Cookbook Review: Martha Stewart's Cake Perfection
Martha Stewart has done it again, and this time, it’s lucky number 97.
A companion book to last year’s Cookie Perfection, Martha Stewart’s Cake Perfection is all about elevating the cakes that we know and love to new heights. In this cookbook, you’ll find it all: helpful how-tos on pretty piping techniques, mix-and-match filling combinations, genius decorating hacks, mouth-watering cake recipes, and a LOT more!
The Good: While it may feel like the cake cookbook concept has been done a thousand times before, Stewart and her team have done a fantastic job of keeping recipes fresh, and presenting them in a new way. I also like that the team really seems to know their audience: most ingredient lists feature relatively inexpensive items that can be easily found at any local supermarket or big box store.
The Bad: While I’ve made note of at least a dozen recipes I want to try, I’ve only made one cake so far: the lemon-olive oil cake, which I LOVED. The only issue I had was with the layout of the recipe, as well as the extra baking equipment that was required. In order to ensure that the cake was light and fluffy, the recipe called for separating 5 egg yolks and whites and mixing them simultaneously using two electric mixers. I only own one, so I had to mix one bowl by hand. To me, this wasn’t a big deal since I routinely mix things by hand, but it might pose a challenge to someone who only bakes occasionally and won’t think of alternative mixing methods. The other little note I have is that I wish the recipe had specifically called for the exact attachments needed for the mixers. The directions say to “use an electric mixer,” but don’t say to specifically use the whisk attachment. Though it might seem unnecessary, it’s extremely important to spell out every instruction and not make assumptions about a baker’s skill level.
Bottom Line: Just as Martha Stewart's Cookie Perfection became a major member of my growing cookbook library last year, I predict Cake Perfection will be a go-to resource for me in the upcoming baking season. The lemon-olive oil cake, topped with DELICIOUS homemade mascarpone whipped cream (a total game changer!!) and macerated berries, was a HUGE HIT in my house, and fairly simple to make once all the prep work was done. There’s a reason that Martha Stewart is one of the best in the business: she knows how to give the people exactly what they want. Let them (make and) eat cake!
Buy Martha Stewart’s Cake Perfection HERE!
*I’ve received a free copy from Clarkson Potter in exchange for a free and unbiased review.