There have been thirteen winners of The Great British Bake Off crowned since 2010, with more than 100 competitors having entered the tent with hopes of taking home the coveted cake stand.
From stunning signature bakes to incredible and ornate showstoppers, it can’t be denied that some rare talent has been uncovered. And if you worship at the gingham covered altar it won't be a surprise to learn that many former bakers from Bake Off, or The Great British Baking Show if you're from the States, have released cookbooks full of their best recipes, tips and tricks.
We've decided to take a (non-exhaustive) look at some of the best books written by former Bake Off contestants; though we won’t count those which don’t focus on baking, nor will we include Bake Off branded releases.
So here are 29 cookbooks written by Great British Bake Off contestants, including Scotland's very own Peter Sawkins.
5. Et Voila! by Manon Lagreve
Impressing both the judges and the audience with her French baking, Manon Lagreve made it all the way to the quarter-final during her time on the show, even winning the 2023 New Years special. And if you’re a fan looking to replicate her elegant baking style, fear not, as her cookbook Et Voila! with 80 classic French recipes is now available. | Welbeck Publishing Group
6. Giuseppe's Italian Bakes by Giuseppe Dell'Anno
2021 winner Giuseppe Dell'Anno brought classic Italian recipes to The Great British Bake Off tent, inspired by his professional chef father. It was a close series but Giuseppe consistently provided excellent bakes – which is why picking up his first cookbook Giuseppe's Italian Bakes, which emphasises baking from his home country with his clear instructions and illustrations, is a no brainer. | Quadrille Publishing
7. Showstopping Cakes by Rahul Mandal
Sweet, self-deprecating series 9 winner Rahul Mandal charmed the judges with his Eeyore-like attitude, and blew them away with his delicious baking skills. From such humble beginnings in the tent, Rahul releasing a cookbook seemed far away but instead he decided to put his research scientist background to good use, breaking down baking with excellent tips and advice in Showstopping Cakes. | Octopus Publishing Group
8. Baking Imperfect by Lottie Bedlow
Lottie Bedlow stood out in the Bake Off tent in 2020 for her sense of humour, even joking that one of her bakes looked like “an actual car crash”. Therefore it’s fitting that her very own cookbook is called Baking Imperfect with the goal of encouraging bakers of all skills to get in the kitchen and give it a go. | Octopus Publishing Group