Anna Hollisey 
When it comes to fêtes and school fairs everyone knows the rule: the wickeder, the better. Here is a selection of the most saleable bakes we know. From the ethereally fluffy Lemon Cakes to sticky gingerbread, these cakes will be the talk of the fête. Strictly one at a time, …
A delicious cake deserves beautiful decoration. If you’ve got a special occasion or a party coming up why not turn your favourite cake into a jaw-dropping centrepiece? You don’t have to be a sugar-paste artist to turn out something incredible: here are some stylish and creative ideas to get your …
You’ve run out of ribbon you’ve forgotten the party bags, and you only have a couple of hours until twenty-eight noisy children descend on the house for a birthday party. And what about the birthday cake?! Don’t worry: even novice cake bakers can put together an impressive cake – all …
Everyone knows the perfect fruit cake is deeply spiced, full of surprises and ideal after dinner with a fresh cup of tea. But it’s hard to find one that we can all agree on. And whose perfect fruit cake are we talking about here, anyway? Yours. So here’s a guide …
Make your own wedding cake? Are we mad? Not at all! Once you’ve mastered any of our Perfect Cakes you’ve got the basis for a beautiful wedding cake. No, you don’t have to be a sugarcraft expert, and no, you don’t have to make your own marzipan: there are lots …
Sugarpaste piping, plaques, fondant and trellis: when did icing become so complicated? No wonder most of us avoid it, commissioning bespoke wedding or birthday cakes instead of decorating our own. Well, it’s time someone demystified the most unpopular icing techniques. If you’d like the confidence to try your hand at …
It’s a fairy land of gold leaf Labrador-shaped cutters and hologram glitter out there, if you know where to look. Want to find out where Nigella buys her tiny cupcake roses, or where to order festive marzipan models? Here’s how to make your cake a modern masterpiece, and where to …
From rhubarb to lavender from mocha to Baileys, there are a hundred and one icings to spread proudly on your cakes. Look around and you’ll find books dedicated to cupcake icing: techniques, flavours, tricks, and so much more. Here are some of our favourite icing flavours – but don’t stick …
If icing still terrifies you (and we’re doing our best to prevent that) there are plenty of ways to make your cake look gorgeous – without mixing, moulding or piping. Today, anyone who can spread glue can build a pretty cake. It’s true – here’s our guide to avoiding icing! …
Bring the children into the kitchen for an afternoon and start their culinary education early. Here’s a selection of recipes for your children to try Baking and Decorating! Baking With Children: Tips Children love to be fully involved in baking especially when it’s something sweet and sugary! Make sure they’re …