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The Best of British Baking: Classic Sweet Treats and Savory Bakes

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Master the most beloved recipes in British baking

From fluffy Victoria sponges to sausage rolls, the flavors of British baking are some of the most famous in the world. Learn how to create classic British treats at home with the fresh, from-scratch, delicious recipes in The Best of British Baking.

Eat your way across the UK―Discover a baking book that features recipes from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with trivia and stories that highlight their history. Sweet and savory choices―Get ready to bake off 60 authentically British recipes that include the frothy and sugary as well as the hearty and satisfying. Techniques and tips―Find measurements in both weight and volume (as well as metric and imperial), with clear instructions and advice for achieving the perfect bake. Turn any kitchen into a great British bake off with this whimsical baking recipe book.

136 pages, Hardcover

Published February 1, 2022

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About the author

Marie Rayner

3 books5 followers

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5 stars
35 (49%)
4 stars
25 (35%)
3 stars
9 (12%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Laura.
911 reviews216 followers
October 14, 2022
This is a great book. I really learned a lot. My favorite recipe is Battenberg Cake. It's a library borrow, but I may buy a copy.
Profile Image for Honest Mabel.
1,256 reviews42 followers
February 20, 2024
more like 3.75

It’s good. It’s definitely not WOW cookbook or baking book at all. There is nothing particularly special in here that is worth more than a discount purchase. But the recipes are good. However, they are also very easily found online and offer nothing unique to make this books value clear.

I paid between $.99-2.99 for a digital copy. I don’t spend more than that on cookbooks as I grab them through the sale newsletters so I know I didn’t spend more than this book is worth and even if I spent the higher $2.99 end it’s not the end of the world tho it’s value would be $1.99 tbh
Profile Image for Jen.
1,704 reviews153 followers
January 5, 2022
Interesting cookbook with a lot of info about British baking. I found that insight interesting. The recipes are easy to follow and contain helpful hints. My thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Catie.
559 reviews
April 24, 2022
Attention American Anglophiles: no more converting to metric! Canadian author Marie Rayner has done all the work to convert traditional British recipes for those of us across the Pond. My recipe box is about to get a new infusion of treats to try.
440 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2026
The Best of British Baking is a delightful cookbook for anyone who loves the comforting tradition of homemade baking. What makes this collection especially enjoyable is the balance between classic sweet treats and savory bakes, offering plenty of variety for everything from afternoon tea to hearty family meals.

I loved the nostalgic character throughout the recipes. The collection celebrates familiar British baking traditions while keeping the dishes inviting for home cooks. There is something wonderfully satisfying about working with simple ingredients and turning them into beautifully baked treats that feel both comforting and special.

The savory recipes are an equally welcome addition, providing options beyond desserts and cakes. This variety makes the cookbook useful throughout the day rather than limiting it to occasional baking projects. Whether you are craving something sweet with a cup of tea or looking for a satisfying savory bake, there are plenty of ideas to explore.

Another highlight is the sense of tradition behind the collection. The recipes encourage the kind of relaxed, homemade baking that brings people together and creates memorable moments in the kitchen. It would make a lovely addition to the shelf of both experienced bakers and anyone discovering British baking for the first time.

Warm, inviting, and full of classic inspiration, The Best of British Baking is a cookbook I would happily return to again and again. A charming collecti
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Karalee Shotola.
369 reviews4 followers
September 3, 2023
This cookbook is all about British baking and includes recipes for biscuits, shortbreads, buns, scones, cakes, loaves, pies, and tarts. The first chapter is an introduction to British baking and includes pantry staples and essential equipment. The following chapters are the recipes, and each recipe includes a description, ingredients, numbered directions, and prep and bake times. There are definitely some recipes I would like to try including the Classic Lemon Drizzle Cake, Mince Pies, and Hot Cross Buns, and the recipes seem easy enough to follow. However, none of the recipes include photos and the only photos are at the start of each chapter. Since I am not from England, I am not familiar with all the pastries there, therefore, pictures would help me know what the baked goods look like and if I would like to try making them myself. The cookbook is a letdown because of the lack of photos.
422 reviews
September 17, 2026
The Best of British Baking is a wonderful collection for anyone who loves traditional homemade baking. I enjoyed the balance of classic sweet treats and savory bakes, making it useful for everything from afternoon tea and weekend baking to comforting family meals. The recipes offer plenty of variety, with familiar favorites alongside ideas that encourage trying something new in the kitchen. I especially appreciate the timeless character of British baking and the inviting combination of cakes, biscuits, pastries, pies, breads, and other delicious creations. The collection feels warm, practical, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. It is the kind of cookbook that inspires you to turn on the oven, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the simple pleasure of making something from scratch. A charming addition to any baker’s collection.
Profile Image for Anne.
962 reviews11 followers
December 20, 2022
Recipes sure to become favourites

Anyone who has enjoyed any of the British Baking shows will find this book of British baking recipes a treasure. The author not only includes a wide variety of sweet and savoury treats but also explains the differences in ingredients and terms and what North Americans need to use to make these recipes. For years, I have looked for a good recipe for Chelsea buns, a great British treat, that I have no longer been able to find in my part of Canada. I can’t wait to try the recipe. I would have loved more photographs but this lack does not negate all of the positive aspects of this book.
332 reviews
September 18, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A lovely celebration of British baking! The Best of British Baking brings together a tempting mix of classic sweet treats and savory bakes, making it a delightful cookbook for anyone who enjoys traditional, comforting food.

I really enjoyed the variety of recipes and the sense of nostalgia that runs through the collection. There’s something wonderfully satisfying about discovering familiar favorites alongside new bakes to try. The recipes feel approachable and inviting, making this a great choice for both casual weekend baking and sharing something special with family and friends.
Profile Image for Shelley.
712 reviews4 followers
January 21, 2023
Easy to follow recipe book with many sweet and many savory items to pick from, well-organized in chapters. An entire chapter is dedicated to baking staples commonly used but that might not be common worldwide. Also, to baking equipment, techniques and tips. Limited photos to go with the recipes, generally 1-2 per chapter. Recipes do give measurements in both British and North American units and temperatures for baking.
13 reviews
December 23, 2022
Love it!

Lots of easy, delicious recipes. Can’t wait to try many of them. I’m a true Anglophile and have read about these items in British literature and mysteries all my life and of course, am a great fan of The Great British Baking Show. And while I have purchased many of the delicacies, I’ve never baked any of them myself.
339 reviews
October 14, 2026
The Best of British Baking is a delightful collection celebrating traditional British treats and savory favorites. Its inviting recipes inspire bakers to explore timeless flavors, develop their skills, and create delicious homemade bakes perfect for afternoon tea, family gatherings, and special occasions.
Profile Image for ~~Susan~~.
109 reviews
March 2, 2022
More pictures please

Some lovely recipes.
There were very few pictures, IMO All baking recipes, need pictures so we can get an idea of the colour, height and general look of a home baked delight.

Profile Image for Slipperyvowels.
887 reviews
July 7, 2022
Love these recipes

Love these recipes and can't wait to start baking. The conversion table will definitely help but what's even better is the main ingredients section at the beginning. This will definitely be a a great resource.
75 reviews
February 11, 2023
The Best British Cookbook

This is the easiest British Cookbook I have found to understand. Absolutely love these recipes. From savory to the sweets. I am not a big sweet person, these are just the right amount of sweetness to a recipe with out going over board. Wonderful cookbook.
63 reviews
March 1, 2024
Love the recipes and their history!

Every page makes me want to bake and try each item with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The tradition in these recipes is endearing and heartwarming.
Profile Image for Donna Robinson.
1,092 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2026
In this collection britsh deserts, there was a nice variety of recipes. All the recipes look easy to follow, and a majority of them are on one page. I look forward to trying out the rest of the ones I saved in the future.
Profile Image for Aunt LoLo.
399 reviews11 followers
December 17, 2021
Classic English Fare

The book is well laid out, with gorgeous recipes and easy to follow recipes! I can’t wait to bake my way through it.
Profile Image for Shannon.
108 reviews11 followers
May 24, 2022
Love this book!

The recipes are so easy to follow. I love the tips and background snippets with each recipe. I think I could win the "Technical Challenge" easily now!
3 reviews
November 30, 2023
Easy book to use and good recieps

Would recommend this book to any one who has just started to bake , full useful advice and easy recipes.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews