National Baking Week – October 14-20, 2026

History of National Baking Week

The first bread was presumably made in Neolithic times, nearly 15,000 years ago, when humans cooked plant broths on hot stones. Archaeologists discovered the world’s oldest oven in Croatia in 2014. The stone oven dates back to 6,500 years ago. The Ancient Egyptians baked breast with yeast, but bread baking as we know it began in Ancient Greece around 600 B.C. when enclosed ovens were invented.

The Roman empire was known for its love of baking pastries and treats. Around 300 BC, working as a pastry cook had become a formal occupation (known as the pastillarium) in the Roman Empire. Pastries were served at large banquets and other celebrations. In 168 B.C. in Rome, a bakers’ guild was established.

Eventually, Europe and Asia caught up on baking. By the 13th century in London, baking was a commercial trade. The proceeding years had several bakers’ guilds, flour mills, cakes for weddings and celebrations, and a controlled market system for baked goods.

The 20th century boosted the baking game. With new preservation methods such as refrigeration and increased availability of baking ingredients, the craft itself flourished greatly.
In 2007, National Baking Week commenced. Pyrex, supported by other baking brands, founded the holiday to inspire people of all abilities to bake at home. The holiday was advertised nationally by the company, bloggers, recipe writers, and baking enthusiasts alike.