Your KitchenAid mixer might just be the hardest-working appliance you own. It can tackle everything from sweet desserts, such as angel food lemon cupcakes and shortbread cardamom cookies, to savory recipes, such as vegan mashed potatoes and even garlic breadsticks. Clearly, there's no shortage of ways to use this clever appliance. So if you're wondering what to make with a KitchenAid stand mixer, these 55 recipes are a delicious place to start.
3 Mistakes You’re Making with Your KitchenAid Mixer
1. Oreo Peanut Butter Pie
How Sweet Eats
Time Commitment: 4 hours and 45 minutes
Why We Love It: no bake, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Creamy peanut butter mousse and a crunchy Oreo crust—needless to say, this no-bake dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don't let the time commitment deter you: Most of those four hours and 45 minutes is off-hands chilling time.
2. Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
RecipeTin Eats
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, kid-friendly, no bake
Whether you spread it on cupcakes or eat it by the spoonful (no judgment), there’s no wrong way to indulge in classic chocolate buttercream. You can put it into a piping bag, if you're feeling creative, or simply spread it between layers of cake.
3. Taco Dip
40 Aprons
Time Commitment: 10 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian
This creative twist on seven-layer dip boasts a spicy, creamy base instead of beans at the bottom…and we’re so on board. Serve it with tortilla chips at a tailgate, party or a potluck. We promise it will be a huge hit.
4. Calzone
Whitney Bond
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
For cheese-lovers who prefer their tomato sauce on the side. Add your favorite pizza toppings and bake until golden brown. Make the dough in your stand mixer with the dough hook (or go with store-bought for a lower lift).
5. Shortbread Cardamom Cookies
That Other Cooking Blog
Time Commitment: 2 hours
Why We Love It: vegetarian, special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly
Aromatic cardamom and classic shortbread come together to make one seriously classy cookie. Even though a 3-D embossed rolling pin isn't necessary, it may be worth the spend for the next-level design. Your kids will be chomping at the bit to help.
6. Angel Food Lemon Cupcakes
This Silly Girl’s Kitchen
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser
Light, airy and pumped full of sweet lemon curd, these cupcakes are an extra decadent treat. The lemon sprinkles and large mint leaf garnishes aren't crucial, but they are 100 percent going to make these the photogenic dessert you've been craving.
7. Peppermint Meringue Cookies
Upstate Ramblings
Time Commitment: 2 hours and 40 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
These crispy, candy cane-striped meringue cookies will make dreams of sugar plum fairies dance in your head. The recipe creator insists that it seems like a tricky recipe, but it's actually quite easy. All it takes is egg whites, food coloring and a few pantry staples.
8. Hazelnut and Apricot Biscotti
Sidewalk Shoes
Time Commitment: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
These hazelnut and apricot biscotti are a perfect companion to your morning coffee, and an even better vehicle for double (and triple) crème cheeses. You can try a number of mix-in combinations—including walnuts and dried cranberries, almonds and dried cherries, peanuts and raisins and apricots and pistachios.
9. Orange Rolls
The Recipe Critic
Time Commitment: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser
These citrus-scented cinnamon rolls make the standard Cinnabon look like yesterday’s news. Even though you can knead these by hand, using the KitchenAid will save you 10 minutes and a ton of elbow grease—that said, we'll opt for the KitchenAid.
10. Potato and Onion Pierogies with Bacon
So Much Food
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly
Here, classic Polish comfort food that comes together in the blink of an eye with the muscle of a stand mixer. This recipe makes onion and potato pierogis, but you can get creative with the filling: cheese, cabbage, spinach...the fridge is your oyster.
11. New York-Style Pizza Dough
Cooking With Janica
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
Before you pick up the phone and order delivery (again), consider using your KitchenAid to tap into your inner pizzaiolo. The recipe developer strongly suggests using a pizza stone over a pan, because it cooks the crust more evenly and makes it impeccably crispy.
12. Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake
Posh Journal
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser
Pull on your favorite chunky sweater and cozy up to a slice of pumpkin, spice and everything nice. The key ingredient? Pumpkin spice wafer cookies. You can try any brand, but the recipe suggests Voortman Bakery.
13. Irish Cream Cake
Noble Pig
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser
PSA: Bailey’s tastes every bit as delicious on a moist and tender bundt cake as it does on the rocks. Although the instant pudding may seem like an unusual ingredient, it offers moisture and structure to the cake.
14. Gypsy Tart
Rock Recipes
Time Commitment: 9 hours and 15 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Silky, rich and exceedingly sweet, the dulce de leche filling of this pie will make you swoon. This traditional British dessert is made with evaporated milk, muscovado sugar and pastry dough.
15. Jamaican Black Cake
My Forking Life
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 40 minutes (plus soaking time)
Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly, crowd pleaser
This Caribbean rum cake stuffed with dried fruit is a traditional treat enjoyed on holidays and celebrations. If you can't find traditional Red Label Wine, try substituting Manischewitz.
16. Healthy Marshmallows
The Gracious Pantry
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: dairy free, gluten free, kid-friendly
These pillowy, gluten-free marshmallows are begging to be dunked in a cup of hot chocolate—just be sure to use real, high-quality vanilla extract for optimal flavor. Instead of sugar, try using maple syrup or honey for sweetening instead.
17. Spiralized Apple Crisp
The Creative Bite
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Why We Love It: dairy free, vegetarian, kid-friendly
A KitchenAid spiralizer attachment handles the grunt work of peeling, coring and slicing, so you can dip into a tasty apple crisp without breaking a sweat. Make sure you let it set after baking instead of digging right in—or else it's going to be runny.
18. Sugar-Free Pumpkin Spice Coffee
The Sugar Free Diva
Time Commitment: 10 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, dairy-free (optional), beginner-friendly
A decidedly smart upgrade to your favorite seasonal Starbucks bev, this sugar-free version features all the same warm spices and plenty of natural sweetness to boot. Might we suggest pairing it with a warm pastry?
19. Red Velvet Cake
Eat With Clarity
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: gluten free, vegan, kid-friendly
Impossibly moist and fluffy, this gluten- and dairy-free red velvet cake belongs in every vegan's baking rotation. If you'd rather avoid food coloring, opt for beet root powder or beet juice.
20. No-Churn Blueberry Mascarpone Ice Cream
The Butter Half
Time Commitment: 8 hours and 15 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, gluten free, kid-friendly
To be fair, your KitchenAid does do some churning…but we’re guessing you won’t be hung up on technicalities once you dip into this oh-so creamy, fruit-spiked frozen treat. Heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk are the secrets to this no-churn shortcut.
21. English Trifle with Custard
Haute and Healthy Living
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
Layers of sherry- and jam-soaked angel food cake, custard and whipped cream come together to make a dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes. And because tapioca starch may not be something you can easily find, note that it can be subbed for cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
22. Mexican Chocolate Cake
In Mama Maggie’s Kitchen
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
No need to raid the spice rack for this recipe: Mexican chocolate is the secret ingredient behind the bold flavors of this rich and sumptuous confection. The recipe uses cake mix, but you don't have to tell anyone—we can still call it homemade.
23. Pumpkin Chocolate Blondies
The Big Man’s World
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: gluten free, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
A gluten-free, autumnal treat with gooey chocolate and spiced pumpkin—prepare to fall hard for these guys. If you want something dairy-free, opt for vegan chocolate and coconut oil over butter.
24. Gluten-Free Graham Crackers
Cotter Crunch
Time Commitment: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Why We Love It: gluten free, vegan, kid-friendly
These gluten-free graham crackers are an easy and healthy way to satisfy an afternoon sweet craving. Use them for s'mores, or smother them in peanut butter for a high-protein snack.
25. Chai Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sweet Lizzy
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: Paleo-friendly, <30 minutes, gluten free, kid-friendly
Paleo friends with a desire to up their baking game need to make a batch of these spiced chai-chocolate chip cookies, stat. Even though the recipe calls for almond and cashew butter, you can use any type of nut butter that tickles your fancy.
26. Classic Butter Rum Cake
A Pretty Life in the Suburbs
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly
This sinfully moist bundt cake drenched in rich caramel sauce is a cinch to make, thanks to a few clever baking hacks. While the recipe developer prefers using dark rum, you can use whatever type you have in your liquor cabinet.
27. No-Bake Apple Cheesecake
Mom On Timeout
Time Commitment: 8 hours and 20 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, no bake
A heavenly combination of apple pie and tangy-sweet cheesecake, this no-bake dessert is a winner that requires little to no effort on your part. Complete the dish with caramel sauce and no churn vanilla ice cream, if you feel so inclined.
28. Cream Cheese Cookies
Wholesome Yum
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: keto, gluten free, <30 minutes
Keto followers may not be able to enjoy a shmear on a bagel, but they can still get their cream cheese fix with these crumbly low-carb biscuits. Even though the cookies are intended to be soft, make sure you wait to eat them when they're fresh out the oven, so they set properly.
29. Lemon Coconut Angel Food Cake Doughnuts
Sweet Peas and Saffron
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser
Another angel food cake recipe that’s sure to tempt your sweet tooth, this time in the form of a coconut-lemon frosted doughnut. Just be patient when removing them from the pan, as these are more delicate than standard doughnuts.
30. Garlic Breadsticks
Yellow Bliss Road
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, vegetarian, crowd-pleaser
Why spend your hard-earned cash at Olive Garden when you can bake your own fluffy, perfectly seasoned garlic breadsticks at home? They're delicious the way they are, but might we suggest dipping them in Alfredo sauce?
31. Peanut Butter Blossoms
Wendy Polisi
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, <30 minutes, special occasion-worthy
The classic Christmas thumbprint cookie gets a Valentine’s Day makeover with this festive recipe—you know, 'cause peanut butter and chocolate is a slam-dunk combo any time of year. You can even mix things up with the chocolate topping...try dark, white or even a candy cane Kiss.
32. Fried Green Tomatoes with Whipped Herb Chèvre
Vintage Kitty
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
Creamy goat cheese and herbs get whipped together to make an unexpected fried green tomato topping that, truth be told, makes so much sense. The KitchenAid definitely comes in handy for aerating the cheese mixture.
33. Vegan Banana Bread
The Almond Eater
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Flaxseed eggs: The magical mystery ingredient that makes vegan baking dreams come true. Plant-based butter also takes the place of regular butter. Margarine is fine, but vegan options like Earth Balance also work.
34. Rye Flour Pain Au Chocolat
Bojon Gourmet
Time Commitment: 5 hours and 30 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
These rye flour croissants are puffy, flaky, chocolate-stuffed perfection. The hardest part of the recipe is laminating the dough, but this recipe breaks it down so it isn't quite so daunting.
35. Jerusalem Bagel
The Mediterranean Dish
Time Commitment: 2 hours and 5 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan (optional), kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
A satisfying and subtly sweet alternative to the dense New York style bagel, spread one of these fluffy and light Jerusalem bagels with butter or dip it in labneh cheese for a nosh that hits the spot. And if you're making them vegan, milk and honey can be subbed for almond milk and grape molasses.
36. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Shortbread Cookies
The Endless Meal
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, <30 minutes
These classic shortbread cookies are soft, buttery and just right for dipping in a warm beverage. Keep in mind that salted butter is better, so if you only have unsalted, the recipe recommends salting it yourself.
37. Cheesecake Parfait
Girl Gone Gourmet
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: no bake, make ahead, kid-friendly
This pretty parfait is an effortlessly fancy make-ahead dessert that’s guaranteed to come in handy next time you’re playing hostess. Make things even easier on yourself by assembling them a day ahead.
38. Snickerdoodles
Girl Gone Gourmet
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Your inner child has been starved of snickerdoodles for far too long. The key to those crispy edges and the gooey center? The combination of white and brown sugars.
39. Sugar-Free Keto Whipped Cream
Cook at Home Mom
Time Commitment: 5 minutes
Why We Love It: keto, low sugar, no bake, <30 minutes
That keto diet you’ve been diligently adhering to would, sadly, be laid to waste by a mouthful of Reddi-Wip. The silver lining? This super creamy, sugar-free alternative is on the menu. Add it to ice cream or fresh fruit.
40. Tornado Fries
Fork and Beans
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, gluten free, kid-friendly
The spiralizer attachment on your KitchenAid stand mixer can do twisted things to a potato. Throw them in the air fryer for extra quick, uber-crisp results.
41. Pastelitos
Life Between Weekends
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients, make ahead
This traditional Cuban dessert features tropical guava paste, cream cheese and buttery puff pastry. Need we say more? It seems like a tricky recipe, but frozen dough comes to the rescue in making this secretly simple creation.
42. Green and Goldies Cookies
Life Between Weekends
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
Show your St. Patty’s Day pride by whipping up a batch of these chewy, chocolatey oatmeal cookies. Swap out the chocolate for dried fruit and nuts for a slightly more nutritious upgrade.
43. Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Life Made Sweeter
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, gluten free, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients
Plant-based milk and vegan butter lend a decadent, creamy texture to this vegan mashed potato recipe. Yukon Gold potatoes are preferable but russets work as well. Regardless, it doesn’t get butter than this.
44. Molten Vegan Chocolate Pie
Make it Dairy Free
Time Commitment: 5 hours and 40 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, make ahead, kid-friendly
Vegans with a hankering for chocolate will enjoy the rich flavor and impossibly moist crumb of this brownie pie. For a gluten-free option, sub using a 1:1 flour blend.
45. Creamy Margarita Dip
Cookie Named Desire
Time Commitment: 10 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, gluten free, make ahead
If you’re steering clear of the hard stuff, this creamy twist on the classic co*cktail will rock your world. If you and your crew are fine with it, use a splash of tequila for a true margarita flavor.
46. Garlic Butter Parmesan Rolls
Butter Be Ready
Time Commitment: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy, make ahead
Presenting the cinnamon roll’s savory cousin—a doughy, garlicky bun of goodness with enough butter to make anyone drool. While prepping a day in advance is recommended it isn't mandatory; it'll just make things easier on you in the long run.
47. Gluten-Free Rough Puff Pastry
It’s Raining Flour
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Why We Love It: gluten free, vegan, <10 ingredients
Almond flour is a surprisingly effective stand-in for the regular stuff in this recipe for gluten-free puff pastry. The end results are so flaky and delicate, you’d never know the difference.
48. Spinach Balls with Sunflower Seeds, Manchego and Turmeric Honey
Feed Me Phoebe
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: gluten free, kid-friendly, make ahead
Here, a gluten-free recipe courtesy of Coterie member Phoebe Lapine that combines the plant-based power of spinach with the buttery flavor of manchego cheese. Toss atop some quinoa or use in lieu of falafel for a complete meal.
49. Leftover Turkey Bombs
CarlsBad Cravings
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, make ahead, special occasion-worthy
Bake your leftover bird into a biscuit and you’ll have one more thing to be thankful for. While the recipe calls for all-purpose flour, it also says gluten-free could work, depending on your audience.
50. Banana Split Pie
Stay Snatched
Time Commitment: 3 hours and 25 minutes
Why We Love It: no bake, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
A twist on the classic sundae, this slice of pie boasts pineapple, cream cheese filling, cherries and nuts. Most of the time commitment comes from the cake chilling, so don't let that keep you from trying it out.
51. Braided Apple Danish Loaf
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 14 hours (includes resting time)
Why We Love It: make ahead, special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly
Impress everyone you know by whipping up one of these absolutely gorgeous loaves. Even though the braiding looks tricky, the recipe explains a simple technique that anyone could do.
52. Leek Bread
Feasting at Home
Time Commitment: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Why We Love It: <500 calories, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
It'll take a lot out of you to not get seconds and thirds of this next-level loaf. And while we welcome experimentation in terms of cheeses, mozzarella is the best option in terms of melting abilities.
53. Chocolate Banana Bread Babka
Photo: Nico Shinco/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, make ahead, special occasion-worthy
Banana makes this chocolate babka moist AF. And while there likely won't be any leftovers, you can always repurpose it for French toast the following day.
54. Gluten-Free Lemon-Raspberry Pavlova
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 2 hours and 40 minutes
Why We Love It: gluten-free, special occasion-worthy, <10 ingredients
This all-pink dessert is catering to our Barbie-loving hearts right now. Even though the flavors are summery, it's a satisfying sweet treat year-round. And fortunately, this light, airy, simple dessert is a fan favorite, too.
55. Honey Whipped Cream
Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 10 minutes
Why We Love It: no bake, ready in <15 minutes, <10 ingredients
This spin on plain whipped cream would be an amazing addition to baklava, berries, pie and just about any baked good. If you're making it ahead of serving, we recommend whipping it less than you need to—that way, it'll hold up better.
