Baking for Good – Why Cake Tastes Better When Shared

There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of a cake in the oven. It’s not just about the sweetness or the sponge – it’s the joy of making something with love and sharing it with others.

That’s exactly why I love the Macmillan Coffee Morning. It’s a national treasure. Since it began in 1990, Macmillan’s Coffee Mornings have raised over £310 million to support people living with cancer. That’s the power of a slice of cake and a cuppa!

Aud’s Kitchen

This year, instead of a cake, I’m sharing one of my all-time favourite traybakes: Raspberry and Coconut Slice. It’s perfect for fundraising – the recipe makes a generous batch, ideal for slicing up and sharing. Of course, you can easily halve it if you’re baking for a smaller crowd.

This one’s close to my heart – it’s a family classic passed down from my mum’s old recipe book. Tried, tested, and incredibly simple. If you haven’t made it before, now’s the time – it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re hosting a Macmillan Coffee morning or popping round to a neighbour’s, or just baking because it feels good — why not try one of my previous recipes?

The following recipes come straight from my kitchen and are perfect for sharing.

Aud’s Kitchen: 6 Cakes for Any Mood

Easy – Raspberry and Coconut Slice
A traybake favourite with minimal fuss.

Traditional – Victoria Sponge
The classic. Light, fluffy, and filled with jam and cream. Just like mum used to make.

Indulgent – Easy Chocolate Cake
Rich, moist and utterly moreish. For when you’re feeling decadent.

Zingy – Lemon Drizzle
Sharp, sweet and packed with citrus sunshine.

Fruity – October Apple Cake
Perfect with a pot of tea as the leaves start to turn.

Healthy – Carrot Cake
A comforting classic with plenty of goodness tucked in.

Win an Apron

We’d love to see what you’re baking this month, whether you try one of my recipes or share a family favourite of your own. Post a photo on Facebook @valleyliving or Instagram @valleylivinguk and you will be entered into our September bake photo competition. Our team will choose the best, and the lucky winner will receive a beautiful apron from one of our favourite suppliers.

The official annual fundraising date for 2025 is 25th September, but you can host your event on any day that suits you best. It’s an opportunity to gather for coffee, snacks, and fun to raise money for people living with cancer. If you’re planning to host a Coffee Morning this year, you’ll find all the info (and more recipes) on the Macmillan website. Or bake a cake and enjoy a slice with someone who needs cheering up; it all counts.

Here’s to baking from the heart.