Baking Resolutions - Stepping into 2026

If you've been here a while, then you know I made some promises about a year ago - promises I didn't really keep. Not because I didn't intend to or because they were unrealistic, but because I started a new position at my job that took away most of my energy, leaving me with very little to experiment at the Frosting Bar Kitchen. What was left at the end of the day wasn’t always enough to experiment, test, and write the way I wanted to.

Those promises included trying new ingredients, baking two new recipes every month, and sharing more stories and recipes with you. And while I didn’t follow that list to the letter, I did learn a lot about what does and doesn’t work for me — and that feels like a good place to start fresh.

So instead of pretending last year didn’t happen, I want to revisit it. Look at what worked, what didn’t, and set intentions for the year ahead with a little more grace. If you want a refresher, you can read last year’s post HERE.

Me with one of my Doodle Cakes from this past year.

1. Trying new ingredients

This one didn’t go as planned — but probably not in the way you’d expect. I did try new things, just not necessarily in a baking sense. This past year was more about eating better, moving more, and showing up for myself in different ways.

That meant experimenting with food choices instead of flavors: swapping feta for cottage cheese in a Greek salad, choosing whole wheat over white bread, and focusing on combinations that felt nourishing rather than indulgent. It was less about discovery in baking and more about balance in everyday life. Not what I originally intended — but still worth acknowledging.

2. Baking 2 new recipes a month

Did I bake two new recipes every single month? Definitely not. But I did bake — and when I did, it mattered.

One standout was the Oreo Brownies, which became part of my Halloween Box of Boos. They were such a hit, and honestly still make me smile. (You can watch a little clip HERE if you need a laugh.) I also made my very first pumpkin pie completely from scratch for Thanksgiving — something I’d put off for years, and was oddly proud of once it finally happened.

So while the consistency wasn’t there, the intention still was. And maybe that counts for something too.

Oreo Brownies

3. Baking to Share

This one sits close to my heart. I didn’t do it as often as I hoped, but I did bake with others in mind. I froze cake slices to offer to friends and customers, and at one point started including free brownies for people picking up their cakes — just a small, unexpected thank-you.

Those moments reminded me why I bake in the first place. Sharing something homemade, no strings attached, always feels special. And it’s something I want to lean into even more this year.

This year, I want to reconnect with the Frosting Bar kitchen in a way that feels realistic and joyful. I want to revisit old, trusted recipes, share more recipes in general, and gently hold myself accountable to trying new things — without turning it into pressure.

Not perfection. Just intention.

If you're someone that has had a year whose plans have shifted, too, you are not alone.

And if you want to stay accountable, feel free to download last year's free printable tracker, you can do that HERE.

In any case, feel free to let us know in the comments what your resolutions are. I would love to connect with you.

Cheers to a wonderful 2026 🥂🍾