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Home » Recipe Collections

31 Baked Goods That Outshine Store-Bought (And Easier to Make)

Published: Sep 23, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Baked goods that are easier to make than store-bought and taste even better? Yes, please. Whether you're craving something sweet or savory, these recipes are great for anyone who loves the satisfaction of baking without the hassle. They're simple, packed with flavor, and will fill your kitchen with the kind of smells that just make everything feel cozier. If you're ready to skip the grocery store and whip up something better, this list has got you covered.

An overhead image of pumpkin pie cookies with whipped cream on top cooled on a wire rack.
Pumpkin Pie Cookies. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

Mixed Berry Galette

A top view image of mixed berry galette in sheet pan with a scoop of icecream in the middle.
Mixed Berry Galette. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

With only 15 minutes of prep time, this berry galette is an effortless dessert that packs a punch. It’s a better-than-store-bought option, perfect for topping with ice cream and mint to complete any BBQ or cozy autumn meal.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Berry Galette

Cranberry Orange Muffins

An image of a batch of cranberry orange muffins, one stacked on top of the others, on a wooden serving board.
Cranberry Orange Muffins. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cranberry orange muffins bring a burst of flavor to your kitchen, whether you use fresh or frozen cranberries. Ready in just 45 minutes, they’re a homemade treat that’s far more satisfying than store-bought options and fill the air with the scents of Fall.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Muffins

Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

Overhead view of five pumpkin muffins on a wooden platter.
Pumpkin Streusel Muffins. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pumpkin streusel muffins combine moist texture with rich pumpkin flavor, making them a must for Fall breakfasts. The crunchy topping makes them stand out as a better-than-store-bought choice, adding a satisfying layer to this seasonal favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

Pumpkin Banana Bread

An overhead view of a freshly baked loaf of pumpkin bread with chocolate chips and pumpkin seeds sits in a parchment-lined loaf pan.
Pumpkin Banana Bread. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegan pumpkin banana bread uses one bowl and a handful of ingredients, making it both quick and healthy. With seasonal flavors and the option to top with chocolate chips, it's a great homemade alternative to any store-bought baked good.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Banana Bread

Pumpkin Pie Cookies

An overhead image of pumpkin pie cookies with whipped cream on top cooled on a wire rack.
Pumpkin Pie Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pumpkin pie cookies bake in under 45 minutes, blending soft, buttery textures with rich pumpkin and spices. Their ease of preparation and warm flavors make them a better choice than anything you'll find in stores during the Fall season.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Cookies

Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pile of pumpkin oatmeal chocolate chip cookies with more in the background on a cooling rack.
Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Pumpkin oatmeal chocolate chip cookies offer the comfort of classic chocolate chip cookies with a seasonal twist. Their soft, chewy texture and pumpkin flavor make them a standout baked treat that’s far better than store-bought versions.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cinnamon Bread Pull Aparts

An overhead view of a cinnamon bread.
Cinnamon Bread Pull Aparts. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This cinnamon-coated bread with a sweet icing drizzle is not only fun to make but also brings a cheerful atmosphere to your home. It's a homemade delight that adds an extra-special touch to any Fall occasion, better than anything you’d find at the store.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Bread Pull Aparts

Old-Fashioned Banana Bread

Sliced loaf of banana bread on wooden board.
Old-Fashioned Banana Bread. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Packed with nuts and ripe bananas, this banana bread fills your home with the nostalgic aromas of homemade comfort. Skip the store-bought options for this classic loaf that’s perfect on its own or with a spread of butter.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Banana Bread

Easy Zucchini Bread

The image displays slices of moist zucchini bread with butter on a plate, alongside a fork.
Easy Zucchini Bread. Photo credit: Erren's Kitchen.

Zucchini bread is both flavorful and easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for frequent baking. Its consistency and simplicity are what set it apart from any store-bought variety, making it a comforting choice for Fall meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Zucchini Bread

Single-Serve Apple Pie

Mini apple pie on cutting board.
Single-Serve Apple Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This single-serve apple pie delivers all the goodness of a full-sized pie with none of the hassle. With a flaky crust and sweet filling, it’s a perfect, easy-to-make alternative to store-bought pies for a cozy Fall treat.
Get the Recipe: Single-Serve Apple Pie

Homemade Oat Bread

A loaf of sliced oat bread sitting on a towel.
Homemade Oat Bread. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Homemade oat bread requires just seven ingredients and can be ready in an hour, filling your home with a warm aroma. Skip the store-bought versions and enjoy this simple, hearty loaf as part of your Fall meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Oat Bread

Baked Pumpkin Donut

Four baked pumpkin donuts in a tray.
Baked Pumpkin Donut. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

These baked pumpkin donuts are light, fluffy, and full of seasonal flavor, creating a perfect snack for Fall. They’re quick to prepare and far more enjoyable than anything you’d find on a store shelf.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pumpkin Donut

No Yeast Bacon Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread

A quick bread loaf with bacon on a cutting board.
No Yeast Bacon Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

No Yeast Bacon Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread combines rich bacon and cheddar into a loaf that bakes up without the wait. Its savory flavors and quick preparation make it a superior choice to anything pre-made from the store.
Get the Recipe: No Yeast Bacon Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread

Mini Apple Pies

Close-up of stacks of mini apple pie in a white plate.
Mini Apple Pies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Mini apple pies blend sweet apples and dates into a bite-sized dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. These easy-to-make treats fill your kitchen with the cozy scents of Fall, making them a better option than store-bought.
Get the Recipe: Mini Apple Pies

Applesauce Bread

The image shows a loaf of applesauce bread, golden-brown with a sugary crust, partially sliced on a white plate next to a gold-colored.
Applesauce Bread. Photo credit: Erren's Kitchen.

Applesauce bread is a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert, offering a comforting aroma while baking. It’s an easy, better-than-store-bought recipe for adding something special to your Fall baking rotation.
Get the Recipe: Applesauce Bread

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Double chocolate banana bread with chocolate chips sliced on a cutting board.
Double Chocolate Banana Bread. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Double chocolate banana bread is the perfect snack, combining moist banana bread with rich chocolate flavor. It’s a more decadent option than anything you’ll find pre-made, perfect for enjoying Fall flavors at home.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Pumpkin Zucchini Bread

Sliced pumpkin zucchini bread.
Pumpkin Zucchini Bread. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Pumpkin zucchini bread is an aromatic loaf that blends seasonal pumpkin with the mild sweetness of zucchini. A creative alternative to traditional recipes, it’s a better homemade option than store-bought for your Fall baking.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Zucchini Bread

Apple-Cranberry Puff Pastry Tarts

A plate of three Apple-Cranberry Puff Pastry Tarts.
Apple-Cranberry Puff Pastry Tarts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Apple-cranberry puff pastry tarts combine tart cranberries with cinnamon-spiced apples on a flaky puff pastry base. This quick and simple dessert is packed with autumn flavor, far exceeding any store-bought pastry in taste and ease.
Get the Recipe: Apple-Cranberry Puff Pastry Tarts

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling

Carrot cake cookies with cream cheese icing filling.
Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Carrot cake cookies with cream cheese filling bring all the classic flavors of carrot cake into a portable form. The tangy cream cheese filling makes these cookies a standout, far better than anything you’ll find pre-made.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling

Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins

An image of Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins.
Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pumpkin spice muffins are a staple in Fall baking, blending pumpkin with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Easy to whip up, these homemade muffins are a better choice than any store-bought snack.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Amish Cinnamon Bread

Loaf of cinnamon bread sliced to show the ribbon of cinnamon inside.
Amish Cinnamon Bread. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Easy Amish cinnamon bread fills your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon, making it a comforting treat for any Fall day. It’s quick to prepare and better enjoyed fresh than any pre-packaged variety.
Get the Recipe: Amish Cinnamon Bread

Apple Galette

Overhead shot of an apple galette on parchment with fresh apples on the side.
Apple Galette. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Apple galette brings together sweet apples and a rustic, flaky pastry, creating a simple yet satisfying dessert. This homemade treat celebrates Fall flavors without the hassle of a full pie, offering something better than store-bought alternatives.
Get the Recipe: Apple Galette

Spiced Cranberry Bread

Cranberry bread on a wire rack with a red towel and fresh cranberries.
Spiced Cranberry Bread. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Spiced orange cranberry bread features fresh cranberries and orange zest for a sweet-tart flavor that’s perfect for festive occasions. Its homemade freshness beats anything you’d find pre-packaged, adding a special touch to your Fall baking.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Cranberry Bread

Butterscotch Apple Crisp

A butterscotch apple crumble in a cast iron skillet on a wooden cutting board.
Butterscotch Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Butterscotch apple crisp combines Granny Smith apples with a rich bourbon butterscotch sauce, all topped with a buttery streusel. This easier alternative to pie is a homemade treat that brings the warmth of Fall into your kitchen, better than store-bought crisps.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Apple Crisp

Quick Dutch Oven Bread

A loaf of Quick Dutch Oven Bread in a braiser.
Quick Dutch Oven Bread. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Quick Dutch oven bread delivers the crisp crust and airy interior of traditional bread without the long wait. This homemade version is far more satisfying than store-bought, making your kitchen the coziest place to enjoy fresh bread this Fall.
Get the Recipe: Quick Dutch Oven Bread

Honey Cake

Honey cake baked in a loaf pan and sliced.
Honey Cake. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Honey cake offers a moist crumb with crisp edges, highlighting the natural sweetness of honey. A better homemade option than any store-bought version, it’s a simple yet flavorful cake perfect for dessert or an afternoon treat.
Get the Recipe: Honey Cake

Apple Pie

A slice of apple pie on a plate with a scoop of ice cream.
Apple Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Homemade apple pie is a timeless classic that fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of fresh-baked apples. This easy recipe lets you skip the store-bought pies and enjoy a more personalized dessert experience at home.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie

No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

Italian artisan bread sliced on cutting board.
No Knead Italian Artisan Bread. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Italian artisan bread is a no-knead recipe that delivers authentic rustic flavor with minimal effort. It’s a superior homemade alternative to any store-bought loaf, perfect for enjoying with Fall meals.
Get the Recipe: No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

Blueberry Bread

Blueberry bread on a cooling rack.
Blueberry Bread. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Blueberry bread is an easy make-ahead treat that’s perfect for freezing and enjoying later. Its fresh, homemade flavor beats anything from the store, making it a favorite for Fall snacking.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Bread

Bundt Cake: Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

A pumpkin bundt cake with vanilla glaze on a white plate.
Bundt Cake: Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Icing. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Pumpkin bundt cake with cream cheese icing is a moist, decadent dessert that brings the essence of Fall to your baking. It’s a standout treat that’s better homemade than anything you’d find in stores.
Get the Recipe: Bundt Cake: Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

A close-up image of Pumpkin S’mores Cookies.
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Pumpkin s’mores cookies combine the classic flavors of s’mores with a seasonal pumpkin twist, offering soft textures and a touch of sweetness. These fun and festive cookies are a homemade favorite, far better than store-bought snacks.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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