Baking Your Way to De-Stress: The Great British Bake-Off for Students

Are you a student in dire need of a break from the constant pressure of academic life? Do you find yourself eagerly anticipating the next episode of the Great British Bake-Off, passing the days daydreaming about buns and pastries? 

Well, have we got news for you! Look no further than the Great British Bake-Off itself for a way to de-stress and unwind while indulging your passion for all things baking.

The beloved baking competition has captured the hearts of people across the UK with its delicious creations, heartwarming stories, and charming hosts. But did you know that baking can also have therapeutic benefits for your mental well-being? 

In this post, we'll explore how you can incorporate baking into your busy student life and reap the rewards of this delicious and therapeutic hobby.

The Therapeutic Benefits of Baking

Baking can be a great way to relax and de-stress after a long day of lectures, essays, and exams. The act of measuring ingredients, mixing dough, and seeing your creation come to life can be incredibly satisfying and calming. 

In fact, a 2016 study by the Journal of Positive Psychology found that people who engage in creative hobbies like baking experience lower levels of stress and higher levels of well-being than those who do not. 

So, next time you're feeling overwhelmed, why not whip up a batch of cookies or bake a loaf of bread?

Baking Tips for Stressed-Out Students

Students don’t always have heaps of money to spare (that’s probably not breaking news!) so we've compiled a list of simple and budget-friendly baking recipes that are perfect for stressed-out students in a pinch.

These recipes use common ingredients and require minimal equipment, so you can get baking right away without breaking the bank!

Here are a few of our favorite recipes:

Chocolate chip cookies

Who doesn't love a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie? This classic recipe is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 3/4 cup white sugar

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

• In a large bowl, beat butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.

• Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.

• Gradually add flour mixture, mixing until just combined.

• Fold in chocolate chips.

• Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Bake for 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden brown.

• Allow to cool on baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  
  

Banana bread

Got some overripe bananas lying around? Use them to make this delicious and comforting loaf of banana bread

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tsp baking soda

• Pinch of salt

• 3/4 cup white sugar

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

• In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, baking soda, salt, and white sugar.

• Stir in beaten egg and vanilla extract.

• Add flour and mix until just combined.

• Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

• Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

• Allow to cool on wire rack before slicing and serving.
  
  

Pizza Dough

Making your own pizza dough is surprisingly easy and can be a fun activity to do with friends. Top with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a homemade pizza night

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp white sugar

• 1 tbsp active dry yeast

• 1 1/4 cups warm water

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.

• In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.

• Add yeast mixture and olive oil to flour mixture and stir until dough forms.

• Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.

• Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).

• Punch down dough and divide into desired portions.

• Roll each portion into a circle and top with desired ingredients.

• Bake for 12-15 minutes, until crust is golden brown.
  
  

Granola bars

These homemade granola bars are a healthy and satisfying snack that you can take on the go

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats

• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/2 cup wheat germ

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 3/4 cup raisins (optional)

• 3/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

3. In a large bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, wheat germ, cinnamon, flour, raisins (if using), and salt.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, beaten egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.

5. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until combined.

6. Spread mixture evenly into prepared baking pan.

7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.

8. Allow to cool on wire rack before cutting into bars.

Baking Essentials: Stocking Your Student Kitchen

If you're new to baking, it can be overwhelming to know what equipment and ingredients you need to get started. Here are a few baking essentials that you should have in your student kitchen:

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Mixing bowls

• Wooden spoon

• Whisk

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Flour

• Sugar

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Butter

• Eggs

It might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised! With these basic tools and ingredients, you'll be well on your way to whipping up a variety of baked goods in no time at all!

Time Management Tips for Incorporating Baking into Your Busy Schedule

We know that as a student, you have a lot on your plate. Between lectures, essays, and extracurricular activities, it can be hard to find time for hobbies like baking. But fear not! 

Here are a few time management tips to help you incorporate baking into your busy schedule:

• Plan ahead: Look at your schedule for the week and find a time when you have a few hours free. Use that time to plan out your baking session and make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment you need.

• Multitask: While your baked goods are in the oven, use that time to catch up on readings or write a few paragraphs of an essay.

• Get your friends involved: Baking can be a fun group activity! Host a baking session with friends or flatmates and enjoy some quality time together while whipping up something delicious.

Creating a Baking-Inspired Study Group or Social Club

Baking can also be a great way to connect with other students on campus. Consider starting a baking-inspired study group or social club, where you can share recipes, tips, and tricks with like-minded individuals. 

This can be a fun and creative way to take a break from academic work and engage with your community.

Conclusion

Baking can be a fun and therapeutic hobby that can help you de-stress and improve your mental well-being as a student. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a newbie, there are plenty of simple and budget-friendly recipes that you can try out. 

With a few basic tools and ingredients, you'll be able to whip up delicious treats in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and enjoy the many rewards!