Cookies, pizza bases and banana bread among most popular lockdown bakes, poll claims

Many people find cooking helps deal with stress, survey finds

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Cookies, pizza bases and banana bread are among the most popular treats people in Britain have been baking during the coronavirus lockdown, a survey suggests.

A poll of 2,000 adults asked what recipes had been baked over the last few months, with sausage rolls, sourdough bread and lemon drizzle cake also proving popular.

Cookies, chocolate cake and cupcakes were close behind.

VE day celebrations seem to have had an influence as well with the quintessentially British scones and Victoria sponge making the top 10.

It was also found that time spent baking had increased, with 67 minutes a week now spent kneading, sieving and rolling, compared to just 41 minutes previously.

For more than one in four, the additional time they now have has allowed them to be more creative in the kitchen.

The research, commissioned by KitchenAid, also revealed one-fifth of those polled had baked for the first time ever, while 23 per cent of avid bakers had increased their repertoire.

But a rise in community spirit saw almost one-third deliver their creations to others, including 36 per cent to relatives outside of their home and 23 per cent to neighbours.

Simon Langley, spokesperson for KitchenAid UK & Ireland said: “It seems there has been a real increase in the time spent baking, as well as then sharing that food with others during this unpredictable time.

“It’s encouraging to hear people are taking on new recipes and learning skills with their new ‘spare time’.

“As well as giving you something to do when your usual hobbies and activities may not be available, baking can be very therapeutic which makes it an ideal creative hobby to have – now more than ever.

“But it’s also helping to keep people connected as many are sharing their creations with others, whether it’s leaving it on the doorsteps of loved ones or helping a neighbour who might not be able to get out or bake themselves.”

The research also found one-eighth of those polled felt more confident and creative in the kitchen if they were cooking with someone else, with three in 10 having baked with their partner since the lockdown began.

A further 37 per cent had done more baking as they looked to take their mind off other things, with 22 per cent of adults believing the hobby had helped them deal with stress.

Likewise, 30 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, got a sense of relaxation from baking and 29 per cent felt creative.

More than one-sixth have even discovered a new found confidence in the kitchen in recent months with 11 per cent following live virtual tutorials.

It was also found that one in eight counted baking as a new hobby of theirs, with 42 per cent vowing to continue to bake more often after lockdown.

SWNS