Baker by Nature
A Baking Blog by Ashley Manila
Welcome to Baker by Nature! Aka a food lover's paradise!
Welcome to Baker by Nature! Aka a food lover's paradise!
I’m Ashley Manila, and I’m here to help you create a delicious life!
Good food is a cornerstone of happiness, and the best memories are created around the table… bar… kitchen island… or picnic blanket. I believe food should look just as good as it tastes, and that a little garnish goes a long way! But most of all, I know time is precious, so there’s no room in life for dry cake, burnt cookies, or bland pasta. I obsessively test recipes behind the scenes in pursuit of perfection, and strive to be a trusted recipe resource for you and your loved ones. Essentially, I deal with recipe flops and mountains of dirty dishes so you don’t have to! You just get the good stuff!
All of the recipes, menus, and entertaining ideas I share here are developed to help you feel confident, inspired, and joyful in the kitchen! I hope you’ll use them to bring people together, create long lasting memories, and build new traditions with your loved ones!
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Seasonal Highlight Christmas in July
It’s never too early to think about Christmas…
Welcome to our 2nd annual Christmas in July celebration! During these slow Summer months, Christmas feels like it’s light-years away. But then, like clockwork, Thanksgiving rolls around and we’re all left wondering, Where did the time go? That’s where Christmas in July comes in! My goal for this tradition is to make your Summer experience magical with festive ideas, delicious recipes, and delightful gift ideas you can enjoy now, and later! I hope you’ll use these recipes as an excuse to learn new techniques, indulge in something luxuriously decadent, and gather with your loved ones around the table! Merry Christmas in July! Xx – Ashley
Boozy Recipes
Easy Bananas Foster French Toast
This Easy Bananas Foster French Toast is one of our favorite breakfast recipes! Crispy slices of buttery brioche are topped with a delicious homemade bananas foster sauce made from dark rum, butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and crunchy pecans. Delicious on it’s on, but devilishly good with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream! Bananas Foster…
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Christmas In July
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Appetizers
Soft Pretzel Garlic Knots
Soft Pretzel Garlic Knots are chewy, flavorful, and so delicious! Made with a simple soft pretzel dough, they’re shaped like knots and baked until golden brown. Then topped with garlic butter and parmesan cheese!
Spotlight on Recipes
Here’s what’s in season and trending right now on BBN!
Blueberry Recipes
Ultra Moist Banana Blueberry Muffins
Breakfast
Bakery-Style Cranberry Orange Muffins
Apple Recipes
The Best Apple Crumb Muffins
Breakfast
Chocolate Chip Muffins
Blueberry Recipes
Blueberry Muffins
Blueberry Recipes
Healthy Greek Yogurt and Honey Blueberry Muffins
Breakfast
My Favorite Morning Glory Muffins
Brunch
Honey Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins
Cold Drinks & Ice Cream
Top 10 Best Cookies for Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches
Chocolate
Soft Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies
Boozy Recipes
Salted Pretzel Peanut Butter Bourbon Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate
Bakery-Style Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Christmas
Santa’s Favorite Peanut Butter M&M Cookies
Chocolate
Thin Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate
Peanut Butter Monster Cookies
Christmas
Chewy Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies AKA Oatmeal Scotchies
Chocolate
No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Pudding Pie
Christmas in July
Deep Dish Key Lime Pie
Breakfast
Cranberry Hand Pies
Apple Recipes
Cute Little Apple Hand Pies
Father's Day
Strawberry Crisp
Boozy Recipes
Bourbon Pumpkin Pie
Blueberry Recipes
The Best Blueberry Crisp
Blueberry Recipes
Blueberry Hand Pies
Cinco de Mayo
Spicy Jalapeno Margaritas for a Crowd
Cocktails
The Best Moscow Mule Recipe
Brunch
How to Make a Salty Dog
Cinco de Mayo
The Best 5 Minute Margarita Recipe
Chocolate
Homemade Chocolate Martini Recipe
Apple Recipes
Easy Cranberry Apple Moscow Mule
Cinco de Mayo
Easy Pomegranate Margaritas
Cinco de Mayo
Fresh Peach Margaritas
Christmas in July
Special Occasion Spicy Lobster Pasta
Date Night Ideas
Pan Seared Scallops with Tomatoes, Olives, and Capers
Appetizers
Lemon Garlic and Parmesan Asparagus
Date Night Ideas
Fresh Tomato Basil Penne alla Vodka
Appetizers
Pan Seared Scallops with Lemon Caper Sauce
Chicken
Italian Chicken Tortellini Soup
Beef
Crazy Good Classic Stuffed Shells
Beef
Best Ever Baked Ziti Recipe
Highlight Cakes
The great Julia Child is rumored to have once said “a party without cake is just a meeting”… and I couldn’t agree more! Cakes are a symbol of celebration, and make any gathering feel more magical. And there’s something so satisfying about baking a cake from scratch. Which is why I have hundreds of cake recipes on this website… and see no end in sight! My recipes range from humble pound cakes to traditional favorites to jaw dropping layer cakes that are sure to earn you the title of star baker among your inner circle.
Cakes
Ultimate Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe
Featuring light and fluffy cake layers that are exploding with rainbow sprinkles and slathered in a silky smooth cream cheese buttercream frosting, this is the Ultimate Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe!!! Perfect for any special celebration or birthday party! This cake is sure to bring a smile to your face! Funfetti Cake Recipe Did you grow…
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Meet Ashley
Ashley's Faves
Hi, I’m Ashley Manila and welcome to my blog, Baker by Nature.
Which is why I created BBN in 2010… and have been sharing recipes with the world ever since!
Every recipe I share here comes from the heart! And often reflects my favorite flavors and frequent cravings! So don’t be surprised if you see lots of indulgent desserts and comfort food! I’m passionate about pasta, crazy for cheesecake, and obsessed with Christmas! And if you put chocolate or red wine anywhere near me, they will definitely disappear within minutes!
These recipes are developed to help you build confidence, have more fun in the kitchen, and create delicious memories with your loved ones! Cheers to the sweet life! – Ashley
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