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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Great information
This truly is the go to source for new bakers. Concise information on the science of cake baking, solutions for errors and great recipes make this a highly desired resource for any baker. I highly recommend and will purchase for my collection.
I requested and received a NetGalley arc to peruse gratis and offer my opinion in the same.

Cake Bible is back and better than ever! The layout of the book is easier to read with an accessible font that's easy on the eyes. Recipes are complex but easy to follow.

The original book has been updated to adapt to changing times (the fact that modern grocery store eggs have fallen in quality so much due to modern factory farming practices that recipes had to be changed makes me even more glad that we only use backyard eggs) along with new variations Rose has developed. The recipes are incredibly detailed and specific to give the perfect cake but I honestly prefer my few classic personal recipes that are simple and delicious. The fact that I have children who are allergic to gluten means I can’t make the vast majority of these cakes anyway, and there is not a word in this 400 page book about adapting for people with allergies. There is a vegan cake but I would recommend getting the cookbook from a library if you’re after that one recipe. There are virtually no photos other than to show techniques like frosting piping techniques, which is always a disappointment to me as I really like to see what the finished cake will look like. There is no nutritional information (not surprising, since seeing the calorie and sugar content would probably serve as a good deterrent to baking them in a lot of cases). Great information for the really serious baker.

I read a digital loan of this book for review.

I was very interested to review this 35th Anniversary Edition of The Cake Bible, a classic baking book by one of the most recognizable names in baking.
Although I don't own (or have ever used) the original The Cake Bible, I do own two of Ms. Beranbaum's other books, The Baking Bible, and The Pie and Pastry Bible. I love these two books so much and knew I would likely feel the same way about this new edition of The Cake Bible, and I was right!
Unfortunately, since I don't have the original I cannot compare the two editions, and/or speak to what is new or missing, etc. But what I can say is that Rose Levy Beranbaum is well know for being absolutely meticulous as a recipe creator and tester, and by the time her recipes are published they are perfection. What I love about this edition is that, while she likely could have rested on her laurels and the success and legacy of the original edition, Rose was willing to revisit her recipes in light of the changes that had taken place in the baking world, such as changes to pan sizes and access to various ingredients. This is the mark of a true professional, in my opinion. These cakes are classics that stand the test of time, and deserve to be around for generations to come, and there are a lot of them in this book! Rose has all manner of cakes here: butter and oil cakes; fruit, vegetable, breakfast and bread cakes; sponge, custard, and flourless cakes; showcase cakes (including unbelievable chocolate cakes). She will even teach you how to make wedding cakes (there is a whole section), as well as a recipe for just about every conceivable filling and/or frosting you might desire.
Baking - as opposed to cooking - is a precise science, and each of these recipes is precise. And while that means this is serious baking, it doesn't necessarily mean that these cakes are difficult. In fact, something that struck me while exploring this book is that, generally speaking, there is actually an economy of ingredients. Levels of difficulty vary from easy to more challenging (eg wedding cakes), however Roses instructions are crystal clear and she walks you through each recipe step by step. If you can follow instructions there is every reason to believe that you will have success!
One thing to note is that Rose generally insists on bleached cake flour for most (not all) of her recipes, as she has found this to provide the most tender crumb. This is the one difficulty I have with the book...as while I trust that she is right about the crumb it provides, I am not entirely sure how I feel about using bleached flour of any sort. In fact as far as I know, such products are banned/illegal in other parts of the world, such as Europe, for health and safety reasons, which certainly contributes to my concern. Rose addresses this concern in the book in a special section on flour and does provide alternatives, but the bottom line for me is that I would like to be more informed, to know more about the actual bleaching process in order to make an informed decision. For now, I will still absolutely use these recipes but may personally choose to sacrifice a bit of the tenderness by using unbleached products. Either way, I still 100% recommend this book to any experienced and/or budding bakers who would like their cakes to be the best of the best, and to learn from a master!

Thank you to Rose Levy Beranbaum for her commitment to excellence in baking. And thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to review the Cake Bible, 35th Anniversary Edition in exchange for my honest feedback.

Within 5 pages, I knew I would be buying this book this fall - the SCIENCE!!!

I love a good "recipe, but also, here are 5 adaptations and how you can play with it" book, and this is that plus so much more, with well explained techniques and well outlined reasoning!

I loved this so much, and I am excited to get my hands on a copy.

I have postponed posting this review as I could not appreciate this cookbook. Perhaps it was the lack of pictures to invite you in, but after awhile of reading and imaging these delicious sounding desserts, it just seemed like a textbook. I thank NetGalley and WIlliam Morrow for the advance peak.