Dorie's Anytime Cakes, Reviewed

 

As a longtime Dorie Greenspan fan—ever since her World Peace Cookies sent my taste buds into orbit—I couldn’t wait to dive into Dorie’s Anytime Cakes, scheduled for release on October 21. This book feels like a warm hug from Dorie herself, packed with over 100 recipes for cakes that are simple yet special; from the moment I cracked it open, I was hooked, my mouth watering at the thought of baking every single one.

 

The book kicks off with a cozy intro, covering ingredients, tools, and techniques in Dorie’s signature down-to-earth style. It’s like having her in my kitchen, guiding me with a wink and a smile. The recipes are organized by shape—rounds, loaves, Bundts, squares, baby cakes—and even include a “salty cakes” chapter for savory surprises. Each recipe is a gem: a heartfelt blurb, clear ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, and tips for serving and storing. I adore the “Playing Around” sections, where Dorie nudges you to get creative, like spiking sugar with citrus or adding a hot honey kick.

 

You will find recipes like The BFF Brownie Cake that sounds like pure chocolate bliss, the Buttermilk Plum Cake that I will be making as soon as plums come into season, as well as the Miso-Cheddar Scone Cake that has me rethinking savory baking entirely. Dorie’s frostings and glazes are game-changers, and Nancy Pappas’ stunning, realistic looking color illustrations, that are more than an adequate substitute for photographs, make me want to bake just to see if my cakes can look that good.

  

What sets this book apart is Dorie’s voice—warm, funny, and encouraging. Her “DO NOT MIX!” warnings make me laugh, but her tips (like how to nail a perfect crumb) make me a better baker. Whether I’m craving chocolate, fruit, or something savory, there’s a cake for every mood. This isn’t just a cookbook; it’s a master class in baking with love. I’m already planning my next bake from Dorie’s Anytime Cakes, and I know it’ll be a hit.

  

You can order here.

 Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher who provided me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. 

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