Everyday Cake: 45 Simple Recipes for Layer, Bundt, Loaf, and Sheet Cakes

This work by the author of Hot Cheese: Over 50 Gooey, Oozy, Melty Recipes finds its own niche among a wealth of cake compilations by famous bakers, regional specialists, and elaborate decorators. The chapters are arranged by the shape of the cake pan instead of the more typical arrangement by flavor or occasion. This innovative choice is successful and informative. The introductory material that describes general ingredients and instructions is straightforward, providing essential help to beginners, and it even offers a few new tips to the experienced. The recipes themselves are easy to follow and include side notes with additional friendly advice. New bakers will find comfortable possibilities here, such as the Russian Napoleon Cake that uses a packaged, rather than homemade, puff pastry. Bakers with developed skills will also find new flavors to try. Top picks include the delicious birthday cake with malt powder in the batter and frosting, and the salted butterscotch fudge sheet cake, which is too yummy for words. The photos that accompany the recipes are homey but tempting.