How lockdown led to a home baking boom

During the COVID-19 lockdown, many Brits found themselves spending more time at home, and trying to find more new things to keep themselves busy, than ever before. A survey by the National Association of British and Irish Millers revealed that more than half of Brits began home baking during the first two months of lockdown, with a quarter of respondents saying baking was therapeutic and relaxing – an ideal way to occupy time in a period of uncertainty.

The survey, which polled more than 4,000 adults on their baking habits, also found that a third of respondents had used two or more bags of flour in that time, which may go some way to explaining why flour and baking powder were in short supply in UK supermarkets at the height of lockdown.

So, will these fledgling bakers continue with their new hobby? 92% of respondents said they intended to continue baking, so the nation’s new-found talents won’t be going to waste.

Amongst those surveyed, the most popular bakes were bread, followed by cookies, cupcakes and then of course, banana bread.

As 28% of survey respondents have baked banana bread, it’s proven to have become a firm favourite in many households and a familiar photo on Instagram. Our own maple banana bread is a take on the classic with an added twist – sweet banana combined with robust dark maple syrup, a treat for breakfast or brunch. We also have chef ambassador Manon Lagréve’s maple banana bread, topped with mini chocolate eggs, a subtle hint of chocolate that pairs wonderfully with ripe banana. It was perfect for Easter but would work just as well with your favourite chocolate!

While lockdown restrictions may be easing, home baking is still most definitely a popular past-time. To satiate your baking needs why not try the recipe for our iced maple lemon cake? A tangy iced lemon loaf cake, perfect to enjoy during these gloriously long evenings. Or for something fuss free try this maple, plum and almond traybake – a winning flavour combination that goes perfectly with a big scoop of ice cream.

If you’re looking for some recipes that are perfect for baking with the whole family, take a look at our Kitchen Adventures workbook series. With workbooks tailored to five different age groups, the books are designed to educate kids on the joy of baking and encourage them to have fun with food.