With stay-at-home orders remaining in effect, many of us are sitting around with plenty of time on our hands, complaining about how the days are beginning to blend together. A comforting, pleasurable and creative way to escape the stress of online learning, loneliness or the weight of our world dealing with COVID-19 is to get in the kitchen and bake. Baking is a fantastic way to get your mind off the harsh circumstances and indulge in something warm and satisfying while we are all in our homes. If you can’t decide where to start, check out these recipes!

Coconut Cake

Coconut and homemade cake have both been a secure haven for me during this quarantine, so combining them into a delicious treat is extraordinary. Baking this coconut cake is an exciting way to pass time, but it is also tasty, fun and can brighten your day with the first spectacular bite. It’s also the perfect size where you can share if you’d like to, or have it all for yourself! The combination of vanilla with a tiny hint of almond sends this cake into another orbit. The key is to having the perfect first bite is to make sure you get an equal amount of frosting, cake and coconut flakes. It is moist, sweet and the perfect coconut cake.     

Ingredients: 

For Cake:

• 3 sticks of unsalted butter (plus more for greasing pans)
• 2 cups of sugar
• 5 extra-large eggs
• 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 ½ tsp of pure almond extract
• 3 cups of all-purpose flour 
• 1 tsp baking powder 
• ½ baking soda
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup of milk
• 4 ounces sweetened shredded coconut 

For Frosting:

• 1 pound cream cheese
• 2 sticks of unsalted butter
• ¾ tsp pure vanilla
• ¼ tsp pure almond extract
• 1 pound of confectioner’s sugar, sifted  
• 6 ounces sweetened shredded coconut

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Isabella Fortunati

Coconut cake is a classic, and perfect for anybody craving a little bit of comfort in quarantine.

Oatmeal cookies

Oatmeal cookies are–in my eyes–the best comfort food to wind down and relax. When taking a bite of these soft oatmeal cookies, a warm feeling will wrap around you like a much-needed hug. This recipe will make around 24 delicious cookies to share with your family or deliver to some friends. The secret to why these are so special is the addition of a little bit of honey; it adds the perfect sweetness and golden texture.  

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup all-purpose flour 
• ½ – 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon of nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
•  ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons vanilla 
• 1 ½ cups oatmeal (old fashioned or large flakes)
• ⅔ cup raisins

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Isabella Fortunati

With a short list of ingredients and an easy to follow recipe, these oatmeal cookies are the perfect choice for anyone new to baking.

Berry Bread

Berry bread is the perfect option for dessert, breakfast or just a snack! This recipe was originally my mom’s, and is a family favorite. The blend of berries and pecans baked with sweet dough will instantly brighten anyone’s mood. It is especially delicious when enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven. Who knew berry bread could bring such comfort, joy and warmth to your life! 

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ cup sugar
• ¾ cups of melted butter 
• 1 ½ cup flour
• 2 cups berries (any kind)
• ½ cup chopped pecans

Gallery • 6 Photos

Isabella Fortunati

Step one: Blend the eggs and sugar at medium speed until mixed well and light yellow in color.

Whether you choose some chewy cookies, a delightfully sweet cake or colorful bread, there’s a recipe out there for anyone experiencing some quarantine blues!