The best-ever book of cakes : 165 utterly irresistible and foolproof cakes to bake for everyday eating and special celebrations, shown in 800 delectable photographs / Ann Nicol.

Includes index.

Introduction ; Cake-making basics ; Essential ingredients ; Basic equipment ; Successful cake-making ; Different methods of making cakes ; Fillings and toppings ; Adapting recipes for special diets ; Problem solving ; Classic cakes ; Madeira cake ; Easy all-in-one sponge ; Fresh fruit genoese sponge ; Victoria sponge ; Pound cake ' Cherry cake ; Chocolate-orange marble cake ' Lady Baltimore cake ; Angel food cake ; Boston cream pie ; Frosted walnut layer cake ; Simple chocolate cake ; Mississippi mud cake ; Lemon roulade with lemon-curd cream ; Lemon drizzle cake ; Almond and raspberry-filled roll ; Old-fashioned treacle cake ; Lemon-and-lime cake ; Carrot cake with cream cheese icing ; Spice, nut and seed cakes ; Cardamom cake ; Caraway seed cake ; Lavender cake ; Spice cake ; Coffee and mint cream cake ; Coconut and coffee cake ; Coffee and walnut roll ; Pear and cardamom spice cake ; Pineapple and ginger upside-down cake ; Rich lemon poppy-seed cake ; Yogurt cake with pistachio nuts ; Moist orange and almond cake ; Apple and cinnamon cake ; Pecan cake ; Almond cake ; Walnut cake ; Pine nut and almond cake ; Poppy seed cake ; Date and walnut spice cake ; Chocolate cakes ; Chocolate sandwich cake ; Chocolate, almond and coffee cake ; Frosted chocolate fudge cake ; Devilish chocolate roulade ; Black forest gateau ; Death by chocolate ; Chocolate gooey cake ; Devil's food cake ; Chocolate drizzle pantry cake ; Chocolate, cherry and polenta cake ; Chocolate and prune cake ; Chocolate and beetroot layer cake ; Chocolate potato cake ; Chocolate orange marquise ; Sachertorte ; Individual cakes ; Fondant fancies ; marshmallow daisy cakes ; Rock buns ; Simple coconut cakes ; Buttermilk scones ; Madeleines ; Novelty party cupcakes ; Cinnamon meringues ; Snowballs ; Rich chocolate ruffles ; Sugar sparkle cupcakes ; Autumn passionettes ; Hallowe'en horrors ; Chocolate and strawberry-filled palmiers ; English eccles cake ; Traybakes ; Vanilla streusel bars ; Honey cake ; Cherry batter cake ; Blueberry cake ; Sticky gingerbread ; Parkin ; Marmalade flapjacks ; Granola squares ; White chocolate blondies ; Mint choc brownies ; Cranberry brownies ; Florentine slices ; Lamingtons ; Grated berry bake ; American apple-sauce traybake ; Cornflake crunch-nut traybake ; Millionaire's shortbread ; Sticky toffee traybake ; Mincemeat and marzipan traybake ; Almond slices ; Loaf cakes ; Chickpea cake ; Pineapple and carrot cake ; Courgette and double ginger cake ; Sour cherry coffee loaf ; Chocolate-chip marzipan loaf ; Bitter marmalade chocolate cake ; Date and walnut loaf ; Quick-and-easy teabread ; Fruit malt loaf ; Bara brith ; Gingerbread ; Banana Bread ; Apricot and lemon loaf ; Marmalade teabread ; Lemon and walnut teabread ; Coconut cake ; Raspberry and almond teabread ; Peanut butter teabread ; Crunchy pear and cherry cake ; Parsnip, banana and orange loaf ; Fruit cakes ; Griestorte with pineapple filling ; Plum kutchen ; Apple strudel ; Streusel-topped peach cake ; Gooseberry cake ; Greek yogurt and fig cake ; Crunchy-topped fresh apricot cake ; Pumpkin and banana cake ; Pear and polenta cake ; Apricot, prune and cherry cake ; Apple cake ; Farmhouse apple and sultana cake ; Kugelhupf ; Flourless fruit cake ; Currant cake ; Irish whiskey cake ; Caribbean rum cake ; Porter cake ; Rich fruit cake ; Glace-topped fruit cake ; Sugar-free fruit cake ; All-in-one mixed fruit cake ; Mincemeat cake ; Vinegar cake ; Scottish black bum ; Dundee cake ; Boiled fruit cake ' Dessert cakes ; Cassata ; Gateau saint Honore ; Raspberry and hazelnut meringue cake ; Raspberry mousse cake ; Iced raspberry pavlova roulade ; White chocolate cappuccino gateau ; Chocolate brandy-snap gateau ; Layer cake ; Polish cheesecake ; Baked coffee cheesecake ; Rum and raisin cheesecake ; Cinnamon apple gateau ; Sponge cake with strawberries and cream ; Princess cake ; Coconut lime gateau ; Lemon chiffon cake ; Special occasion cakes ; Lemon daisy christening cake ; Celebration bow cake ; Fun kitty cake ; Easy birthday cake ; Mother's day cake ; Easter simnel cake ; Summer celebration shortcake ; Meringue mountain ; Croquembouche ; Celebratory anniversary cake ; Rose-petal wedding cake ; Traditional christmal cake ; Festive yule log ; White christmas cake ; Index

Who can resist a slice of a home-baked cake fresh from the oven? Here is the ultimate recipe book for those who love to bake a sweet treat. Containing more that 165 tried-and-tastes recipes for sponge cakes of every description, loaf cakes, fruit cakes and traybakes, this compendium also includes irresistible ideas for indulgent desserts, individual decorated confections and celebration cakes.

A short introduction explains the different methods of making cakes, and lists all the essentials equipment and ingredients you need to get started. Recipes for frostings, filling and serving suggestions are also included.

Every classic recipe appears, from light and airy Victoria Sponge or sweet, moist and spiced Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing, to dense and sticky Gingerbread, or custard-filled Boston Cream Pie. there are recipes that have stood the test of time, such a Old-fashioned Treacle Cake, Date and Walnut Spice Cake, and Fresh Fruit Genoese Sponge, as well as more contemporary cakes that are drizzled with syrup, topped with a rich frosting or melted chocolate, or filled with slice fruits, jam and whipped cream. There are simple cakes to rustle up quickly, as well as party pieces on which to lavish time and attention. Fat-free, gluten-free and sugar-free cakes are included too.

Whether you're a complete beginner keen to bake a cake, or an experienced professional looking for more ideas, this beautiful book is packed with inspiring recipes that are sure to temp you.