Sanford’s Dynamic Duo Rise To The Signature Cake Bake Off Challenge

Sanford House residents always enjoy a challenge so when they heard about the Caring Homes Signature Cake competition, they gave Sanford’s entry their full backing.

Wellbeing Team Members Emily and Vicky Rise to the Challenge

Enter Emily and Vicky from the Wellbeing team! The pair had represented Sanford House in last year’s competition and had made it to the final, so the residents were confident they’d do a great job if they got through again.

First things first – the team needed a cake to submit as the Sanford House entry, and choosing the best recipe involved a proper process. Emily and Vicky asked the residents for their ideas and whittled them down to a final 4. When the votes were cast, there was a clear winner – the Lavender and Blackberry cake.

Residents Help Road Test the Lavender and Blackberry Cake

Step 2 involved making the cake at the home’s regular Cooking Club to make sure everyone actually liked it before it was entered. Residents participated in all sorts of different ways, from weighing and measuring, to mixing and whisking, and cutting out the baking paper to line the cake tins. They were delighted to involve college student, Sasha, who was on a work placement at Sanford House. Sasha helps to make cakes for the local Railway Station Café – a popular destination when residents are taken out for a cuppa and a treat – so they knew she’d be a great asset!

After all their hard work, the residents relaxed and shared cooking stories - some from when they were children and others about cooking for their families. Thankfully, despite some amusing anecdotes about failures in the kitchen, the cake mix was complete and looked good! The tins were handed to Head Chef, Said, who put them in the oven and kept an eye on them.

Once the cakes had cooked and cooled, Emily and Vicky practiced their piping skills to decorate the cake. If they got through to the final, they’d have to reproduce the cake from scratch and decorate it in real time, so it was a good opportunity to get a trial run in.

Entry Signed Off, Practice Session Complete!

The finished cake was taken round to the residents and some families who were visiting. Everyone was invited to taste and give their feedback, and the responses were all positive - except for one gentleman who said he didn’t like it as the lavender reminded him of his grandma’s house. However, there were many lovely comments about the light, subtle flavour and that fact that it wasn’t too sweet so the team decided they were onto a winner. The Lavender and Blackberry cake was submitted as Sanford’s official entry in the Caring Homes Signature Cake Competition 2026.

Everyone was thrilled when they heard their recipe had been shortlisted for the final - then panicked when they remembered that Emily and Vicky are not chefs! A session was arranged with Head Chef, Said, for one final practice and he was wonderful, talking Emily and Vicky through each stage as they baked and giving lots of hints and tips, like adding a little more lavender and some white chocolate decorations as a final flourish.

Representing Sanford House in the Signature Cake Final Bake Off

When the big day arrived, Emily and Vicky headed to Reading to take part in the big bake off which was being held in the professional kitchens of Brakes, one of Caring Homes’ suppliers. Each of the finalists was given their own station and set it up with what they needed – equipment, ingredients and a plan! Despite competing against five Caring Homes chefs who were either Head Chef or Sous Chef level, Emily and Vicky looked the part – super smart in their whites and pressed aprons – and confidently set about their task, creating their Lavendar and Blackberry Cake without any hitches.

One of the nicest things about the day was the camaraderie among the competitors. There was lots of laughter and friendly banter as well as support, and tips were shared freely, along with ingredients and utensils. Emily and Vicky more than held their own and produced a cake that Sanford residents would be very happy with – and everyone at the bake off absolutely loved the sense of fun and positivity that the duo brought to the final.

The Pride of Sanford

Sanford’s super chefs didn’t win the competition but Emily, Vicky and the Sanford residents thoroughly enjoyed taking part the challenge, from beginning to end. Home Manager, Maebh, told them how proud she was and the girls were presented with flowers for their efforts. Meanwhile, the weekly High Tea trolley will soon be displaying the winning cake – a delicious Bakewell Gateau created by Benson House Head Chef, Stefan – and no doubt Sanford’s residents will be taking note, storing away ideas and plotting next year’s competition entry!

Providing Warm and Compassionate Care

At Sanford House Nursing Home in Dereham, we understand how emotional and uncertain the journey into care can be, whether you're looking for support with daily living, dementia care, or end-of-life palliative care for a loved one.

Our welcoming, purpose-built home offers residential, nursing, dementia and palliative care in a peaceful, single-storey setting designed for comfort and ease of access. Thoughtfully arranged around a sensory courtyard garden, many rooms open directly onto this calming outdoor space, offering a sense of privacy, peace and connection with nature.

We’re here to offer reassurance, dignity and personalised care every step of the way.