Where is The Baker's Shed?

321 Manchester Road, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 7NL. It's a self-service honesty box shed on the driveway, not a shopfront.

Do I need to book, or is there a queue?

No queue and no card machine for the everyday shelf. Just help yourself to what's out and pay on your way. Events, grazing boards and the cake subscription are booked separately through the website.

Cash in the honesty box, scan to pay with Square up on the roof shelf, or bank transfer using the details on the poster in the shed.

Do you cater for allergies?

Everything is baked in a home kitchen that handles all 14 major allergens, including nuts, gluten, dairy and eggs, so cross-contamination is possible in anything made there. Full ingredients are listed on every label.

What food hygiene rating does The Baker's Shed have?

A 5-star Food Hygiene Rating (FHRS ID 1926134), awarded 19 May 2026 by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Can I book The Baker's Shed for an event?

Yes: birthday parties, baby showers, weddings, corporate orders, grazing boards, and a monthly cake subscription box can all be booked through the website.

Do you make bespoke, vegan or gluten-free celebration cakes?

Yes: bespoke celebration cakes for birthdays, weddings, corporate events and other occasions can be arranged, including vegan and gluten-free options. Get in touch through the events enquiry form to talk through what you need.

The Secret to a Perfect Crackle Top

2026-10-05

When it comes to brownies, there's one feature that can make all the difference: a good crackle top. You know the kind I mean - that perfect, delicate crunch that gives way to a rich, fudgy centre. It's a feature that's notoriously tricky to get right, but with a few tips and tricks, you can achieve a crackle top that's sure to impress. At the shed, our brownies, like the Terry's Chocolate orange brownie and the Caramel Crunch Brownies, are always popular, and I think it's because they have that perfect balance of crunch and chew. So, how do you get that elusive crackle top? It all starts with the way you mix your batter. Overmixing is a common mistake that can lead to a dense, flat brownie with no crackle to speak of. Instead, try to mix your ingredients just until they come together in a smooth, glossy batter. This will help to preserve the delicate structure of the brownie and give it the best chance of developing a crackle top. Another key factor is the sugar content of your brownie. A higher sugar content can help to create a crunchier, more caramelised crust, which is perfect for a crackle top. Of course, you don't want your brownie to be too sweet, so it's all about finding that perfect balance. When you're baking your brownie, make sure to take it out of the oven when it's still slightly undercooked in the centre. This will help the brownie to retain its moisture and develop that perfect crackle top. As it cools, the brownie will continue to cook a little, and the crust will set, giving you a delicious, crunchy crackle top. > The crackle top is all about texture and contrast, and when you get it right, it's truly magical. With a little practice and patience, you should be able to achieve a crackle top that's sure to impress. And if you're struggling to get it right, don't worry - just keep trying, and remember that it's all about the journey, not the destination. After all, as any baker will tell you, the joy of baking is in the process, not just the end result. ## Tips for a Perfect Crackle Top So, to sum it up, here are the key tips for achieving a perfect crackle top on your brownie: mix your batter just until it comes together, use a higher sugar content to create a crunchier crust, and take your brownie out of the oven when it's still slightly undercooked. With these tips, and a little bit of practice, you should be able to create a brownie with a crackle top that's sure to impress. And if you're ever in Northwich, be sure to stop by the shed and try one of our delicious brownies for yourself - I think you'll find that they're well worth the trip.