How to recreate one of 'UK's favourite treats' for just 8p per portion

Baking season is among us and the UK is on the hunt for some delicacies.

The Google search demand for "baking recipes" in the UK has increased by 186 per cent over the past week (September 1 - September 8). Capital One has got to work to discover the UK's most popular entry-level bakes and how much it would cost to buy the ingredients to make them at home.

These are the nation's top five easy bakes for less than £15 each. Each one of them is very popular, great value for money and under £1 per portion.

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1. Shortbread takes the top spot for being Britain's cheapest bakes - just 8p per portion

This classic British buttery treat coupled with a cup of tea is the perfect pair. It is the most affordable to make at home. The three main ingredients are butter flour, and sugar and costs only £5.62 for the entire ingredient list making it 8p per portion and the best bake for something cheap and cheerful.

2. Carrot cake comes in second - only 24p per slice

This warm and comforting dessert is an autumn favourite for Brits, flavourful and with a hint of spice. Coming in at second only 24p per portion and easy to whip up at home. The ingredients only being grated carrots, brown sugar and self-raising flour, serving 12 people which means the whole cake costs less than £3 to make.

3. Cupcakes the sweet saviour costing only 29p each

An easy go to is some tasty cupcakes costing just 29p each. All that is needed is flour, sugar, butter, eggs and milk which usually are just sitting in kitchen cupboards. A batch of 12 cupcakes is just £3.48.

4. Chocolate cake, a delicious indulgence for just 41p per slice

Rich and tasty chocolate cake, a fan favourite costs only 41p per slice. Rich cocoa powder, with eggs and butter is the key ingredient for this delicacy. Making this at home costs as little as £4.96 for the whole cake.

5. Cheesecake a luxurious treat for 70p per slice

Coming in at number 5 the most expensive but also most popular with 624 000 searches. The simple but delicious vanilla cheesecake is an affordable treat just 70p per slice. As this technically is a no bake, there are no worries about overcooking it. All that is needed is cream cheese, sugar and digestive biscuits and is such an easy and tasty treat.

How to bake on a budget - tips and tricks

Here are some of the top tips to bake effortlessly and affordably at home

• Check your kitchen cupboards: make use of what you have already at home and plan your recipes around existing ingredients
• Bulk buy basics: from flour to sugar and butter if you stock up on these long-lasting essentials
• Batch bake and freeze: freezing your bakes is just as cost-effective and a real time-saver - when craving your next sweet treat your future self will definitely thank you

Ricky Attenborrow, senior manager at Capital One UK said: "Whether you’re new to baking or looking to sharpen up your skills to produce a showstopper one day, making one of the simple, affordable bakes from our list is a great place to start.

"Building your baking skills is much like building your credit score - start small, be consistent, and over time, you could reap the rewards.

"If you’re looking to build your credit score, simple steps like making your minimum payments on time, staying below your credit limit and using your card for smaller, everyday spends show lenders you’re managing your money well and could boost your score. On the other hand, activities like missing payments, going over your credit limit, and applying regularly for credit could harm your score.

"Whether you’re borrowing or baking, doing it responsibly is the recipe for success!"

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