Because the only way to become a pie pro is to master the base of the whole thing— the crust! 🥧

And as an internet baking teacher of more than 12 years who is 100% self-taught, I know the struggle of learning pies all too well 😮‍💨

So I can promise you that if you’re rolling your crust up over your pin and then laying it in the plate, YOU’RE DOING TOO MUCH.

Here’s what you do instead:
➡️ roll your pie dough out on a silicone mat to 12” (assuming you’re using a standard 9” pie plate)
➡️ flip your pie plate over and place it directly in the middle of the pie dough circle
➡️ slide one hand under everything and splay it over the center of the pie dough
➡️ place your other hand on the bottom of the pie plate
➡️ quickly but carefully flip everything over
➡️ peel back the silicone mat and nestle the dough into the plate

I use this pastry mat for SO many things, but my favorite thing to use it for is this. It saves time, prevents ripping, and works perfectly every time 🤩

Comment the word “PIE” below and I’ll send the link to this mat directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours #pie #pies #piecrust #pieseason ...

It’s no secret folks are ditching their drive thru runs for homemade, and this egg bite recipe is one that has gotten a lot of attention in the last several months 😅

I originally created this recipe to fill my own void once I quit my full time job to be a food blogger— I no longer had a commute, so I no longer had my weekly Starbucks Fridays! 😭

I remedied that situation by creating a copycat egg bite recipe that has stood the test of time. Folks have found this recipe for convenience, control of ingredients, and for cost-saving purposes and continue to come back to it again and again.

Over the years, we’ve gathered enough info to make them in the Instant Pot and in the oven, and all 3 popular flavors are represented. I tested this recipe so many times I could do it in my sleep by the time I got it right 😮‍💨

Here are some reader reviews…

Mel said: “Omg! I just made these for lunch because I LOVE the Starbucks ones. So yummy and so easy! I’ll never buy them again!”

Neener said: “Just made these today! OMG, so GOOD!!!!”

Michelle said: “I keep coming back to this. So simple and last in the fridge for my work week.”

We’ve got ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ all around! 🙌

So what are you waiting for? 🧐

Comment the word “recipe” and I’ll send the link to these egg bites directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/instant-pot-egg-bites/

#starbuckscopycat #copycatrecipe #eggbites #starbucks ...

PSA: Thanksgiving dessert doesn’t have to be pigeon-holed into pumpkin pie only! And believe me, I LOOOOOOVE pumpkin pie, but I also love having a solid spread of desserts to choose from 😋

And that’s why I love this pumpkin Bundt cake.
 
If you’re currently thinking about your Thanksgiving menu, consider this your official sign that you’re in good company (I’m always thinking multiple months ahead— hello, I am a food content creator after all) 🥰
 
Hi, I’m Lynn! I’m a former scientist and bakery owner turned internet baking teacher, and I’m here to make scratch baking SIMPLE for you 🙌
 
And remember, you don’t have to be a great baker to bake something great— you just need the right recipe and instructions in your corner 😉

Comment the word “recipe” and I’ll send the link to this pumpkin Bundt cake with maple icing directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/pumpkin-bundt-cake/

#pumpkin #pumpkinseason #thanksgiving #thanksgivingdesserts ...

Save this + send this to someone who loves pumpkin but doesn’t want it in their coffee! 🎃

This pumpkin spice hot chocolate is a MUST for this fall. You can make it white or semi-sweet, and you can do it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.

It’s perfect for a party or a cozy weekend afternoon, which is why I plan to make it for every fall gathering we have this fall (pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, my birthday) 🤗

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to my pumpkin hot chocolate directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/pumpkin-spice-hot-chocolate/

#pumpkin #pumpkinspiceeverything #pumpkinspice #pumpkinseason ...

Every year on my birthday since I turned 30, I’ve shared a new or updated cookie cake recipe 🍪

So today, on my 41st birthday, I’m sharing an updated version of one that has given readers trouble over the years. I knew the recipe worked, so it took me some digging to really figure out where folks were getting hung up 🤔

It turns out, the oven was where things fell apart, so I’ve got ALL the tips and recommendations so that you don’t wind up with an overbaked treat, but rather the soft, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth snickerdoodle cookie cake you were always meant to have when you combine those precious ingredients 🥹

This is also the treat my 8 year old deemed the only birthday treat he wants for the rest of his life. Which is saying a lot since he’s typically always a cupcake guy 🧁

However you celebrate your own birthday whenever it is, please help me celebrate mine today by checking your voter registration, enjoying your favorite treat, and spending time with the people you love 🫶

Thank you for helping me celebrate 41— cheers to another year of delicious bakes! 🧑‍🍳

Comment the word “recipe” and I’ll send the link to this snickerdoodle cookie cake directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/snickerdoodle-cookie-cake/

#snickerdoodle #cookiecake #cookiecakes #birthday ...

Have you opened your first can of pumpkin yet this baking season? 🎃

Tell me what you’ve baked in the comments ⬇️ #pumpkin #pumpkinszn #pumpkinseason #pumpkinrecipes #fallbaking ...

Add those edible eyeballs to your cart next time you see them— you won’t be sorry! 👀

As a food content creator, you know I’m always down for a kitschy holiday treat, and Halloween is the EASIEST ONE to get right 🎃

You wouldn’t believe how many desserts I’ve turned Halloween-themed on the spot just by piping little buttercream or whipped cream ghosts and then putting eyeballs on them 👀👻

This Halloween cookie cake is no different! This is my classic chocolate chip cookie cake, dressed up with Halloween sprinkles and ghosts and classified as a Halloween treat just like that 🫰

It’s a simple recipe to throw together for a party, Trick-Or-Treat night, or just a dessert you want to Halloween-ify (technical term).

Comment the word “spooky” and I’ll send the link to this Halloween cookie cake (and my favorite edible eyeballs!) directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/halloween-cookie-cake/

#halloween #halloweentreat #halloweenrecipe #halloweenrecipes ...

Add this to your birthday wishlist 🥳

As someone whose birthday is V soon (the 26th!), do not misconstrue this as a suggestion that I am NOT a cake girlie, because I absolutely am! 🎂

BUT I know many folks who prefer donuts, pies, or even cheesecakes like my firstborn. And what better way to start a birthday celebration than with sprinkles at breakfast? 🌈

This confetti cinnamon roll recipe has been on my site since 2019, but it’s had a few variations over the years. What started out as a 12-roll recipe with almond extract and classic cream cheese frosting has morphed into a 6-roll small batch recipe made with cake batter extract and the option for my homemade rainbow chip frosting 🤩

You’re welcome to frost them however you please, make 6 or 12 rolls (all the instructions to help you navigate your desired batch size!), and flavor them with your preference or whatever you have on hand.

Bottom line: these cinnamon rolls are one of my favorites from my entire cinnamon roll collection, and you certainly don’t need a birthday to have a reason make them. In this corner of the internet, we welcome sprinkles on the daily 🎉

Comment the word “confetti” and I’ll send the link to these rolls directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/funfetti-cinnamon-rolls/

#funfetti #confetti #birthday #birthdaygirl ...

I am not shameful for one moment that I’ll take pumpkin in my coffee AND/OR ice cream 365 days a year 🙂‍↔️

BUT I also recognize that is not normal behavior though I’m sure there are others like me out there! 🤪

If you’re anything like me, obviously my homemade pumpkin ice cream, which is prettyyyyy highly rated in Google when you search for it, is for you 🍨

This ice cream is made with canned pumpkin and cozy spices and goes perfectly with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs on top 😋

Want to see what the hype is all about? Comment the word “MAKER” below and I’ll send the link to this pumpkin ice cream AND my favorite ice cream maker attachment right to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/pumpkin-ice-cream/

#pumpkin #icecream #icecreamrecipe #pumpkinrecipes ...

And who could blame me?! 😮

These cookies and cream rolls take everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls— soft, pillowy dough, rich filling, and cream cheese frosting— and swap the spice for crushed Oreos and black cocoa powder 🖤

With cookie crumbs and chunks in the dough, roll centers, and sprinkled on top, these small batch rolls are packed with cookies and cream flavor 🤤

⭐️ Bonus points: this recipe doubles beautifully!

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to these rolls right to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/cookies-and-cream-rolls/

#oreos #cookiesandcream #cinnamonrolls #oreos ...

Not me converting Toll House loyalists into Fresh April Flours believers again 🤭

Sometimes all you need is a crispy-edged, soft-and-chewy-centered, not-the-ushe cookie recipe to convince you there’s more to life than what you’ve always done.

The best part of being a recipe creator isn’t eating my own creations, it’s sharing them with YOU and hearing that one of my recipes has landed a permanent spot in your rotation 🥰

These chocolate chip cookies do just that. In fact, take a peek at these reviews from the last few months:

“This is my new go to recipe. I’ve literally been making these cookies so much that I’ve started to double the recipe. My family loves them.” — Crystal ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Always using this recipe my family loves this one!” — Zoe ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“The only chocolate chip cookie recipe I use! Delicious every time!!” — Melissa ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

👋🏼 hi! I’m Lynn, and I’ve been teaching people on the internet how to bake delicious things for 12 years.

I am known for my chocolate chip cookies that have crisp edges, gooey centers, and convert Toll House diehards left and right 🍪

Comment “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to these life-changing chocolate chip cookies directly to your DMs! 💌#freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/classic-chocolate-chip-cookies/

#chocolatechip #chocolatechipcookies #chocolatechipcookie #cookielover ...

Most people don’t realize that “very ripe banana” taste and texture can be replicated by roasting bananas in the oven 🤯

The truth is, just 10 minutes of roasting even super ripe bananas that still have GREEN on them can get you a loaf of soft, flavorful banana bread today instead of in a week, or worse… Not at all because you forgot about them 🥴

Here’s how to do it ⤵️

You’ll need:
🍌 3 medium size unripe bananas
🍌 3 Tablespoons (38g) brown sugar

What you’ll do:
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat (or leave unlined, if you don’t mind cleaning). Set aside.

2️⃣ Situate each banana so that the curved part is on a surface or cutting board and the ends are facing up. Slice each banana in half long ways, then lay the sliced bananas on the pan, exposed banana side up.

3️⃣ Sprinkle the bananas with the brown sugar and then turn each of them over so that the skins now face up and the exposed banana is on the prepared pan.

4️⃣ Roast the bananas for 10 minutes or until the skins are completely black and leaking juices from the sides.

5️⃣ Remove the bananas from the oven, carefully remove the skins, and place the roasted bananas and all of the juices and caramelized sugar into a small bowl.

6️⃣ Mash the bananas in the bowl using a fork and set them aside to cool while you make the rest of the banana bread.

⭐️ Your mashed bananas are now ready to use!

Looking for the BEST banana bread recipe? I’ve got you covered 😎

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to my very favorite banana bread recipe (which includes these instructions!) directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/freshaprilflours/) • https://freshaprilflours.com/banana-bread-with-unripe-bananas/

#bananabread #banana #bananarecipes #bananabreadrecipe ...

🇫🇷 Visit France with me next year! 🇫🇷

🚩 And there are ONLY TWO SPOTS LEFT! 😬

Are you ready for an unforgettable trip of a lifetime with a group of fellow bakers and sweets lovers? 🤗 Because together, we’ll be exploring the coast and countryside of GORGEOUS Southern France! 🥰

🗓️ DATES: April 13-18, 2027
📍CITIES: Nice and Aix-en-Provence

What’s included:
🥐 6 days / 5 nights in a 4-star hotel
🥐 5 breakfasts, 2 dinners
🥐 A dedicated local expert guide for the whole trip
🥐 City & activity transfers
🥐 Access to a whole host of activities

What’s on the agenda:
🥐 A guided walking tour of Nice
🥐 A PRIVATE baking workshop (macarons & cream puffs)
🥐 An optional half day trip to Monaco/Monte Carlo/Èze
🥐 Wandering cobblestone streets
🥐 A visit to the beach
🥐 Seeing palaces and other historic buildings
🥐 Local markets
🥐 Artisan boutiques
🥐 Welcome and farewell dinners

If you want to snag one of the last spots, comment “interested” and I’ll send you a DM with more info! 💌 https://trovatrip.com/trip/europe/france/france-with-lynn-april-apr-2027

#france #trovatrip #frenchriviera ...

They’re totally ‘ber month coded 🤩

These soft and fluffy pumpkin cinnamon rolls are made with pumpkin kneaded right into the dough and a pumpkin spiced cinnamon swirl through every bite 🤤

Top with a maple cinnamon version of my favorite cream cheese frosting or any of the other frostings linked in my post.

🧡 BONUS— recipe makes 6 rolls and includes instructions for making ahead to save time!

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to these pumpkin cinnamon rolls directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/pumpkin-cinnamon-rolls/

#pumpkin #cinnamonrolls #cinnamonroll #pumpkinspiceeverything ...

This super easy pumpkin mousse was called “heaven in a cup” by one of my taste testers, and you’re going to love how easy, delicious, and “fancy” it can be 🎃

Roasted pumpkin (which brings 99.9% of the pumpkin flavor— the other 0.1% comes from spices) and a sweetened whipped cream base make this pumpkin pie-esque without the gluten nor all that work 😮‍💨

Comment the word “recipe” and I’ll send the link to this pumpkin mousse directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/pumpkin-mousse/

#pumpkin #pumpkinrecipes #pumpkinrecipe #pumpkinseason ...

This may be my new favorite twist on a classic 🥰

And here’s the thing every cinnamon roll girlie needs to know— not every batch of cinnamon rolls needs to yield 12.

In fact, just about ALL of the cinnamon roll recipes on my site are small batch, which yields just 6. And doubling it If needed? Super simple math, and I have information in each post about what that looks like ☺️

Seriously, once you taste that chai-spiced cream cheese frosting, you’ll never go back to plain cinnamon again 🫖

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to these chai cinnamon rolls right to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/chai-cinnamon-rolls/

#chai #cinnamonrolls #chailover #cinnamonroll ...

One of my best pumpkin recipe creations ever 🥰

And because I can’t bear to let you keep going to the drive thru when I know making it at home is easier AND actually yummier…

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to my homemade pumpkin cream cold brew right to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/pumpkin-cream-cold-brew/

#pumpkin #pumpkinspiceeverything #pumpkincreamcoldbrew #pumpkincoffee ...

🧐 “I always use measuring cups and I’ve never had a problem.”
🧐 “I never weigh my flour and my _________ always turn out perfect.”

These may be totally true statements. And I believe you. I really honestly do.

But I also know that there is a better, easier, more accurate, and correct (yep, I said it) way to measure ingredients for accurate and repeatable results.

Accuracy and repeatability may not matter to you!

Here’s why it matters for me:

MY JOB is to teach people how to bake. I write recipes and share them on my website and the idea is that those recipes are repeatable with the SAME EXACT RESULTS by my readers in their own kitchens.

If I tell you that my cookie dough calls for 2 cups of all purpose flour, I’m telling you that I tested and perfected them with 240 grams of all purpose flour and I expect you to make them with that same exact measurement.

There’s no question of whether or not I spooned and leveled with my measuring cup, whether I dug down to the bottom of my flour container or I skimmed from the top, if I perhaps poured directly from the bag into the measuring cup…

There is NO QUESTION. None. Zero. It’s 240 grams PERIOD. Not taking questions.

Whenever someone says the recipe that they made from my site “didn’t turn out” or their cookies didn’t spread, or their cake was too dense, my first question is “did you weigh your flour?”

More often than not, the answer is no. If the answer is yes, we move onto the temperature of the butter, which is another controversial opinion I share that gets people riled up 😤

Listen. At the end of the day, you are going to continue measuring the way that you do and always have, and that’s fine. But if you are a user of my recipes and want to achieve the same exact results that I do and that are expected from the recipe, you’re going to have to make this change.

I promise I’m not trying to make your life miserable. I’m trying to make you a better and consistent baker. And if that upsets you, I’m not your people (and that’s ok) 🙌 #bakingfromscratch #baking ...

The best chocolate chip cookie recipe you’ve ever had? Challenge accepted 😎

Back in 2014, I developed what has come to be the ONLY chocolate chip cookie I ever make (and, to be honest, THOUSANDS of my readers across the globe agree).

While there are a few ingredients/ratios that make them so popular, I firmly believe that my specific combination of chocolate chips is what keeps people coming back: standard size milk and mini semi-sweet.

It’s a total game changer.

Of course, I’d LOVE for you to try ⭐️MY⭐️ full recipe, but even if you’re firmly in the camp of your own tried-and-true recipe, I would love to hear what you think if you try, at the very least, my chip combo 🥰

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to my chocolate chip cookies right to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/classic-chocolate-chip-cookies/

#chocolatechip #chocolatechipcookies #chocolatechipcookie #cookielover ...