Simple Sugar - by Jenna Barnard (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Satisfy your sweet tooth with 95 easy recipes for crowd-pleasing, Midwest-inspired baked goods like brownies, loaf cakes, cookies, and pies, from the creator of Butternut Bakery--plus simple swaps to make every recipe gluten-free or dairy-free.

"There's something incredibly special about a baker who not only creates beautiful desserts but truly wants everyone at the table to enjoy them. That's exactly what Jenna does in Simple Sugar."--Sally McKenney, New York Times bestselling author of Sally's Baking 101

Jenna Barnard is known for her comforting, down-to-earth, and delightfully simple baking recipes. Raised in the Midwest, Jenna grew up enjoying humble yet heavenly desserts like strawberry cake and chocolate pudding fudge pops--easy recipes made with love and often passed down on stained, handwritten notecards. She started her blog, Butternut Bakery, to capture the spirit of that delicious simplicity--no-fuss, nostalgic baking that is so beautifully unassuming, you can't help but fall for it. Now, in her debut cookbook, Jenna proves that baking trends may come and go, but fudgy brownies, pillowy sugar cookies, and gooey cinnamon rolls will always reign supreme.

In Simple Sugar, you'll find 95 irresistible and effortless desserts for every occasion, including:

• Baked Bars: Cinnamon Sugar Butter Bars; Cookies & Cream Brownie Bark; Key Lime Graham Cracker Shortbread
• Party & Snack Cakes: Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake; Confetti Crunch Cupcakes; Gooey Lemon Butter Cake
• Pies & Skillet Bakes: Malted Milk Skillet Cookie; Easy Peasy Peach Cobbler; Vanilla Maple Pumpkin Pie
• Breakfast & Brunch: Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Muffins; Shine's Berry Scones; Sticky Maple Pecan Monkey Bread

The best part is, Jenna's bakes are accessible to everyone, including those with allergies or dietary restrictions--every single recipe includes optional swaps to easily make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or both, without sacrificing flavor.

Simple Sugar hits the sweet spot for all your baking needs: the ingredients are easy to find, the techniques take minutes instead of hours, and taste rules over everything.

Review Quotes

"There's something incredibly special about a baker who not only creates beautiful desserts but truly wants everyone at the table to enjoy them. That's exactly what Jenna does in Simple Sugar. I've long admired her work at Butternut Bakery because her recipes are creative, reliable, and written with a lot of heart. What sets this book apart is the care she takes to welcome everyone, with thoughtfully developed alternatives included!"--Sally McKenney, New York Times bestselling author of Sally's Baking 101

"The moment I started flipping through Simple Sugar, I wanted to preheat my oven. Jenna has a knack for making baking feel approachable while still delivering desserts that taste truly special. From comforting everyday bakes to celebration-worthy favorites, these recipes prove simple is anything but boring. If you want a baking book you'll actually use, this is it."--Sarah Fennel, New York Times bestselling author of Sweet Tooth

"Simple Sugar is the kind of dessert book that's filled with humble and comforting recipes that still feel a little extra. From the unbelievable giant fudge crinkle cookies that are basically brownies in disguise, to her choose-your-own cheesecake that lets you make it your own, every recipe feels indulgent, joyful, and doable. Jenna has given us so much sweetness online over the years, so getting to bake her recipes from a real, hold-it-in-your-hands cookbook at home just feels like the ultimate treat."--Jocelyn Delk Adams, television host and award-winning author of Grandbaby Cakes and Everyday Grand

"If you love desserts that are deliciously simple, you're going to be obsessed with Simple Sugar. Every recipe is approachable, comforting, and the kind of sweet you'll want to bake on repeat."--Chelsey White, creator of Chelsweets

"Jenna has impeccable taste when it comes to the perfect baked goods. Simple Sugar is packed with reliable tips and diligently tested recipes from Jenna's vast experience that are both impressive and easy to follow. This entire book will have even the most amateur baker believing in their baking abilities. From classics to new creations, trust that Jenna will guide you to the best possible outcome for any recipe (including helpful tips on gluten and/or dairy-free swaps)!"--Erika Kwee, creator of The Pancake Princess

"In this debut celebration of Midwestern desserts from Butternut Bakery blogger [Jenna] Barnard, the biggest challenge will be deciding which recipe to try first."--Library Journal, starred review

"Approachable, adaptable recipes make Barnard's cookbook an excellent resource for novice bakers and those looking to bake with dietary restrictions."--Booklist

About the Author

Jenna Barnard is the creator behind Butternut Bakery. She started the blog as a way to share her passion for baking, the kind that involved flour, butter, and sugar. You know, the good stuff. After discovering a dietary sensitivity to both gluten and dairy, Jenna began adapting her bakes to work for all diets. Now she's passionate about creating approachable and delicious recipes for anyone who has an insatiable sweet tooth, no matter their diet. She lives in Illinois with her husband, baby boy, and rescue dog.