National Baking Week happens every October 14 to 20 in the U.K. Pyrex initially started the holiday back in 2007 with other baking companies to inspire people of all abilities to try their hand at baking at home. After all, isn’t baking just a piece of cake? National Baking week has been cheered alongside the popular TV show “The Great British Bake Off,” giving everyone a week of tasty recipes and good television. People celebrate the holiday on Twitter using the hashtags #NationalBakingWeek or #N.B.W. and tagging the official National Baking Week page in posts.
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.
National Baking Week timeline
Neolithic humans bake plant broths into bread using hot stones.
The Greeks invent the enclosed oven for baking.
Baking is a commercial trade in Europe.
The National Baking Week is introduced by Pyrex.
National Baking Week FAQs
Which country is known for its bread?
Germany is considered the country with the largest variety of bread.
What day is Bake Cookies Day?
Bake Cookies Day is on December 18.
Is there a National Baking Month?
Yes, January is National Baking Month.
National Baking Week Activities
Bake your favorite pastry
You don't need to be a master pastry chef to make your favorite baked treat. With a good recipe book, some flour, sugar, and butter, you can whip up some cookies, brownies, or a cake in no time!
Visit a local bakery
If you don’t have time to bake, you could visit a local bakery and order some delicious pastries. There is no reason to deny yourself of the yumminess of the season.
Watch baking shows
Watching a baking show is the easiest way to pick new recipes and improve your baking. You can also follow baking channels on YouTube; they are great at giving pastry ideas.
5 Interesting Facts About Baking
Croissants were never invented in France
In the 13th century, early forms of croissants were made in Australia and known as ‘Kipferl.’
German Chocolate Cake is actually American
German Chocolate Cake is named after English-American chocolate maker Samuel German, who created the Dark Chocolate used in the cake recipe.
Yeast eats sugar
Yeast consumes the sugars in the bread dough and excretes carbon dioxide, which makes the dough rise.
Persians invented cookies
The first cookies were test-cakes bakers used to test the oven temperature around the seventh century A.D. in Persia.
Eight basic types of cookies
There are eight basic types of cookies known today.
Why We Love National Baking Week
Baking is creative
Baking allows people to express their creativity. It is also said to relieve stress. Getting a recipe right often brings great satisfaction to every baker.
Cakes can be healthy
By substituting traditional baking ingredients like sugar, flour, and milk with dates, honey, bananas, almond flour, and coconut cream, you can give your cakes a healthy twist! Try out a healthy recipe today!
Treats make people happy
Baked treats are delicious, from cookies to brownies to jelly donuts. There is joy in sharing them with people.
National Baking Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | October 14 | Monday |
| 2025 | October 14 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | October 14 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | October 14 | Thursday |
| 2028 | October 14 | Saturday |
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