How to bake at home on a budget
Rising energy costs have caused many of us to rethink how we cook. In the 2022 Good Food Nation report, which asked over 2,00 adults and 1,000 children about their eating habits, 26% of the respondents said they were less likely to make a Sunday roast, with 20% not baking as many cakes or biscuits.
As kitchen appliances are often the most energy-consuming in the home, switching to more efficient cooking methods can help to reduce bills. And if you're a keen baker, there are ways to continue whipping up delicious treats, while keeping an eye on energy use.
Richard Fowler, head of online cake manufacturer Sponge.co.uk, has shared five tips for reducing costs when baking. Whether you're a novice or an aspiring Mary Berry, take a look at the advice below.
Cook as much as you can in the oven at once
If you're baking a number of items, try to plan ahead and ensure they're ready to go in the oven at the same time. "This will ensure your oven isn’t on longer than it needs to be, reducing the amount of energy consumed and ultimately saving you a few pennies with every use," says Fowler. "Batch cooking, can prove a great way to reduce oven time and cut expenses on a day-to-day basis."
Buy second hand
From whisks to measuring cups, baking requires the right tools. But there's no need to spend a fortune on brand new equipment. "Before you spend a fortune on a brand-new piece of equipment for baking, consider shopping in charity shops, car-boot sales or online resellers such as eBay to find equipment that will not be brand-new, but will still serve its purpose very well," Fowler advises. "Alternatively, you can also shop in discounted stores for cheap but brilliant cooking equipment. If you know someone who also likes to bake, why not consider sharing the cost?"
Use your microwave
"Microwaves often provide a much more energy efficient way of cooking food than in the oven," says the Energy Saving Trust. There's also no need to pre-heat them, which lowers the amount of energy used. "Where appropriate then, use the microwave to melt chocolate or warm up your next cake or brownie," adds Fowler. "Do remember to never use foil in the microwave as it could catch fire."
Stick to simple recipes
From muffins to a straightforward sponge, you can still get creative using basic, everyday ingredients. "There are a number of budget friendly recipes online that cuts down on the number of ingredients required, but will still ensure the end product serves plenty," Fowler says. "These include banana bread recipes with only a few ingredients, as well as simple muffin recipes that allows you to be creative over whether you wish to add further chocolate, nuts, various fruits or just sticking to the fundamental recipe."
Shop own brand
The price of the weekly food shop has soared in recent months, so if you're aiming to bake on a budget, an easy way to keep costs down is to stick to own brand products. "Most leading supermarkets have an extensive own brand range, including a number of food items used for baking," says Fowler. "Buying products such as butter, milk, and chocolate can be less costly if we choose not to buy from brands."
For more baking inspiration, see our pick of the best recipes here.
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