The Great British Bake Off has captured the hearts and taste buds of millions, inspiring generations to embrace the art of baking. What makes the show truly special is its simplicity and emphasis on creating delightful treats that the whole family can enjoy. In this blog post, we'll explore some classic Great British Bake Off-inspired recipes that are not only scrumptious but also easy to make with young children.

Let's dive into the world of British baking, where a pinch, a handful, and a knob of butter are all part of the delightful adventure!

Victoria Sponge Cake

The Victoria Sponge Cake is a quintessential British classic. It's a two-layered, soft and moist sponge cake with a layer of jam and a dusting of sugar. Here's a simple recipe that even the little ones can help with.

Ingredients:

• 225g self-raising flour
• 225g unsalted butter
• 225g caster sugar
• 4 large eggs
• A pinch of salt
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 115g strawberry jam
• Icing sugar for dusting

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C and grease and line two 8-inch cake tins.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding a little flour with each to prevent curdling.

4. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold into the mixture.

6. Divide the mixture evenly between the two cake tins and bake for 25-30 minutes.

7. Once the cakes are cool, spread jam on one layer and sandwich them together.

8. Dust with icing sugar and serve!

Scones

Scones are a teatime delight and perfect for little hands to get involved in the baking process.

Ingredients:

• 225g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 55g unsalted butter
• 30g caster sugar
• 150ml milk
• 1 large egg, beaten (for glazing)

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 220°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

3. Stir in the sugar.

4. Gradually add the milk and mix to form a soft dough.

5. Roll out the dough to about 1 inch thick and cut out scones using a round cutter.

6. Place them on the baking tray, brush with beaten egg, and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.

Shortbread Biscuits

Let's not forget the beloved shortbread biscuits, a delightful treat with a crumbly, buttery texture. (They're also the perfect treat to bake on Christmas Eve for Santa.)

Ingredients (Using British Measurements):

• 225g plain flour
• 115g caster sugar
• 225g unsalted butter
• A pinch of salt

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 150°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Mix the flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl.

3. Add the butter and knead the mixture until it forms a smooth dough.

4. Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick and cut into your desired shapes using cookie cutters.

5. Place the biscuits on the baking tray and prick them with a fork.

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden.

Baking with young children can be a fun experience, and these Great British Bake Off-inspired recipes are the perfect way to introduce them to the world of baking. These delicious treats will not only satisfy your family's sweet cravings but also create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. So, put on your aprons, gather your little bakers, and let the British baking adventure begin! Ready, set... Bake!