We’re living in crazy times. Usually, when I’m stressed, I eat. Actually, scratch that, I eat all the time, but when I’m stressed, eating makes me feel even better. If you’re at home, practicing social distancing and self isolation, maybe you need a sweet treat but also don’t want to bake an entire batch of cookies that will be eaten by you and your other. Here are 11 small batch baking ideas that are perfect for one, two, or three – perfect for rationing those baking supplies.

Stay safe and healthy out there friends :)

French Yogurt Lemon Loaf Cake | www.iamafoodblog.comSmall Batch French Yogurt Lemon Loaf Cake
This is the sweetest little small batch loaf that you can eat for breakfast, with coffee or tea, or as dessert. Since a mini loaf is so much smaller than a regular one, I think it pretty much means you can have as many slices as you like, am I right? This yogurt cake comes together super quickly and there’s a nice little part where you can get meditative and rub lemon zest into sugar. It’ll bring a little sweetness into your life for sure and fill up your home with the most delicious baking cake smell.

Small Batch Skillet Buttermilk Biscuits | www.iamafoodblog.comSmall Batch Buttermilk Biscuits
Everyday can be brunch day when you’re working from home. Treat yourself to these buttery, flaky, crisp-on-the-bottom tender on the inside biscuits. If you don’t have buttermilk, there’s a little tip on how to make your own at home with regular milk and vinegar :)

small batch mini sticky bun cinnamon roll monkey bread #smallbatch #recipe #baking #stickybun #morningbun #cinnamonrolls #cinnamonbuns #monkeybread #cinnamonSmall Batch Mini Sticky Bun Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
This is what you make when you need some serious comfort. The warming smells of brown sugar and cinnamon are sure to warm your heart and remind you of all that’s good in the world. Now is the time to make cinnamon buns!

These rippled salted brown butter chocolate chip cookies are to die for: soft and chewy with pools of dark chocolate, crisp edges, and the salty nuttiness of browned butter. No mixer needed – it’s going to be your new fave! #brownedbutter #brownbutter #chocolatechipcookies #chocolatechipcookierecipe #recipes #cookiesThe Best Small Batch Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
This is my ALL TIME favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe for so many reasons. It’s perfectly plush and chewy in the middle with pools of melted dark chocolate, crisp rippled edges, and nutty brown butter. There’s a full on recipe and a small batch one, so feel free to make as many (or as little) cookies as needed. I recommend you make the full batch because warm chocolate chip cookies are pure love.

Small Batch Banana Bread Recipe | www.iamafoodblog.comSmall Batch Banana Bread
You just need two super ripe bananas for this lil loaf. It’s essentially a small batch version of Flour Bakery’s super popular famous banana bread. It’s a little more finicky than most banana breads but so worth it. If you haven’t had it or haven’t tried it, please do! It’s one of THE BEST banana breads out there. Moist and just the right amount of dense and fluffy and full of so much banana goodness. Try a slice warm, it’ll change your life.

Small Batch Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing
If you’re looking for a sweet little nugget of carrot cake, this is it! I decorated these like Miffy, that super cute Dutch bunny with an x for a mouth. I just love her. You can definitely make these as regular carrot cupcakes too, but why not break out the white chocolate candy melts and make some ears?! We all know we could use some happiness right now and I can’t even with how cute these are. Oh, and they taste good too: moist and carrot-y with just the right amount of cinnamon and ginger.

Small Batch Yogurt Lemon Poppyseed Loaf Recipe | www.iamafoodblog.comSmall Batch Yogurt Lemon Poppyseed Loaf
This little loaf reminds me of spring with its sunshiny lemon flavor and crunchy poppyseed bite. Not too sweet and tender from the yogurt this is a simple mix and bake loaf that is perfect right out of the oven and maybe even better in the days to come or lightly toasted.

Small Batch Black Pepper Parmesan Chive Biscuit Recipe | www.iamafoodblog.comSmall Batch Black Pepper Parmesan Chive Scones
To be honest, I call these both biscuits and scones because for the life of me I can’t figure out what the difference is between the two. Doesn’t really matter though because these are insanely delicious: crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and super savory. Best of all, they’re a mix, drop, and bake situation. Make yourself some coffee and pretend you’re at your favorite cafe!

One bowl, soft and moist, blueberry bread loaded with blueberries – like muffins but even easier. #blueberries #blueberrybread #blueberrymuffins #recipes #bakingSmall Batch One Bowl Blueberry Bread
Speaking of cafes, are you missing out on all the slices of loaf cakes you use to buy? I mean, what’s coffee without something sweet, right? This is the little blueberry loaf that will make your days inside all the more sweet. You can use fresh or frozen berries, which makes life just a little easier. This recipe makes a mini loaf or you can make it in muffin tins too.

Small Batch Japanese Cheesecake Recipe | www.iamafoodblog.comSmall Batch Jiggly Fluffy Japanese Cheesecake
Since travel in the foreseeable future is out, why not drown your sorrows in a cheesecake? A super fluffy, jiggly, small 6 inch cheesecake that is so light and tender that eating the whole thing won’t seem too insane. It’s seriously so tasty and perfect because who wants a giant cheesecake? Wait…maybe I do?! If you want a big one, I have a recipe for that too!

Small Batch Triple Coconut Loaf Recipe | www.iamafoodblog.comSmall Batch Triple Coconut Loaf
If you’re in love with coconut flavors, you’ll get a triple hit with this mini triple coconut loaf. It comes together super quickly and gets it coconuttiness from shredded coconut, coconut yogurt, and coconut oil. This one stays nice and moist for days, if you want to keep it around that long.

That’s it! Hope you guys are inspired. Don’t forget to take care of yourselves and don’t go too crazy reading the news.

19 Comments

  1. Faith says:

    I watched my brother bake when we were all kids at home. A family of 10. I thank God I have her recipes. When I smell those familiar aromas it automatically call me. Bake its a wonderful experience.

  2. Georgeanna says:

    Been looking for these kind of deserts for long time. Thanks for putting them out here. Going to try some today. Got 2 boys 4&7 they like to help. Good for now esp since no school and stay at home.

  3. Jeanie says:

    Steph, this is genius! I don’t bake but I will definitely try some of these “small batch” recipes! Those chocolate chip cookies look sooo decadent!!!

    1. Stephanie says:

      ooh i hope you try them, i love them so much :)

  4. Alice says:

    Thank you, Steph!! I made the poppyseed loaf yesterday and it made me so happy. So adorable and delicious. It was exactly what I needed to eat.

    1. Stephanie says:

      so happy it brought you a bit of joy! aren’t mini baked things just so CUTE?!?!
      stay safe and cozy xoxo

  5. OBSESSED with this idea and i see you’ve been making these for a while, thank you for the idea! I’m Italian so I traditionally only make things for like 40 people haha

  6. Carolyn says:

    Thank you so much for posting small batch recipes! Such a great idea during these weird times. I’m currently still going to work because I’m part of an essential industry. My boyfriend was flown out of state for a month for work as well. So these small batch recipes will be perfect on my off days and not making TOO much for just one person. PS. I always enjoy following your food blog :) Stay safe & healthy.

    1. Stephanie says:

      thank you so much carolyn for commenting and continuing to work in these difficult times. hopefully these recipes bring you a bit of joy after a day at work.
      stay safe and healthy :)

  7. Tannaz says:

    This is exactly what I needed to get me baking. I made a small batch of chocolate chip cookies and I cannot wait to try the ideas you shared. Thank you!

  8. Maria Mascaro says:

    This is so very useful for those of us who live alone. THANK YOU!!!

    1. Stephanie says:

      hi maria,
      glad i can help! :)

  9. Gauge says:

    Can hardly wait to make the biscuits!

    1. Stephanie says:

      biscuits = pure comfort :)

  10. Tara says:

    As someone who has lost 80+ pounds in the past two-ish years, having only a small amount of something delicious is vital. That lemon yogurt loaf was amazing. I had to use FF greek yogurt because that’s what we had in the house during these strange strange times, but it was so so good. My husband and I fought over it! Thank you!

  11. Daisy says:

    I tried your Parmesan biscuits and they are amazing and the portion is perfect for a couple!! I can’t wait to try the other recipes on this list!! So excited!!!! ??

  12. Elaine Cubbins says:

    I’m definitely trying some of these. What about baking pans for the different desserts? I’m looking to buy small batch baking pans, but it’s hard to choose. Suggestions? Thank you!

    1. Stephanie says:

      i like mini loaf pans like these: https://amzn.to/382dyWA
      and i think eighth sheet pan are so useful! https://amzn.to/2HUPgCA
      for cakes, i like 6 inch rounds: https://amzn.to/3jIUK0t

      hope that helps a bit :)

  13. S. Chan says:

    Hi! I have made so many recipes from your site that I had a hard time figuring out where to post my comment. I’ve had 100% success rate and everything has been delicious. I love everything about your site, from technical things like ease of navigation and clean, legible layout, to the enticing photography, to the breadth of flavors, and so much more. If I had to choose my single favorite element it is that all the recipes provide incredible flavor and visual appeal while remaining approachable. So far the only new piece of equipment I’ve had to buy (“had to”) is a cube pullman pan for shokupan — a very adorable purchase. I have a small family and particularly appreciate your small batch series of recipes. After a very long year-and-change, sometimes I’m only up to the task of a small batch of cookies or small loaf of bread. Thank you for providing such an inspiring resource.

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Thanks for reading as always!
-Steph & Mike