Research in the United Kingdom shows that Mary Berry is the person most people in the UK would like to bake with and over 60% of respondents get their cake inspiration from family and friends, followed by the ever growing popularity of baking and cookery programs on television, as well as books and magazines.

The research, released by The Cake Awards also shows that the UK's favorite cake is something chocolatey - sponge or brownies, second best is a delicious Lemon Drizzle, and a traditional Victoria Sponge is also whetting people's appetites. Over 50% of those surveyed said that they bake weekly, with almost a quarter finding the time to bake several times a week - showing how cake making has been embraced by the nation.

The 'must have' gadget for 2013 cake making is a good icing bag with a range of nozzles, followed by the very handy silicone spatula. Half of all respondents said they would like to bake with Mary Berry, second favourite was Paul Hollywood with 15% of votes and Nigella Lawson is also a firm favourite. Many also stated family members like Grannies and Mums would be their top baking companion.

Will Torrent, award winning pâtissier and chocolatier, and judge for The Cake Awards said: "The nation has certainly embraced baking over the past few years, with the number of people making cakes and the frequency of their baking increasing. The popularity of cake making can be seen in various ways - TV shows and cooking books are having a huge impact, but it's interesting to see people also saying that family and friends influence them - as I see lots of families baking together, and that's where I took my inspiration from. It's great to see people getting involved - baking cakes is affordable and fun, so perfect for anyone to give it a go. I'm looking forward to seeing different trends filter through for 2013."

The Cake Awards organizers also surveyed experts from the baking and food industry, about what they thought 2013 would bring to the world of cakes.

Doughnuts will be hitting our sweet spot in the year ahead, although David Hamilton, Innovation Director at Kerry Foods hints that the classic treat will take an unusual twist, as we see the creation of square doughnuts in 2013.

Traditional and retro looking treats are also tickling our taste buds.

Jason Danciger, Head of Hospitality and Fresh Counters at Marks & Spencer, tipped scones to feature strongly, with a more exciting range of flavours being created than ever before.

The experts also expect to see more unusual flavours emerging - more vegetables like beetroot, carrots and parsnips in cakes.

We'll see the cupcake phenomenon continue as more diverse flavours come through.  

Mini cakes will stay in vogue - making cakes an affordable treat.

Other suggestions for more unusual flavours include marshmallows, Tonka Beans, candied bacon, Wasabi and Hibiscus.

'Free From' cakes will increase in popularity.