When a family event or festival approaches, are you one to rush to the recipe books to find the perfect bake to grace the dining table? Speciality baking has long been a staple of festivals and celebrations. Preparing a traditional or decorative baked good lets our loved ones know how much they mean to us, and they look (and taste) spectacular too.

With many of us honing our home-baking skills over the lockdown, turning to flour, yeast, sugar, and spices has become an important therapeutic and creative outlet for many. Research has even shown that we feel better when we spend time baking in the kitchen, as creative past times lead to more positive psychological functioning.

For the baker who means business, beyond the circular cake tins and muffin trays, there is an inspirational array of speciality pie, bread, and cake pans that you're sure to crave for your kitchen cupboards.

Choosing high-standard bakeware is the key to the success of your bakes, whether they're simple or Michelin star quality. Good quality materials allow for even baking, while advanced non-stick linings ensure you're not left with half the bake stuck to the bottom of the pan. Because much specialist bakeware has an intricate shape, it's vital to avoid cheaper options as these tend to buckle out of shape in the oven's heat over time.
As your skill set expands, there is always something new to try in baking. From more advanced traditional desserts and breads to the finesse of French and other European baking – a new recipe is always waiting for the keen baker. Many of the speciality bakes require or benefit from specialist bakeware. You'll quickly gain confidence as you see how well your new recipes turn out using a great-quality tin or pan.

Shaped bread and cake pans can elevate your cooking and bring the wow factor to your end product. This can be the secret weapon for the novice baker who wants to impress. Bundts offer all the visual drama, but the recipes are straightforward. So, even if you aren't an aspiring pastry chef, you can use intricate bakeware to create complicated-looking bakes that will impress your loved ones.