Bakes Inspired by Books: Part 1

Baking and reading.  Those are my two favorite activities.  So today, I’m combining my two faves to give you a list of 6 recipes inspired by books.  Who knows, maybe you’ll discover a new favorite book or recipe!

This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate (or other affiliate program) from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products that I use and trust. 

 

Bakes & Books

 

I kinda got this idea after hearing about the Authentic Books subscription box from Cratejoy.  While I’ve never tried this box, I love the idea of an immersive reading experience.  And what better way to immerse yourself in a story than by stuffing your face?

It also kinda started when I joined a local book club.  Whenever we’d meet to discuss a book, I would try to bake something that fit with the theme of our recent read.  In fact, almost all of these books were for Book Club!

 

 

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens + Baking Powder Biscuits

 

This was our very first book in the book club and I absolutely loved it!  The story takes place in the marshlands of the North Carolina Coast.  It is somehow a who-done-it murder mystery, a love story, and a coming of age tale.

Biscuits are an iconic Southern staple, so I just had to make some for this book.  At one point, Kya, the protagonist, even whips some up herself.  Now, you could always do buttermilk drop biscuits instead, but since I don’t always have buttermilk on hand, I made the baking powder biscuits.

 

The House We Grew Up In by Lisa Jewell + Bunny Buns

 

Easter is the main focal point of The House We Grew Up In.  We learn about a family’s messy story over the course of many years, but it always happens to be right around Easter.  It’s such an interesting way to frame the plot, but it works.

Bunny Buns are not mentioned in the book,but they are an Easter staple in my household.  So, to me, these just make sense.  Plus they are delicious.  For an easier book snack, have some mini chocolate eggs wrapped in colorful foil on hand.

 

 

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn + Raspberry Merlot Macarons

 

Poor Anna.  Is she crazy?  Or did she really witness a horrific crime?  If you’re like me, you won’t be able to guess what has really happened until it’s time for the big reveal.  Unfortunately (depending on your view), this book almost gave me a hard time.  

The closest the protagonist comes to a real meal is her regular Merlot and pill cocktail.  Seriously, food is not an important factor in this story.  But she mentions learning French, so my fellow book clubbers inspired me to create this recipe for Raspberry Merlot Macarons!  

 

Fun fact, this book is also a movie now!  I haven’t seen it, but noshin’ on some macs while watching this thriller sounds like a great idea.

 

Related Reading: Classic Macarons with the Italian Method

 

You + Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes + Mini Blueberry Muffins

 

This book and recipe combo is actually a double whammy.  You and Hidden Bodies are a series about an unstable dude and his obsession with his crush.  It’s dark.  It’s twisted. It’s interesting.  I haven’t seen the show yet.  If you have, tell me what you thought!

At the end of You and throughout Hidden Bodies, we meet a character.  She and Joe, the protagonist, have this, um, inside joke about blueberries.  That made me think of my mini blueberry muffins because they are stuffed with juicy berries.

 

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover + Snickers Cupcakes

 

In this novel, Sky gets to attend public high school for the very first time.  She meets another student and they have a very tumultuous relationship.  They end up uncovering each other’s dark secrets that they didn’t even know they had.

While this book is a bit heavy at times, I can totally relate to Sky’s passion for sweets.  Snickers are one of her favorites, but she likes baking too.  So whip up a batch of Snickers Cupcakes and crack open a good book.

 

 

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover + Chocolate Chip Cookies

 

This book is another gem from author Colleen Hoover (love her name!).  And just like Hopeless, it deals with a very serious issue.  Domestic abuse.  The protagonist grew up with a father who abused her mother.  As an adult she finds herself in a very similar situation.

But it’s not that simple.  Hoover explores the complexities of an abusive relationship in a way that truly puts you in someone else’s shoes.  I was concerned with how this book would end, but she tied it up perfectly and the characters were treated with respect and humanity.

 

At one point, a kind soul makes Lily (the protagonist) the best chocolate chip cookies of her life.  This isn’t some trivial gesture.  Baking for someone is a way to show gratitude and love, which is everything Lily needs.

 

The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon + Whiskey Caramel Tarts

 

Oh. My. Gravy.  This series has everything!  Romance, history, mystery, comedy.  You name it!  Claire accidentally travels back in time and falls for a Scottish highlander in the late 1700s.  High jinks ensue.  That’s just about the jist of it.

While there are many types of food mentioned in these books, the number one staple is whiskey.  And at one point, they are at a fancy party in France with mini tarts.  They are only mentioned in passing, but that was enough to inspire these mini whiskey caramel tarts!

 

 

Which Combo Will You Try First?

 

I enjoyed every book and recipe on this page, so I know you’re in for a treat.  Which book and recipe combo will you try first though?  Now, my plan is to do more of these, hence the “Part 1” bit.  If you have any other ideas for recipes inspired by books, leave a comment below!

 

Books in this Post