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The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs: 100+ Sweet and Savory Recipes that You'll Love to Bake, Share and Eat!
A New York Times Bestseller! From the creators of the #1 New York Times bestselling cookbook for kids comes the ultimate baking book. America's Test Kitchen once again brings their scientific know-how, rigorous testing, and hands-on learning to KIDS! BAKING ISN'T JUST FOR CUPCAKES Want to make your own soft pretzels? Or wow your friends with homemade empanadas? What about creating a showstopping pie? Maybe some chewy brownies after school? From breakfast to breads, from cookies to cakes (yes, even cupcakes!), learn to bake it all here. You can do this, and it's fun! By empowering young chefs to make their own choices in the kitchen, America's Test Kitchen is building a new generation of confident cooks, engaged eaters, and curious experimenters.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2019
168 people are currently reading
377 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 22, 2019
This is a great beginning baking cookbook not only for kids but anyone who is new to baking. It is well written and illustrated and divided into chapters that make sense. There are good illustration and step by step instructions that are easy to follow. The recipes are not exotic ingredients and can be found in most pantries. This is part of a series put out by America's Test Kitchen for young cooks. Highly recommend for grandmother's who enjoy spending time in the kitchen with their grandkids. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 19, 2020
Loved this book and my students will love it too. Easy to follow recipes with clear directions. Ingredients are readily available and easy to acquire (maybe even already in people's homes) and the pictures are helpful and beautiful.
July 25, 2020
Loved the recipes! They were easy to follow and so fun to make. They are very tasty! I recommend this book if you are thinking about getting this book. If you are, then get it! It's great, and so fun!
October 30, 2025
WARNING! (read next paragraph for warning). I LOVE this book. I love it so much to the extent that I almost always refuse to use other baking books. The instructions are so clear, it is very well written, and I love the recipes. I always receive many compliments with what I bake from this book, and my mom always asks me to make her the soft pretzels from this book for her birthday every year. However…
The WARNING, is that a few (not all) of the recipes involving dough, this book is wrong about some things. This is pretty much the only baking book I’ve ever used, so I don’t know if this is normal or not. For example, I made the MOST DELICIOUS PRETZELS IN THE WORLD, but my pretzels (despite being the most delicious pretzels in the world) looked nothing like the book’s picture even though most other things I bake from this book do. Mine were barley brown and not fluffy at all, but the most important thing about making them is that the book says to kneed and shape the pretzels on a CLEAN COUNTER, but my dough is SO STICKY, which makes that literally impossible. I literally have to COAT the counter in flour and scrape the dough off of my hands with a knife after touching it. And I often have to proof over the time suggested. I don’t know why that always happens to me, I’m not sure if it’s my weather or climate, but I’ve made this recipe over 3 times and the dough is always like this.
The WARNING, is that a few (not all) of the recipes involving dough, this book is wrong about some things. This is pretty much the only baking book I’ve ever used, so I don’t know if this is normal or not. For example, I made the MOST DELICIOUS PRETZELS IN THE WORLD, but my pretzels (despite being the most delicious pretzels in the world) looked nothing like the book’s picture even though most other things I bake from this book do. Mine were barley brown and not fluffy at all, but the most important thing about making them is that the book says to kneed and shape the pretzels on a CLEAN COUNTER, but my dough is SO STICKY, which makes that literally impossible. I literally have to COAT the counter in flour and scrape the dough off of my hands with a knife after touching it. And I often have to proof over the time suggested. I don’t know why that always happens to me, I’m not sure if it’s my weather or climate, but I’ve made this recipe over 3 times and the dough is always like this.
August 1, 2021
I think this is an excellent introduction to baking for people of any age. So much information is covered in this one volume! The photos are vibrant. A significant portion of the recipes involve simple ingredients and cooking tools that most people likely already have, and all the recipes seem easy enough for the relatively new baker.
I love how each recipe includes so much extra material to cover lots of details about quality baking. Also the kids' quotes often brought a smile to my face with their humor and insight. The only reason this book didn't earn 5 stars was because it doesn't stay open easily, which makes it less than ideal for use in the kitchen.
I love how each recipe includes so much extra material to cover lots of details about quality baking. Also the kids' quotes often brought a smile to my face with their humor and insight. The only reason this book didn't earn 5 stars was because it doesn't stay open easily, which makes it less than ideal for use in the kitchen.
October 17, 2019
A really strong beginner's baking book that shouldn't be limited to the young chefs of the title. Anyone who is starting out with baking, or with baking in a specific category (like yeast breads or cakes), can benefit from its pages, as can anyone just looking for a good collection of core baking recipes.
April 1, 2020
Got out of the library for my daughter. We have baking books but she, in particular, really gravitates towards "kid-friendly" books that are specifically geared to her. She had way more fun making scones from this than just following my scone recipe in my cookbook. Good recipes and well produced package. Now she wants a copy!
September 29, 2025
This has been a hit with my preteen son AND my 70-something mother-in-law. Easy to follow recipes and supply lists plus tasty results make this one a keeper.
February 4, 2021
I didn't read this one thoroughly. It's a good introduction to baking for tweens and contains testimonials from kids in the test kitchen. It's full color and contains lots of instructions for how-tos.
Introduction:
4 Secrets to Success in Baking
Decoding Bakingspeak
What's up with ingredients
How to weigh and measure
How to measure ice water
Microwave 101
FAQ
10 essential prep steps
Tools to make the work easier
Chapter 1: Muffins, Quick Breads & Other Breakfast Treats
Some of the recipes are tweaked to make healthier (whole wheat flour, bananas, pumpkin, zucchini)
Spiced applesauce muffins using half white flour and half whole-what. I kind of smiled when I saw this recipe. It's a throwback to WWI when sugar and wheat were limited. I've made applesauce cupcakes with honey and with sugar. They're both good, surprisingly.
This section contains some weird things like zucchini bread and granola and some more traditional things like simple cream scones, crumb cake, buttermilk biscuits
Also tells you what to do with leftovers
Chapter 2: Yeast Breads
starts off simple with basic sandwich bread. It has some odd stuff like Middle Eastern Za'atar Bread and yummy things like cinnamon rolls and soft pretzels. They show you how to shape the pretzels. This is the only recipe I want to copy down.
Contains a section on Yeast Bread 101 and a sidebar on the magic of yeast.
Chapter 3: Pizza, Flatbread & Other Savory Goodies
How to make pizza dough plus other recipes to make with the dough like pepperoni rolls and pizza sauce
also empanadas and Brazilian Cheese Bread
Chapter 4: Cookies & Bars
These cookies are SOOO basic. Also includes brownies and bars. Boring.
Chapter 5: Cakes & Cupcakes
Also basic and boring. Some odd ducks like Tahini-Banana snack cake, olive oil cake, mini tea cakes with citrus glaze and Individual Flourless chocolate cakes. I want to try chocolate snack cake, berry snack cake and um that's all.
The decorating tips are more helpful than baking.
Chapter 6: Fruit Desserts, Pies & Tarts
Pie dough and recipes for pies, etc. Some standouts include Lemon-Olive Oil Tart (Dad wants niece to make this for him), Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Pie, Ruffled Milk Pie (uses pre-made store bought phyllo), Raspberry Clafouti
contains conversations and equivalents and recipe stats, index.
This is such a basic cookbook. I would present it to a kid (or adult) who wants to get started but doesn't know how and doesn't have an adult to teach them. I learned from my grandmother and my nieces learned from my mom, my brother and me. This book is not for those who aspire to be on the Food Network Kids Baking Championship or devotees of The Great British Baking Show. (We can't wait for the Junior version to pop up on YouTube)
Introduction:
4 Secrets to Success in Baking
Decoding Bakingspeak
What's up with ingredients
How to weigh and measure
How to measure ice water
Microwave 101
FAQ
10 essential prep steps
Tools to make the work easier
Chapter 1: Muffins, Quick Breads & Other Breakfast Treats
Some of the recipes are tweaked to make healthier (whole wheat flour, bananas, pumpkin, zucchini)
Spiced applesauce muffins using half white flour and half whole-what. I kind of smiled when I saw this recipe. It's a throwback to WWI when sugar and wheat were limited. I've made applesauce cupcakes with honey and with sugar. They're both good, surprisingly.
This section contains some weird things like zucchini bread and granola and some more traditional things like simple cream scones, crumb cake, buttermilk biscuits
Also tells you what to do with leftovers
Chapter 2: Yeast Breads
starts off simple with basic sandwich bread. It has some odd stuff like Middle Eastern Za'atar Bread and yummy things like cinnamon rolls and soft pretzels. They show you how to shape the pretzels. This is the only recipe I want to copy down.
Contains a section on Yeast Bread 101 and a sidebar on the magic of yeast.
Chapter 3: Pizza, Flatbread & Other Savory Goodies
How to make pizza dough plus other recipes to make with the dough like pepperoni rolls and pizza sauce
also empanadas and Brazilian Cheese Bread
Chapter 4: Cookies & Bars
These cookies are SOOO basic. Also includes brownies and bars. Boring.
Chapter 5: Cakes & Cupcakes
Also basic and boring. Some odd ducks like Tahini-Banana snack cake, olive oil cake, mini tea cakes with citrus glaze and Individual Flourless chocolate cakes. I want to try chocolate snack cake, berry snack cake and um that's all.
The decorating tips are more helpful than baking.
Chapter 6: Fruit Desserts, Pies & Tarts
Pie dough and recipes for pies, etc. Some standouts include Lemon-Olive Oil Tart (Dad wants niece to make this for him), Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Pie, Ruffled Milk Pie (uses pre-made store bought phyllo), Raspberry Clafouti
contains conversations and equivalents and recipe stats, index.
This is such a basic cookbook. I would present it to a kid (or adult) who wants to get started but doesn't know how and doesn't have an adult to teach them. I learned from my grandmother and my nieces learned from my mom, my brother and me. This book is not for those who aspire to be on the Food Network Kids Baking Championship or devotees of The Great British Baking Show. (We can't wait for the Junior version to pop up on YouTube)
November 8, 2021
With the holiday baking season fast approaching, I thought this would be a fun book to feature for MMGM in early November.
I began learning to cook when I was around 10 years old—a long time ago! I realized just how many years it has been when I read this book . . . 😉
I learned how to cut butter into biscuit dough using two knives; this book encourages young cooks to use a food processor. They suggest using a microwave oven to soften ingredients; no microwave oven back in my day so I used the stove. I did use an electric handheld mixer for cookie and cake batter; this book uses blenders, food processors, and an electric stand mixer. I used a colander; this book shows a fine-mesh strainer. They give the option of using a scale to weigh ingredients; I used regular old metal measuring cups. Oh, how the times have changed! 😁
Seriously, though, this book is colorful, engaging, and thorough in its instruction of middle-graders in the kitchen. The photographs, diagrams, recipes, and sidebar tips are excellent. There are quotes from the young bakers who participated in testing the recipes included with every recipe.
There are glossaries for 'Decoding Bakingspeak' and 'What's Up With Ingredients'. There is an 'FAQ' page and a '10 Essential Prep Steps' section. There is a picture glossary section showing 'Tools Make the Work Easier' including knives, bakeware, kitchen basics, small appliances, etc.
And then the delicious recipes begin! There are recipes from different parts of our world and lots of interesting food facts sprinkled throughout the book. Back matter includes a 'Conversions & Equivalents' chart, 'Recipe Stats' with nutritional facts, and an Index.
One other element that caused me to really like this book was that the book includes photos of the diverse group of children who tested the recipes. There are children of different races, ethnicities, genders, along with a child with a physical disability. This book welcomes readers from various cultures to join in the fun of baking!
Highly recommended for families, libraries, classrooms, youth/scouting groups, and aspiring bakers of any age!
I borrowed this book from the children's collection in our local public library.
################################
I began learning to cook when I was around 10 years old—a long time ago! I realized just how many years it has been when I read this book . . . 😉
I learned how to cut butter into biscuit dough using two knives; this book encourages young cooks to use a food processor. They suggest using a microwave oven to soften ingredients; no microwave oven back in my day so I used the stove. I did use an electric handheld mixer for cookie and cake batter; this book uses blenders, food processors, and an electric stand mixer. I used a colander; this book shows a fine-mesh strainer. They give the option of using a scale to weigh ingredients; I used regular old metal measuring cups. Oh, how the times have changed! 😁
Seriously, though, this book is colorful, engaging, and thorough in its instruction of middle-graders in the kitchen. The photographs, diagrams, recipes, and sidebar tips are excellent. There are quotes from the young bakers who participated in testing the recipes included with every recipe.
There are glossaries for 'Decoding Bakingspeak' and 'What's Up With Ingredients'. There is an 'FAQ' page and a '10 Essential Prep Steps' section. There is a picture glossary section showing 'Tools Make the Work Easier' including knives, bakeware, kitchen basics, small appliances, etc.
And then the delicious recipes begin! There are recipes from different parts of our world and lots of interesting food facts sprinkled throughout the book. Back matter includes a 'Conversions & Equivalents' chart, 'Recipe Stats' with nutritional facts, and an Index.
One other element that caused me to really like this book was that the book includes photos of the diverse group of children who tested the recipes. There are children of different races, ethnicities, genders, along with a child with a physical disability. This book welcomes readers from various cultures to join in the fun of baking!
Highly recommended for families, libraries, classrooms, youth/scouting groups, and aspiring bakers of any age!
I borrowed this book from the children's collection in our local public library.
################################
June 29, 2020
In The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs the professional chefs invited young bakers to work alongside them in the test kitchen to create recipes that kids can not only make, but will also enjoy.
The book includes plenty of culinary instruction along with the recipes. 10 Essential Prep Steps walk the young chef through cracking and separating eggs, melting butter, and chopping fresh herbs. Cake Prep 101 shows you how to line a cake pan with parchment paper.
Practical tips help young chefs get things right the first time. For example, when making cinnamon rolls you would normally spread butter, and cinnamon-sugar on a large rectangle of dough, then roll it up into a long tight log. For easier rolling, the book suggests cutting individual strips of buttered and cinnamon-sugared dough and rolling them up one at a time.
Chapters on Yeast Breads and Fruit Desserts like pies and tarts take this baking book to the next level for kids with a little experience.
The book includes conversion tables, nutritional information for each recipe, and an index, as well as quotes from kid chefs about each recipe.
Upper elementary and middle school students will find plenty of recipes and culinary know-how in The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs.
The book includes plenty of culinary instruction along with the recipes. 10 Essential Prep Steps walk the young chef through cracking and separating eggs, melting butter, and chopping fresh herbs. Cake Prep 101 shows you how to line a cake pan with parchment paper.
Practical tips help young chefs get things right the first time. For example, when making cinnamon rolls you would normally spread butter, and cinnamon-sugar on a large rectangle of dough, then roll it up into a long tight log. For easier rolling, the book suggests cutting individual strips of buttered and cinnamon-sugared dough and rolling them up one at a time.
Chapters on Yeast Breads and Fruit Desserts like pies and tarts take this baking book to the next level for kids with a little experience.
The book includes conversion tables, nutritional information for each recipe, and an index, as well as quotes from kid chefs about each recipe.
Upper elementary and middle school students will find plenty of recipes and culinary know-how in The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs.
August 1, 2019
I received this book as an ARC from Sourcebook Explore in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I am always on the lookout for new cookbooks since we have our cooking demo program at our library. I also encourage children to attend as well and we always get the request of cookbooks that are kid friendly and a lot of them want a book on baking especially sweets and this book fulfilled that request fully. There are so many delicious recipes featured in this book but the ones that looked the most delicious in my opinion was the pumpkin chocolate chip bread and the popovers and I can't wait to give them a try in my oven and if they are successful make them with my niece and nephew. I know they will absolutely love them.
We will consider adding this title to our JCookbook collection at our library and will be super excited for it to expand. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I am always on the lookout for new cookbooks since we have our cooking demo program at our library. I also encourage children to attend as well and we always get the request of cookbooks that are kid friendly and a lot of them want a book on baking especially sweets and this book fulfilled that request fully. There are so many delicious recipes featured in this book but the ones that looked the most delicious in my opinion was the pumpkin chocolate chip bread and the popovers and I can't wait to give them a try in my oven and if they are successful make them with my niece and nephew. I know they will absolutely love them.
We will consider adding this title to our JCookbook collection at our library and will be super excited for it to expand. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
May 25, 2022
As a homeschooling family, we're always looking for ways to encourage our kids' interests. So we have been exploring books about simple cooking techniques and recipes together. This was a great basic baking book. But I think our family is more interested in continuing to learn basic cooking techniques and recipes, more so than baking, at least for now.
I think once everyone masters some more everyday meals, we'll likely revisit this book and try a few choices. The nice thing with books like this is that they are simple enough that kids, with help, could get through these, but also great for adults who never had someone teach them how to make things from scratch in the kitchen. I liked it and think it was a great overview with a good selection.
I think once everyone masters some more everyday meals, we'll likely revisit this book and try a few choices. The nice thing with books like this is that they are simple enough that kids, with help, could get through these, but also great for adults who never had someone teach them how to make things from scratch in the kitchen. I liked it and think it was a great overview with a good selection.
March 17, 2025
Baking is a wonderful way to spend time with your children and make priceless memories. The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs has detailed, easy to follow instructions and illustrations that make baking so much fun. This book is a must-have for creating magic with your children. It covers everything from teaching them the basics of the kitchen to delicious recipes for pizza, cookies, and cupcakes. As the book says," It always tastes better when you make it yourself." So, go grab a copy and let the delicious aroma waft through your kitchen to literally get that feeling of yummy in my tummy!
April 10, 2020
Surprised how good the outcomes are! Especially with a 6 year old at the helm. This book is saving us during the pandemic. It’s beautifully done. Kid cookbooks have come a long way since I was a kid. This one is chock full of information that will be very helpful to my daughter when she’s a little older and more interested in the whys and hows. For now we’re just using the recipes and we’re quite satisfied.
May 7, 2020
Borrowed this title from the library and after finishing it - went ahead and bought it.
Recipes are recognizable and very approachable, pictures are good and giant chocolate chip cookie was an instant hit, but I lowered the sugar quantity by a half (chocolate chips were plenty sweet). So, I think it is worth buying, having fun with a child and tinkering with recipes, by adjusting them to your tastes.
Recipes are recognizable and very approachable, pictures are good and giant chocolate chip cookie was an instant hit, but I lowered the sugar quantity by a half (chocolate chips were plenty sweet). So, I think it is worth buying, having fun with a child and tinkering with recipes, by adjusting them to your tastes.
June 24, 2020
This cookbook is LEGIT.
You see, I'm a fan of America's Test Kitchen for adults. Their cookbooks are some of my most used. But now to see ones for kids, I couldn't be more excited to share with young foodies. I mean:
Corn, Tomato, and Bacon Galette
Brazilian Cheese Bread
Foccacia
Ruffled Milk Pie
Clearly no PB&J here!
But it is also America's Test Kitchen at its best. Tips. Tricks. Supply Lists. Just everything you need to get a young chef started.
You see, I'm a fan of America's Test Kitchen for adults. Their cookbooks are some of my most used. But now to see ones for kids, I couldn't be more excited to share with young foodies. I mean:
Corn, Tomato, and Bacon Galette
Brazilian Cheese Bread
Foccacia
Ruffled Milk Pie
Clearly no PB&J here!
But it is also America's Test Kitchen at its best. Tips. Tricks. Supply Lists. Just everything you need to get a young chef started.
December 23, 2019
These recipes are for foods kids would actually eat. It has lots of pictures and also contains detailed instructions for prep, measurements and substitutes. It’s very practical, the instructions are clear, concise and well written. It's a good book for a young baker, or someone new to baking. I’ve found several recipes I’d like to try. I would definitely recommend it.
March 18, 2023
This book is adorable. There are comments from children about the recipes. My kid made me get up at the crack of dawn to make some chocolate cupcakes with Nutella icing. Um, that icing is 🔥🔥🔥🔥 by the way. America’s Test Kitchen wins again!
Can’t wait to try the tahini-banana snack cakes and the bagel crackers. Recipes are simple, easy to follow, and totally doable for the kiddos!!!
Can’t wait to try the tahini-banana snack cakes and the bagel crackers. Recipes are simple, easy to follow, and totally doable for the kiddos!!!
July 28, 2023
Colorful, informative cookbook with several straightforward and many more complicated recipes for ages 10+. This is packed with the detail and best practices that America’s Test Kitchen usually delivers.
August 4, 2024
My son and I have enjoyed making several recipes from this book and all have came out great. The instructions are easy to follow. We were able to find recipes to make out of things in our pantry which is great because the baking urge can strike pretty randomly :)
June 10, 2020
Great cookbook. My only complaint is that most of the recipes aren't super healthy. It's great for treats and desserts though.
August 24, 2020
This book is great! I have made a lot of stuff out of this book!!
December 23, 2021
Pretty good place for kids to start, basic recipes. Awesome photos
March 1, 2022
Fantastic recipes for everyone, not just kids. The recipes are good, tested recipes using real ingredients and techniques.
February 2, 2023
I'll be checking this book out from the library again. Lots of interesting recipes to make (for kids and adults alike) with detailed instructions and pictures.
March 13, 2023
Great recipes for both young & older backers!
March 29, 2023
This would be fun to use to cook with our boys
October 31, 2023
The recipes in this were good and they looked good. It was easy to follow the recipe bc most of them were pretty simple. I would get it again to make more or another cookbook.
January 29, 2024
Yes! Great basic recipes that everyone should have up their sleeves… great for teenagers to learn, not just kids.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews