Member Reviews

The Cake Bible focuses on an incredibly detailed cookbook going over all the ins and outs of cake making. Recipes and logistics make up this comprehensive cookbook.

The Sections are
Cakes
Showcase Cakes
Wedding and special occasion cakes
Frosting and other Adornments for all cakes
Special effects and decorative techniques
ingredients and equipment

Each recipe has how much it makes, oven temperature, and baking time outlined at the top of the recipes. Following is a recipe blurb and the equipment that would be needed then the ingredients, directions, and how to store. Some recipes have variations of complements to the cake.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the advance copy of this book!

What is there to say about this magnificent book that hasn't already been said? The book stands up to the challenge of its title - it is THE cake BIBLE. Whether you're a well-seasoned baker or brand new, there is something to be learned from this cookbook.

I really appreciate that Rose Levy Beranbaum has taken the time to update measurements in recipes, and has focused in on the taste of a bake more than the aesthetic fanciness of a cake - this only makes the cookbook welcoming to a wider audience.

Cannot recommend this cookbook enough - everyone should have a copy!

Was this review helpful?

I was excited to see that I can replace my dog-eared copy of The Cake Bible for a new updated The Cake Bible, 35th Anniversary Edition: A perfect book for serious bakers and cake lovers from acclaimed baker Rose Levy Beranbaum. Now updated with new ingredients, equipment, and methods.. The new book is wonderful, and, while it is similar to the old one, it has dozens of updated recipes, as well as dozens of variations of the recipes.

The recipes are written so that the measurements are in metric and US format. They are different from the traditional recipe format, but are still easy to follow. Each recipe also comes with step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. Besides Beranbaum, there is a co-author, Woody Woolston, who became her first assistant tester and who made the suggestion that the book be updated. He also became her husband, which is endearing. Most of the recipes also have Rose’s notes which give tips, vignettes, and information that is helpful to the baker. Her delightful personality shows through, which is typical of all of her cookbooks (I own all of them, and love them).

My only problem with this cookbook, as well as the previous one, is that there aren’t enough photographs, and the photographs are in clusters throughout the book, rather than appearing on the pages with the recipes.

All told, this is truly the “Bible” for cakes, and has everything anyone would need to successfully prepare beautiful and delicious versions of any cake anyone would need. There are also frostings, fillings, and basics that help home bakers make their cakes picture perfect. I can’t live without this cookbook and this new version is just a bit of “frosting” on the previous excellent edition.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

The title of this book could not be any more accurate as this is so much more than a cookbook. Not only does this go over ingredients, baking tools, techniques, but it also provides in depth recipes that are easy to follow.

Was this review helpful?

*The Cake Bible* is back and better than ever! This iconic guide for serious bakers has been updated with new recipes, modern techniques, and gorgeous photos that make you want to dive into the kitchen. Rose Levy Beranbaum’s expertise shines with tips like the reverse creaming method for tender, even cakes and precise metric measurements for perfect results. From timeless classics to jaw-dropping showstoppers, this book has everything you need to bake like a pro. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just love cake, this edition is a must-have for your cookbook shelf!

Was this review helpful?

This anniversary edition of a classic is a wonderful gift for a reader that did not have the original. I heard a story about Joanne Chang serving a cake to the author who enjoyed it and it turned out the recipe was based on an original from the author, Rose Levy Beranbaum!

Was this review helpful?

I was looking forward to testing my baking skills with this cookbook. I’ve been doing a lot of stress baking and baking for love so I was hopeful I could expand my skills. Unfortunately I found the recipes far too intimidating and complicated than I anticipated. The recipes were also very self-referential and I did not enjoy constantly having to refer back to previous recipes to complete one. This book didn’t work for me but maybe for someone more advanced.

Was this review helpful?

This is a fantastic Cake Bible with great updates. The only thing I wish it had was photos of the cakes with each recipe rather than a small section 3/4 of the way through with a bunch of photos of the cakes together.

The sections are Cakes, Showcase Cakes, wedding & Special Cakes, Frosting & Adornments, special effects & decorative techniques and ending with Ingredients & equipment. I appreciated all the handy tips and tricks in the recipes as well as at different points in the book.

It’s a great book and if you like baking or just enjoy reading cook books pick it up.

Thanks to a NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of this 684 page Cake book.

Was this review helpful?

The Cake Bible, 35th Anniversary Edition by Rose Levy Beranbaum is an update on her first printing from 1988, revised for modern equipment and ingredients. I don't own the original, so I can't make a comparison between the two editions.

This is a 700+ page comprehensive guide to creating the perfect cake with scientific explanations and troubleshooting for the perfect dessert. I'm a non-professional, but consider myself an intermediate level home baker. To give a comparison, a similar style cookbook that I own (meaning lots of explanations on the chemistry/science) would be America's Test Kitchen's Baking Illustrated. However, The Cake Bible focuses exclusively on cakes, and goes further in-depth, and with a few more pictures.

For the average home baker, this might be a little too precise in technique. Everything is weighed out to the gram, even going so far as separating the egg whites and yolks and weighing them individually. And I can't pretend that my palate is discerning enough to be able to taste the iodide in salt or the aluminum in baking powder (vs an all-phosphate one) in the final product.

If you are looking for absolute perfection, to craft a dessert that will stun your guests, or for lessons on how to create the exact type of crumb, flavor, or presentation you're looking for, this is the ultimate guide.

5/5 stars. Highly Recommended. This home baker is very impressed, and I've added the hardcopy version of The Cake Bible to my Christmas wish list.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rose Levy Beranbaum, and William Morrow for the opportunity to read the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Rose Levy Beranbaum does it again, but was there really any doubt. She is the queen of desserts and this book is no exception. The recipes are perfection itself and the photos are just the icing on the cake. Get this book, you will not be sorry.

Was this review helpful?

Since I received an advanced reader copy of The Cake Bible 35th Anniversary Edition, I did not get the pleasure of seeing it with the included images. That took away from my experience with this book. A cookbook without pictures was kind of hard to review.

I’m a visual learner and like using my images to make decisions. I hoped to make one of these cakes to accompany this book review. However, everything was so jumbled up that I felt uncomfortable doing that.

The Cake Bible was a staple in my mom’s kitchen growing up. My mom used it to make special cakes for homecomings at church and other special events. I was eager to get my hands on this anniversary edition due to our love of flipping through the pages of the original Cake Bible and oooing and ahhing over the cake images and picking out one to make together with my mom.

While I was initially disheartened by the challenges of navigating the advanced copy edition of The Cake Bible, 35th Anniversary Edition Book, I believe this book is packed with valuable insights and techniques for enhancing cake flavor. Additionally, it serves as a comprehensive resource to elevate your overall baking experience.

It was as if I were participating in a cake-baking class alongside Rose, uncovering all her insider tips. She offers thorough insights into every element of cake making, detailing the essential tools and ingredients required and providing guidance on using each to its fullest.

If I had a copy of this book with colorful images, I would have thoroughly loved this cookbook and had more fun with the review.

Was this review helpful?

The Cake Bible was an extremely well written and organized baking guide to a vast variety of delightful items. It included an extensive amount of colorful pictures and detailed charts which were immensely helpful and easy to read. In each recipe the steps were bolded and in different colors which made the instructions easier to follow. Any special equipment and tools that were needed were listed at the beginning so you knew what you needed ahead of time. Each section of baked goods gave an explanation of what you're looking for/trying to achieve with the with item you're making.

I do wish the recipes included more suggestions of what to include with the cake (adornments), variations of the baked items, and explanations of how the baked goods differ from others. For the more detailed cakes, I do wish there were more pictures in the instructions.

Overall, this is an amazing cookbook that is perfect for any baking lover out there!

Thank you to Netgalley for the Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I've used the original Cake Bible for my entire cooking life - and am so glad to have this anniversary edition to gift out like an evangelical maniac to friends. A true classic, an absolute must have for reference, and so glad to have the opportunity to read through the new edition!

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Rose Levy Beranbaum’s The Cake Bible has been a cornerstone in the world of baking for decades, and the 35th Anniversary Edition, co-authored with Woody Wolston, is a testament to its enduring legacy. This updated edition not only preserves the classic recipes that have made it a beloved resource but also introduces new techniques, ingredients, and stunning photographs that breathe fresh life into this culinary classic.

Content and Structure:

The book is meticulously organized, making it accessible for both novice bakers and seasoned professionals. It begins with foundational techniques and essential tips, ensuring that readers have a solid understanding of the basics before diving into the more complex recipes. Each chapter is dedicated to a specific type of cake, from butter cakes to sponge cakes, and includes detailed instructions, troubleshooting tips, and variations to suit different tastes and occasions.

The 35th Anniversary Edition retains beloved recipes like the All-Occasion Downy Yellow Butter Cake and the ethereal Angel Food Cake.

New Additions: Approximately 30% of the content is new, featuring innovative recipes and techniques that cater to contemporary palates.

The expanded section of new photographs is a feast for the eyes, providing visual guidance and inspiration. Each image captures the beauty and intricacy of the cakes.

Beranbaum’s writing is clear, concise, and encouraging. She has a knack for demystifying complex techniques, making them approachable for bakers of all skill levels. The tone is warm and inviting, reflecting her passion for baking and her desire to share that joy with her readers.

The Cake Bible, 35th Anniversary Edition is a celebration of the art and science of baking. Rose Levy Beranbaum and Woody Wolston have created a timeless resource that will continue to inspire and educate bakers for years to come.

Whether you’re a dedicated fan of the original or a newcomer to Beranbaum’s work, this edition is a worthy addition to any kitchen library.

Highly recommended for anyone who loves baking or wants to elevate their cake-making skills to new heights.

Was this review helpful?

This book serves up a plethora of cake recipes, along with some extras like icing and glazes. I personally tried the Pumpkin Walnut cake, the loaf version. The recipe was easy to follow, and turned out absolutely delicious. I loved that it provided the exact pans needed and both weights and measuring cup measures. I loved the extra information provided at the end of the recipe. This book is not full of lot of pictures, but I don’t think they are necessarily needed! Highly recommending!

Was this review helpful?

This is a beautiful cake baking book. The author does a wonderful job telling in simple details how to make these beautiful cakes. If you know someone that loves to bake whether they are new at baking or advanced I highly recommend getting the physical book for someone for Christmas. Thank you netgalley for letting me review this

Was this review helpful?

I lived from the original edition of this book about 20 years ago when I first started baking and still would use it today. Looking at this new edition, I don't know how she has done it again but she has, keeping the traditions alive, yet updating and making the recipes understandable and accessible to new generations. She covers all the things you would need and want to know and sets you up for success. If you want to bake a cake, make sure you have this book first and you will be a successful cake baker the rest of your life.

Was this review helpful?

This is a wonderful, in depth book that will help even the most amateur home baker. Even if you're brand new to baking, these recipes are easy to understand and follow.

Was this review helpful?

I bake often, and have for years, due to food allergies. I’m certainly no professional but my family consider me a better than average home baker and I greatly enjoyed perusing this true tome of a cookbook.

Observations during reading -
*this book lives up to its title - very detailed, very in depth
*I do wish that the early reader copy had accompanying photos
*I really like that the recipes all have ingredients listed in weight

Note for vegan home bakers - the cookbook is not vegan, not even vegan friendly. I feel like many recipes could be veganized but I don’t always want to work that hard if I’m following a lengthy ingredient list and instructional steps.

My kids and husband found a lot that appealed here, and agree that it’s a fantastic and wonderful cookbook for nonvegans.



Thank you to William Morrow Cookbooks and NetGalley for the DRC

Was this review helpful?

The book was beautifully written. The author made careful word choices that were very impactful. The pictures are mouth watering. Overall, the book was well written and I did really enjoy it.

Was this review helpful?