Baking without the burnout: 25 slow, mindful desserts for lazy weekends

There’s nothing like the gentle pace of a long weekend to inspire a spot of baking. Whether you’re looking for a rewarding, slow project to fill a lazy afternoon or a simple bake to brighten your next teatime break, these recipes offer something for every mood and moment. From buttery French pastries and classic British bakes to inventive twists on global favourites, each bake promises comfort, satisfaction and a moment of calm in the kitchen.

Browse our ultimate collection of baking recipes for more inspiration, or take a look at our rich chocolate desserts, sweet traybakes and indulgent puddings.

Slow, mindful desserts for lazy weekends

Buttermint madeleines

Bake a batch of Edd Kimber's buttermint madeleines for a dainty teatime treat. Browned butter gives these little cakes a toasty, warm note, finished with a white chocolate shell for extra indulgence. Ideal for sharing with friends over a pot of tea.

Coffee loaf cake

A rich coffee cake topped with creamy vanilla latte icing, this loaf is perfect for a mid-morning or afternoon pick-me-up. It’s simple to make and guaranteed to lift your spirits.

Pain au chocolat

Treat yourself to the ultimate French bake by making classic pains au chocolat at home. This buttery, rich, and crisp pastry is a true weekend project — perfect for when you have time to enjoy the process. Serve fresh from the oven with a mug of tea or coffee for a taste of Paris in your own kitchen.

Brown butter, walnut and caramelised white chocolate cookies

Toasted walnuts and caramelised white chocolate take these cookies to a new level. The technique of browning the butter and nuts gives a fantastic toasted flavour throughout. These cookies are a brilliant treat for sharing over a hot drink.

Spiced baked quince with walnut crumble

Quince benefits from long, slow cooking, and this spiced baked quince with walnut crumble is the perfect example. The fruit becomes tender and sweet, topped with a nutty crumble for a warming, comforting dessert — just the thing for a slow-paced weekend.

Brown butter miso treacle tart

Transform a childhood favourite into a grown-up dessert with this treacle tart, enhanced by the umami flavours of brown butter and miso. The result is a beautifully balanced tart with depth and complexity — perfect for those who love to experiment.

Steamed sponge pudding with custard

Let the steamer work its magic with this classic, comforting sponge pudding. Made with golden syrup and hints of lemon and served with creamy custard, it’s a nostalgic pudding that’s perfect for a slow Sunday lunch.

Bee sting cake with plum

Seeking a mindful baking project to fill a quiet weekend? Turn your hand to this German-inspired cake, featuring a rich, yeasted sponge filled with vanilla cream and plum compote and topped with honeyed almonds. It’s a bake that takes time and care, making it ideal for a long and lazy weekend in the kitchen.

Japanese strawberry mochi with azuki

Strawberry mochi is a regular treat in Japan, and this version is filled with sweet azuki bean paste and a whole strawberry. They're pretty, chewy and a joy to make and eat — they're also perfect for impressing friends or family.

New York cheesecake

Elevate your baking skills with a classic, creamy New York cheesecake. This baked dessert is ideal for making ahead, making it a smart choice if you’re entertaining over the weekend. Take your time and enjoy the process — the result is a showstopper cheesecake that’s guaranteed to impress.

Laminated milk bread

For those who love a challenge, laminated milk bread is a weekend bake to savour. With two days needed for overnight chilling and proving, you’ll be rewarded with golden, puffy, buttery rolls with a croissant-like texture. A heavenly start to a weekend feast.

Brown butter blueberry and oat milk chocolate blondies

These naturally gluten-free blondies use oat flour for a dense, fudgy texture and are studded with blueberries and milk chocolate. They’re easy to make and ideal for a quick sweet fix over the weekend.

Chocolate and clementine torte

Make the most of clementine season with this rich and decadent torte, finished with thick swirls of Cointreau cream. It makes a sophisticated end to a dinner party or simply a special weekend treat.

Peanut butter pie with a cinnamon cereal crust

This peanut butter cream pie is unashamedly gluttonous, featuring a crunchy cinnamon cereal crust. It’s one of those comforting creations for those who love a little extra in their pudding — perfect for serving at a gathering or simply treating yourself.

Cekodok pisang (banana fritters with cinnamon sugar)

A popular street food snack in Malaysia, these banana fritters are a clever way to use up very ripe bananas. Coated in cinnamon sugar, these vegan treats are surprisingly quick and easy to make, perfect for a spontaneous weekend snack.

Panela loaf cake

Panela, a rich, treacly sugar from Central and South America, brings a deep, rum-laced flavour to this loaf cake. Every bite is packed with warmth, making it an appealing bake for a chilled weekend.

Venetian apple cake

This light Genoise sponge, layered with tender apples and a hint of rosemary, is perfect with a morning coffee or a leisurely afternoon treat. It’s a gentle bake that brings a touch of Italian elegance to your table.

Lemon drizzle muffins

Looking for a quick treat to enjoy with your cuppa? These lemon drizzle muffins are ideal for elevenses, an afternoon snack or even breakfast. A trio of lemon — curd, zest and juice — gives them their zingy character. Quick to make and full of tangy flavour, they make a cheerful way to brighten dreary weekends.

Triple chocolate chip cookies

For a simple yet supremely satisfying bake, try these triple chocolate chip cookies. Combining dark, milk and white chocolate, they’re easy to make and deliver maximum reward. Freshly baked cookies are one of life’s greatest pleasures, and just the ticket for a cosy teatime pick-me-up.

Classic crème brûlée

Fancy getting stuck into a fun kitchen project? Learn how to make the ultimate crème brûlée. Breaking through the crunchy caramel top to reveal a velvety, vanilla-infused custard is a moment worth savouring, making this classic French dessert well worth the leisurely effort.

Japanese fluffy cheesecake

This Japanese dessert, similar to a chiffon cake, is wonderfully light and melts in your mouth. Take your time and enjoy the delicate process — once complete, it makes a beautiful match with a matcha latte or traditional English tea.

Gata with apricots and nuts

Armenian gata is a bread-like cake that’s as salty as it is sweet. Filled with apricots and nuts, it’s a hearty bake that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones, or simply enjoy a slice with your morning coffee.

Caramelised apple and brown butter cheesecake bars

These bars are inspired by the comforting flavours of apple crumble, reimagined with a brown butter crumble and thick cheesecake layer. Gently spiced and packed with caramelised apples, they’re perfect for autumnal weekends or whenever you crave a little extra cosiness.

Pistachio and raspberry tiramisu

Give the traditional Italian layered dessert a fruity, modern twist with this pistachio and raspberry tiramisu. It’s a fresh and vibrant pudding, ideal for sharing at a leisurely gathering or as a centrepiece for a dinner party.

Mauritian coconut flan

Bring a taste of Mauritius to your table with this classic coconut flan. It combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the sweet depth of caramel. This dessert is simple to prepare but needs time to chill, making it perfect for a relaxed weekend.