Overview

• The Great British Bake Off launches its 16th series tonight on Channel 4, with coverage tied to fresh survey findings on home baking.
• Respondents reported an average of two baking fails over the past year, indicating mishaps are routine for most home cooks.
• Cookies were the most failure‑prone bake at 23%, followed by Victoria sponge at 21% and a loaf of bread at 20%.
• Common mistakes included forgetting key ingredients such as sugar, flour or eggs, and mixtures curdling during preparation.
• When bakes go wrong, 45% try to salvage them by scraping burnt bits, re‑icing or adding sauce, and Lyle's is promoting recipes and an interactive quiz to engage bakers.