Bake something fun, share it with the world, and you could win a fancy new gold loaf pan
Thank you to everyone who joined last month’s Bake Club Challenge and shared photos of your stunning Black Forest Cakes and Red Velvet Cakes and Cupcakes. Your entries were beautiful, creative, and full of heart—many looked like they belonged in a professional bakery. It’s always a joy to see how each of you interprets a recipe and adds your own touch.
One of the happiest parts of these challenges has been seeing so many of you baking with your children. I have fond memories of baking with my kids when they were little, and it’s wonderful to see photos of families creating the same moments together. Baking with kids is a chance to teach simple kitchen skills, spark creativity, and make memories over something delicious.
The winner of last month’s challenge has been selected and will be announced once they have been contacted and given permission to share their photo.
Ready for the next challenge?
the March 2020 bake club challenge recipe:
Irish Apple Cake!
I make this Irish Apple Cake every March without fail. While we don’t usually go all out for St. Patrick’s Day, there’s always one tradition at our house that marks the day: the food. A simple, well-made meal of corned beef and cabbage followed by Irish Apple Cake is a favorite. I also tend to bake this cake in the cooler months when apples are at their best—it’s perfect for crisp fall afternoons as well as spring celebrations.
Irish Apple Cake is beloved because it strikes a lovely balance: not overly sweet, yet satisfying. The crumb is tender and substantial, with a texture that soaks up the optional custard sauce beautifully. If you’ve never tried it with custard, give it a go—the sauce is simple to prepare and complements the gentle apple flavor and buttery cake texture.
The cake is versatile: serve it warm or at room temperature, plain or dusted with powdered sugar, or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It makes a comforting dessert for family dinners, an elegant offering for guests, and a cozy treat for weekend baking. When you bake it, focus on using ripe, flavorful apples and don’t overmix the batter—those steps help ensure a tender cake that highlights the fruit.
The March Bake Club Prize!
Nordic Ware Jubilee Cast Loaf Pan
This month’s prize is a beautiful Nordic Ware Jubilee Cast Loaf Pan. Its decorative design makes a loaf or cake look striking straight out of the oven, and it’s a pan I’m excited to use myself. I’ve ordered one and plan to share new recipes that take full advantage of its shape and finish.
Already own this loaf pan? If you’re chosen as the winner, let me know and I’ll send you alternative prize options instead.
Want a bonus entry? Leave a comment and rating for the Irish Apple Cake recipe and you’ll receive an extra entry into the prize drawing.
how to participate in the March bake club challenge
- Sign up for the Bake Club. If you’ve joined before, you’re all set—there’s no need to sign up again. New or returning members will get an email each month announcing the latest recipe challenge and prize. This sign-up is how I’ll contact the winner, so please include your name and email when you register.
- Bake this month’s challenge and show it off. Make the Irish Apple Cake, photograph your finished loaf or slice, and post the image to Instagram with the tag #OfBatterAndDoughBakeClub. You can also share your photo on the Of Batter and Dough Facebook Page, or email your picture to [email protected]. Submitting a photo enters you into the prize drawing. Be sure to bake and submit your photo before April 1st to qualify.
- Earn a bonus entry. Leave a comment and rating on the Irish Apple Cake recipe page and you’ll receive an additional entry in the drawing.
Questions about the Bake Club or this month’s challenge?
Leave a comment below or send an email to [email protected] and I’ll reply as soon as I can.
Ready, Set, BAKE!