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Better Baking: Wholesome Ingredients, Delicious Desserts

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An Epicurious and Tasting Table Fall Pick. "A beautiful and thoughtful master class on how to bake your cake and eat it too."—Carla Hall, TV chef and author of Carla Hall's Soul Food
After more than a dozen years developing recipes for food and health magazines and collaborating with noted pastry chefs, Genevieve Ko was determined to create treats that were just as indulgent as their original counterparts, as well as more full flavored and nourishing. In a word, better. Healthful oils prove superior to butter, giving Mocha Chip Cookies crisp shells and molten insides, liberating the citrus in Lemon Layer Cake with Olive Oil Curd, and tenderizing Melting Walnut Snowballs. Refined white sugar pales beside concentrated sweeteners like pure maple syrup, brown sugar, and molasses in muffins and granola. Pomegranate Pistachio Baklava uses reduced pomegranate syrup instead of the usual saccharine one. Nubby flours with personality—whole wheat, spelt, rye, buckwheat, graham flour, and almond flour—bring richness to such desserts as Glazed Apple Cider Doughnuts. And pureed fruits and vegetables (beets in Red Velvet Roulade with Strawberry Cream Cheese; grated zucchini in Chocolate School Party Sheet Cake) keep desserts extra moist.
"The best baking book I have seen in many years."—Sarabeth Levine, James Beard Award-winning pastry chef and restaurant owner
"Ingenious recasting of favorite recipes."—Entertainment Weekly
"Motivated to update classics with more alternative flours and less sugar, Ko has created some of the most innovative flavor combinations you'll find in a baking book, such as Fennel and Currant Corn Bread; Buckwheat Almond Apple Cake; Toasted Walnut and Grape Clafoutis; Chestnut Kisses."—The Washington Post

789 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2016

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Genevieve Ko

13 books4 followers

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5 stars
42 (40%)
4 stars
40 (38%)
3 stars
18 (17%)
2 stars
3 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Laura.
232 reviews6 followers
December 8, 2016
This is one of those cook books that I want to just work my way thru. Oh to have the time to make everything!
964 reviews3 followers
December 18, 2025
most recipes use multiple types of flour
Profile Image for Ambrosia.
515 reviews14 followers
January 30, 2017
I've only made 3 recipes so far, but they all were great.

And there are so many other recipes that I plan to try soon.

The recipes all seem fairly easy (Though I'm a very experienced amateur baker).

And Ms. Ko does an amazing job of incorporating whole grains and sugar alternatives (at least partially) and healthy fats in the recipes. The recipes don't just swap in these ingredients for "normal" ingredients, but maximize the flavor and texture of the baked goods with these ingredients.

Added: I also LOVE the fact that she includes volume and weight (both metric and imperial) measures in her recipes.
Profile Image for Emily Joyce.
527 reviews22 followers
January 4, 2017
I really enjoyed the recipes I tried from Better Baking! Not all gluten free, but a variety of flours to try in your baking.
Profile Image for Kayes Hasan.
688 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2026
# ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Wonderful Guide to Wholesome, Delicious Baking!

*Better Baking: Wholesome Ingredients, Delicious Desserts* sounds like an excellent choice for anyone who loves homemade sweets and wants to explore a more thoughtful approach to baking. I love the idea of combining wholesome ingredients with delicious desserts, showing that baking can be both satisfying and creative without losing the joy of enjoying something sweet.

What makes this cookbook appealing is its focus on balancing flavor, quality ingredients, and the pleasure of making desserts at home. Baking is about more than following a recipe; it's also an opportunity to experiment, discover new combinations, and share something special with family and friends. A cookbook built around wholesome ingredients offers an inviting way to rethink familiar treats and find inspiration for everyday baking.

The concept is especially attractive for home bakers who want to expand their skills and become more mindful of the ingredients they use. Whether preparing a dessert for a special occasion or making something sweet for an ordinary afternoon, having fresh ideas and a creative approach can make the experience even more rewarding.

I also appreciate the promise of a book that doesn't treat deliciousness and wholesome ingredients as opposites. Desserts should be enjoyable, and exploring different ingredients can make baking more interesting, versatile, and personal.

**Five stars for an inspiring approach to homemade desserts!** This cookbook is an appealing addition to a baker's collection and a lovely source of motivation for anyone who wants to create delicious treats with care and creativity. It's a wonderful reminder that thoughtful baking can still be full of flavor, comfort, and joy.
589 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ **A Wonderful Inspiration for Wholesome Homemade Baking**

*Better Baking: Wholesome Ingredients, Delicious Desserts* is an appealing cookbook for anyone who loves baking and wants to explore creative ways to make homemade treats. I appreciate the idea of combining wholesome ingredients with delicious desserts, showing that baking can be both enjoyable and an opportunity to experiment with different flavors and textures.

One of the things I love most about baking cookbooks is the inspiration they provide. Whether preparing something sweet for a family gathering, making a weekend treat, or simply enjoying a relaxing afternoon in the kitchen, having fresh ideas can make the experience more rewarding. A focus on thoughtful ingredients also encourages home bakers to become more curious about what goes into their favorite desserts.

This book's theme is especially appealing to readers who want to expand their baking skills while discovering new approaches to familiar favorites. I enjoy cookbooks that encourage creativity without losing sight of the pleasure of sharing homemade food with others.

Another wonderful aspect of baking is the way it brings people together. A freshly baked dessert can turn an ordinary day into a special occasion, and a good cookbook can help inspire those memorable moments.

Overall, *Better Baking* sounds like a lovely addition to a baking enthusiast's collection. Its combination of wholesome ingredients and delicious dessert inspiration makes it appealing to both curious beginners and experienced home bakers. I would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys creating homemade sweets. A well-deserved five stars!
740 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

*Better Baking: Wholesome Ingredients, Delicious Desserts* sounds like a wonderful cookbook for anyone who loves baking and wants fresh inspiration for homemade treats. I really like the idea of bringing wholesome ingredients and delicious desserts together, showing that baking can be both enjoyable and creative. A cookbook with this focus can encourage readers to explore new flavors while making thoughtful choices about the ingredients they use.

One of the most appealing aspects of a baking book is the opportunity to learn new ideas and build confidence in the kitchen. Whether preparing something sweet for a family gathering, sharing treats with friends, or simply enjoying a relaxing afternoon of baking, having inspiring recipes nearby can make the experience more rewarding.

I also appreciate cookbooks that celebrate the pleasure of making desserts from scratch. Baking offers room for creativity, experimentation, and personal touches, and a collection focused on wholesome ingredients provides an inviting starting point for trying something different.

Overall, *Better Baking* sounds like a lovely addition to a home baker’s collection. Its combination of wholesome inspiration and tempting desserts makes it appealing to readers who enjoy discovering new ways to create homemade sweets. I would recommend it to anyone looking for fresh baking ideas and a little extra inspiration for their next kitchen adventure. Five stars for its inviting concept and delicious possibilities!
226 reviews
September 22, 2026
**★★★★★ Wholesome Baking Without Sacrificing Flavor**

*Better Baking* is a wonderful cookbook for anyone who loves desserts but also wants to be more thoughtful about the ingredients used in baking. I really enjoyed the way it approaches wholesome baking without making treats feel boring or overly restrictive.

The recipes offer a lovely balance of creativity and comfort, with familiar desserts presented through a more ingredient-conscious perspective. I especially appreciated the emphasis on quality ingredients and the idea that better choices can still result in delicious, satisfying baked goods.

What makes this book particularly enjoyable is the variety. There are plenty of recipes to explore, whether you're looking for something simple for everyday baking or a special dessert to share. The collection encourages experimentation while keeping the joy of baking at the center.

I also liked that the recipes feel approachable for home bakers. The book provides inspiration without making the process seem unnecessarily complicated, making it easy to imagine returning to these recipes again and again.

Overall, *Better Baking* is a beautiful addition to a baking collection. It offers creative ways to enjoy desserts while being more mindful about ingredients, proving that wholesome baking can still be indulgent, comforting, and delicious.

**★★★★★ An inspiring cookbook for anyone who wants flavorful desserts made with more thoughtful, wholesome ingredients.**
723 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ **A Wonderful Collection of Healthier Baking Inspiration!**

*Better Baking: Wholesome Ingredients, Delicious Desserts* is a fantastic cookbook for anyone who loves homemade desserts but also wants to make more thoughtful choices about ingredients. What I appreciate most is its approach to making baking both enjoyable and nourishing without sacrificing the delicious flavors and textures that make desserts so special.

The recipes are inspiring, creative, and approachable, making it easier to explore wholesome alternatives to traditional baking ingredients. I love the idea of creating satisfying treats with ingredients that offer something extra while still delivering the comfort and pleasure of homemade desserts.

Another highlight is the book's ability to make healthier baking feel exciting rather than restrictive. It encourages experimentation, builds confidence in the kitchen, and provides plenty of inspiration for anyone looking to refresh their everyday baking routine. Whether preparing something sweet for family, sharing treats with friends, or simply enjoying a homemade dessert, this cookbook offers a lovely source of inspiration.

Overall, this is a delightful addition to any baking collection. It combines the joy of baking with a thoughtful approach to ingredients, making it a book worth revisiting whenever a sweet craving strikes. Highly recommended for home bakers who want delicious desserts with a wholesome twist!
569 reviews
October 27, 2026
This cookbook has completely transformed the way I look at home baking, proving that wholesome, nourishing ingredients can yield desserts that are remarkably decadent and delicious. For a long time, I assumed that baking healthier treats meant sacrificing flavor, texture, or that cozy satisfaction you want from a freshly baked pastry. This book completely shatters that misconception with brilliant, foolproof recipes that elevate natural, wholesome components into absolute works of art.

The instructions are wonderfully clear, approachable, and designed to make baking feel like a joyful, stress-free creative outlet rather than a chemistry experiment. Every recipe utilizes everyday, health-conscious ingredients that come together seamlessly to produce treats that satisfy sweet cravings without leaving you feeling weighed down or sluggish. Since adding these wonderful bakes to my kitchen routine, my family has been thrilled, and enjoying homemade sweets has never felt so guilt-free or deeply satisfying.

If you want to bake smarter, explore wholesome alternatives, and enjoy mouthwatering desserts that nourish the body while delighting the taste buds, this book is an absolute treasure. It is beautifully crafted, incredibly practical, and delivers on every single promise. Five well-deserved stars!
668 reviews
September 28, 2026
"Finally, baking that makes you feel as good as it tastes!"
I used to believe that "wholesome" and "delicious dessert" were mutually exclusive—that baking with whole grains, natural sweeteners, or unrefined ingredients meant settling for dense, flavorless cardboard. This book completely shattered that myth. Every recipe is a masterclass in balancing nutrition with pure indulgence. I’ve made the olive oil and almond flour cake twice this month alone, and my family devoured it without ever guessing it was packed with wholesome ingredients. The author does a brilliant job explaining why certain swaps work, teaching you how ingredients like coconut sugar, maple syrup, and whole wheat pastry flour behave differently than their refined counterparts. The photography is warm and inviting, and the instructions are precise enough for beginners but creative enough to inspire seasoned bakers. If you want to stop feeling guilty about your sweet tooth without sacrificing an ounce of flavor, this cookbook is an absolute revelation.


Profile Image for Emily M.
904 reviews21 followers
January 28, 2018
I love this cookbook! Usability is only 4 stars, because I'm not always in the mood for healthier desserts, but when I am (and when I have to bake something for someone with dietary restrictions), this is my go-to book. I've gifted it to several people.

My favorite aspect of this book is that Ko actually describes why she'll use a certain type of flour or fat/egg substitute. So many "healthy" recipes on pinterest just have you subbing applesacue for oil and any gluten-free flour for all-purpose, but the changes you make should depend on whether you want the finished product to be chewy, crispy, or flaky, and whether you need additional moisture or not. Ko demystifies all of this for me. I've used her techniques to tweak many of my old stand-bys. The kids have loved most of what we've tried and liked everything. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Judith.
1,675 reviews93 followers
May 7, 2018
If you want to change your baking to make it healthier, this is the cookbook to start with. This is unlike a lot of other "healthy alternative" cookbooks I've read. It doesn't require that you start over with all new baking ingredients that you've never heard of. Instead, this one reduces the amount of sugar instead of completely eliminating it or substitutes bananas, dates, honey, and alternates white flour with almond flour, rye flour, coconut flour, etc.

If you're already a whole food freak with a completely clean kitchen, this is probably too decadent for you. But if you're looking to make a change in slow smooth steps, this is a great place to start. Great photos and easy directions.
174 reviews
October 25, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This cookbook sounds appealing to readers who want to explore baking with wholesome ingredients while still enjoying delicious desserts. The focus on thoughtful ingredients and satisfying results makes it an interesting choice for home bakers looking for fresh inspiration. I like the idea of finding recipes that bring together flavor and a more mindful approach to baking. It sounds like a useful resource for anyone who enjoys homemade desserts and experimenting with different baking ingredients.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
375 reviews17 followers
January 13, 2018
I liked how the recipes indicated if it was dairy free/vegan etc. The premise of the book is to use healthier alternatives like whole wheat flour and olive oil in place of butter. Some of these changes are a bit too far out for me to try, but there are some recipes that I think I am going to try.

4/5stars
Profile Image for Beka.
3,069 reviews
March 15, 2018
I really love this cookbook. Not only are recipes beautifully photographed, but they sound delicious. I like that Ms. Ko made healthful tweaks (mostly more whole grains and less sugar), but didn't remove all the yummy fats and sugars. After all, everything in moderation. :)
Profile Image for Frederic.
1,147 reviews27 followers
December 15, 2018
The recipes here are great, and shade towards healthy without giving up an inch on flavor. They also mostly use pretty regular ingredients, so you aren't likely to have to go out and hit a bunch of specialty shops to get something you need.
Profile Image for A.
280 reviews
May 18, 2017
Tabbed a few recipes. Looking forward to trying out desserts with sweet rice flour.
1,963 reviews
December 5, 2021
A very readable and delectable collection of dishes and bakes. Recommended.
Profile Image for Celia Juliano.
Author 13 books25 followers
March 20, 2017
I liked this book so much that I bought a copy, which is very rare for me. I've tried a few of the recipes, and they've all been delicious. I bake a lot for my sons, and though these recipes are not what I would call health food, they are healthier than the usual baking standards, and as tasty, if not more so. If you like to bake, or are interested in learning, and want something healthier than you find in a standard baking book, without giving up the textures and flavors you're used to, I recommend trying Better Baking.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,420 reviews103 followers
January 17, 2017
I love the idea... but I don't think I will buy a copy. I did note a handful of the cookie and scone recipes to try. I'm especially interested in her recipes that use rye flour.
Profile Image for Casseroll.
538 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2019
Beautiful book! There are recipes I haven't seen much before, if at all. Great pictures and structure. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Terri.
1,045 reviews40 followers
March 26, 2017
Lovely cookbook! However, it includes many items that are expensive and/or that I don't generally have in my pantry. I checked the book out from the library and copied a half dozen or so recipes onto recipe cards that I will try in the next week or so. Probably not a book that I would not purchase for my collection; however, after trying a few recipes, I may change my mind.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,156 reviews24 followers
April 3, 2017
What I am saying is that I am buying this book for myself. There were tons of pictures, great instructions at the beginning of every section, and the recipes are magic. Everything totally looked do-able. This book made me so excited. FAVORITE!!!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews