You Had Me at Cake by Emelia Jackson
- NZ Booklovers
- 23 hours ago
- 2 min read
I’m a big fan of the baking books by Emelia Jackson, and her latest, You Had Me at Cake, is her best yet, probably helped by the fact that I love cakes. This scrummy hardback book is fun, would look great in any kitchen, and has irresistible recipes!
Emelia is a sought-after cake designer and recipe creator, and you can feel confident in trying any of her recipes; they really are foolproof. She has divided her book into four main cake categories:
Hello, is it cake you’re looking for? These recipes are the classics, no fuss and great for a crowd. They include:
One bowl fluffy vanilla cake with vanilla bean buttercream. So easy, not much cleaning up too do and super fluffy!
Brown butter traveller’s loaf – this is simple, nutty and subtle.
Lime and coconut syrup cake – so vibrant, but deceptively simple to make.
All You Need is Cake. These are bakes that go beyond the basics, that introduce some creative ways to have texture and flavour without too much fuss. Recipes include:
Upside down fig, honey and almond cake. The figs make this something really different.
Chocolate and vanilla marble cake with chocolate ganache. Marble cakes really are something impressive to behold!
Pear, chocolate and cardamom tea cake – it’s the cardamom that really elevates this baking.
May the mini-cake be with you. Super for gifting:
Mini lemon thyme polenta cakes – so cute and tasty.
Sticky date madeleines – tiny sticky date puddings reinvented.
Morello cherry streusel loaves – wonderfully delicious.
Around the world in 80 flavours. This is a fun way to ‘travel’ the world – all you need is a mixing bowl and recipes include:
Torta nua – a light and spongy Italian cake
Gateau au yaourt – a French yoghurt cake – super easy and tasty
Syrian orange cake – birthday cake that the author and her manager make every year.
The presentation of You Had Me at Cake is super appealing, the photographs are gorgeous, and the recipes are all winners.
Reviewer: Karen McMillan
Murdoch Books
