Join Loaf BakeClub: Free Monthly Baking Challenge & How to Participate

Loaf BakeClub is my free monthly baking challenge. Each month I share a featured recipe, you bake it, send me a photo, and you’ll be entered to win a gift card. That’s it—simple, fun, and no pressure.

There’s no fee, no skill requirement, and no need to post publicly. So far I’ve given away over $400 in gift cards to BakeClub winners, and I plan to keep going.

Here’s everything you need to know to join.

Chahinez from Lifestyle of a Foodie holding a tray of chocolate chip cookies for Loaf BakeClub

Why I Started Loaf BakeClub

To be honest, baking by myself felt lonely. I’ve run Lifestyle of a Foodie for about eight years and I’ve tested hundreds of recipes—often alone in my kitchen on a random weekday. I started imagining how much more fun it would be if others were baking the same recipe at the same time, sharing photos and comparing results.

BakeClub is exactly that: a free, relaxed monthly reason to bake together. The gift cards are a small way to say thank you for showing up and sharing your bakes. ◡̈

How Loaf BakeClub Works

It’s three easy steps:

  1. Bake the featured recipe of the month. The new recipe posts here on the 1st of every month.
  2. Send me a photo of your bake. DM it to me on Instagram (@chahinez_tbt) or tag me in a post or story—either works.
  3. Leave a review on the recipe page and complete the Google Form so I can track entries and make sure I don’t miss yours.
  4. You’re entered. At the end of the month I choose a random winner and send the gift card.
Close-up of a chocolate chip cookie being held over a cooling rack, a community bake from Loaf BakeClub
Glazed almond cinnamon rolls topped with sliced almonds, a past Loaf BakeClub featured recipe

The Rules

Do I have to post publicly to enter?

No. That used to be required, but I changed it. You can DM your photo on Instagram and be fully entered. Private accounts are welcome, and you don’t need to love posting to participate.

Is it free?

Yes—completely free. No fee, membership, or purchase required.

Can I enter from outside the United States?

Currently, I can only send gift cards to US addresses because the platforms I use restrict issuance by country. You’re still invited to bake along and DM your photo—I’d love to see it. If you have a friend or family member in the US, I can send the prize to them on your behalf if you win. I’m also exploring options for an international version with a different prize format.

What if I’m a beginner?

Beginners are especially welcome. BakeClub is not about competition or perfect technique—wonky loaves and first attempts are celebrated. The point is to bake together and enjoy the process.

When does each challenge open and close?

Each challenge runs from the 1st through the last day of the month. The new recipe publishes on the 1st, and entries close at 11:59pm Pacific on the final day.

How are winners chosen?

Winners are selected at random from all valid entries. I announce the winner during the first week of the following month and email the gift card directly to the recipient.

Can I enter every month?

Yes—please do. Every month is a new entry, and previous winners are welcome to enter again.

What if I miss the deadline?

If you miss the deadline, that month’s entry won’t count, but the recipe is yours to keep and bake whenever you like. The next challenge starts on the 1st of the following month.

What You Can Win

Each month one BakeClub participant receives a gift card. The amount varies, and so far I’ve awarded over $400 total. I’m committed to continuing the giveaways each month.

This Month’s Loaf BakeClub Challenge

This month’s featured recipes are mini cinnamon rolls and s’mores cookie bars.

Bake one, DM me a photo, leave a review, and complete the form to be entered for a chance to win.

Hand reaching for a fudgy chocolate brownie square cut on parchment paper for Loaf BakeClub
Pan of glazed almond cinnamon rolls topped with sliced almonds, a Loaf BakeClub featured recipe

Past Loaf BakeClub Challenges

Curious what we’ve baked previously? Past BakeClub recipes include:

  • January: Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls & Small Batch Brownies
  • February: Black Forest Cinnamon Rolls, Single Serve Red Velvet Cookies, & Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
  • March: Croissant Cinnamon Rolls & Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • April: Lemon Cinnamon Rolls & Starbucks Mocha Sauce

How to Never Miss a Loaf BakeClub Challenge

If you often forget to join, the best way to stay updated is to join my email list. I send the new recipe and a reminder on the 1st of every month, so it arrives in your inbox right away.

You can also follow @chahinez_tbt on Instagram and turn on post notifications, or bookmark this page—the current month’s challenge is always listed at the top.

Ready to Join Loaf BakeClub?

Here’s what you need to participate:

  • This month’s featured recipe: Mini Cinnamon Rolls or S’mores Cookie Bars
  • Email reminders on the 1st of every month: sign up to the newsletter
  • DM your bake photo to @chahinez_tbt on Instagram

I can’t wait to see what you bake this month.

xo, Chahinez