30 classic British bakes you need to try

Or, for little helpers, discover our top easy bakes for kids – simple, fuss-free recipes that are perfect for creating lasting memories in the kitchen. Planning a fundraiser? Our guide on how to bake for a cake sale is packed with tips and crowd-pleasers. And, when the weather turns chilly, our rainy day baking recipes are ideal for keeping little hands busy.

30 classic bakes you need to try

Cakes

1. Victoria sponge cake

No list of classic British bakes is complete without the Victoria sponge, a beloved teatime staple. This light and airy cake has graced everything from tables at village fêtes to the Great British Bake Off tent.

Our classic Victoria sponge recipe is always a winner, but if you’re in the mood to really impress – think afternoon tea at home or a birthday treat – our ultimate traditional Victoria sponge takes things up a notch, swapping the usual whipped cream for silky crème diplomate. We’ve also whipped up seasonal and diet-friendly twists to suit every occasion. Make the most of summer’s berries with our lemon, raspberry & almond or summer apricot Victoria sponge, or treat plant-based friends to our light and fluffy vegan Victoria sponge.

For inspiration, explore our collection of Victoria sponge recipes and see which takes your fancy!

2. Battenberg cake

Battenberg is a quintessential teatime treat, famous for its striking pink-and-yellow chequerboard sponge, which is sandwiched with apricot jam and wrapped in a layer of marzipan. It may require a little extra effort (it's earned a reputation as a technical challenge on Bake Off), but it's well worth it.

If you’re a fan of tradition, our classic Battenberg cake recipe has everything you need to perfect this timeless bake. But if you fancy a little adventure, why not take it up a notch with our chocolate, raspberry & rose Battenberg gâteau? It’s a bit of a challenge, but once you unveil that flawless checkerboard centre, standing tall beneath a glossy chocolate ganache, you’ll have guests gasping with admiration.

And the fun doesn’t stop there – Battenberg is wonderfully versatile, making it easy to tailor for any occasion. Try our simnel Battenberg for Easter, finished with golden marzipan balls and a quick blowtorch flourish (because, honestly, who doesn’t love an excuse to use a blowtorch?). Or, for a showstopping festive twist, our peppermint candy cane Battenberg.

Try our easiest ever Battenberg if you're just starting out, then work your way through our collection of Battenberg cake recipes.

3. Lemon drizzle cake

Lemon drizzle cake is a timeless classic that's perfect with a cup of tea. But you can take it to the next level with a crunchy sugar topping, as we do in our lovely lemon drizzle loaf. Bursting with bright citrussy flavour, it's easy enough for beginners to make, but worth adding to your recipe collection even if you're a seasoned pro.

Looking for a gluten-free cake that’s beautifully moist? Our gluten-free lemon drizzle cake delivers just that – with a clever twist. The secret? A little mashed potato for an irresistibly soft texture that’ll keep everyone guessing.

If you’re after something lighter, Angela Nilsen’s lemon drizzle ticks the box – a perfect choice when you want to satisfy your sweet tooth without undoing your health goals. For a classic flavour combination, our lemon & poppy seed cake recipe is a must-bake, with those tiny seeds adding a lovely crunch to every bite.

And who says lemon drizzle should be limited to cakes? Give this citrus favourite a new spin with our lemon drizzle traybake, lemon drizzle scones or next-level lemon drizzle flapjacks.

4. Madeira cake

With roots in 19th-century British baking, Madeira cake is a must-try traditional cake. Our version has even earned glowing five-star ratings from over 185 reviewers.

5. Coffee & walnut cake

Combining light, coffee-flavoured sponge with crunchy walnuts, usually finished with rich mascarpone or buttercream icing, coffee & walnut cake combines comforting flavours with satisfying texture.

Some pairings never go out of style – and coffee and alcohol are definitely one of them. For a fun twist on the classic Irish coffee, add a splash of Tia Maria to your coffee cake and get ready to take your party bakes up a notch with this boozy coffee cake recipe.

Short on time but still want to impress? Our microwave coffee cake is the ultimate speedy solution – quick to make, delicious to eat and guaranteed to wow. And if you’re after a lighter option, our ultimate makeover: coffee walnut cake is perfect for satisfying sweet cravings while helping you stay on track with your goals (or letting you enjoy that extra slice without the guilt).

6. Dundee cake

Dundee cake is a much-loved Scottish classic. This traditional fruitcake is recognised by its crown of blanched almonds, and is made with juicy cherries and sultanas. Serve it alongside a cuppa to complement its buttery crumb and sweet, nutty finish.

Try your hand at making a traditional dundee cake – it serves up to 16 people, so it's great for a crowd. Then, check out more Scottish recipes for further inspiration.

Puddings

7. Sticky toffee pudding

Sticky toffee pudding is loved for its rich, moist sponge studded with dates and drenched in silky toffee sauce. Originating in Cumbria, this nostalgic pud is now a firm favourite on pub menus. Warm, sticky and satisfying, a sticky toffee pud is just as perfect for a cosy night in as it is for a dinner party, as you can dress it up or keep it simple.

For a dessert that’s impossible to resist, try our ultimate sticky toffee pudding – ask the 300 happy bakers who’ve given it a glowing five-star rating.

If you fancy something with a little seasonal warmth, our sticky date & ginger pudding is the perfect pick. A hint of spice gives it that extra autumnal feel, and the best bit? It comes together in just two simple steps.

And when it comes to Christmas, why choose between tradition and indulgence? Our Christmas sticky toffee pudding blends the best of both worlds, taking the richness of a festive pud and combining it with the irresistible charm of sticky toffee. It serves 12 people, making it a stunning centrepiece that ensures no one misses out.

Find more sticky toffee pudding recipes, from traditional puddings and traybakes, to self-saucing versions.

8. Treacle pudding

Treacle pudding evokes memories of school dinners and family Sunday lunches. It's a classic steamed sponge that's soaked in golden syrup. It’s had its moment in the Bake Off tent, too: bakers took on Paul Hollywood’s orange & ginger version in a tricky technical challenge. Fancy giving it a go? Try our ginger-infused version or make some simple swaps for a healthier option.

For a true classic, you can’t go wrong with our easy treacle sponge pudding.

9. Spotted dick

Spotted dick is a steamed pudding with light, suet-based sponge that's studded with juicy currants and a hint of citrus zest. This is a childhood favourite for many, and delicious served warm with lashings of homemade custard.

10. Jam roly-poly

With its soft suet pastry wrapped around a generous layer of sweet, sticky jam, the jam roly-poly is a true British classic and an absolute must-bake. First appearing in the 19th century (though the exact date is up for debate), this nostalgic pudding has a charming history – it was once steamed in an old shirt sleeve, earning it the nickname “shirt sleeve pudding”.

These days, thankfully, we’ve got far better methods! Stick with a traditional jam roly-poly for that comforting, old-school vibe, or give it a modern twist with our roly-poly bread & butter pudding or jam roly-poly buns – the perfect way to combine two desserts into one irresistible bake.

Pastries and tarts

11. Bakewell tart

Bakewell tart is instantly recognisable, thanks to its crisp pastry base, sweet jam layer and soft almond frangipane filling. Originating from the Derbyshire town of Bakewell, this teatime favourite challenged Bake Off contestants with its deceptively simple frangipane.

It’s a classic for a reason – try our cherry Bakewell tart and you’ll see exactly what all the fuss is about. Once you’ve mastered the original, branch out with something a little different, like our zesty citrus & marzipan Bakewell.

And if sharing isn’t really your thing, our mini Bakewell tarts might be the perfect fit. The recipe makes 12 dainty little treats… though we won’t judge if you decide to keep them all to yourself.

12. Treacle tart

The rich golden syrup filling of a treacle tart is encased in buttery, crumbly pastry, making it a comforting classic. To try it for yourself, start with our classic treacle tart to master the basics, then bake a flavour-packed version, like our stem ginger & treacle tart, a lighter apple-infused take or rum & coconut tart for a tropical twist. Serve warm with clotted cream or a scoop of ice cream.

13. Mince pies

No British Christmas is complete without iconic mince pies – buttery pastry cases filled with rich, spiced mincemeat. We have plenty of recipes to inspire you to get creative with this classic, from frangipane toppings to zesty orange pastry. Whether you’re sticking with classic mince pies, catering to different dietary needs with our vegan mince pies or adding sparkle to a festive spread with our jewelled versions, there's something for everyone.

14. Eccles cakes

Eccles cakes come from north-west England and are actually more similar to a pie or turnover, with flaky pastry and a sticky currant filling that makes them a perfect partner to Lancashire cheeses. Bake your own at home with our classic eccles cakes recipe, or opt for our easy eccles cakes if you’re short on time. Feeling adventurous? Give mini port-spiked eccles cakes a go for a grown-up twist.

15. Banoffee pie

This much-loved British dessert was invented in the 1970s and has since become a modern classic, with its buttery pastry or biscuit base filled with layers of caramel, sliced bananas and whipped cream. A true crowd-pleaser, it’s simple enough for beginners to make, too. Try a traditional banoffee pie, make an easy biscuit-based version or give it a boozy twist with dark rum. There's also a chocolate coconut option.

If you can’t get enough of the banana, caramel and cream dream team, why stop at pie? Try the same irresistible flavours in our banoffee-inspired cheesecake, banoffee traybake or fluffy banoffee pie pancakes. You can thank us later.

Biscuits and bites

16. Shortbread

Originally from Scotland, shortbread is a simple bake that's loved for melt-in-the-mouth texture. Even better, it can be made with just a few ingredients. Try your hand at a traditional Scottish shortbread, or explore new flavours like our lemon shortbread or chocolate chip shortbread. Catering to coeliac friends? Try our gluten-free shortbread.

Once you’ve mastered classic shortbread, here’s a little secret: millionaire’s shortbread takes everything you love about those buttery biscuits and turns it up a notch. We’re talking a thick, gooey layer of caramel, topped with silky chocolate – it’s next-level delicious.

Try our easy millionaire’s shortbread recipe and prepare yourself… once you’ve had a bite, there’s no going back.

17. Digestive biscuit

Arguably one of the most dunkable biscuits around, digestives usually have a crumbly, oaty texture and gentle sweetness, making them perfect alongside a cup of tea. Delicious on their own, they’re even better with a coating of chocolate. Try our chocolate-topped digestive biscuit recipe for yourself.

18. Jammy dodgers

If you had a jammy dodger in your lunchbox as a child, you knew it was going to be a good day. These crumbly biscuits, sandwiched with sweet jam, are as much fun to make as they are to eat. Start simple with our traditional jammy dodgers recipe, then try something a little different with our Christmas raspberry dodgers or deck-of-card dodgers – great for World Book Day. Prefer something less sweet? Give our zesty lemon sherbet dodgers a go for a citrussy kick.

19. Oat biscuits

Scottish oat biscuits are easy to make and a versatile base for plenty of flavour combinations. You can keep it simple with a classic oat biscuit, or add a fruity twist with cranberry oatcakes. There are also nutty walnut & raisin oatcakes and our oaty energy cookies, which make a brilliant snack for long runs, hikes or busy days on the go.

20. Flapjacks

Flapjacks are the ultimate traybake, and easily made with oats, butter, golden syrup and your choice of mix-ins and toppings. If you’re not sure where to start – and want to avoid a Bake Off-style flapjack panic like James Acaster’s infamous appearance – try our easy golden syrup flapjack recipe first, then branch out with our next-level lemon drizzle flapjacks or apple flapjacks. And, for chocolate lovers, our chocolate & caramel flapjacks or chocolate coconut flapjacks are the perfect sweet fix.

Savoury bakes

21. Sausage rolls

No picnic spread is complete without a sausage roll, but if it's not quite the weather for it, these savoury bakes can be packed into lunchboxes or served on party platters and festive buffets. For a little extra flair, explore our showstopping sausage roll recipes, like caramelised onion & thyme sausage rolls, chorizo & apple sausage rolls or veggie-friendly Glamorgan cheese sausage rolls.

22. Cheese straws

These crisp, golden twists of pastry are a party staple, perfect for dunking into hummus and tzatziki, or even our pizza fondue dip if you’re feeling adventurous. Make our classic cheese straw recipe for a quick and easy bake, then add extra crunch with our multiseed cheese straws or turn up the heat with our cheese & mustard version.

23. Pork pie

Hailing from Melton Mowbray, this iconic savoury bake has rich, peppery pork filling encased in golden hot water crust pastry. It even has PDO status – the same recognition as champagne and Genovese pesto. If you want to have a go at making it yourself, watch our video on how to make a pork pie. You can make a large raised pork pie or bite-sized mini pork pies, or add a twist with pickled onion pork pies or a festive pistachio & cranberry version.

24. Cornish pasty

Traditionally filled with beef, potato & swede, this classic hand-held pie is a true taste of nostalgia. If you’re looking for something healthier, our lighter Cornish pasty recipe is another take on tradition. Vegetarians don’t have to miss out either, with our cheese, apple & potato pasty, curried potato pasties and cheese & Marmite pasties.

Bread and buns

25. Hot cross bun

Hot cross buns might be an Easter staple, but they've become a year-round favourite. With their glossy tops and signature crosses, they can be made with sweet or savoury mix-ins and are delicious eaten fresh from the oven or toasted with butter. Watch our helpful video on how to make hot cross buns, then try our triple-chocolate, apple & cinnamon or chilli cheese hot cross buns for plenty of flavour options.

26. Chelsea buns

These London-born spiralled buns filled with currants, sultanas and mixed spice have made a few memorable appearances on Bake Off. To try them for yourself, bake our classic chelsea buns recipe for a teatime treat, or make a cranberry & orange Chelsea bun tree, festive mincemeat Chelsea buns or apricot & almond Chelsea buns.

27. Lardy cake

Lardy cake comes from the West Country, and is basically a sweet bread made with lard, dried fruit and warming spices. This is a bake that rewards patience, delivering pillowy soft layers studded with currants, sultanas, apricots and cherries in every bite. Keen to give it a go? Start with our traditional lardy cake recipe, or try adding mixed peel for a citrussy lift. You can also drizzle over icing for extra sweetness.

28. Crumpets

Crumpets are a go-to breakfast or brunch, with their signature hole-filled tops ideal for soaking up plenty of melted butter. If you make them at home, you can enjoy them fresh from the pan and try flavour twists like chocolate crumpets. Or, take the toppings up a notch with our homemade crumpets with burnt honey butter or ricotta, berries & thyme honey.

29. English muffin

If you’re looking to level up your brunch game, try our homemade English muffins. They’re the perfect base for a runny poached egg – as in our eggs florentine recipe – or a satisfying breakfast sandwich, like our sausage & egg muffin recipe.

30. Scones

No list of British bakes would be complete without the humble scone – a teatime classic. Whether you prefer the traditional scone with jam & clotted cream, fruity easy sultana scones or zesty lemon drizzle scones, there’s a recipe for every taste. Serve them as part of a larger afternoon tea spread, made using our afternoon tea recipes, and finally settle the age-old debate: jam or cream first?

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