Star Baker at Home: Holiday Baking Traditions Made Easier with WerkShoppe

One of the best parts of baking is how it ties into the seasons. Here are a few ideas inspired by the Bake Off, perfect for showing off your skills (and cute baking towels) at home:

• Fall Favorites: Think spiced pumpkin loaves, apple crumbles, or cinnamon rolls drizzled with icing. Pair with WerkShoppe’s 100% cotton tea towels to add a seasonal touch to your kitchen.
  

• Winter & Holiday Classics: Gingerbread houses, shortbread cookies, or yule logs are must-bakes. Keep Christmas microfiber towels nearby to wipe down flour-dusted counters while staying festive.

• Spring & Summer Freshness: Berry tarts, lemon drizzle cakes, or pavlovas topped with fruit make bright, airy showstoppers. Line your cooling racks with a dish mat to keep counters neat and dry.
  

A Favorite Bake to Share: WerkShoppe’s Spiced Apple Cake 

Inspired by cozy British kitchens, this easy spiced apple cake recipe is your new go-to. Moist, lightly spiced, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, it looks elegant enough to impress but is approachable enough for everyday bakers. Serve with warm tea — and don’t forget a WerkShoppe tea towel nearby for slicing and serving in style.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
  

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  

• ½ tsp baking soda
  

• ½ tsp salt
  

• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  

• ½ tsp ground allspice (optional, but highly recommended)
  

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  

• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
  

• ½ cup granulated sugar
  

• 2 large eggs
  

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work beautifully)
  

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  
  

Optional Topping

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  

• ½ tsp cinnamon
  

• or: a dusting of powdered sugar after it's cooled

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square pan or 9-inch round cake pan.
   

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
   

3. In a large bowl, cream butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
   

4. Mix in the yogurt, then gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
   

5. Fold in apples (and nuts, if using). Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
   

6. Combine topping sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over batter.
   

7. Bake 35 min - up to 45 minutes, checking every 3-5 minutes after the initial timer, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   

8. Cool slightly before slicing.
   
   

Serving Suggestion

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or wrap slices in festive tea towels for a thoughtful edible gift. It’s a holiday recipe that feels nostalgic yet elevated — and one you’ll come back to every baking season.

Making Cleanup as Joyful as Baking

Let’s be honest: baking is fun, but cleanup isn’t. That’s where WerkShoppe’s kitchen essentials come in:

• Microfiber Kitchen Towels: Ultra-absorbent, quick-drying, and made from recycled plastic bottles — ideal for tackling spills or drying dishes.
  

• 100% Cotton Tea Towels: Perfect for lining bread baskets, covering rising dough, or adding flair to your kitchen while you bake.
  

• Scrubbie Pad Sets: Gentle but tough enough to handle sticky mixing bowls or caramel-coated spoons.
  

• Dish Mats: A soft landing spot for drying glassware, pans, or cooling baking sheets.
  
  

Not only do these pieces make your kitchen more functional, but they also bring an extra layer of beauty, thanks to artist-designed prints that change with the seasons.

Baking + Hosting = Holiday Magic

For those who love entertaining, Bake Off season is the perfect excuse to host your own mini competition or holiday cookie exchange. Set the table with festive tea towels, bring out a bread basket lined with a microfiber towel, and encourage guests to sample and vote. It’s playful, memorable, and guaranteed to become a tradition.

Conclusion

The Great British Bake Off reminds us that baking is more than just food — it’s about joy, creativity, and sharing something special with others. Whether you’re whipping up a seasonal favorite or experimenting with a new recipe, having the right essentials makes the experience even sweeter.

WerkShoppe’s tea towels, microfiber towels, scrubbies, and dish mats are designed to support your baking adventures while adding beauty and sustainability to your kitchen. Because when the oven timer dings, the fun doesn’t have to stop at the bake.

✨ Explore the full collection of Holiday kitchen essentials here: The Holiday Shoppe