Every February, we invite families, educators, and baking enthusiasts to celebrate Bake for Family Fun Month—a joyful tradition that brings people together through the art of baking. Whether at home, in the classroom, or in a community baking program, this month-long event encourages everyone to explore the endless possibilities of baking, from mastering classic recipes to experimenting with new and creative ideas. Baking together is more than just making delicious treats—it’s about creating lasting memories, teaching valuable skills, and fostering meaningful connections. Whether you’re a seasoned baker, a teacher guiding students, or just starting out, there’s no better time to discover the joy of baking! Explore our weekly resources and activities below.
Start with the Basics: Begin your baking journey by mastering foundational skills, such as measuring ingredients accurately, understanding the role of each ingredient, and learning how to use basic tools like mixers, spatulas, and rolling pins. Refer to Baker Bettie for free learning tracks! Focus on simple recipes to build your confidence and ensure you’re comfortable with core techniques like baking vocabulary, creaming butter and sugar, folding ingredients, and checking for doneness using a Thermapen. These skills will serve as the building blocks for more complex baking projects.
Follow Recipes Closely: When starting out, stick to trusted recipes and follow them step-by-step. Baking is a science, so even small deviations can lead to unexpected results. Begin with mise en place—gather and measure all your ingredients before you start—to ensure a smooth baking process. Pay attention to details like ingredient temperatures, mixing times, and oven settings. Avoid improvising until you’ve gained a solid understanding of how different techniques and ingredients interact to create consistent outcomes.
Practice Consistently: Like any skill, baking improves with regular practice. Set aside time to bake weekly, focusing on a new recipe or technique each session. Here is a collection of “Beginner” rated recipes on our site. Repeating recipes can also help you identify areas for improvement, such as achieving the perfect texture or mastering decoration techniques. Over time, this consistency will build muscle memory and increase your confidence in the kitchen.
Seek Feedback and Learn From Trial and Error: Share your baked goods with family and friends and ask for constructive feedback. Learn more about Baking to Give here! If something doesn’t turn out as expected, reflect on what went wrong and research solutions. Did you measure incorrectly, overmix, or bake at the wrong temperature? Baking is a process of trial and error, and each mistake offers an opportunity to learn and improve.
Explore and Experiment Gradually: Once you’re comfortable with the basics, start exploring different baking styles and cuisines, from breadmaking to pastry crafting. Experiment with new ingredients, flavors, and decorations by introducing changes gradually. Keep a baking journal to track your recipes, adjustments, and results. This habit will not only help you refine your skills but also build your own collection of personalized recipes over time.
WEEK ONE Bake for Family Fun: Getting Started
Week One aims to serve as a refresher on the fundamentals of baking. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice in the kitchen, revisiting the basics is essential for building confidence and ensuring success in more complex recipes to come. Week One sets the stage for a month of shared experiences, delicious creations, and the joy of baking as a family.
WEEK TWO Bake for Family Fun: Bake for Your Valentine
Week Two is all about expressing love through the art of baking, making it the perfect time to whip up delightful treats for those you care about. Whether you’re crafting heart-shaped cookies, decadent chocolates, or a sentimental cake, this week encourages you to infuse your creations with warmth and affection.
Practice Baking this Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to get into the kitchen and practice your baking skills, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. Baking for loved ones adds a personal touch to the occasion, and the festive spirit provides a great opportunity to try new recipes and techniques. Simple treats like heart-shaped cookies, decadent brownies, or delicate cakes can be tailored to any skill level, making it an ideal time to experiment without the pressure of creating something perfect.
The charm of Valentine’s Day baking lies in its creativity. It’s all about customizing sweet treats with decorations, fillings, and flavors that are meaningful. Themed icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter can turn an ordinary dessert into a work of art, while baking heart-shaped cookies or cupcakes offers a fun, hands-on way to learn and refine your skills. Plus, the small-scale nature of many Valentine’s Day desserts makes them less intimidating than larger bakes like pies or layer cakes.
So, this Valentine’s Day, don’t just buy chocolates—bake your heart out, try new recipes, and enjoy the process of crafting delicious gifts that are sure to bring joy to anyone who tastes them.
Featured Recipes
These Meringue Cookies from C&H Sugar are light and airy and made with love.
HOW TO ADD INGREDIENTS TO PIZZA Learn how to make the best pizza without overloading your pie and getting soggy crust. King Arthur Baking Knows Pizza!
HOW FLOUR IS MILLED! Nebraska Wheat shared this excellent printable diagram on how flour is milled. Grades 3-5
HOW TO BAKE PERFECT COOKIES! Check out these ingredient tips to achieve consistent and quality dough from Graincraft.
WEEK THREE Bake for Family Fun: Baking History and Traditions
This week invites you to explore the rich heritage of baking, from time-honored recipes passed down through generations to the cultural traditions that have shaped our favorite treats. Use this time to connect with the past through your current exploration and joy of baking.
Explore World Cuisine
Exploring world cuisine is one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to expand your culinary horizons. Tasting foods from other cultures not only broadens your palate but also connects you to the rich histories, traditions, and stories behind each dish. In fact, be sure to check out our blog post on Why Baking History and Traditions Are Important. Food is a universal language that reflects the creativity, resourcefulness, and values of different societies, and by experiencing these dishes, we gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Trying new foods also encourages a sense of adventure in the kitchen. It’s an opportunity to experiment with unique ingredients, spices, and cooking techniques that you might not typically encounter in your own culture. Whether it’s crafting the delicate layers of a French croissant, savoring the bold flavors of Indian curry, or mastering the art of sushi, cooking dishes from around the globe allows you to learn new skills while celebrating culinary diversity. Check out these international recipes and deepen your connection to the world through food.
Featured Recipes
Five generations of Charlene Patton’s family have made these Kolaches because of their love of sharing recipes and culture with each new generation.
This deliciously chocolatey spin on a classic tres leches cake uses Rodelle Gourmet Cocoa Powder to make a rich yet airy chocolate sponge cake.
Making homemade tortillas is a perfect activity for children with an interest in learning about food and hispanic culture.
Week Four encourages us to spread joy and kindness by sharing our delicious creations with friends, neighbors, or those in need. Whether you’re baking for a local charity, surprising a friend with a thoughtful treat, or simply sharing goodies with your community, this week celebrates the joy of giving through the art of baking.
The Benfits of Baking for Others
Baking for others is one of the simplest yet most meaningful ways to show kindness, express creativity, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re making a batch of cookies for a friend’s birthday or preparing a loaf of bread for a neighbor, the act of baking is a heartfelt gesture that goes beyond just the food itself. It’s about sharing something made with care, and that thoughtful touch can brighten someone’s day in ways words alone cannot. This simple act of generosity can strengthen relationships, create moments of joy, and even spark new friendships.
Baking for others can also have therapeutic benefits. The process of measuring, mixing, and decorating can be meditative, helping to reduce stress and boost your mood. Plus, seeing the smiles and appreciation from those you bake for makes the effort feel even more rewarding. Whether you’re baking for a loved one or your community, sharing your baked goods is a sweet reminder that the act of giving is just as fulfilling as receiving. Learn more about Baking to Give here!
Featured Recipes
This Easy Blueberry Muffin recipe from Heckers & Ceresota is your go-to for perfectly fluffy, golden, shareable muffins bursting with fresh blueberries.
This versatile North Dakota Bread recipe provided to us by Mike Leddige at North Dakota Mill is a culinary marvel.
This Confetti Birthday Cheesecake has a confetti cake bottom with a layer of no bake cheesecake on top. A perfect recipe from the masters of celebration at C&H Sugar!
Featured Resources
WHAT KIND OF FLOUR FOR PIZZA? Ardent Mills offers information on which flours to use for different varieties of pizza.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES! Learn about 2025 scholarship opportunities from Colorado Wheat!
MUFFINS IN A JIFFY! Learn about Chelsea Milling Company, as they celebrate nearly 125 years in business!
Free Cookbooks
KANSAS WHEAT COOKBOOK Kansas Wheat has launched a new cookbook featuring recipes from Charlene Patton and Sharon Davis upon their retirement from HBA.
THE FOOD THAT MAKES US Washington Wheat Foundation cookbook including recipes from their centennial wheat farmers, which have been passed down for generations.
BAKE UP A SMILE COOKBOOK Whether you are new to baking with yeast or a seasoned pro, these recipes are sure to Bake up a Smile for kids and adults alike.
Nestled in the heart of Okarche, Oklahoma, Peters Farm is a testament to the enduring spirit of agriculture and innovation. For generations, the Peters family has cultivated their land, honoring time-tested farming traditions while embracing modern advancements to meet the challenges of today. Their farm tells a story of resilience and adaptation—preserving the rich heritage of their ancestors while incorporating sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology to secure the future of farming. By fostering a deep connection to the land and their community, Peters Farm serves as a bridge between the past and the future, exemplifying the vital role of farmers in feeding the world.