Over 748 colour photographs
Over 110 recipes

• A fabulous collection of classic cake recipes and a comprehensive instruction course in cake making and decorating skills, in one easy-to-follow volume



• 100 fantastic step-by-step cake decorating projects, from traditional, novelty and special occasion cakes, to wedding cakes, christening cakes, birthday cakes, Christmas cakes and more



• How to master all the techniques including working with royal icing, sugarpaste and fondant, marzipan, icings, frostings, glace and chocolate



• A chapter on classic family cakes offers Madeira Cake, Victoria Sandwich, Upside-Down Pear & Ginger Cake and luxurious treats such as Black Forest Gateau and Fresh Fruit Genoese



• A section on special occasion cakes presents formal iced cakes for christenings and weddings and anniversaries to fun cakes for Halloween and Christmas



• A chapter on novelty cakes for all ages shows how to create anything from a rainbow snake, clown and festive elephant to a lookalike birthday present and box of chocolates



• Packed with inspirations and ideas in a wide range of styles



• Over 750 beautiful photographs throughout illustrate all the stages of cake making and decorating

This clear and comprehensive book takes you through all the cake making and cake decorating skills. Readers will find it easy to follow the detailed illustrated step-by-step guides to create all kinds of varied finishes, both simple and lavish.

The first part of the book covers all the basics, with tried-and-tested recipes for a wide variety of classic sponge and fruit cakes, and icings and frostings for quick and easy finishing. There are baking charts for different sizes and shapes of cake, guidance on lining tins, and step-by-step techniques for covering, piping and decorating. There are creative ideas for embellishments and decorations, from bought decorations, such as ribbons and flowers, sweets, nuts and crystallized fruits, to home-made chocolate run-outs, curls and cut-outs.

The second half of the book consists of 100 step-by-step projects, using the techniques and skills acquired to make beautiful cakes for every occasion. The detailed instructional photographs and the glorious picture of every finished cake shows the reader exactly what they are aiming to achieve.

Make a pretty tea-time Jewel Cake, Iced Fancies, Chocolate Chestnut Roulade and Cherry Batter Cake. For special events create a Trailing Orchid Wedding Cake, a Pansy Retirement Cake and a Teddy Bear Christening Cake. And for novelty party cake ideas, try the Dinosaur, Clown or Hot Dog Cake! With cook's hints and tips throughout, and everything shown step by step, success is guaranteed.

About the Authors

Angela Nilsen - Author

Angela Nilsen has worked as a food writer both in Canada (where she lived for many years) and the UK. She has contributed her cake decorating skills to a number of books. Angela was Food Editor of BBC Good Food Magazine from 1994-2004 and is now a successful freelance writer and editor.

Sarah Maxwell - Author

Sarah Maxwell is an author, home economist and stylist who contributes regularly to cookbooks, magazines and TV shows. She particularly enjoys creating imaginative novelty cakes and devising tempting vegetarian dishes. Sarah is also the author of a cookbook for children, Show-Me-How I Can Cook.