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The 8 most popular lockdown bakes – and how to make them
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The 8 most popular lockdown bakes – and how to make them
It seems we've spent more time than ever in the kitchen during lockdown – and have turned to baking and cooking to boost our mood and make treats for the family.
Google search data has revealed how the nation’s online behaviours have changed since lockdown, and in particular shows a 156 per cent increase in searches for recipes since the beginning of March.
And, while Instagram feeds are filled with banana loaves and homemade bread, it seems the humble hot cross bun is actually the most popular baked treat to make. Research commissioned by Tic Watches has revealed which recipes have seen the highest peaks in searches in the last three months, from sweet treats to hearty cooked meals, along with step-by-step recipes to create them yourself.
Find out how to make the top eight most searched for recipes below:
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1) Hot cross bun, +2,500% in searches
With the nation spending Easter without their usual celebrations and the latest Kantar consumer report showing a 92 per cent increase in flour sales since lockdown began, it seems many turned to trying their hands at baking their own hot cross buns. But with an average total cooking time of two hours and 30 minutes, these sweet treats don’t need to be just for Easter.
Get toasting with a cup of tea in no time. Learn how to make them yourself, and watch Chef Jack Oven’s YouTube video.
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2) Ikea meatballs, +1,050% in searches
We’re all missing different activities and restaurants while in lockdown, but it seems the meal craved the most by the nation is Ikea’s famous Swedish meatballs, as Google shows a +1,050 per cent increase in searches for the recipe since lockdown began.
Never miss out on the Swedish treat again, and make these in just 40 minutes today.
Ikea shared the recipe for its very own meatballs with flat-pack instructions and a step-by-step video.
istetiana - 4/9
3) Sourdough, +700% in searches
Brunch is a meal loved by many and the star of endless Instagram shots, and it seems Brits aren’t willing to let it go just yet, with data showing a +700 per cent increase in people searching for how to make the brunch staple, sourdough bread, at home.
Get brunch ready in just three hours – watch Tasty’s recipe for the perfect loaf below.
Sarka Babicka - 5/9
4) Scones, +650% in searches
A British classic, ideal for an afternoon brew or morning snack, scones have a special place in the nation’s culture, and it seems Brits are using the extra time on their hands to learn how to make it themselves, with data showing a +650 per cent search increase in lockdown.
For a light and delicious scone ready in 30 minutes, head to Cupcake Jemma’s YouTube channel and watch exactly how it’s done.
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5) Wagamama katsu curry, +550% in searches
Another iconic restaurant dish the nation is craving is Wagamama’s katsu curry, with a +550 per cent increase in recipe searches in the last three months.
So if the restaurant isn’t available for delivery in your area, or you simply want to become a pro yourself, it only takes an hour.
Westend61 - 7/9
6) Flatbread, +400% in searches
Perfect for sharing, dipping and as a side dish, flatbread is easier to make than you might think, and with a +400 per cent increase in recipe searches, it seems the nation is willing to try it out themselves.
For a light and fluffy flatbread ready in 40 minutes, YouTuber Veena Azmanov, has all the answers.
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7) Soda bread, +350% in searches
Missing your local bakery? Tackling bread making of any kind can seem daunting if you’ve never tried before, but Jamie Oliver went live in April to show us just how it’s done.
Watch the live stream on YouTube today, and have a delicious soda bread ready in 50 minutes.
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8) Banana bread, +300% in searches
Have some old bananas you’re not quite sure what to do with? Banana bread is the perfect dish to put them to use, and with a +300 per cent increase in searches, it’s a recipe Brits are keen to try while staying home – and it’s not that tricky to make.
Discover the perfect banana bread, ready in just 60 minutes, by watching this recipe from YouTuber Rosanna Pansino.
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Claudia Totir
From scones to sourdough (and yes, banana bread!)
