Weeknight Baking: Recipes to Fit Your Schedule

by Michelle Lopez

Michelle Lopez—the wildly popular and critically acclaimed blogger behind Hummingbird High —teaches busy people how to make cookies, pies, cakes, and other treats, without spending hours in the kitchen.

If anyone knows how to balance a baking obsession with a demanding schedule, it’s Michelle Lopez. Over the past several years that she’s been running her blog Hummingbird High , Lopez has kept a crucial aspect of her life hidden from her she has a full-time, extremely demanding job in the tech world. But she’s figured out how to have her cake and eat it too.

In Weeknight Baking , Lopez shares recipes for drool-worthy confections, along with charming stories and time-saving tips and tricks. From everyday favorites like “Almost No Mess Shortbread” and “Better-Than-Supernatural Fudge Brownies” to showstoppers like “a Modern Red Velvet Cake” and “Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie” (it’s vegan!), she reveals the secrets to baking on a schedule.

With rigorously tested recipes, productivity hacks, and gorgeous photographs, this book is destined to become a busy baker’s go-to. Finally, dessert can be a part of every everyday meal!

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Nonfiction, Food, Reference

304 pages, Hardcover

First published October 29, 2019

Reviews

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't already a follower of Lopez' popular Instagram account, Hummingbird High, when I heard about Weeknight Baking, but I definitely am now. This bright, aesthetically-pleasing cookbook provides a solid foundation for novice bakers as well as a streamlined back-to-basics approach for hobbyists like myself.

I've seen a few complaints about the structure of the recipes in this book (which is, quite literally, weeknight baking - though a more apt title might have been Weeknight BakERS). Rather than providing shortcut recipes for instant gratification, most of these recipes instead simplify things by stretching them out in strategic phases over the course of several weeknights (with modifications to pull it off in one fell swoop, if desired). As someone who wants to experiment with baking while also mastering the basics, I can't always devote a full weekend to baking projects. This book gives you all the tools and timelines you need to accomplish anything from a coconut almond tart or elegant layer cake to supernatural brownies and hearty scones - all on an efficient, time-saving schedule. Those seeking semi-homemade desserts with a quick turn-around might be better off with something like Delish's Insane Sweets (which is equally delicious and fun, but more suited to drop-in style baking).

[Brindi Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the size of the book, I wish there were more recipes and less explaining of everything, BUT this would be the perfect gift for the beginner baker.

With that being said, I think I'll just keep checking this one out from the library and make a few copies as needed.

[Lauren Tomlinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yummy yummy, so many recipes to try. I appreciate the variations for how much time you have.

[Sigrid A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

Lopez's blog, Hummingbird High, features amazing recipes that are designed to be put together quickly on a busy weeknight, so I was excited to see what she included in this cookbook. One key method that Lopez has developed is splitting up the steps of a recipe so that you can assemble it over the course of three nights. I'm not fully on board with waiting three days for a cake, so I was glad that her cookbook included advice on shortening that time in whatever way works for you, as well as recipes that can be put together quickly in one go.

In addition to a bunch of recipes that I'm looking forward to trying, Lopez includes a ton of useful advice about methods for storing staples and enhancing flavor, like banning chocolate chips in favor of chopped chocolate bars. Most of all, I was happy to see her address a problem that has plagued my baking: never getting the middle of banana bread or other loafs cooked without burning the edges. Finally!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I initially borrowed this book from the library and loved it so much that I purchased my own copy. I have been a follower of @hummingbirdhigh on Instagram for awhile and was excited to see the book. I love it! In the first 50 pages, Ms. Lopez goes into detail about the hows and whys of baking. I never tire of getting a refresher course. Her recipes call for standard ingredient and if you're a regular baker you probably already have them in your kitchen. I read a few reviews which mention that some recipes take days to make.I think that is the point - you don't have a lot of time during the week so you split up the tasks. She provides an "expedited" version, also. Another review mentioned the cookie you should eat warm or it will taste oily. This was in the Single Lady chocolate chip cookie recipe. Again, the point is to make 1 cookie when you want one now. Don't let these deter you - it's a great cookbook!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This Michelle lady knows her stuff. This book is great for beginner and kitchen witch alike. One of her first recipes was a pumpkin loaf cake...with three pumpkin spice variations. She won me over right then. I loved her post note variations for many of the recipes and that she included a fair amount of dietary restriction recipes, because you always need a few of those up your sleeve these days. The photos are beautiful (and many!) and I really appreciate her format. Buying this one, for sure.

[Bookish · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a weird combination of time-saving recipes that don't really sound very appetizing (eat the cookie when it's warm, or it will just taste like oil) and recipes that take four days to build. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of good ideas here, and the book itself is beautiful. Sturdy pages and lots of photographs add to the overall appeal. I just happen to believe a good chocolate chip cookie is worth the time it takes to let the butter come to room temperature.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

As cookbooks go, this one is pretty close to perfect. It is not too big and not too complicated, while simultaneously having the right amount of detail in the recipes so a beginner baker won’t get lost (like when exactly to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl).

Conversational and honest (sometimes she uses pre-ground spices like the rest of us!), this is a must-read for the aspiring baker, or anyone who has ever wondered why their cake keeps collapsing.

[Nicci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a unique baking book in that it tells you how to break down recipes into 2 or 3 weeknights if you don't have the consecutive hours to devote to making something complicated like a classic white wedding cake or a coconut cream tart. That is not what I was expecting when I picked up this book at the library, but it could be a good idea for the right person. I personally would never bake a cake one day, make the icing the next, then put the whole thing together the 3rd day... who has the patience and will power for that (let alone the refrigerator/ freezer space to store each step??)? However, given her rigorous professional schedule at the time, she only had a little time each night to bake and so developed recipes in a way that worked for her. She also includes instructions if you want to bake these recipes all in one day like a normal baker.

Not all the recipes are broken down into more than one day. Things like loaf cakes and brownies that take little hands-on time are written like regular recipes, but she definitely worked hard to develop new spins on old favorites. I found the absolute best "boxed-mix brownies from scratch" recipe in this book and I will use it forevermore! There are many other recipes that I want to try too.

Her recipes are extremely detailed and informative, especially for novice bakers. She includes a section at the beginning of the book detailing tools, techniques, ingredients you should always have on hand and where to source them, and a guide to substituting everything from flours and salt to eggs and chocolate. She talks about dry, liquid, and volume measurements, how to use a digital food scale and measuring cups properly, and whether you really need to sift flour. I think this would be an excellent bridal shower present, first housewarming gift, or gift for maybe a teen just starting to bake alone. I really enjoyed her explanations of the science behind why ingredients work well together or don't, and why you might want to have room temp ingredients verses cold ones. I have been baking for years yet still learned a lot from this book, so I imagine it would be a wonderful cookbook to start learning how to bake. In fact, I wish I had this book when I started out!

[Clwseattle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weeknight Baking: Time-Saving Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week is a lovely, well put together book with voluminous hints and real pictures that represent the finished product . . . as we hope it will be for us.

I am unfamiliar with the author as I am not involved with social media.

Most often, I bake when the mood strikes me and I have the luxury of being able to at that moment. Patience has never been my virtue and I like cleaning up ONCE per project. About the only thing I will bake over 2 or more days is bread, and that's for the starter to do its thing. I do admit to making multiple types of Christmas cookie dough all in one day and baking them on subsequent days, but again, that's a one and done cleaning up.

I found very few new recipes that tempted me, but, I think this is a great book for a new generation.

[Cruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this cookbook. It was an interesting concept with some interesting recipes. But in the end it jut didn't cut it.

The concept here is that, during a working week, we often need to create a baked good but in limited time. How about some baking where we spread the time over a few evenings?

It wasn't worth it.

The recipes tended to be too complex for what she was trying to do. Not that they were difficult. More that they weren't really time saving.

I made a number of the recipes and they were *fine*. There was nothing remarkable about them. There are probably a few tips I'll take from them, but not many. There was *a lot* of sugar in these recipes (more than I would expect in Australian baking - is this a US thing perhaps?) and a lot of butter.

It was fine. It was an okay cookbook. I loved the premise but not the recipes.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Lopez has a food blog called Hummingbird High. She has included many of her blog recipes in this cookbook. It has good illustrations and gives tips about using time wisely (preparing and baking one item over several evenings.) Most of her recipes are common pantry items and how to freeze many of your baked good. Her intro talks different kinds of flour, sugars, salt etc, and how to substitute if you don't have something, basis kitchen tools and necessities. Covers cakes, cookies, sauces and more. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Shari Suarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michelle Lopez is the popular blogger behind Hummingbird High. In this book she conveys how to bake without taking up too much of your precious time.
The recipes look delicious and the pictures are gorgeous. She does a great job of telling which items can be substituted and which items absolutely must be used at a certain temperature and which aren't necessary. She also is excellent at describing the ingredients and why they are used.
However some of the recipes require you to make them over three days and I just can't wait for three days for a cake.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth checking out of the library, but probably not purchasing. The supernatural brownies are amazing and the chocolate/vanilla ball cookies are insane. There are pics for every recipe, and the instructions are clear. I appreciate her layer cake method (if you need to bake a layer cake during the week), but I thought there was too much explanation in the beginning of the book. I'd have preferred more cookie recipes and fewer tips. She does offer variations on several of the recipes, as well as a whole chapter on vegan and gluten free baking, so the book is quite inclusive.

[(a)lyss(a) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting cook book!

I'm unfamiliar with the author's instagram so I found a few gems in this book I'm looking forward to trying!

I wish there were more pictures of the recipes because I'm unfamiliar with some of the recipes and the pictures that are included are beautiful! While I don't see myself doing many of these options on a week night there is a good variety of recipes to try!

[Andrew Keen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent resource for new or skilled bakers. Lopez demonstrates simple and logical ways to break down a recipe and make more efficient use of time. Her recipes aren't "showstopper" desserts that will get you onto a televised baking competition, but time-honored favorites loved by many. Readers of all skill levels will appreciate new ways of approaching classic desserts and efficient ways of baking and using ingredients.

[Jenny K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this enough to buy a copy but there were a some deal breakers for me. First off I’m not a regular dessert maker. Second, these are small batch recipes…if I am going to make a dessert I don’t want to put all that time/effort in for a small batch. And third, the cake recipes all call for cake flour. My kitchen is already full, I don’t want to buy and store another flour.

[Jessika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely photographer, excellent explanations for beginner steps, and great breakdowns to make projects more accessible during the week. Also, her brief section of vegan/gluten-free recipes was really a pleasant surprise. My only complaint is that there are no section TOCs so you don't really know at a glance what recipes are in the book.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is nothing Special or unique about this book. It’s just a bunch of desserts. I was not impressed. The only thing that was different is the recipe for a single chocolate chip cookie. Who wants to make a mess for just one cookie?
I have not yet made anything from this book and don’t know if I ever will.

[Caroline Berg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has a nice mix of allergy-friendly recipes along with the more typical recipes for people who might not be able to do gluten or dairy, in case you need a quick batch of something to bring into the office on short notice.

The pie chapter was a bit of a disappointment, but then, I've been baking pies for over half my life, so they are something I understand instinctively at this point.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved Michelle's blog for ages; her recipes are always good, and her writing is so real and honest about the challenges of running a food blog and the pressures of today. Her book is really well-designed and easy to follow; I've made two recipes already and they were both great!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Besides recipes, this book has a lot of good info on why you have to do things a certain way when baking vs. when you can make substitutions. I feel like she explained the science of baking in a simplified way.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just recently stumbled onto Michelle's Instagram and knew I HAD to read her book. I was not disappointed. I think I need to try almost every recipe. I had already tried the Supernatural brownies, and everyone said they were the best brownies ever! Here we go - onto more tries.

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where's the jump to recipe button? If I wanted to read a blog, I'd read a blog. These recipes are wordy and formatting was an issue for me. I'd rather see the ingredients on the sidebar and be given concise instructions. Inexperienced bakers may appreciate the attention to detail. Nice photos

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars bc I didn't really read it. Flipped through it. Title is a bit misleading, many of the recipes were complex but broken down into steps to do each night. Like bake a cake one night, the next night make the frosting and put it on the cake. That was disappointing, as I was looking for fun things to make in one night TO BE EATEN THAT NIGHT 😁

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is great for explaining why you are doing things a particular way in addition to the pretty good recipes. The biggest down side - heavy stand mixer use makes a lot of the book not easily doable.

[Beka · Rating 3 out of 5]

SUCH a gorgeous cookbook. I'm not inclined to the type of multi-stage baking she's geared this toward, but I love all the info she gives. And the pictures are incredible!! Absolutely beautiful and would be great for a beginning baker!

[Anna Catherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique, delightful, and beautifully-designed cookbook, "Weeknight Baking" is well-worth the read. Lopez picks some strange soapboxes to die on but overall has a surprising number of practical tips that can be used for any recipe.

[Michelle Cable · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received digital ARC from Edelweiss.

Have tried two recipes so far and they are easy to follow and very tasty.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really liked the pumpkin bread recipe. The rest was relatively standard baking that would be good for someone who doesn’t bake very often.