The 1960s: Mom Goes to Work
Winning moment for Alice Reese with Art Linkletter in 1961.
Time Pressure Takes Center Stage
With a new decade came a radical shift in American life. Many women left the role of full-time homemaker and entered the work force. The single-parent family became more common. Time became precious, including time for meal preparation. Working women needed help, and the marketplace responded with convenience foods and time-saving appliances.

Hurried and Simplified
In 1966, Pillsbury's "Busy Lady" theme featured simplified recipes. Convenience products such as refrigerated doughs, cake mixes, canned meats, frozen vegetables and processed cheese appeared in Bake-Off® Contest recipes. The 1969 Bake-Off® Contest marked the first time a recipe made with refrigerated dough won the Grand Prize.
1960s: Grand Prize Winning Recipes
Dilly Casserole Bread
1960
Leona Schnuelle
Crab Orchard, NE
Candy Bar Cookies
1961
Alice Reese
Minneapolis, MN
Apple Pie '63
1962
Julia Smogor
Cedar Rapids, IA
Hungry Boys' Casserole
1963
Mira Walilko
Detroit, MI
Peacheesy Pie
1964
Janis Risley
Melbourne, FL
Golden Gate Snack Bread
1966
Mari Petrelli
Ely, NV
Muffin Mix Buffet Bread
1967
Maxine Bullock
Spring City, TN
Buttercream Pound Cake
1968
Phyllis Lidert
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Magic Marshmallow Crescent Puffs
1969
Edna M. Walker
Eden Prairie, MN
St. Paul, Minnesota
Bake-Off® 43 Category winner