Baking: 5 Easy Recipes for Warm Weather

Summer changes how we bake. Lighter meals, picnics, barbecues, and long evenings call for bread that's easy to make, easy to carry, and genuinely good. If you're baking gluten-free, these five recipes, all built around Simple Bake premixes, are worth adding to your summer rotation.

Every one of these bakes works in a normal UK home oven, needs no specialist equipment, and comes together in under an hour. The cornbread and flatbreads are even faster. Here's what to make.

1. Classic Sandwich Loaf (Oat Premix)

A reliable everyday loaf that holds together well for sandwiches and toasties. The Simple Bake Oat Premix produces a soft, mild crumb ideal for packed lunches and picnic sandwiches.

Quick-start box

  • What you need: 1 bag Simple Bake Oat Premix, water, oil (quantities on pack)
  • Prove time: 45 minutes
  • Bake: 200°C for 35 – 40 minutes
  • Difficulty: Easy

Method

  1. Mix the premix with water and oil following the quantities on the pack.
  2. Pour into a lined loaf tin and leave to prove for 45 minutes.
  3. Bake at 200°C (fan 180°C) for 35 – 40 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped underneath.
  4. Cool fully on a wire rack before slicing; cutting too soon compresses the crumb.

Storage: Keeps well for 2–3 days wrapped at room temperature. Slice and freeze any remainder.

Best for: Lunchboxes, sandwiches, everyday slicing.

2. Buckwheat Picnic Rolls

Rolls are more practical than a full loaf for outdoor eating: they're easier to portion and require no cutting. The Simple Bake Buckwheat Premix gives a slightly earthy, nutty flavour that pairs beautifully with cheese, cold meats, and salads.

Quick-start box

  • What you need: 1 bag Simple Bake Buckwheat Premix, water, oil (quantities on pack)
  • Prove time: 30 minutes
  • Bake: 210°C for 22 – 25 minutes
  • Difficulty: Easy makes 8 rolls

Method

  1. Mix the premix as directed on the pack.
  2. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape into rounds on a lined baking tray.
  3. Leave to prove for 30 minutes.
  4. Bake at 210°C (fan 190°C) for 22 – 25 minutes until firm and lightly golden.
  5. Brush with a little olive oil straight from the oven for a glossy finish.

Best for: Picnics, barbecues, packed lunches.

3. Cornbread Squares

Cornbread bakes quickly, needs no proving time, and works brilliantly as a barbecue side or an afternoon snack. The Simple Bake Cornbread Premix is one of the fastest options in the range: mix, pour, bake, and it's done in under 30 minutes.

Quick-start box

  • What you need: 1 bag Simple Bake Cornbread Premix, 2 eggs, 240ml milk (or dairy-free alternative), 60g melted butter
  • No proof needed
  • Bake: 190°C for 20 – 25 minutes
  • Difficulty: Very easy

Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (fan 170°C) and line a 20cm square tin with baking parchment.
  2. Mix the premix with eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
  3. Pour into the prepared tin and level the top.
  4. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden on top and a skewer comes out clean.
  5. Allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then cut into squares.

Tip: Add a handful of grated cheddar or a pinch of smoked paprika to the batter for a savoury twist.

Best for: Barbecue sides, snacking, quick bakes.

4. Amaranth Flatbreads

Flatbreads are underrated for summer. No tin required, no long proof, and they cook in under 10 minutes. The Simple Bake Amaranth Premix works beautifully here; its mild, slightly nutty flavour pairs well with hummus, tzatziki, or grilled vegetables straight from the barbecue.

Quick-start box

  • What you need: 1 bag Simple Bake Amaranth Premix, water, oil (quantities on pack)
  • No oven needed, hob only
  • Cook time: 2–3 minutes per side
  • Difficulty: Easy makes 6 flatbreads

Method

  1. Mix the premix with water and oil as directed to form a soft dough.
  2. Divide into 6 equal balls.
  3. Roll each ball flat on a lightly oiled surface to a thickness of roughly 3 mm.
  4. Cook in a dry, hot frying pan or griddle for 2–3 minutes each side until lightly charred in places.
  5. Keep warm, wrapped in a clean tea towel until ready to serve.

Best for: Wraps, dipping, quick weeknight meals, barbecue accompaniments.

5. Gluten-Free Pizza Bases

Summer evenings are made for pizza. The Simple Bake Pizza Dough Premix produces a base that's crisp on the outside and holds toppings without going soggy, no pizza stone or specialist equipment needed.

Quick-start box

  • What you need: 1 bag Simple Bake Pizza Dough Premix, water, olive oil (quantities on pack)
  • Makes: 2–3 individual pizza bases
  • Bake: 220°C par-bake 8 – 10 min, then 10–12 min with toppings
  • Difficulty: Easy

Method

  1. Mix the premix with water and olive oil until smooth.
  2. Divide into 2–3 portions and press or roll each onto a lined baking tray to a thickness of roughly 5mm.
  3. Pre-bake at 220°C (fan 200°C) for 8–10 minutes until the surface looks set.
  4. Remove from the oven, add your sauce and toppings, and keep the centre light.
  5. Return to the oven for a further 10 – 12 minutes until the edges are golden.
  6. Rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing.

Best for: Friday night dinners, garden gatherings, feeding a crowd.

For a full step-by-step guide, including the differences between the Thin & Crisp and Soft & Puffy versions, a troubleshooting table, and a beginner checklist, see our Gluten-Free Pizza Premix: The Complete Home Guide.

Tips for Summer Baking

A few things worth knowing before you get started.

Dough proves faster in warm weather

A warm kitchen speeds up the activity. Check your dough 10–15 minutes before the recipe suggests; overproofing can cause a loaf to collapse slightly in the oven.

Cool completely before wrapping

Trapping steam in a warm loaf leads to a soft, soggy crust. Leave loaves and rolls on a wire rack until they feel cool to the touch before bagging or wrapping.

Freeze what you won't use

Gluten-free bread freezes very well. Slice before freezing so you can take out individual portions as needed, useful for lunchboxes, toast, and last-minute sandwiches.

Which Recipe Will You Try First?

If you're new to gluten-free baking, the cornbread squares are a great starting point, no proving, minimal fuss, and a genuinely satisfying result. If you want something to take to a picnic or barbecue this week, the buckwheat rolls travel brilliantly.

All five recipes use Simple Bake premixes made fresh to order in the UK with organic, non-GMO ingredients and no preservatives. Browse the full range and find your next bake at simplebake.co.uk.

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