When your pantry lets you down mid-recipe, you don’t need a store run; you need a quick fix. These homemade basics come together fast and help you finish what you started, whether you’re baking, mixing up a quick breakfast, or getting dinner on the table. Once you learn a couple of these simple tricks, you’ll use them more than you think.
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These homemade basics are so simple to make, you’ll be glad you know them. When you’re out of powdered sugar, brown sugar turns into a rock, or you just want better flavor than store-bought, you can handle it right in your own kitchen. Powdered sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, chicken stock, buttermilk and lemon sugar all come together with simple ingredients and a few minutes of hands-on time. It’s practical, old-school know-how that saves a last-minute recipe and makes everyday cooking run more smoothly.
- Pantry staples you can make anytime, not just when you run out
- Most take about 5 minutes (chicken stock takes longer, but is hands-off)
- Simple ingredient you probably already have
- Fresher flavor and you know exactly what went into each one
- Great for baking and cooking
Table of contents
Homemade Powdered Sugar
When a recipe calls for powdered sugar, and you realize you’re out, don’t worry! In less than 5 minutes, you can make homemade powdered sugar with a couple of basic ingredients. I reach for it most when I’m making frosting, like for these sugar cookie bars with frosting,and these peppermint snowball cookies need a quick snowy sprinkle on top.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Powdered Sugar
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Making your own vanilla extract is simple and cost-effective, and it brings strong vanilla flavor to baked goods with just two ingredients. If you want the quick version of what to buy and when to use it, here’s my guide on what is vanilla.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Vanilla Extract
Homemade Brown Sugar
In just 5 minutes, you can create brown sugar using granulated sugar and molasses. This quick method ensures you’ll always have brown sugar on hand without needing to make a last-minute trip to the store. Brown sugar is cookie gold, and it’s perfect in these pecan thumbprint cookies when you want a soft, chewy bite.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Brown Sugar
Homemade Buttermilk
Many recipes call for buttermilk, but buying a whole jug can be unnecessary. If you’re curious about making buttermilk at home, there are several quick and easy methods that can save you both time and money. If you’re making buttermilk anyway, put it to work in these homemade buttermilk pancakes.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Buttermilk
How To Make Lemon Sugar
Lemon sugar is a simple two-ingredient way to add lemon flavor fast. Use it in cakes, cookies, or even drinks for a citrus punch without extra liquid. Lemon sugar is a great way to push citrus flavor further, and it’s right at home in this sweet, tart and tangy lemon bundt cake.
Get the Recipe: How To Make Lemon Sugar
Chicken Stock
Craft your own homemade chicken stock with ease. The process is straightforward and requires just a pot, a few essential ingredients, and some time, making it a simple addition to your cooking routine. Homemade chicken stock makes soups taste richer, and it’s perfect in my creamy Mexican corn and bean soup for a quick one-pot dinner. I also use it when I make chicken and sweet corn soup because it gives the broth real depth.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stock
You don’t have to wait until you’re out of something to make these pantry staples. I like making them ahead because they’re fresher, and I know exactly what went into them. Keep a few of these basics on hand, and the next time you bake or cook, you’ll be ready.
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Hello there, I’m Jere’
From learning to cook on a farm in Indiana to culinary school in California, my passion for food is never-ending. Turning on my oven to bake something for friends and family is my happy place, and I am glad to be here at One Hot Oven® sharing sweet and savory family-friendly recipes for your cooking and baking inspiration.
