What do you do when you want to make lasting memories with your loved ones? Go on a vacation? Play video games? Watch a movie together?
These are all excellent choices, but there’s one more option you can add to that list: Baking together. I know it’s a bit unconventional, but trust me. I’ll do wonders.
You don’t believe me? That’s what this post is for. I’ll show you how baking can help you craft sweet memories with your friends and family.
How Does Baking Help You Make Memories?
Baking might be the last activity people think of to create memories with their loved ones, but it’s actually more effective than you think. Here’s why.
1 – Collective Effort
As they grow old, your friends won’t remember how you used to dress or what gift you got them on their 23rd birthday. They’ll remember the experiences they shared with you and how they defined that relationship.
That’s what baking could be: A collective experience where all parties work toward one goal. I know what you’re thinking: “Baking is just following instructions. Where’s the shared effort in that?”
Well, if it were that simple, we’d all be Michelin-star chefs right now. Trying to find the right ingredients, measuring the components accurately, and figuring out the best way to approach the recipe are all challenging tasks.
Walking through these steps with your loved ones brings you closer together and creates unforgettable memories.
2 – Learning Together
If you’re new to baking, you’ll probably take some time to get a good grasp of it. Sharing that learning experience with other people can strengthen your bonds.
You see, collective learning exposes your strengths, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities. These are all aspects that help form a new milestone in your relationships.
In other words, you won’t just learn a new skill with your loved ones. You’ll also learn about each other. If that doesn’t make memorable moments, I don’t know what would.
3 – Sharing Successes
Yes, putting in the effort to make a sponge cake and learning new baking techniques can help you create memories with your friends. However, nothing compares to the shared joy of succeeding in making a delicious, chewy cookie.
It’s always a memorable landmark, especially if it’s your first collective success.
4 – Failing Together
Look, we can all agree that you won’t nail every baking recipe you attempt, even if you’re working with other people. It’s part of the process, and you can’t avoid it.
Here’s the thing, though: Besides helping you learn and improve, failing can be a defining moment in your relationships.
Yes, failure offers people an opportunity to experience humility, frustration, and vulnerability. Sure, these negative emotions are never fun to have, but expressing them healthily is one of the most profound ways to make lasting memories.
5 – Making a Mess
Do you know these adorable montages in old movies where a parent is baking with their kids, and they make a mess, throwing flour everywhere? I bet that would make a core memory in that child’s head.
Well, that could be you with your loved ones. I know it sounds like a weird way to make memories, but in the culinary world, a mess is a sign of a good time.
What Recipes Could Follow to Make Core Memories With Others?
Now that I’ve established how baking can help you make memories, I’ll give you a few recipes to bake with your loved ones.
Sugar Cookies
Ah, sugar cookies. Where do I even begin with these small pieces of pure joy? They’re soft, chewy, and flavorful.
Most importantly, though, they’re easy to make. Remember, you want to share as many successes as you can when you bake with others.
Starting with this simple recipe ensures that your collective baking experience will be a success.
Pro tip: If you want to spice things up a bit, you can turn it into a competition. Each side could make their version of sugar cookies, and the others would decide which is better.
Lemon Tart
I know a lemon tart sounds like a fancy dessert, but it’s easier than you think. It also has different variations, and each one requires different ingredients and techniques.
So, pick the one that matches your skill level. Why did I choose this recipe? Because you can easily divide the preparation phase between you and your friends.
For example, you can bake the crust while your friend makes the filling or vice versa.
Cheese Cake
Let’s face it. Cheesecakes aren’t easy to make—but that’s the point. This dessert will prompt you to be as communicative and coordinated as possible, which is the idea behind collective baking.
If you succeed, you’ll share the joy together. If you fail, the experience will still strengthen your bonds. It’s a win-win situation.
Final Thoughts
I know most people view baking as an individual endeavor, but it’s actually one of the most enjoyable ways to form bonds and make memories.
So, the next time you feel like you want to do something new and fun with your friends or family, find a simple recipe online and start baking.
Sarah is the founder of Baking Kneads, LLC, a blog sharing guides, tips, and recipes for those learning how to bake. Growing up as the daughter of a baker, she spent much of her childhood learning the basics in a local bakery.