Ever since the r/Baking subreddit was created in April 2009, it became one of the main places of refuge on Reddit for all baking loving souls out there. Members of this online community seem really kind, helpful, and ready to inspire everyone around them with their amazing skills and wonderful creations. "For all your baking needs," the moderators wrote in the community description. "Recipes, ideas and all things baking related. Cakes, cookies, pies, tarts, muffins, scones, short- rye- wheat- and naan breads welcome!" Just the thought of a world with so many tasty baked treats gets our appetites going.

We managed to get in touch with a moderator who looks after the group to have a little chat about the community. Since the original creator is no longer around, the moderator wasn’t sure about the inspiration behind creating this page. However, they revealed that they personally "joined the subreddit to learn about baking in general, and I really enjoy seeing other people's creations."

When it comes to devoted baking fans who joined the community, it is a varied mix of people from all walks of life. "Some members are professional bakers while many others are not. Our members are mostly friendly and seem to share a keen interest in baking," the moderator told Bored Panda.

If you’re looking for ways to improve your skills or find inspiration for your next big project, the r/Baking subreddit is the place to ask for and share advice. "Members of the r/Baking subreddit are helpful with questions and advice," they told us. However, many of the most common inquiries have already been answered, so the moderator suggested that "it's usually a good idea to use the search bar to find posts that may be helpful."

While baking is often seen as a comforting and rewarding pursuit, it is also a pleasant, joyful, and magical activity that serves as an outlet for our creative expression. "A person's creativity can be expressed through baking, whether it be through small changes to a recipe or elaborate ways to decorate baked goods. I think people enjoy baking for many reasons aside from creative expression, some examples include relaxation, necessity (financial or time constraints), customization, the nice smells, tradition, etc."

Speaking of relaxation, it turns out that whipping up baked goods can take the weight of anxiety off our shoulders. A 2015 study found that people with high levels of stress start to bake to unwind and knead their worries away. Conducted by baking company Cake Angels, the survey found that one in three people said they felt more stressed than five years ago. Moreover, 80 percent revealed they took up baking to help relieve the pressure.

While this engaging activity has the obvious positive effect of providing delicious and sweet bites, it also has a host of psychological perks. "Baking has the benefit of allowing people creative expression," Donna Pincus, associate professor of psychological and brain sciences at Boston University, told The Huffington Post. "There’s a lot of literature for connection between creative expression and overall wellbeing. Whether it’s painting or it’s making music [or baking], there is a stress relief that people get from having some kind of an outlet and a way to express themselves."

Moreover, bakers tend to be more mindful and focus on the task at hand instead of ruminating over their thoughts and causing a downward spiral. "Baking actually requires a lot of full attention. You have to measure, focus physically on rolling out dough. If you’re focusing on smell and taste, on being present with what you’re creating, that act of mindfulness in that present moment can also have a result in stress reduction," the professor explained.

So if you feel ready to take up this rewarding activity but feel unsure of your abilities, the moderator of r/Baking explained there’s no harm in trying. After all, no matter how many times you’ve made a specific recipe or how skilled of a baker you are, no one is immune to the occasional blunders. "Don't be discouraged if your baking creation isn't as good as you expected it to be. One of the best ways to learn is through making mistakes," they concluded.