The Great British Baking Show Is Back! Here Are 12 Show-Stop…

When I lived in Britain as a college student, my friends and I had weekly dessert potlucks where we gathered to watch new episodes of The Great British Bake Off (known as The Great British Baking Show in the US). As we crowded around a small laptop screen, we tucked into slices of banoffee pie, spoonfuls of trifle, and tiny little cream puffs. We chuckled and groaned as contestants dropped their cakes on the floor or presented pies with soggy bottoms to the judges. At the end of the evening, we all mused on what we’d bake next week—and whether any of us had the chops to compete on the show.

Though I no longer live in the UK, I still enthusiastically welcome each new episode of The Great British Baking Show by whipping up an assortment of baked goods for myself and, occasionally, my neighbors. To celebrate the arrival of the show’s 12th season, we put together a list of fun bakes—including tender shortbread and an airy genoise sponge—that you can make from the comfort of your own home. So get your mixer out, have your spatula at the ready, and preheat those ovens. Ready…set…bake!