Your Ultimate Guide to World Baking Day: Recipes, Tips & Top Ingredients

World Baking Day is just around the corner, falling on Sunday, 18th May, and it’s the perfect excuse to dust off your apron, fire up the oven, and fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods. Whether you're an experienced pastry chef perfecting your craft or someone who simply loves the warmth of home baking, this is the day to embrace the joy of baking.

But great baking isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about choosing the right ingredients and using reliable tools. At I4C, we believe that quality ingredients make all the difference. Our selection ranges from some of the industry's best brands, each offering unique qualities.

Let’s talk flour - a foundation of any good bake. We proudly stock Marriage’s Flour, known for its consistent, high-quality performance, and Wildfarmed Flour, which champions regenerative agriculture without sacrificing on flavour. For those needing gluten-free options, Doves Farm offers a trusted range that performs brilliantly in cakes, biscuits, and breads.

When it comes to flavour, we’re passionate about choice. Our extensive range includes Foodie Flavours, known for their bold, natural extracts, perfect for everything from classic vanilla cupcakes to creative confections. Speaking of vanilla, LittlePod offers exceptional vanilla products from pure vanilla extract to luxurious vanilla paste, adding that unmistakable warmth to any bake.

And then there’s chocolate, an essential for many favourite bakes. We stock an extensive selection of Callebaut chocolate, the choice of professionals worldwide, whether you’re making silky ganache, crisp chocolate shards, or decadent brownies. For those looking to try something different, our ICAM chocolate range offers rich, smooth chocolate that’s perfect for everything from truffles to chocolate tarts.

Let’s talk about those showstopping bakes that never go out of style. Perfecting a classic Victoria Sponge is a rite of passage for any baker. Start with premium self-raising flour and golden caster sugar, add a splash of LittlePod pure Madagascan vanilla extract, and layer it with a generous spread of rich, fruity preserves. We recommend Tiptree’s classic strawberry conserve; the flavour is unmatched!

For those craving something a little more decadent, why not follow our free brownie recipe from ICE restaurant in Bury St Edmunds, UK. They’re gluten-free, packed with chocolate buttons and one of ICE's most sought-after goodies!

For a touch of sophistication, why not try your hand at macarons? These delicate, crisp shells filled with velvety ganache can be a challenge, but with our silicone baking mats and precision piping tools, success is within your reach. SOSA’s range of water-soluble food colourings can help you achieve the perfect vibrant hues, while our range of pastes and compounds, including the on-trend pistachio paste, allows for endless flavour combinations.

Of course, no baking session is complete without the right equipment. Our range of non-stick baking tins and silicone mats ensures even cooking and easy release, while our precision scales and measuring tools guarantee consistency. But for the ultimate in non-stick convenience, professionals swear by Boyens Trennspray, a superior non-stick release spray that guarantees flawless results with minimal effort. It’s the secret behind perfectly released cakes, biscuits, and delicate bakes.

This World Baking Day, try a classic, easy-to-follow chocolate chip cookie recipe that simply brings joy to your kitchen:

Ingredients:

• 250g unsalted butter (softened)
• 200g golden caster sugar
• 150g light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp LittlePod vanilla extract
• 400g Marriage’s plain flour
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 300g Callebaut dark chocolate callets

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Line a baking tray with silicone baking paper and Trennspray.
2. Cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
4. Sift in the flour and bicarbonate of soda, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Fold in the chocolate callets.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared tray, leaving space between each.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden around the edges.
8. Cool on the tray for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

⭐ TOP TIP – How to get perfectly round cookies - once you take them out of the oven and they’re still warm, place a cooking ring around the cookie and swirl it gently to make them perfectly round.

Whether you're baking for friends, family, or just for yourself, this World Baking Day is the perfect opportunity to create something truly special. Explore our range of top-quality ingredients and reliable baking equipment at I4C and turn your kitchen into a haven of delicious creations.