Best Cake Baking Books of 2025

Baking Yesteryear: The Best Recipes from the 1900s to the 1980s by B. Dylan Hollis is a delightful cookbook that takes readers on a journey through the past, highlighting the best and worst baking recipes from the 20th century. With 101 expertly curated recipes, including unique treats like Chocolate Potato Cake from the 1910s and Avocado Pie from the 1960s, this book is perfect for anyone looking to spice up their baking routine. What sets this book apart is Hollis' larger-than-life personality and comedic puns throughout the book, making baking with Dylan a fun and enjoyable experience. Overall, Baking Yesteryear is a must-have for any baking enthusiast looking to explore the flavors of the past.

Love Is a Pink Cake: Irresistible Bakes for Morning, Noon, and Night is a delightful book that showcases 75 indulgent bakes from the author of The Violet Bakery Cookbook, Claire Ptak. From Peaches and Cream Angel Food Cake to Huckleberry Basil Sugar Scones, Ptak's recipes are homey yet elevated, made with the best possible ingredients, so as to extract the best possible flavors. What's more, the book includes gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and vegan bakes, as well as the sought-after recipe for the Duke and Duchess's lemon elderflower cake. With gorgeous photographs shot in both England and California, Love is a Pink Cake is a treasure trove of inspiration for anyone eager to emulate Ptak's unique sensibility and dreamy creations in their own kitchen.

Baked to Perfection by Katarina Cermelj, the winner of the Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards 2022, is a must-have for anyone looking for gluten-free baking recipes that work every time. The book covers a wide range of recipes, from crusty bread and cinnamon rolls to layered cakes and delicate patisserie, all gluten-free. The author shares her knowledge of gluten-free flours and how they behave, and provides expert tips, scientific explanations, and step-by-step photography to help readers achieve gluten-free perfection. Baked to Perfection is an indispensable guide for anyone looking to bake gluten-free.

A Sweet Floral Life is a must-have for anyone who loves floral arrangements. This book teaches readers how to create lifelike sugar flowers and combine them with fresh blooms to make stunning floral arrangements, regardless of season or availability. The book includes tutorials for seasonal arrangements, living and entertaining with flowers, and how to photograph flowers. Natasja Sadi, a former fashion designer, guides readers through her creative process of flower arranging and developing their personal style. What sets this book apart is the use of sugar flowers, a versatile medium with limitless possibilities. Overall, A Sweet Floral Life is a beautiful and inspiring book for anyone who loves flowers and wants to create their own floral arrangements.

I'll Bring The Cake: Recipes for Every Season and Every Occasion by Mandy Merriman is a must-have for any cake enthusiast. Starting from boxed cake mixes, Merriman shares her creative ideas for making beautiful and delicious cakes for any occasion or holiday. The step-by-step photo tutorials and expert advice guarantee perfect results every time. The book includes unique flavor combinations like Rocket Pop Piñata Cake and Coconut Macadamia White Chocolate Cake. With stunning visuals and easy-to-follow instructions, this book is perfect for bakers of all levels. Overall, I'll Bring The Cake is an irresistible addition to any baking collection.

Simple French Baking by Manon Lagrève is a delightful introduction to the world of French baking. With over 80 recipes, this book simplifies the art of baking elegant French pastries and desserts. Manon's family recipes, which were handed down by her mother and grandmothers, are perfect for sharing with loved ones. The book includes classic recipes like brioche, éclairs, and macarons, as well as some unique twists on French favorites. This book is suitable for bakers of all levels, and Manon's secret shortcuts and tips make it even more accessible. Overall, Simple French Baking is a charming cookbook that proves that anyone can make authentic French treats at home.

The debut cookbook from celebrated baker and pastry "it girl" Natasha Pickowicz, More Than Cake, offers 100 fresh and uncomplicated baking recipes inspired by her Chinese and Californian heritage. With invaluable tips and techniques, Pickowicz brings a spirit of generosity and joy to her work, emphasizing the importance of pleasure and community in baking. The book includes recipes like olive oil, mascarpone, and fennel layer cake and kabocha squash galettes. More Than Cake is a philosophy to live by and a must-have for any cake baking enthusiast.

Bake Me a Cat: 50 Purrfect Recipes for Edible Kitty Cakes, Cookies and More! is a must-have for cat lovers who also love baking. The book features 50 adorable cat-themed recipes for cakes, cookies, desserts, bread, and more. Kim-Joy's expertise in creating gorgeous animal-themed bakes is evident in the purrfectly charming feline characters that have a personality all of their own. The book caters to a range of skill levels, making it accessible to both beginner and advanced bakers. Overall, Bake Me a Cat is a delightful addition to any baker's cookbook collection and a great gift for cat-loving kids.

The Magnolia Bakery Handbook is a beautifully photographed book that offers nearly 150 scrumptious recipes and hundreds of tips, tools, and techniques for successful baking. Bobbie Lloyd, Magnolia Bakery’s Chief Baking Officer, shares her expertise in maintaining the company’s reputation for handmade baked goods and its authenticity throughout its growth. The book includes chapters on cakes, cupcakes, brownies and bars, pies and crisps, and much more. The Magnolia Bakery Handbook is an essential staple for home bakers who want to make classic desserts of Magnolia Bakery at home.

BAKE by Paul Hollywood is the ultimate baking book for classic bakes. The book contains recipes for cakes, biscuits, breads, pastries, and desserts. With years of experience as a professional baker and judge on The Great British Baking Show, Hollywood shares his knowledge and techniques to create the perfect bakes. The book also includes international doughs like chapatis, pitas, and tortillas. Overall, BAKE is a practical and inspirational book with great photographs and explanations of basic techniques. This book is a must-have for cake baking enthusiasts and those who want to expand their baking skills.