While this is easy to make, it may take a bit of experimentation with your oven to determine the best temperature and to perfect the timing ­ two elements that are critical for the success of this sponge cake. Every oven is slightly different to another, be guided by your oven manufacturer’s instructions. As a […]

We used car patches available from craft and sewing stores. You could use small diecast cars from toy shops. Be aware of choking hazards if using small plastic cars. If you want a daytime scene, colour the icing light blue and use a yellow jube as the sun and the sugar pearls to represent sun […]

You will need about 4 passionfruit for this recipe. Note

You’ll have about ½ cup of the cake mixture left over; make more cakes for a longer serpent, if you like Note

We used a 250ml carton of pineapple juice for this recipe. Note

Use any scraps of pastry to make trees, people or other decorations and bake with walls. Candy canes and lollipops also make good decorations. Note

This indulgence chocolate cheesecake recipe is made even more sweet with the addition of rich ricotta cheese. We've also swirled through juicy grapes and runny honey for a burst of natural sweetness.

You will need 12 strong wooden toothpicks, tips broken off into 1.5cm lengths. Note

Rich and delicious mocha trifle with a kick of Tia Maria or your favourite liqueur.

A classic dessert, this wonderfully chocolatey sacher torte is perfect for birthdays, weddings or anniversaries.

Start the recipe at least a day ahead, as the fruit mixture needs to stand overnight. Note

Sweet and fluffy pastry puffs filled with a rich chocolate and coffee cream and drizzled with sweet toffee.

Shredded or flaked coconut take longer to toast than desiccated coconut. You can toast it in the oven or in a dry frying pan – either way, you have to watch it carefully. If you’re using the pan method, stir the coconut the whole time, then take it out of the pan the second it’s […]

Cake will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 days. Note

A rich brownie cake packed full of the flavours of the muscat grape in both wine and vine form.

This recipe is also nut-free and gluten-free Note

Mini versions of an old classic dessert that are perfect for individual serving.

his sensuous curves are easily achieved with simple savarin pans Cut half of one cake in half at an angle without cutting through the base; reserve for the snake’s head. Position butter cream-covered cakes on cake board, with the snake’s head peeking through. Cut even-sized diamond shapes from Roll-ups using kitchen scissors. Place diamond-shaped Roll-ups […]

Silver lustre is a shimmer dust that gives a slight sparkle and helps create a wet look. It is available from cake decorating supply stores in 5g (¼ ounce) screw-top pots. This recipe also makes 6 texas muffins (¾-cup/180ml); bake about 1 hour. Note

Tia Maria, Kahlua and crème de caçao are all coffee-flavoured liqueurs; any one of them can be used in this recipe. Note

Dulce de leche is a caramel spread. Vienna almonds are toffee-coated almonds. Note

Granita made from the musky, fresh-grape muscat grape with figs and a sweet honey and fennel syrup

Serve the pears and syrup with thick yoghurt or whipped thickened (heavy) cream. Note

We painted a branch of real holly roughly with melted dark chocolate to make the inedible decoration on the cake. Remove cake from fridge, then top with the chocolate decoration. Note

Toffee is best made just before serving or up to 1 hour beforehand. Note

White icing is also known as fondant (it’s the traditional icing used on wedding cakes). It is available in packets from the supermarket and cake decorating shops. Note

This rakish fellow has a touch of the scamp about him. Note

Equipment 22cm x 34cm number 6 cake pan 25cm x 40cm rectangular cake board If you can’t buy green Bubble Tape, you can use grape Bubble Tape or Roll-Ups. Note

You need a medium piping bag fitted with a 2cm fluted tube. Note

EQUIPMENT deep 20cm (8-inch) round cake pan 30cm (12-inch) round cake board (page 334) or cake stand medium piping bag fitted with medium plain tube large piping bag fitted with large fluted tube You don’t need one of those giant cup cake pans to make this cake,­ it’s baked in an ordinary round cake pan. […]

You need about 1 large bunch of rhubarb. Note

If you don’t have three patty pan trays, just wash, grease and flour the pan again, and continue using until all the mixture is baked. Note

We used pineapple Allen’s Sour Rush Jelly Beans for the feet, but you don’t have to use all the same,­ just use four same-coloured Jelly Beans on each cake. Note

12-hole (¹/³-cup/80ml)standard muffin pan 11 purple standard muffin paper cases 7cm (2¾-inch) round fluted cutter 3.5cm (1½-inch) round cutter 40cm x 50cm (16-inch x20-inch) rectangular cake board (page 68) You’ll have 1 cup of the cake mixture left over; use to make extra cakes for the party. Use any themed scrapbooking stickers you like. Note

This cake is best made on day of serving. Note

Fit for the king or queen of the day, this cake sparkles with edible jewels. Note

You will need 1kg rockmelon and about 2 passionfruit for this recipe. Note

This mochacino mud cake is cleverly disguised as a delicious chococolate-infused coffee underneath whipped cream and beautiful latte art!

A Greek New Year’s cake called vasilopita, this recipe is traditionally made with a single coin baked into it, legend having it that the person who is served the slice containing the coin will have good luck in the coming year. This cake can be baked in a deep 19cm-square cake pan. Mix and match […]

A cheesecake pan is similar to a texas muffin pan, only the base is removable. Note

We used Grand Marnier in this recipe, but you can use Cointreau or any other orange-flavoured liqueur, if you prefer. You need a small, new paintbrush for this recipe. Paper cases can be found in confectionery stores and some supermarkets. Note

Wafers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Note

If you don’t have a baba pan, use a deep 20cm (8 inch) round cake pan; line base and side with baking paper. Wash used vanilla pods and add to jars of caster (superfine) sugar to make vanilla sugar, often used in baking. Note

You can also freeze the ice-cream mixture in an ice-cream machine; follow your machine’s manufacturer’s instructions. Note

Rich, creamy and fruity, this classic dessert has it all.

Chocolate wheatens are wheatmeal-based biscuits topped with milk or dark chocolate. Instead of the raspberries use other frozen berries like blackberries or strawberries or try using a combination of all three. Note

Rich and salty caramel treats made all the better with the addition of cashew nuts.

Pavlova nests can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. Fill with cream just before serving. Note

Use Skittles as an alternative to the mini M&M’s. Store the cakes in an airtight container in a cool darkplace. Refrigerating the cakes will cause the colour on the M&M’s to run. Note

An Italian sponge cake named after the city of Genoa that is impressively light, airy and delicious.

You will need a 30 x 49cm cake board prepared earlier for the cake to rest on. Note

This beautiful chef's hat cake is perfect for those who love to cook, or are aspiring chefs.

The piñata is quick and easy to make, but make sure the top edge of the shell doesn’t have any weak spots. If the piñata does break, re-melt the chocolate and start again. The piñata can be made several days ahead of the party. Note

Ready made soft icing can be bought from any local supermarkets. We painted the horses with non-toxic paint. The cardboard cylinder must be strong, we used the inside of a baking paper roll. Note

A cracking kids' party wouldn't be complete without a cake to match. Combining everyone's favourite Coco Pops and Mars Bars, this cake from The Australian Women's Weekly's Best-Ever Kids Cakes cookbook will be snapped up in no time!

Ahoy there! Let the birthday child head for the high seas with this pirate creation.

Either maple syrup or maple-flavoured syrup can be used in this recipe. Note

Was this one a childhood favourite? From the Australian Women's Weekly's famous 'Children's Birthday Cake Book' cookbook, decorating ol' Ginger Neville is sure to bring back fond memories.

You need about 2 large overripe bananas (460g) to get the required amount of mashed banana. Note

This is an easy cake to make and decorat­ use any cake you like­ we prefer a white chocolate mud or coconut cake. Whichever type you choose, the cake will be heavy to move and lift, so get someone to help. Equipment 45cm (18-inch) round wooden cake board 25cm (10-inch) round wooden cake board 20cm […]

You need about 2 large carrots for this recipe. This cake can be made 2 weeks ahead and refrigerated. Note

Place sultanas in large colander; wash under running water until water runs clear and sultanas are plump; drain well (step 3). Remove rind from oranges with a zester (glacé orange rind). Note

EQUIPMENT 35cm (14-inch) round wooden cake board 20cm (8-inch) round wooden cake board 15cm (6-inch) round wooden cake board 10cm (4-inch) round wooden cake board Smoothing tools 19 wooden cake skewers Paper piping bag 3.7cm (1½-inch) perspex measure Pizza cutter artist’s fine paint brush Tape measure It’s important to allow time for the icing on […]