Sweeten up the festive season with this decadent chocolate cherry bombe alaska! The perfect dessert to share with family or friends.

You can still indulge your sweet tooth while following a diabetes-friendly diet with this gorgeous chocolate dessert cake from The Australian Women's Weekly's 'Diabetes: Food for Life' cookbook.

A thick wedge of this zesty cake goes perfectly with a hot cup of tea.

An afternoon delight!

Mindy mermaid

Talented Kiwi baker Devoney Scarfe from SugarMama Baking uses NESTLÉ BAKERS’ CHOICE White, Dark and Milk Melts to create the next big thing in cupcakes – the mini cake. Made for baking, the improved NESTLÉ BAKERS' CHOICE range ensures passionate bakers can perform at their best

Filled with whipped cream and roasted rhubarb and strawberries, this cake will be a decadent addition to any birthday, celebration or afternoon tea

Packed with chocolate and hazlenut, this cake showcases why this flavour combination is a classic. Rich, velvety and smooth, this cake is perfect for any occasion

This tiramisu recipe transforms your favourite Italian dessert into a delectable cake made for sharing. Add this easy tiramisu recipe to your repertoire and whip it up for any cake-worthy occasion

This birthday cake is perfect for the little girl who dreams of having her very own pony

This is a moist and rich chocolate cake that is easy to bake. Although we don’t need an excuse to eat cake, the inclusion of beetroot makes it packed full of good nutrients to ward off any winter ailments!

Professional baker Karla Goodwin from Bluebells Cakery uses the delicious NESTLÉ BAKERS’ CHOICE Cooking Chocolate, Cocoa and improved Dark CHUNKS to create this incredible Chocolate Drizzle Cake. NESTLÉ BAKERS’ CHOICE is made for baking, designed to produce consistent baking results every time

Friands are a relative of the small French cake known as a financier. The cinnamon brings warmth and a gentle nudge of spice, while the browned butter adds a nuttiness that will have you wondering if hazelnuts are hiding within. Created by Emma Galloway for Taste Magazine

Growing up, we called them “tree tomatoes”, a reference to their colour and shape. A name change to tamarillo and this tart, fleshy autumn fruit remains one of my favourites to eat and cook with

Combining the natural flavours of rhubarb, rosemary and coconut, this recipe whips up a perfect autumn cake for your next baking occasion. This cake is quite simply a show-stopper

This citrus cake recipe is a winner at all times of the year. The tangy syrup and toasted coconut create an amazing flavour combination you'll be sure to love

Magnificent mums call for only the most magnificent cakes! This is an easy chocolate cake to bake and once generously filled with lashings of cocoa-laced whipped cream, drizzled with white chocolate ganache and topped with roasted rhubarb to add a slightly tart note, it is truly spectacular.

An irresistible combination of red velvet, cheesecake and brownie will have your mouth watering just by the reading the recipe!

Treat the lucky lady in your life to this cute-as-a-button chocolate cake, topped with smooth buttercream and fresh flowers.

This loathsome crime lord has many enemies, but when Jaffa The Hutt is in cake form, he's not so scary. This epic Star Wars brownie birthday cake from Disney's Star Wars Party Cakes cookbook will win everyone over - adults included.

There’s just something about a sponge cake that fills you with delight! Nici Wickes' mum made them often when she was growing up, with fillings of strawberries, passionfruit, peaches or whatever fruit was in season and always with plenty of whipped cream.

This iconic children's birthday cake was inspired by the character, Dolly, in one of Charles Dickens' novels. She's since gone on to influence fashion, fish (one is named after her), a cake pan (in the shape of her dress) and all manner of embroideries...what a girl she must have been!

These make a change from a whole carrot cake, which can take ages to cook and is quite a mouthful, so to speak! They’re moist and full of goodness.

These little dark cakes are sized to share, but you could also bake them in Texas muffin tins – just shorten the cooking time. Recipes and styling by Fiona Hugues. Photography by Jani Shepherd; Gatherum Collectif.

You’ll win brownie points with this sensational dessert!

A light but not overly sweetened cake including ricotta which adds that rich goodness needed to treat yourself.

This rich, but not too-sweet, mocha roll is one of Anneka Manning's favourite desserts from her cookbook 'BakeClass'. It's perfect for entertaining, and it's much easier to make than you’d expect!

Bringing together sweet blueberries and sour lemons, this simple cheesecake from Anneka Manning's cookbook 'BakeClass' is light but luscious. It’s the perfect end to a lazy summer meal.

A classic baked cheesecake with gorgeous hints of vanilla and lemon

Ready in five minutes, this light and fluffy orange and poppy seed citrus cake is completely mixed and microwaved in one mug. Enjoy this quick dessert warm with a dollop zesty cream cheese.

Ready in five minutes, this coconut and lemon cake is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. And the best part? It's completely mixed and microwaved in one mug, ready to be scooped out.

A little slice of heaven with the combination of rich goodness through the chocolate sweetness and the fluffy sensation left by the meringue will leave you wanting more!

This cake almost disguises the taste of the fruit, but feijoa lovers will still delight in the delicate flavour. Recipe by Jane Rangiwahia.

This pear and cinnamon cake recipe by Nici Wickes is quick and easy to make as a dessert, served with lashings of butterscotch sauce, of course!

Ready in five minutes, this gorgeous spiced carrot cake is served is completely mixed and microwaved in one mug. Enjoy this quick dessert warm with a dollop of ice-cream and caramel sauce.

These sweet and fruity gluten-free cakes from Anneka Manning's cookbook 'Bake Class' combine tart raspberries and aromatic passionfruit – it’s where summer meets autumn.

Strawberry pink flamingo cake! This cake is perfect for a girls pink themed birthday party, plus the strawberry's add a fresh fruit appeal.

This fun construction-site themed birthday cake is great for young children who love getting messy and playing with trucks.

My version of this famous Italian dessert is slightly lighter than the original and has the addition of raspberries for an added zing of freshness to go with the sharp espresso and cocoa. This definitely lives up to this dessert’s literal translation – “pick-me-up”.

This moist and delicious cake is visually irresistible as well as being easy to prepare. It’s great to have for dessert or to have with a cup of tea or coffee.

This orange and almond cake is perfect for afternoon tea.

This is one of The Australian Women's Weekly's go-to chocolate cakes. It’s moist and light and very chocolatey, making it a great recipe for a special occasion or afternoon tea.

Tim Tam Espresso Martini biscuits are the ultimate after dinner indulgence, either on their own or as part of this luxurious cheesecake. Recipe by NZGIRL.

A light and fluffy cake with a deliciously zingy syrup drizzled on top.

A sweet and beautifully balanced pear and almond cake.

A rich and decadent chocolate yoghurt cake.

Are these not the ideal Valentine's Day dessert? Chocolate shortcake hearts send a message of love, especially when teamed with cream and berries.

A beautiful chocolate sponge cake roll filled with whipped cream and fresh berries.

This light chocolate torte is baked in two layers, which can then be sandwiched together with whipped cream and topped with berries.

This elaborate-looking one-bowl cake takes little effort to pull off, but is definitely a crowd-pleaser.

Like a Neapolitan dream, this mousse cake has a base of chocolate mud cake, followed by a layer of chocolate mousse, then strawberry mousse and topped with fresh strawberries.

Many strawberry farms around the country now offer fresh fruit ice creams at the farm gate. My kids shriek and demand a detour whenever they see a painted strawberry sign on a hot summer road trip. Please note: this recipe makes a two-tiered cake; to construct the four-tiered cake pictured here, double all the quantities (except for topping) and first make sure it will fit in the freezer. Photographs by Jani Shepherd and styling by Fiona Hugues; Gatherum Collectif.

Can you imagine devouring a slice of rich, creamy cheesecake and feeling nothing but pleased with yourself? When it’s made solely with raw ingredients and contains no wheat, refined sugar or dairy, you can afford to be the smuggest hedonist in town

Making individual pavlovas, which each person can load with as much cream, berries and coulis as they wish, is the way to go at Christmas. Getting the perfect balance of crunchy exterior and marshmallow centre can be tricky, but this recipe works every time!

This night-before frozen Christmas ice-cream cake is quick and delicious, and will have your guests coming back for more!

The Christmas cake of the moment! Why not try this red velvet bundt cake, so easy to make and yet so delicious!

This lightly spiced cheesecake becomes a showstopper when topped with dark chocolate glaze and poached pears.

In the words of my dear mother, “Panforte is a wonderful alternative to Christmas cake and Christmas minces. Not that I’m suggesting you don’t have the Christmas cake and minces on hand too, for when friends drop round for Christmas greetings, but it makes a nice change.”

Lemon curd & coconut log brought to you by New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

If you like trifle, you will adore this version. It can be made up to two days ahead of when you need it to lessen the stress of making it at the last minute.

These chocolate cupcakes are the perfect alternative to traditional Christmas pudding, and look cute to boot!

How cute! These little Christmas tree cupcakes look good enough to eat.

These funny little cupcakes are sure to delight adults and children alike this Christmas!

These snowy cupcakes look straight from the slopes, but taste totally tropical!

Make any festive gathering a winter wonderland with these Christmas snowflake cupcakes!

These cute little cupcakes wouldn't look out of place on the Christmas tree!

Bring a little bit of glitz and glamour to your favourite cupcakes.

An easy (and tasty) alternative to a gingerbread house!

Refreshing watermelon, lime and berry cheesecake jars make the ultimate dessert this summer!

Get creative in the kitchen with this heavenly coconut macaroon cheesecake - the perfect summer indulgence.

These deliciously sweet frozen puddings are perfect for a hot New Zealand Christmas celebration. We'll show you the quick way to make these impressive desserts with minimal effort.

Julie Goodwin's mouthwatering chocolate trifle makes the ultimate sweet indulgence this holiday season! This festive favourite is perfect to share with family and friends!

Mum’s made this cake for many years since her dear Aussie friend Lynne shared it with her. It is always a success, thus their friendship remains intact! Photography by Todd Eyre

Similar to an old-fashioned gingerbread, this cake improves with age so it makes a lovely gift for friends to take to the bach or to simply enjoy at home all summer long. Photography by Todd Eyre

The size of these Raspberry & Coconut and Marmalade & Lime petite lamingtons means the ratio of sponge to delicious flavoured coating is stepped up a notch

Containing only four ingredients, this cake is light but decadent, perfect for summertime. Photography by Jani Shepherd/Gatherum Collectif.

There’s a hidden layer of thick vanilla custard in the centre of this cake that takes it from good to great. Serve it warm, but not too hot. Photography and recipe by Gourmet Traveller.

This decadent cake is inspired by the life of artist Frida Kahlo and her sometimes turbulent relationship with her lover, Diego Rivera. It is dense and complex like Frida, with heat from chilli and spice. It’s the perfect, dramatic end to a Day of the Dead feast. Photography by Jani Shepherd / Gatherum Collectif.

Faeries of the glen terrarium! This cake decoration is perfect for a fairy themed birthday party - like a little edible magical world on your table.

Hold on tight, we're taking flight! This cake decoration is perfect for a Alice in Wonderland themed birthday party, or a infant's nursery rhyme birthday party.

Brave knights defend the realm! This waffle cone castle cake is perfect for any birthday knights, and kingdom themed birthday parties.

Lord of the Rings-inspired hobbit house birthday cake! Make this birthday cake for any Lord of the Rings enthusiasts, and Hobbit fans of Sam, Frodo, Pippin and Merry.

You only turn 9 once in your life, so make this cool fire-breathing dragon out of lollies on top of a number 9 cake!

Word play Happy Birthday! Write a message to the birthday child, or write all the names of the guests. You could even play a game and the guests can make words from the letters you create!

Recycling lolly truck cake for the Chief of recycling! Use bottle lollies to keep with the recycle theme, but you can use mixed lollies, if you prefer.

Busy working at the Ant Farm! Get really creative making ants colony out of white icing in the jars. Outdoorsy kids will love checking out the chocolate sprinkle ants colony and eating it too!

This science experiment themed birthday cake will make all the kids squirm with delight! Great for kid's birthdays or for Halloween parties!

The Sun is a great ball of fire! This birthday cake has chocolate covered ice cream cone solar flares, and is perfect for any wannabe astronauts or star gazers.

For the little scientist who likes exploring the backyard finding the critters and worms. This magnifying worm cake is the perfect birthday cake. Made out of a white chocolate mud-cake and jelly!

When I grow up I want to be a doctor! This cake is fun and interactive with the blue M&M pills and stethoscope made out of licorice. Great fun for little doctors and nurses!

For the aspiring Olympic champion who dreams of winning a gold medal.

Try this economical fruit loaf recipe that was given to Mum by her good friend Janet years ago. It is always a firm family favourite – on its own or slathered in butter.

This true orange-flavoured treat is easy to make. Cranberry and orange is a flavour match made in heaven.Photography by Todd Eyre.

I really love this basic vanilla cake recipe. If it is made in a square tin, it can be cut into quarters and dressed up any way you please. Photography by: Todd Eyre.

If the mention of yoghurt in this recipe makes you feel better about indulging in multiple wedges of it, me too! I've been making this cake for years as it is a fail-safe cake that has what I call "integrity" - ie it is deep and holds itself well over more than a few days without becoming dry or stale-tasting. Photography: Todd Eyre.