Mary Berry’s Baking Bible: Cookbook Review

Mary Berry’s Baking Bible has been revised and updated. This updated version was released in May 2023 by Clarkson Potter. In true Mary Berry form, this book is full of tips and tricks to help with a successful bake.

I want to thank Clarkson Potter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Mary Berry’s Baking Bible. All opinions presented here are solely mine.

Synopsis from Goodreads

Mary Berry’s Baking Bible has been thrilling home bakers with delectable, no-fuss, trustworthy recipes for more than a decade. Now the queen of British baking brings her straightforward advice and expertise to this fully revised edition of classic bakes. Her biggest collection yet also features 20 new recipes plus mouthwatering photography. A sampling of her beloved desserts includes:

– Cakes: Victoria Sandwich; Very Best Chocolate Fudge; Lemon Yogurt
– Cookies and Bars: Melting Moments; Orange and Chocolate Shortbread; Bakewell Slices
– Traybakes: Lemon Drizzle; Coffee and Walnut; Double Chocolate Chip and Marshmallow
– Tarts and Pastries: French Apple Tart; Chocolate Eclairs; Profiteroles
– Breads: Crunchy Orange Syrup Loaf; Quick Sourdough Loaf; White Cottage Loaf
– Puddings and Pies: Sticky Apricot Pudding; Classic Apple Pie
– Cheesecakes: American Chocolate Ripple; Buttermilk and Honey; and Key Lime Pie

Readers will also be delighted to discover that many of her treasured recipes have been updated and simplified to suit the needs and tastes of today’s home bakers. And, as always with foolproof recipes from Mary Berry, there will be no soggy bottoms!

My Opinions

For those who don’t know, Mary Berry is the Queen of British baking. She first released Mary Berry’s Baking Bible in 2009 and has decided to update it for the modern lifestyle. There are new recipes, along side many of her favorites. Another update, was altering measurements to fit in with those used in North America.

Out of the 250+ recipes, I am happy to say there are around 40 that contain nuts or nut products. Sadly, there is one chapter as a whole that has nuts. That chapter is the one that focuses on special occasion cakes. Most of those contain nuts because of the use of marzipan, which is made of ground almonds.

Reading Berry’s tips and tricks is like baking with your grandmother or even an older aunt. She shares her tricks and explains why she uses them and how they work.

Some may feel overwhelmed when looking at the book and seeing there are 17 chapters. Worry not, as most of them only contain a handful of recipes. And several of those offer up alternative options. For example, there is a recipe for a basic Victorian sponge which then has three variations. The same goes for the shortbread cookies.

There is something in this cookbook for everyone, whether it’s a basic chocolate chip muffin or something a little more British (Welsh?) like a Bara Brith or Irish Soda bread.

This is an excellent option if you are looking for a basic baking cookbook. I can see this being given to someone just getting started, either with baking or moving out on their own for the first time. A seasoned baker can also find a new favorite recipe in Mary Berry’s Baking Bible.

Are you looking for more food-related content? Check out my other Foodie Fridays posts.