10 Best Cake Cookbooks 2025 in the United States

The 'Baking Yesteryear: The Best Recipes from the 1900s to the 1980s' cookbook offers a nostalgic journey through decades of classic baking recipes, making it an attractive choice for both novice and experienced bakers interested in historical culinary traditions. The book is well-organized with clear instructions, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

The variety of recipes is impressive, covering a broad range of cakes and desserts from the early 20th century to the 1980s, ensuring there's something for everyone to try. The ingredients and equipment required are generally common and easy to find, which is convenient for home bakers. The visuals and layout of the book are visually appealing, with high-quality images that showcase the finished products beautifully and inspire readers to bake.

The author's expertise shines through with well-researched and authentic recipes, providing a sense of trust and reliability. However, the book may not cater specifically to special dietary needs such as gluten-free, vegan, or low-sugar options, which could be a limitation for some users. Additionally, while the hardcover format ensures durability, it also makes the book somewhat heavy and less portable. This cookbook is a wonderful addition to any baker’s collection, especially for those who appreciate vintage recipes and the history of baking.

‘Cake Decorating for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to Decorating Like a Pro’ is a great starting point for anyone new to cake decorating. Its aim is to guide beginners through the process of decorating cakes with clear, step-by-step instructions. The book is appropriately sized at 168 pages and is lightweight, making it easy to handle in the kitchen.

The visuals and layout are well thought out, with illustrations that help clarify the steps involved in decorating. The author's expertise shines through, making complex techniques more approachable. However, the book focuses more on the decorating aspect rather than on a wide variety of cake recipes, which might be a limitation for those looking for diverse baking options.

While it covers basic ingredients and equipment, it may not delve deeply into specialized tools that more advanced bakers might require. Special dietary needs are not a primary focus, so those looking for gluten-free, vegan, or other specialty recipes might need to look elsewhere. This book is ideal for beginners who want to learn the art of cake decorating with straightforward guidance and clear visuals.

The Magnolia Bakery Handbook: A Complete Guide for the Home Baker is a comprehensive resource that offers a wide range of recipes, making it suitable for both novice and experienced bakers. The book covers various skill levels, starting from basic to more advanced baking techniques, ensuring that there is something for everyone. The recipe variety is impressive, with an array of cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods that are sure to delight any sweet tooth. However, it might be overwhelming for beginners due to the detailed instructions and numerous recipes.

The ingredients and equipment required are generally accessible, though some specialty items may need to be sourced for specific recipes. The visuals and layout of the book are highly appealing, with beautiful illustrations and clear, step-by-step instructions that enhance the user experience. The author, who is associated with the famous Magnolia Bakery, brings a wealth of expertise and credibility to the book, making the recipes reliable and trustworthy.

While the book excels in many areas, it lacks a focus on special dietary needs. There are limited options for gluten-free, dairy-free, or other dietary restrictions, which may be a drawback for those with specific health concerns. As a collection for expanding one's baking repertoire with tried-and-true recipes from a renowned bakery, 'The Magnolia Bakery Handbook' is an excellent addition to any home baker's collection.