Unleash Your Inner Baker: Amazing Recipes to Try with Your New GoodCook Baking Pan Set (Amazon Sale!)
So, you snagged that incredible GoodCook baking pan set on Amazon’s latest sale? Congratulations! You’ve just armed yourself with the tools to create a world of delectable treats. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice ready to dive in, this guide will provide you with delicious and achievable recipes to put your new pans to the test. We’ll cover everything from classic cakes and cookies to savory delights, all designed to make the most of your GoodCook baking set.
## Why GoodCook Baking Pans?
Before we jump into the recipes, let’s quickly touch upon why GoodCook baking pans are a great addition to any kitchen. They are generally known for:
* **Even Heating:** Ensuring your baked goods cook uniformly, preventing burnt edges and undercooked centers.
* **Non-Stick Coating:** Making it easier to release your creations and minimizing cleanup.
* **Durability:** Built to withstand regular use and high temperatures.
* **Variety:** Sets often include a range of pan sizes and shapes, perfect for versatile baking.
* **Affordability:** GoodCook often offers quality at a good price point, which makes it a great choice for many home bakers.
Now, let’s get baking!
## Recipe 1: Classic Vanilla Cake
This recipe is a fantastic starting point to familiarize yourself with your new cake pans. It’s simple, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup milk
**Equipment:**
* Two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans (from your GoodCook set)
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Parchment paper (optional, but recommended for easy release)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans. For extra insurance against sticking, line the bottom of each pan with a circle of parchment paper.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which is essential for a tender cake crumb.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. **Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. The order is important here. Starting and ending with the dry ingredients helps prevent gluten development, which is crucial for a tender cake.
6. **Divide Batter:** Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Use a kitchen scale for perfect accuracy, or simply eyeball it.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes.
8. **Cool:** Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cakes from sticking and allows them to cool evenly.
9. **Frost and Decorate:** Once the cakes are completely cool, frost them with your favorite frosting and decorate as desired. A simple vanilla buttercream is classic, but you can experiment with chocolate, cream cheese, or any other flavor you love.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Using room temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs, helps them emulsify properly, resulting in a smoother batter and a more even texture.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
* **Accurate Oven Temperature:** Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is accurately heated.
* **Proper Cooling:** Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
## Recipe 2: Chocolate Chip Cookies
No baking pan set is complete without the ability to whip up a batch of warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies. This recipe uses a standard baking sheet from your GoodCook set.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 large eggs
* 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate, your choice!)
**Equipment:**
* Baking sheet (from your GoodCook set)
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Parchment paper or silicone baking mat (recommended)
* Cookie scoop (optional, for uniform cookies)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. The brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness to the cookies.
4. **Add Vanilla and Eggs:** Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. **Stir in Chocolate Chips:** Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
7. **Drop by Rounded Tablespoons:** Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. A cookie scoop can help you achieve uniform cookies.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to bake on the hot baking sheet after they are removed from the oven.
9. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up slightly and prevents them from breaking.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Chill the Dough (Optional):** For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the butter to firm up, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaked cookies will be dry and crispy. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
* **Vary the Chocolate:** Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even chopped nuts.
* **Sea Salt:** Sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top of the cookies after baking to enhance the flavor.
## Recipe 3: Savory Quiche
Your GoodCook set likely includes a pie dish, perfect for making a savory quiche. This is a great option for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade, if you’re feeling ambitious!)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1 cup chopped vegetables (such as mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli)
* 4 large eggs
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 cup shredded cheese (such as Gruyere, Swiss, or cheddar)
**Equipment:**
* Pie dish (from your GoodCook set)
* Skillet
* Mixing bowl
* Whisk
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie crust in the pie dish and crimp the edges. You can pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes to prevent it from becoming soggy. This is called ‘blind baking’. To blind bake, line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Remove the weights and parchment paper after 10 minutes and bake for another 5 minutes.
2. **Sauté Vegetables:** Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped vegetables and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. **Whisk Eggs and Cream:** In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, and pepper.
4. **Assemble Quiche:** Sprinkle the sautéed vegetables and shredded cheese evenly over the bottom of the pie crust. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and cheese.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
6. **Cool:** Let the quiche cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Customize the Vegetables:** Use any vegetables you like in this quiche. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or butternut squash, also work well.
* **Add Meat:** Add cooked bacon, sausage, or ham to the quiche for extra flavor and protein.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese, feta, or Parmesan.
* **Pre-Bake the Crust:** Pre-baking the crust helps to prevent it from becoming soggy, especially if you are using a lot of filling.
## Recipe 4: Banana Bread
A loaf pan is a must-have in any baking set, and what better to bake than a classic banana bread?
**Ingredients:**
* 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 3 ripe bananas, mashed
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
**Equipment:**
* Loaf pan (from your GoodCook set)
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer
* Measuring cups and spoons
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your loaf pan.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Add Mashed Bananas:** Stir in the mashed bananas until well combined. Make sure your bananas are very ripe (almost black) for the best flavor.
6. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. **Stir in Nuts (Optional):** Stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans, if desired.
8. **Pour into Loaf Pan:** Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
9. **Bake:** Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes.
10. **Cool:** Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Use Very Ripe Bananas:** The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter will result in a tough banana bread.
* **Add Chocolate Chips:** Add chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent treat.
* **Store Properly:** Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
## Recipe 5: Brownies
Using a square baking pan from your GoodCook set, you can easily bake a batch of fudgy, delicious brownies.
**Ingredients:**
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 large eggs
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
**Equipment:**
* 8×8 inch square baking pan (from your GoodCook set)
* Mixing bowl
* Saucepan
* Measuring cups and spoons
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 8×8 inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. **Melt Butter:** In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat.
3. **Stir in Sugar, Cocoa, and Salt:** Stir in the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.
4. **Add Vanilla and Eggs:** Stir in the vanilla extract, then beat in the eggs one at a time.
5. **Gradually Add Flour:** Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. **Stir in Chocolate Chips (Optional):** Stir in the chocolate chips, if desired.
7. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Don’t overbake them if you like them fudgy!
9. **Cool:** Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder:** Using a high-quality cocoa powder will result in richer, more flavorful brownies.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaked brownies will be dry and crumbly.
* **Add Nuts:** Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for extra crunch.
* **Fudgy vs. Cakey:** For fudgier brownies, slightly underbake them. For cakey brownies, bake them for a few minutes longer.
## Beyond the Recipes: Caring for Your GoodCook Baking Pans
To ensure your GoodCook baking pans last for years to come, follow these simple care tips:
* **Hand Washing Recommended:** While some GoodCook pans may be dishwasher-safe, hand washing is always the gentlest option and will help prolong the life of the non-stick coating.
* **Avoid Abrasive Cleaners:** Use a soft sponge or cloth and mild dish soap to clean your pans. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or steel wool, as these can scratch the non-stick surface.
* **Don’t Use Metal Utensils:** Use wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils when cooking with your pans to prevent scratching the non-stick coating.
* **Cool Completely Before Washing:** Allow your pans to cool completely before washing them. Sudden temperature changes can warp the metal.
* **Store Properly:** Store your pans in a dry place, stacked carefully to avoid scratching. Consider using pan protectors between pans.
## Embrace the Baking Adventure!
With your new GoodCook baking pan set, the possibilities are endless. These five recipes are just a starting point. Don’t be afraid to experiment, try new techniques, and put your own spin on classic recipes. Happy baking!