Get the mixing bowls out for traditional cakes and bakes that will fill your home with warming aromas as they cook

Ingredients (Serves 12) ◆ 140g dairy or plant butter ◆ 45g golden caster sugar ◆ 185g plain flour ◆ 50g golden syrup ◆ 45g each flaked almonds, sultanas and glacé cherries ◆ 25g chopped mixed peel ◆ 2

They all started out on different paths – from sales offices to science labs – but each of these professional bakers found purpose and joy in baking. Here, they tell Jill Foster why it has become a passion that continues to nourish their souls

Quick and easy bakes for when you need a sweet fix

■ Serves 16 ■ Prep 45 mins plus cooling ■ Cook 30 mins 140g unsalted butter, plus extrafor the tin100ml grapeseed or anotherflavourless oil200ml milk3 tbsp yogurt1 tsp vanilla extract2 eggs, at room t

Celebrate National Baking Week starting 14 October with these timeless goodies