Prue Leith is 'more likely' to use a cake recipe by Mary Berry than one by Paul Hollywood

6 September 2022

Dame Prue Leith is "more likely" to use a cake recipe by Dame Mary Berry than one written by Paul Hollywood.

Dame Prue Leith tries to settle a Victoria sponge debate with Paul Hollywood

The 82-year-old chef replaced Mary on 'The Great British Bake-Off' back in 2017 and now stars alongside long-standing judge and fellow chef Paul Hollywood on the hit Channel 4 baking show but mused that the "great debate" about Victoria sponge recipes is always in the creaming method.

She said: "I’ll tell you what the great debate is always about with Victoria sandwiches – do you make it using the creaming method? Do you cream the sugar and the butter together? You either chuck all the ingredients in together, or you cream it first."

However, her co-star Paul,56,- who has published a string of bestselling baking books over the course of his career - insisted that "either method" is acceptable before Prue interjected that she belives Mary's method is "heavier" than most methods.

He said: "‘You can use either method. I’ve never seen the difference between the two and I’ve tried both. The creaming method is a good method to get into because it gets you used to making other cakes. In my book I use the creaming method but, to be honest, if I’m making one at home I just chuck it all in."

In the joint interview, Prue told the Radio Times: "I always think the all-in-one method is Mary Berry’s method. I’d like to do a scientific test,’ she said. ‘I think the all-in-one method is a little heavier, a little more solid. But I’ll tell you what, Paul Hollywood, I probably lift up Mary Berry’s cake book a little more than I do yours. I use you for bread and Mary for cakes!"

'The Great British Bake Off' is set to return to Channel 4 for a new series on Tuesday 13 September at 8pm.