100 Afternoon Sweets: With Snacking Cakes, Brownies, Blondies, and More

Kieffer (author of the LJ Best Book 100 Morning Treats) is back with 100 more bakes to make readers happy. Recipes are straightforward, with uncomplicated directions and ingredients that can be found in a common pantry. All the classic bars, brownies, and no-bakes are covered, along with a bunch of innovative recipes, such as creamy raspberry bars. Kieffer also simplifies many complicated sweets into manageable bakes while preserving the flavor, as she does with jam-filled donut cake. Those familiar with Kieffer’s books will recognize the signature layout and will forgive small font and mid-recipe page breaks amid her encouraging tone, helpful hints, and delectable photography. She closes with two chapters covering all the tried-and-true recipes that literally are the frosting, meringue, or ganache on the cake. Do readers need another snacking-cake cookbook? The answer is of course, just like they need a piece of pretzel shortbread with their afternoon coffee.