically she's got it all — from coconut cappuccino muffins to pecan pie taffy to blue velvet cupcakes (who says they have to be red?). She released a book — SprinkleBakes: Dessert Recipes to Inspire Your Inner Artist — showcasing her best, most creative recipes. If you're looking for creative inspiration, SprinkleBakes is the blog for you.
More: Your Handy Guide to Converting any Recipe to Gluten-free
Next up: Sweet Life NEW LINK
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4. Sweet Life
Vianney Rodriguez is the woman behind Sweet Life, which started as a baking blog and soon developed into all-recipe powerhouse. Self-described foodie, Rodriguez likes to feature her favorite South Texas-inspired recipes, with particular focus on Latin recipes like the chocolate churro muffins above, to-die-for Texas lemon sheet cake and dulce de leche pepita bars. She also coauthored a book of Latin cocktails.
Next up: Joy the Baker
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5. Joy the Baker
Joy the Baker has been blogging for many years now, so her recipe index is full. She's got everything from brown butter brûléed doughnut holes (pictured above) and chai-spiced cinnamon rolls to gluten-free chocolate-peanut butter pudding and vegan dark chocolate-dipped sugar cones. Her blog truly meets every type of eater's needs, and she has a book — Joy the Baker Cookbook. And any blogger that has a specific section designated for recipes containing booze is fine by me.
Next up: Brown Eyed Baker
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6. Brown Eyed Baker
Michelle of Brown Eyed Baker says it's perfectly acceptable to eat dessert first, and I couldn't agree more. Her most popular recipes include homemade Snickers (yum!), Cherry Coke float cupcakes, grasshopper mint-chocolate bark and a layered red velvet cheesecake. In addition to her one-of-a-kind baked goods, she shares recipes for meals too, such as Cajun shrimp macaroni and cheese. Michelle is self-taught, making her recipes doable for both novice and expert bakers alike, so don't be afraid to tackle a recipe or two of hers.
More: Artisan Chocolate Will Forever Change the Way You Look at Candy Bars
Next up: Love, Cake
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7. Love, Cake
"Rustic yet elegant" is the perfect way to describe Love, Cake's recipe roster. From the bronzed crust of a sour cherry-almond pie overflowing with juices to the liberal dusting of powdered sugar on an apricot custard cake, the baked goods on this blog would be at home in both a New England B&B and a SoCal bistro. Sam, the mastermind behind the recipes, is currently working on a cookbook, but she has also worked as a food editor for Good Housekeeping, Fine Cooking and Everyday Food; basically, she knows her stuff. Don't know where to start? Check out the cake recipes — after all, cake is the blog's namesake.
Next up: Sally's Baking Addiction
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8. Sally's Baking Addiction
Focusing on classic and comforting recipes often inspired by her family's favorites, Sally of Sally's Baking Addiction definitely knows her way around the kitchen. The author of two cookbooks, Sally doesn't include just recipes on her blog, but also writes posts on mastering essential baking techniques and understanding ingredients. From seasonal recipes like caramel-apple cinnamon scones to tutorials on making the best buttery, flaky pie crust, Sally's Baking Addiction is not to be missed.
Next up: Vanilla Been
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9. Vanilla Bean
Author of the Vanilla Bean Baking Book, Vanilla Bean blogger Sarah worked as a baker for several years before becoming a home baker and turning her focus toward her children and her blog. Her comfort in the kitchen is evident in her gorgeous combination of baking talents, from the pumpkin-chocolate pound cake above to blackberry-basil focaccia bread to these brioche doughnuts with chocolate-bourbon glaze.
More: How to Make Gorgeous Fruit Sushi for Dessert
Next up: The Sugar Hit
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10. The Sugar Hit
The flavor-packed recipes on Sarah Coates' blog The Sugar Hit are as fun to read as they are to make thanks to the punchy, comic book-inspired graphics and colorful food photography on her site. Sarah owns more than 250 cookbooks (and is an author herself), and her encyclopedic cooking knowledge is on full display on her blog, where fancy recipes like almond and apple tarte fine with rum caramel intermingle with cozy basics like homemade Pop-Tarts. If you love baking as much as Sarah does, her blog will not disappoint.
Next up: Apt. 2B Baking Co
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11. Apt. 2B Baking Co.
Seasonal, fruit-focused desserts are the star of Apt. 2B Baking Co. You won't believe how decadent produce can be until you see author and photographer Yossy Arefi's recipes for plum-macaroon cake, pretty little summer fruitcakes and blackberry-rhubarb pie. What sets Yossy's photography apart from other bloggers? She still shoots with film, using her trusty Pentax camera, and the results are absolutely gorgeous.
Additional reporting by Justina Huddleston
Originally published February 2013. Updated November 2017.