Dessert

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

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

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 […]

Showcase those gorgeous summer berries with this fresh and creamy cheesecake.

Make one packet of cake mix at a time. Bake two trays of cakes together and, while they’re baking, put the cake mixture into the next two trays. For the best effect, match the paper cases to the colours of the frosting and jelly crystals. Note

Equipment 40cm (16-inch) square wooden cake board 25cm (10-inch) square wooden cake board 20cm (8-inch) square wooden cake board 15cm (6-inch) square wooden cake board 10cm (4-inch) square wooden cake board smoothing tools 16 wooden skewers 3 paper piping bags lace patterns If you prefer, draw patterns of your own to suit the purpose of […]

This recipe can be made a day ahead store covered, in refrigerator freeze not suitable Note

This adorable birthday cake is perfect for kids who love animals or spending time in the water.

You can improvise with the ingredients in this trifle. Try sponge finger biscuits instead of biscotti, raspberries in place of cherries and a nut-flavoured liqueur as a substitute for the marsala. Biscotti is available at selected delicatessens, specialty food stores and online. Note

Work quickly while making the chocolate shells, as the chocolate tends to set quickly. You may need to resoften the chocolate in a microwave oven for a couple of seconds, if this happens. It’s important that the chocolate moulds are thoroughly cleaned and dried before using. Note

You will need 2 large pink grapefruit for this recipe. You can also freeze the granita mixture in an ice-cream machine following the manufacturer’s instructions. Note

This keeps for 4 days. Note

You need 12 medium passionfruit for this recipe. Note

Use a pair of clean tweezers to position the tiny Wonka Nerds and other small lollies. Note

It is fine to use just the one 300ml carton of cream for this recipe. The meringues are best eaten within 2 hours of baking. Use strawberries or blackberries in place of the raspberries. Redcurrant jelly is a preserve found in the jam section of large supermarkets. Note

Featured in The Australian Women's Weekly's Best-Ever Kids Cakes cookbook, these cute cake pops have put a fun twist on a classic strawberry cheesecake. Sweet and easy to eat, kids will love this adorable addition to their birthday party snacks!

6-hole (¾-cup/180ml) texas muffin pan 12-hole (⅓-cup/80ml) standard muffin pan 40cm (16-inch) square prepared cake board 2.5cm (1-inch) round cutter We used cotton wool to create a snowy effect. Use your imagination when you’re “dressing” the snow folk and use whatever “clothes” you like. You could use chenille sticks (pipe cleaners) for arms instead of […]

Rose petal jam is available from Middle-Eastern foodstores and delis. Note

Be sure to remove all toothpicks from cake before cutting. Note

Italian arborio rice from supermarkets will hold its shape better than locally grown arborio. Canned caramel filling is found in the baking aisle in supermarkets. Any sweet sherry is fine, however one of the nicest is Pedro Ximénez, a sweet dark sherry with a rich raisin-y taste. Note

You can substitute the almond meal for hazelnut or pecan meal if you prefer. The orange caramel sauce is best served immediately once prepared because it will separate on standing. Note

Make a cottage for each year of the birthday child’s age and, rather than using fruit sticks for the chimneys, use chunky coloured candles, instead. You’ll have about 1 cup of the cake mixture left over, enough to make another little house. Note

Cute and fun little nippy the crab cupcakes that the kids will love.

You can find lavender honey (produced by bees fed on lavender) at selected delicatessens. If unavailable, any variety of honey can be used. Note

Rhubarb can be cooked several hours ahead. Place in pie dish, cover and refrigerate. Top rhubarb with crumble topping and bake as required. Note

Get the kids ready for the next world cup qualifier.This cake will surely encourage them to go outside and practise their ball skills. You can make it easier on yourself by using a Styrofoam ball instead of a cake for the shape of the soccer ball. Position the soccer ball on the cake about an […]

If you like, you can insert skewers into the cake to hold the layers in place while slicing. Cut through the top two cake layers and serve as a portion; cut through the bottom two cake layers as a second portion. Note

You’ll have about 1 1/2 cup of the cake mixture left over; make more noughts and crosses cakes for your guests. This is a very easy birthday cake to make; it is suitable for boys and girls alike. You can make it in any colour you like. Note

Equipment: 30cm square wooden cake board, 15cm square wooden cake board, 10cm square woode cake board, smoothing tools, 2.5cm, 3cm and 3.5cm perspex measures, fine artist’s paint brush, stitching tool, 8 wooden skewers, 3 paper piping bags, vinyl mat tape measure, cotton wool. Use perspex measure to measure sides of cakes for lids. Press the […]

You will need 3 large overripe bananas (690g) for this recipe. Note

Sweet and crispy French-style mango soufflés with chocolate collars from Australian Women's Weekly.

Bamboo skewers are good to use as a guide for the knife as you split the cake. If the cake is large, long skewers can be pushed through the cake, from one side to the other. If the cake is small, use toothpicks to mark the layer. Use a sharp serrated knife to split the […]

This traditional frozen Venetian drink made with gelato is hard to categorise – part drink, part dessert ­with a texture more akin to a slushie. We’ve used sorbet instead of gelato but, either way, it’s delicious; just be sure to serve it with long spoons or straws, if served in tall glasses. Note

Delicious, thin and crunchy Belgian-style chocolate hazelnut thins.

This colourful cake is perfect for little kids who love building sand castles and exploring the beach.

Light, fluffy beignets filled with fruity raspberry jam are an adorably sweet afternoon treat.

The easiest way to line the base of a pan hole is to cut the bottom out of cupcake paper cases; use the correct sized case for the muffin pan. Don’t overbeat the dairy-free spread or it will break down; you just need to break it up before adding the flour mixture. These cakes will […]

Use regular golden syrup for this recipe, not the squeezable bottles, as this has a lighter texture. Note

Midori, a honeydew melon-flavoured liqueur can be used in this recipe. Note

We used a 35cm x 45cm oval plastic serving platter for the pond; a shallow cake pan, baking dish or shallow casserole dish would also work, depending on the number of frogs you need for the party. You will have about 1 cup of cake mixture left over ­enough for another five frogs. Note

Meringues can be made one day ahead, store in an airtight container at room temperature. Note

It is fine to use just one 300ml carton of cream for this recipe. Mini pavlova shells are available from most supermarkets. You need six passionfruit for this recipe. Note

Malibu is the brand name of a rum-based coconut liqueur. Note

Pecans are a native American nut; they were introduced to the world through this famous pie. Note

This recipe also makes 12 standard muffins (⅓-cup/80ml capacity holes). Bake cakes for 20 minutes. Note

Standing the custards in a dish filled with ice cubes keeps the custards from melting while the sugar is caramelising under the grill. Of course, if you have a cooking blowtorch, use that instead. Note

Watch their eyes light up for this happy, smiling flower. 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 light and delicious sponge cake is a quick and tasty treat for the whole family to enjoy.