In a rush? Here are 3 tips for quick and delicious homemade treats

Do you use shortcuts to help you save time and energy in the kitchen? If so, you're in good company. A recent survey conducted by Opinium Research found that 74% of parents confess to using shortcuts like prepared mixes when baking, with more than half of them feeling guilty at least sometimes for doing so! Nearly three-quarters (73%) of parents keep their shortcuts a secret because of feelings of guilt and 49% have admitted to pretending that a store-bought or mix-based item they served to friends or family was scratch-baked.

While 65% of parents use baking mixes to save time, the reasons for keeping these shortcuts under wraps vary widely. Many parents (31%) want to appear as though they are putting in more effort, and 26% fear judgment from other parents.

Ditch the guilt

There's absolutely no need to feel guilty for using a few shortcuts. Family life and schedules can get hectic — and more than 6 in 10 parents find their baking occasions to be unexpected at least half the time, for anything from unexpected guests (32%) to extracurricular events (30%). Using products that save time, resources and energy lets you focus on the fun parts of baking, like serving them up to family and friends.

To help you conjure up tasty creations in the kitchen with ease— and no need for guilt — here are three hacks to help you embrace your inner baker, even when you're short on time or ingredients.

1. Make your own cake or cupcake pan liners

When you’re in the middle of baking and realize you’re out of cake or cupcake pan liners, don’t panic — coffee filters can come to the rescue! These handy kitchen staples are a great substitute in a pinch. Simply trim the coffee filters to fit your cake or cupcake pan, and you’ll have instant liners ready to go. This quick fix is a lifesaver for any home baker looking to keep the baking process smooth and stress-free. Plus, coffee filters are often more durable than standard paper liners, making them perfect for holding your sweet treats. If you don’t have coffee filters on hand, parchment paper is another excellent alternative.

2. Brownie and cupcake time savers

Need to whip up a batch of brownies or cupcakes for a quick family dessert or late-night snack? With new Krusteaz Batters, you don't have to keep your kitchen shortcuts a secret anymore. Trusted for their popular pancake, waffle, muffin and quick bread dry mixes, Krusteaz now offers these refrigerated, just pour and bake, options to jumpstart your kitchen creations:

Chocolate Brownie Batter delivers scratch-like, rich, fudgy and decadent chocolate brownies.

Chocolate Cupcake Batter comes together with premium, moist and fluffy results that taste just like they were made from scratch.

Vanilla Cupcake Batter provides sweet vanilla flavored fluffy and balanced premium cupcakes.

Krusteaz Batters combine uncompromised quality with no artificial colors and no artificial preservatives. Find them in the refrigerated dough section at Kroger family of stores and select Walmart locations.

While they're perfectly delicious on their own, Krusteaz Batters also offer endless possibilities to make them your own — with mix-ins and toppings, or you can use them as a base for your favorite recipes.

3. Homemade glaze in a flash

Enhance your baked treats like cupcakes, cakes, brownies and pies with this easy homemade glaze recipe. To make a smooth and glossy homemade chocolate glaze, you just need three ingredients: chocolate chips, heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Start by melting chocolate chips in a microwave or a double boiler, stirring until smooth and fully melted. Gradually add cream and salt, stirring the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency. Finally, pour the glaze over your cake or dip cupcakes into it for a perfect top layer. This glaze is quick and easy to make for any treat, or simply enjoying by the spoonful! This method is not only simple, but kids can get involved and help too!

Using these tips and tricks, it should be a lot easier for you to bake up a storm — and there's no need to feel bad about taking any shortcuts. It's likely that nobody will be complaining when they get to sample your tasty baked goods!