Baking for Large Groups: Simple Tips for Success

Baking for a crowd can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! With a little planning and the right approach, you can whip up delicious treats for any event without stress. Here’s how to make it easy.

Plan and Prep Ahead

When baking for a large group, planning is key. Choose recipes that you can make ahead, like brownies, cookies, or sheet cakes. They’re easier to bake in bulk and can be stored for a few days without losing flavor. Make a list of all ingredients you’ll need, and buy them in one trip to save time.

Choose Scalable Recipes

Not all recipes double or triple easily, so pick ones that are known to work well in bigger batches. Simple recipes like muffins, cupcakes, and loaf cakes can be made in larger quantities without much extra effort. You can also try sheet pan desserts, which are perfect for making enough to feed a crowd without needing multiple batches.

Prep Ingredients in Bulk

Measure out your ingredients in bulk before you start. This way, you can quickly mix and bake without stopping to measure between each batch. It’s a little extra work upfront, but it makes the process smoother and faster when you’re actually baking.

Bake in Batches

Make use of your oven space by baking multiple trays at once, if your recipes allow. Rotate the trays halfway through to ensure even baking. If you have multiple ovens, take full advantage of them, baking different recipes simultaneously to maximize your time.

Keep It Simple

Stick to recipes you’re familiar with, especially when baking for a large group. It’s not the time to experiment with a complicated new dish. Simple, classic treats like chocolate chip cookies, banana bread, or simple frosted cupcakes are crowd-pleasers that everyone will enjoy.

Baking for large groups doesn’t have to be a hassle. With these easy tips, you’ll be prepared to make enough treats to satisfy everyone, and still have time to enjoy the occasion yourself!