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Writer's pictureNZ Booklovers

The Plain Cake Appreciation Society by Tilly Pamment


This gorgeous hardback features 52 seasonal cakes to enjoy each week of the year. The cakes are simple but delicious, and Tilly Pamment has created both the recipes and the beautiful photography.


Tilly is a recipe developer, photographer, stylist, and part-time florist, and she has young children. All these skills come together to create a book that I am sure many families will enjoy. There is nothing more enjoyable than pausing with a cup of tea and a slice of cake to enjoy a moment of calm in a busy week, so you could easily bake your way through the year to enjoy these moments with this book.


There are so many wonderful recipes to enjoy in this book, but if I had to pick a few, I’d recommend:


Strawberry Streusel Cake – it’s inspired by streusel cakes Tilly ate in Germany as an exchange student, and the cake can be made with strawberries or plums.

GG’s Sponge – this reminds me of my own grandmother’s sponge cake, always ready when we arrived after a drive to visit.

White Chocolate and Coconut Squares – who could resist this combination?

Passionfruit Swiss Roll – one of Tilly’s daughter’s favourite cakes, and I now think one of mine too!

Burnt Butter & Blackberry Sheet Cake – the colour of the buttercream is amazing, worth making just for this gorgeous colour.

Apricot, Cardamom & Chocolate Cake – wow, the flavours in this cake are incredible. Amazing!


Easy baking? Big tick!

Yummy? Big tick!

Presentation? Simply superb. It would certainly make a great gift for anyone, and also to show off in your own kitchen. The Plain Cake Appreciation Society is a cut above other baking books; this is really something special.


Reviewer: Karen McMillan

Murdoch Books

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