Top 43+ classic baking recipes

From cakes and cupcakes, to slices and tarts, these delightful classic baking recipes from the archives of The Australian Women’s Weekly are completely timeless.

Test Kitchen baking tips

Consistent baking

If cooking multiple trays or cake pans in the oven, turn and rotate items between shelves halfway through cooking time. You can use the fan-forced function to assist heat circulation, however you will need to reduce the oven temperature by 20 degrees.

Creaming butter and sugar

The technique of beating butter and sugar with an electric mixer and paddle attachment until light and fluffy. The mixture changes from a creamy yellow to a light colour, or in the case of brown sugar, is paler. The purpose is to dissolve the sugar and aerate the batter.

Beating egg whites

Use a hand whisk or whisk attachment. Ensure whisk and bowl are clean and free of oil. For soft peaks – when beaters are lifted the peaks will flop over immediately. For firm peaks – when beaters are lifted the peaks will stand up straight.

Cooking times

Every oven is different, so our recommendation is to set a timer earlier than specified in our best baking recipes. To test a cake, insert a skewer in the centre away from any cracks or fruit. If cooked, it will withdraw clean or with moist crumbs attached or as specified in the recipe.

Folding in

To combine two mixtures when baking you want to do so with a light hand to preserve the air. This is best done with a large metal spoon, lifting it and turning it through the two mixtures until just combined.

Testing biscuits

Biscuits feel softer in the oven and firm as they cool. A good test for most biscuits is to push the biscuit on the tray gently with your finger, if it moves without breaking the biscuit is cooked.

Measuring

While we provide both cup and weight measures in our best baking recipes, use scales if you have them as they are more accurate.

When using measuring cups, ensure they are metric. Gently spoon or scoop ingredient into the cup, then using a spatula, level flush with the rim. Brown sugar is the exception to the rule, it should be packed into the cup, then leveled.

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

hummingbird cake recipes

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Lemonade scones

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

pumpkin scones

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Easy chocolate cake

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

BASIC BUTTER Cake

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing

A classic cake that’s perfect for your next morning tea.
Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Chocolate coconut slice

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Cornflake biscuits in a jar

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time

The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time

Whether you like them soft and chewy or with crunch!

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Cinnamon teacake, sliced

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Easy scone recipe served with jam and whipped cream

Easy scone recipe

An easy scone recipe that’s quick to make and delicious with jam and cream, or any topping that’s to your taste.
Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Classic pavlova on a cake stand

Our classic pavlova recipe

A classic that’s hard to beat – and easy to eat.
Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Blueberry muffins straight from the oven in muffin tins

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Moist chocolate cake on a stand decorated with choc melts

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream icing

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Our best banana bread recipe, sliced on a chopping board

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Gingernut Biscuits

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Classic lamingtons

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Basque cheesecake served with orange slices and marmalade

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Brown butter loaf cake cut into slices.

Brown butter loaf cake

The brown butter icing takes this loaf cake to a new level.
Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Lemon loaf cake with lemon drizzle

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

raspberry muffins

Raspberry muffins

Use this basic muffin recipe as your starting point and experiment with other berries.
Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

lemon tart on a plate sliced in half

Our best ever lemon tart

In this lemon tart recipe the curd filling is not baked, but rather set in the fridge. The end-result is a crisp, buttery tart shell filled with golden curd. Make this recipe a day ahead.
Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Easy caramel slice

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Women's Weekly's best ever sponge cake on a plate

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Butter cake with icing on top and a standmixer in background

One-bowl butter cake

Use this easy butter cake as-is or as a base for a birthday cake. It’s as easy as a packet mix, and tastier!
Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Date and oat slice

Date and oat slice

Sweet and full of texture, cut yourself a piece of this oat slice to enjoy with a cup of tea.
Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Apple and Sour Cream Slice

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Ginger coconut slice

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

New York cheesecake

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Gingerbread biscuits

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Vanilla slice

Vanilla slice

Dotted with tell-tale passionfruit seeds, this classic slice is a true Aussie icon.
Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Lemon meringue pie one of our best baking recipes

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

easy chocolate chip cookies

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

quick-mix chocolate cake

Quick-mix chocolate cake

You can’t go past a moist chocolate cake topped with chocolate fudge icing.
Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Quick-mix chocolate cupcakes

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Boiled fruit cake

Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake

No Christmas would be complete without a deliciously plump fruit cake. Let that dried fruit soak up all the butter and sherry flavours. Yum!
Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

fruit mince pies

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

Traditional shortbread

Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

scottishshortbread

Scottish shortbread

Originating in Scotland, shortbread has become very popular in many parts of the globe and is now eaten all year. Enjoy the crumbly, golden biscuit with a mug of your favourite brew.
Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

easy melt and mix fruit cake

Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe

Rich and moist, this easy melt-and-mix fruit cake makes turning out a winning Christmas cake simple, with no need to soak fruit.
Feather sponge cake with passionfruit icing , The best Anzac biscuits recipe of all time , Easy scone recipe , Our classic pavlova recipe , Brown butter loaf cake , Raspberry muffins , Our best ever lemon tart , One-bowl butter cake , Date and oat slice , Vanilla slice , Quick-mix chocolate cake , Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake , Scottish shortbread , Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe , Steamed plum pudding

STEAMED PLUM PUDDING

Steamed plum pudding

If you have an electric pressure cooker you won’t need to reduce the heat to stabilise pressure, your cooker will automatically stabilise itself. Always check with the manufacturer’s instructions before using. This recipe is suitable to freeze. Note

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