Why a Great British Bake Off Team Building Event Works So Well
Few TV shows have captured Britain’s heart quite like The Great British Bake Off. The mix of camaraderie, chaos, and questionable icing choices has inspired millions — and, unsurprisingly, it’s also inspired one of Zing Events’ most beloved team building activities: Bake That.
At its core, Bake That transforms your team into star bakers for the day — complete with aprons, mixing bowls, and the same light-hearted pressure that makes Bake Off so addictive. It’s a mix of creativity, time-pressure, and teamwork that brings people together like nothing else.
If you’ve ever watched your colleagues argue about strategy in the office, wait until you see them negotiate over who’s in charge of the sponge.
What Is Bake That?
Bake That is Zing’s signature Great British Bake Off-inspired team building activity — a fun, fast-paced cookery challenge that tests communication, creativity, and calm under pressure.
Teams compete in mini-baking rounds, creating cakes, pastries, and showstoppers under timed conditions. There’s even a “Technical Challenge” and, of course, the all-important Showstopper Round.
Guided by professional chefs and Zing’s energetic hosts, teams will whisk, fold, and decorate their way to victory — all while building bonds, sharing laughs, and occasionally discovering who’s secretly a star baker.
Why Bake That Is More Than Just Cake
Beneath the icing, Bake That is a masterclass in teamwork. It’s not just about baking — it’s about how teams perform under pressure, divide tasks, and adapt when things don’t go to plan (because let’s face it, somebody always forgets the sugar).
Here’s what it develops:
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🧁 Communication: Teams must plan, assign roles, and talk — a lot.
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🍰 Time Management: You’ve got 45 minutes, an oven, and a dream.
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🎂 Leadership: Who takes the reins when the timer starts ticking?
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🍪 Creativity: Presentation counts — and originality wins points.
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🍫 Collaboration: Because great cakes (and great companies) are built together.
At the end, each creation is judged on appearance, taste, and teamwork. The winners earn bragging rights — and maybe a handshake worthy of Paul Hollywood himself.
What to Expect on the Day
We’ll set up everything you need — ovens, ingredients, utensils, and even the bunting. Your Bake That session can take place at one of our partner venues, your office, or a hired kitchen space.
Here’s how a typical Bake That event runs:
| Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 00:00–00:15 | Welcome & Briefing | Our host sets the scene with humour and energy — expect apron jokes. |
| 00:15–00:45 | Technical Challenge | Teams tackle a pre-set bake with limited instructions — chaos guaranteed. |
| 00:45–01:45 | Showstopper Round | Teams create a themed bake, design presentation, and plate to impress. |
| 01:45–02:00 | Judging & Tasting | Our experts taste the bakes and score each team on taste, presentation & teamwork. |
| 02:00–02:15 | Awards Ceremony | Winners crowned, wooden spoons distributed, photos snapped. |
The whole experience lasts around 2 hours, making it ideal for an afternoon away from the office, a conference break, or even as part of a larger team day.
Why It’s Perfect for Corporate Teams
Bake That isn’t just for baking enthusiasts — it’s for anyone who enjoys laughter, learning, and a little friendly competition.
For HR and Team Leads: it’s a perfect metaphor for collaboration. Each team’s success depends on communication, planning, and managing pressure — all vital workplace skills.
For PAs and event planners: it’s easy to book, fully mobile, and suitable for all abilities. No ovens at your office? No problem — we bring portable equipment and manage everything from start to finish.
For teams themselves: it’s pure fun. There’s something bonding about sharing flour-covered laughter and celebrating together at the end (even if your cake resembles abstract art).
Indoor Team Building with a Difference
While outdoor activities have their charm, indoor events like Bake That offer inclusivity, accessibility, and comfort.
Bake That works brilliantly year-round — from festive winter socials to rainy summer afternoons. It’s an ideal alternative to standard quizzes or escape rooms because it engages all the senses — sight, smell, taste, and teamwork.
You’ll be amazed how much energy, creativity, and laughter can come from one simple brief: Bake something amazing.
Customise Your Bake That Experience
We can tailor Bake That to suit your company, team size, or event theme. Some of our most popular variations include:
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Themed Challenges: From Great British Bake Off classics to “Around the World in Cake Form.”
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CSR Twist: Donate your baked goods to local charities or community organisations.
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Hybrid Version: For global or hybrid teams — teams compete from different locations, and the results are judged live via video.
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Festive Bake That: Gingerbread architecture, mince pies, or Yule log showdowns.
We can also integrate Bake That as part of a larger corporate team building activity day — combining it with other creative or competitive experiences for a full-day programme.
Why Great British Bake Off Team Building Works So Well
Team building works best when it feels nothing like team building. Bake That succeeds because it disguises collaboration inside something joyful. The same principles that make the TV show so addictive — competition, creativity, and camaraderie — apply perfectly in the workplace.
Think about it:
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Every team has different strengths (your “technical bakers” and your “presentation pros”).
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Pressure brings out personality — which can strengthen bonds and reveal leadership potential.
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There’s instant gratification — teams see (and taste) their results immediately.
In other words, it’s structured chaos with purpose.
Bake That vs. The Great British Bake Off
| Feature | The Great British Bake Off | Zing’s Bake That |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Iconic TV tent | Your office, hired venue, or kitchen space |
| Judges | Paul & Prue | Our professional chefs and hosts |
| Contestants | Amateur bakers | Your colleagues |
| Goal | Star Baker title | Stronger communication & better teamwork |
| Stakes | TV fame | Eternal office glory (and maybe cake) |
Testimonials from Our Star Bakers
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“Absolutely brilliant fun! Everyone got involved, even those who never bake. It brought out a competitive (and creative) side we didn’t know we had.”
— HR Director, Media Company
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“Bake That was hands-down our favourite team building event yet. The Zing team were professional, hilarious, and made it feel like a real Bake Off episode.”
— PA, Financial Services Firm
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“From the bunting to the judging, it was spot-on. We laughed for hours and the cakes were surprisingly good!”
— Event Manager, Global Retail Brand
With over 600 five-star reviews, Zing Events is trusted by FTSE 500 companies across the UK to deliver unforgettable, laughter-filled team experiences.
FAQ: Great British Bake Off Team Building
Do we need to be good bakers?
Not at all! We design Bake That for all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or more of a supermarket-aisle-biscuit-buyer, you’ll have fun and contribute.
Can Bake That be run in our office?
Yes! We can run Bake That in offices, conference venues, or hired kitchens. We bring all the equipment, ingredients, and staff — you just bring enthusiasm.
How long does the event last?
Around 2 hours (including setup and judging). It’s ideal for an afternoon session or part of a full team-building day.
How many people can take part?
Bake That works for groups from 10 to 200+. We simply scale up ingredients, staff, and judging stations.
Can we brand the event?
Absolutely. We can add your logo to aprons, bunting, and even the judging table for that extra touch.
What if we want something similar but outdoors?
We’ve got you covered! Check out our corporate outdoor events for open-air alternatives like Soap Box Derby or GPS Treasure Hunt.
Why Companies Love Bake That
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Inclusive: Everyone can take part — no physical barriers or skill prerequisites.
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Creative: A perfect outlet for expression and innovation.
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Tasty: Let’s be honest, cake = happiness.
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Meaningful: Builds stronger bonds through shared achievement and laughter.
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Flexible: Can be tailored for any theme, group size, or location.
In a world where many team activities feel repetitive, Bake That stands out because it combines competition with comfort food.
Final Thoughts: Bake That Takes the Cake
If your team’s ready for something different — something that’s equal parts fun, frantic, and flour-filled — Bake That is your winner. It’s a Great British Bake Off team building experience that brings out creativity, confidence, and plenty of laughs.
So, roll up your sleeves, pre-heat your competitive spirit, and let Zing Events turn your next corporate day into a showstopper.
👉 Explore Bake That here
👉 Or view all our team building activities
Because at Zing, we don’t just build teams — we bake them to perfection.
