Learn. Bake. Repeat.

Everything you need to bake with more confidence, joy, and precision.

Pound Cake SOS: Ten Common Problems (and How to...

At Begin with Butter, we know that pound cake is the grand dame of...

Buttermilk Vanilla Bean Loaf Cake

About This Cake This is the kind of bake that turns heads even before it...

Macerated Peaches

Rules for My Daddy's Favorite Fruit This simple technique is rooted in reverence—for ripe fruit,...

Homemade Bourbon Vanilla Extract

I'm aware that it's July, BB. But it's time for us to start getting...

Strawberry Shortcake in a Charlotte Pan

That whipped cream isn’t just a topping-it’s the luxurious bridge back to the full...

Hi! I'm Shani!

Welcome to Begin with Butter! This is my slightly nerdy, beautifully nostalgic corner of the internet, where baking isn’t just about recipes…it’s about finding the rhythm in your hands, learning the skills to improve your baking confidence, finding connection through community and story, and perfecting the techniques that deepen your baking mastery.

At Begin with Butter, we break down the science of baking for the home kitchen, with thoughtful, professional techniques that are designed to make sense, combined with traditions we grew up with. Then we season it all with storytelling, because here, it's about more than technique. It’s about connecting your grandmother’s kitchen to your grandchild’s kitchen, one well-made cake at a time. Welcome!

Kitchen Orientation: This Way to the Good Stuff

Ingredient Science

Flour, sugar, leaveners, and flavor—understood, not just used.

Helpful Techniques

The hows and whys of great baking, that will help you achieve great bakes

Pound Cakes

Rich, reliable, and ready for company—these are the cakes that built this house.

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When You Need a Lil' Something Sweet

Whole Wheat Banana Bread

Up next in our “Healthy-ish January: Whole Wheat Banana Bread!  Let’s be honest: sometimes, when...

Peach Hand Pies

Friends, my daughter has been waiting for this one since the top of 2023....

My Favorite Baguette

They say that good things come to those who wait. And they are...

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Classic Recipes for Easter

Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting, we've got something to light up...

Classic Blueberry Muffins

There are few things in life more satisfying than Classic Blueberry Muffins on a...

Blueberry Cardamom Sauce

Family, when I'm developing a recipe, I often close my eyes... I consider what crumb...

Christmas Stunner: Apple Cinnamon Star Bread

BBs, I have tested and tested and tested and tested this Apple Cinnamon Star...

Coconut Meringue Pound Cake

How is it possible that it's already Day 6 of the Twelve Days of...

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Friends! It's time for Juneteenth and I...just love this holiday. I was...

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The Statement Collection

Sunday Session #8: All-In-one Chocolate Cake

Friends. Today, I'm going to admit to y'all that I am a complete and utter...

Honey Apple Pound Cake

Friends, I'm admittedly a bit weepy as I type this last blog post. ...

Red Velvet Marble Cake

One of the reasons why this Red Velvet Marble Cake recipe took so long...

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