The Harvard Common Press

There’s no better way to celebrate the birthday of a friend or loved one than with a one-of-a-kind cake that looks amazing and tastes delicious. Dede Wilson has created 75 recipes for special birthday cakes that will make any celebration a memorable one. In her signature clear and friendly tone, Wilson guides bakers of all skill levels through the delicious world of birthday cakes, from making the perfect parchment cone for icing the cake to mixing up a fresh batch of chocolate ganache. The book begins with a set of master batter and frosting recipes, such as Spice Cake, Quick ’n’ Easy Chocolate Cake, Confectioners’ Sugar Frosting, and Fudgy Chocolate Frosting. These master recipes can be mixed and matched or used as the basis for fun, inspired creations like Confetti ’n’ Sprinkles Cake, Angel Food Cake with Berries, Chocolate and Vanilla Cupcake Tower, Tropical Carrot Cake, Chocolate Extravaganza Cake, and Banana Split Cake.

For readers who have a particular kind of cake in mind, Dede provides a categorical listing of all her cakes. So whether that special someone likes cakes with nuts and fruit or prefers a classic chocolate cake, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect match. There is sure to be a cake to suit everyone, no matter their age, and beautiful color photos of the finished cakes will have readers eager to start baking.