Decorative stars

Leave the tinsel and bling for the Christmas tree and keep it simple with this tasteful finishing touch to your homemade cake

Walnut & coffee gateau

MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace shares his recipe for a classic cake – it’s much easier than it looks

Chocolate & orange fudge squares

Rich chocolate brownies with a light, carrot cake-style orange topping

Black Forest sundaes with brownies

Based on the seventies cake classic that is Black Forest gâteau – this cherry, ice cream and brownie desert is heavenly. Don’t cheat – make your own brownies too

Eerie eyeball pops

These spooky chocolate cake balls will be a hit with kids at Halloween – they can help decorate them too

Orange & white chocolate sponge

A stunning cake that will fast become a failsafe option for any event

Mini eclairs

Afternoon tea goes glam with these Paris patisserie-style choux pastry fingers with berry liqueur cream filling

Glam trifle slice

Everyone’s favourite layered dessert gets a smart makeover – custard, raspberry, jelly and cream in a neat terrine

Choc-cherry fudge torte with cherry sorbet

This divine, squidgy chocolate cake is dairy and wheat-free, so vegans can dig in!

Buttercream icing

Foolproof cake frosting requires just butter and icing sugar – try out different flavourings and use our guide for quantities

Cherry & almond sponge with pistachio crème fraîche

Mix textures and flavours with moist, creamy sponge cake, tart fruit and a sweet, nutty cream – a Bakewell with a difference

Swirly lemon drizzle fingers

Polenta (sometimes called fine cornmeal)
gives this cake its yellow colour and soft
texture