100 Afternoon Sweets Cookbook Review
100 Afternoon Sweets by Sarah Kieffer is a cozy, approachable collection of recipes designed to make any afternoon a bit sweeter. Known for her viral pan-banging cookies, Kieffer once again shares her gift for making delicious baking approachable and fun. This book is filled with recipes that range from simple one-bowl snacking cakes to more ambitious treats, each one crafted to be both satisfying and easy to whip up. For home bakers looking for everyday indulgences, this collection offers a delightful new approach to afternoon sweets.
I received this book for free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. While I haven't cooked from this book, I evaluated its usability, recipe structure, and overall appeal.
Author
Sarah Kieffer, of The Vanilla Bean Blog, and author of 100 Cookies, 100 Morning Treats, and Baking for the Holidays. Her pan-banging cookie technique went viral, launching her as a beloved figure in the baking community and establishing her books as staples in home kitchens. With a warm and inviting style, Kieffer brings her Midwestern charm to every recipe, making her creations feel like they belong on everyone’s kitchen table. Her recipes have been featured by The Today Show, Food52, and Epicurious, among others, and she has won acclaim for her ability to balance creative flavor twists with classic comforts.
Audience
This book is perfect for anyone who loves to bake at home, especially those who enjoy casual, everyday sweets without a ton of fuss. Fans of Kieffer’s previous books and blog will love this addition to her "100" series, and new bakers will appreciate her clear instructions and the simplicity of many of her recipes. It’s also great for anyone looking for recipes that fit into busy schedules.
Mission
Kieffer’s mission with 100 Afternoon Sweets is to make afternoon snacking special, offering a variety of treats that are quick, enjoyable, and easy to share. She wants home bakers to find joy in creating everyday indulgences and small moments of comfort, whether it's a simple one-bowl cake or a more intricate tart. By including recipes for all skill levels, Kieffer brings sweetness to even the busiest of days, helping bakers feel confident and inspired to bake whenever a craving strikes. Her recipes encourage creativity and provide a fun, satisfying way to elevate the everyday.
Standout Features
- Somehow, every recipes seems like one that I would want to make? When I went through earmarking the book as well, I noticed that there really wasn't a lot of weird ingredients or steps or anything like that.
- There's a one-bowl section and a no-bake section, both of which seem perfect for when I'm feeling snacky but also tired and a little lazy.
- Photography is gorgeous. Don't look through this when you're hungry and have a sweet tooth.
I Wish It Had...
- An estimate for the timing of each recipe. For a book that's supposed to be quick afternoon sweets, it would be great to have some estimate so I can pick something that fits in my schedule
FAQ
Yes, I would say it is. Some recipes lend themselves better than others to weeknight cooking, but generally, the point of this book is that the recipes are simple to make relatively quickly and easily.
It focuses on basic techniques with unique flavors. There's a couple recipes at the end that would take more skill to make, but the majority of recipes are straight-forward.
There's a picture of the end product for every recipe, but no pictures of the process. The result pictures are well taken and clearly demonstrate what it should look like.
Most recipes call for only basic baking tools like mixing bowls, baking sheets, and a stand mixer or hand mixer for some recipes.
Most ingredients are common pantry items, making these recipes very accessible. Some recipes have buttermilk, which can be hard to find by me for some reason.
Most recipes take about 30 - 60 minutes start to finish. There is no timing notes on the recipes, so you have to read through it to figure out if it's reasonable for you.
No, 100 Afternoon Sweets does not provide nutritional information.
Yes, the recipes are generally kid-friendly, especially the simpler cookies and bars.
Yes, it’s part of Kieffer's popular "100" series, known for reliable and crowd-pleasing recipes.
There's a little blurb above each recipe, so it was pretty interesting for me to read. Don't expect a novel, but it is pretty page-turning.
It's a keeper in my collection, but I would get it from the library and see how often you bake from it in the two week period. If you have Kieffer's other books as keepers, I'd also check it out to make sure that there is enough variety here for you.
Recipe Review
Recipes I’ve Tried
None yet.
Recipes I’m Excited to Try
Banana Bread Brownies, S'Mores Bars, Apple Cider Pie
Best Recipes for Different Occasions
- Quick Treat: Kitchen Sink Crispy Treats
- Family Gathering: Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake
- Holiday Dinner: Cranberry Caramel Upside Down Cake
Final Verdict: A Permanent Addition?
Overall, I'll keep this book in my collection because I'm currently constantly short on time but also wanting to bake pretty frequently. These recipes are unique with interesting flavors that I love and are easy to make. It's a win for me.
If You Are Interested In This Book, You Might Also Like:
If you like 100 Afternoon Sweets, you may also enjoy Snacking Cakes by Yossy Arefi for more easy, single-layer cakes or Dorie’s Cookies for an expanded selection of cookies. If you're baking with a child, consider the Squishmallows Baking Book!
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