The Great British Bake Off: How to Avoid a Soggy Bottom and Other Secrets to Achieving a Good Bake

by Gerard Baker

Banish sunken sponges, burned caramel and soggy bottoms from your kitchen forever!
This book answers over 150 essential baking questions, looking at the common techniques we use and the history of how they came about.
Why do cakes sometimes sink in the middle?
How can I tell if my bread is perfectly risen?
Why haven't I been able to whisk my egg whites properly?
There are also 30 classic recipes demonstrating the key skills that every baker should know - all to help you perfect your baking at home.

Genres: Nonfiction, Cookbooks, Food, Cooking, Food and Drink

223 pages, Hardcover

First published February 28, 2013

Reviews

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like cookery books that can be read as books.

This little hard back is quite quaint in appearance and is full of tips presented coherently and written enjoyably.

For experienced bakers there is still, at least for this baker plenty to raise an “I didn’t know that” eyebrow to.

I keep this book out so that friends visiting the kitchen am an browse through it and grab some nuggets of knowledge / but I wouldn’t let any of them borrow it ;)

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a beginner baker, this was a good book to gain general tips and knowledge about baking but I feel it fell short in other ways. Techniques were described but lacked photos or illustrations to help explain. There were many interesting facts and charts of helpful temperatures such as how to make various types of caramel.

The only recipe I have made from here is the basic white bread. I only have one loaf tin so I reduced the recipe in half. It came out well, but took more time than specified in the recipe. The bread had a lovely crust and crumb.

Overall, I found it helpful and would consider it a decent reference cookbook for new bakers.

[Eliza J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful baking encyclopedia with helpful science-y tips and tricks to achieving a good bake, as well as historical origins for each category of baked item. (Which I found very interesting)
From how to properly whip egg whites to how to temper chocolate, this book has step by step guides and recipes for how to make lots of classic British (and classic in general) bakes. I enjoyed this book, and want to work my way through all the recipes in it over time, although as of right now, I have not made any yet.

[OxoNewbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gerard Baker, such an appropriate name for an author on a book about baking. If you like all the extra nuggets of (science) information about baking on the TV show, this book is for you. Full of interesting facts and written in an accessible manner. I didn't try the recipes so can't comment on those. This book was be an useful addition to a cookbook library to dip in and out of, or a nice gift for a loved one.

4 stars.

[Ahuv · Rating 3 out of 5]

A select history of British baking interwoven with recipes. Read it primarily to improve my baking but only collected a few useful tips.

[Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A blend of baking history and know-how. Definitely delighted in this little book.

[Denicemarcell]

didn't finish in time for summer reading 2022. it was for the book about food square.

[Nathanael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great collection of tricks, techniques, history, and recipes. I enjoyed learning the history of some of the things we’ve seen made on GBBO and I picked up a few recipes I’d like to try out. I do wish there were photos though; baking books with no photography are a bit frustrating since you don’t have an idea of what the finished product should look like. It’s a quick read though, so well worth picking up.

[Melanie]

Not quite finished with this one, but I have loved what I've read so far! I thought I already knew a lot about the science of baking, but this book has taught me a ton. Plus, it's charmingly British.

[Val · Rating 1 out of 5]

A bit disappointed as the only recipe I have tried was a disaster! The experience hasn't encouraged me to try any more.

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little book with a lot of (background) information about baking. A must read for all keen bakers.

[nat · Rating 2 out of 5]

what did I just read