Whether you feel like baking a celebratory birthday cake or a simple banana bread, this collection of Anna Olson’s classic dessert recipes will have you baking like a seasoned pro in no time.
Anna Olson’s Banana Bread
Anna Olson’s versatile recipe allows you to turn this into chocolate chip banana bread or banana nut bread (or banana nut bread with chocolate chips!). Made with perfectly ripe bananas, this recipe will be your new go-to.
Classic New York Cheesecake
New York-style cheesecake is decadent and rich in taste, but fluffy in texture, and Anna Olson’s classic version is sure to impress. Top with fresh fruit or fresh edible flowers for a pop of colour.
Classic Blueberry Streusel Muffins
Topped with a crunchy brown sugar streusel, these dessert-worthy blueberry muffins are soft, chewy and just what the doctor ordered.
Pecan Butter Tarts
A classic Canadian treat, butter tarts make a heavenly dessert for any occasion. This recipe by Anna Olson uses pecans, but you can swap them out for raisins, walnut pieces or keep it plain.
Anna Olson's Lemon Meringue Pie
The Queen of Baking’s take on the always-classic lemon dessert is light, fresh and packed with incredible flavour.
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
Satisfy all the cookie monsters in your life with this recipe that’s sure to deliver a batch of sweet cookies with soft and chewy centres every time.
Classic Devil's Food Cake
This delicious cake meets the criteria of a classic devil’s food cake, with its dark, rich chocolatey flavour and delicate moist texture.
Fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes
Delightful, light and fluffy, these classic cupcakes are a great recipe to get the kids baking. They’ll love making these treats as much as they’ll love eating them.
Pumpkin Pie
Using whole wheat dough instead of white makes for a crust that browns nicely and stays crisp under all the warm pumpkin filling. Make it in advance to save you time and stress on the big day!
Classic Lemon Pound Cake
Whether served as a sweet brunch or for dessert after a big meal, this classic lemon pound cake will bring freshness to your table.
Fudge Brownies
Classic rich and fudgy brownies are given a crunchy twist with salted roasted pecans. Serve a la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Pumpkin Creme Brulee Tarts
Classic crème brûlée with the perfect contrast of the smooth, creamy custard and brittle caramelized topping.
Classic Cinnamon Sticky Buns
An irresistible combination of airy dough, gooey maple coating and cinnamon-sugar filling, these sticky buns will satisfy the sweetest of cravings (not matter what time of day!).
Classic Fruitcake
In Britain, the traditional wedding cake is a light fruitcake. This delectable recipe is perfect for the occasion, whether you serve it at the main event or slice and serve later.
Classic Zucchini Loaf with Orange
Zucchini adds moisture, texture and sneaky nutrition to this classic quick bread, while orange lends an unexpected, refreshing twist. Make a double batch and stick a loaf in the freezer for when a craving strikes.
Anna Olson's Hot Cross Buns
Bake up a batch of these classic hot cross buns on Friday to serve for brunch or after-dinner treat.
Classic Vanilla Cake with Caramel Pastry Cream
You can never go wrong with vanilla. However, it is the caramel pastry cream that is really the icing on this cake (pun intended)! The plain base makes it the perfect canvas for colourful fondant or fresh flowers.
Sour Cream Pecan Coffee Cake
A scrumptious twist on the classic coffee cake, this moist cake is topped with a pecan streusel for some sugary crunch.
Raspberry Clafoutis
Traditional French desserts can seem too complex for the everyday, but clafoutis, a custard-like fruit cake, proves this is not the case. Easier than making pancakes and far more elegant, you can use any soft fresh or frozen fruit you have on hand.
Classic Farmhouse Strawberry Shortcake
This cake-like biscuit is filled with light and fluffy whipped cream, and fresh, juicy strawberries.
Angel Food Cake
Light and fluffy, this angel food cake is the perfect dessert after a heavy meal. Serve with whipped cream and berries.
Blue Ribbon Apple Pie
This apple pie will be sure to win you the “blue ribbon” at the next apple pie contest. With six cups of Granny Smith or Honey Crisp apples, this stacked dessert is sure to please.
Basic Bread Pudding
Leftover stale bread or buns are no match for Anna Olson’s rich, creamy custard. This versatile pudding can be served as brunch or dessert, warm or chilled.
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist and creamy, this carrot cake is a light, refreshing dessert for almost any occasion. For even more variety, check out our most crave-worthy carrot cake recipes in every form.
Mincemeat Pie
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this Anna Olson’s pie recipe, packed with raisins, apples, currants, and cranberries.
Rich Chocolate Mousse Cake
Drooling yet? This impressive torte tastes heavenly, but has a dark side in the form of devilishly rich melted chocolate. Chocolate-covered mousse with just a tiny bit of super-moist chocolate cake (yes, more chocolate!), this really is the perfect cake for chocolate lovers.
Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Add a splash of colour and flavour to your dessert menu with this delectably sweet, retro upside-down cake made with juicy pineapple.
The Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookie
If you’ve been searching for the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter cookie, look no further than Anna Olson’s recipe.
Basic Gingerbread Cut Out Cookies
Sink your teeth into these rich and aromatic gingerbread cookies, spiced with cinnamon and allspice.
Battenberg Cake
This gorgeous treat boasting homemade marzipan, apricot jam and a delicious almond-flavoured cake can be sliced into single-serving pieces, making it the perfect tea-time dessert. Serve them alongside these sweet and savoury scones that will make you feel like royalty.
Anna Olson's Shortbread Cookies
This recipe makes a shortbread that’s soft and tender, unlike the typically firm and crumbly version. For an extra treat, press a piece of chocolate nougat candy into the centre of each cookie.
Chocolate Hazelnut Brioche Cake
This decadent cake with rich chocolate bread dough is laced with a sweet chocolate-hazelnut filling.
Tarte au Citron
Nothing says spring like the aroma of freshly squeezed lemons. Showcase the vibrant fruit with this delicate pastry filled with tangy lemon curd encased by a tender, buttery crust.
Oatmeal Raisin Sandwich Cookies
Oatmeal raisin cookies with a creamy peanut butter filling from baking expert Anna Olson — so you know they’re bound to be delicious.
Icebox Cookies
With three flavours to choose from — lemon, earl grey, and chocolate — these stunning (and delicious) icebox cookies will satisfy any craving.