Shredded or flaked coconut take longer to toast than desiccated coconut. You can toast it in the oven or in a dry frying pan – either way, you have to watch it carefully. If you’re using the pan method, stir the coconut the whole time, then take it out of the pan the second it’s […]

Tia Maria, Kahlua and crème de caçao are all coffee-flavoured liqueurs; any one of them can be used in this recipe. Note

White icing is also known as fondant (it’s the traditional icing used on wedding cakes). It is available in packets from the supermarket and cake decorating shops. Note

Pfeffernüssen translates from German as “pepper nut” biscuits, they are a variation on a type of German gingerbread known as “lebkuchen”. Pfeffernüssen are extremely hard when they are first baked and benefit from being dunked into liquid before eating, however, they do start to soften after a day or two. Note

This rakish fellow has a touch of the scamp about him. Note

We used pineapple Allen’s Sour Rush Jelly Beans for the feet, but you don’t have to use all the same,­ just use four same-coloured Jelly Beans on each cake. Note

Bring out this tree with the coffee, suggesting to your guests that they snap off bits of the branches. Or, for an impressive gift, wrap the whole tree in cellophane and deliver it on the day. Drop teaspoonfuls of chocolate mixture along all the crosses to make branches. Note

This recipe is not suitable to freeze. Note

Equipment; 30cm (12-inch) square cake board 12 yellow mini paper cases If using butter cream instead of the strawberry frosting, you will need one quantity of butter cream tinted pink. Note

A Greek New Year’s cake called vasilopita, this recipe is traditionally made with a single coin baked into it, legend having it that the person who is served the slice containing the coin will have good luck in the coming year. This cake can be baked in a deep 19cm-square cake pan. Mix and match […]

Stand nut rolls, upright in tins, on oven tray The tin needs to be coated thickly with melted butter so the roll won’t stick to the inside of the tin. Don’t use cooking-oil spray, as this doesn’t give a good enough coating and the roll will stick and be hard to turn out. Serve nut […]

If you don’t have a baba pan, use a deep 20cm (8 inch) round cake pan; line base and side with baking paper. Wash used vanilla pods and add to jars of caster (superfine) sugar to make vanilla sugar, often used in baking. Note

You will need about 4 passionfruit for this recipe. Note

This beautiful chef's hat cake is perfect for those who love to cook, or are aspiring chefs.

This adorable birthday cake is perfect for kids who love animals or spending time in the water.

Either maple syrup or maple-flavoured syrup can be used in this recipe. Note

You need about 2 large carrots for this recipe. This cake can be made 2 weeks ahead and refrigerated. Note

Make one packet of cake mix at a time. Bake two trays of cakes together and, while they’re baking, put the cake mixture into the next two trays. For the best effect, match the paper cases to the colours of the frosting and jelly crystals. Note

To toast sesame seeds, spread them on shallow tray, bake in a moderate oven five minutes, or until golden. Note

Helpful hint Pizza cheese is a commercial blend of processed grated mozzarella, parmesan and cheddar cheeses. Use plain cheddar cheese if you like, or use a tasty or mature cheddar for extra bite. Note

You will need some lace, a doily or a stencil for decorating these cakes. Note

Boiled lollies are made from a thick syrup of boiled sugar and water, to which colour and flavourings are added before the mixture is rolled, cut into pieces and hardened. Also known as rock candy, humbugs and bullseyes. Note

Lamingtons are perfect for gifts and fetes. They can be made ahead and frozen. Serve straight from the freezer or stand at room temperature until thawed. Note

This keeps for 4 days. Note

Use a pair of clean tweezers to position the tiny Wonka Nerds and other small lollies. Note

Make a cottage for each year of the birthday child’s age and, rather than using fruit sticks for the chimneys, use chunky coloured candles, instead. You’ll have about 1 cup of the cake mixture left over, enough to make another little house. Note

You can find lavender honey (produced by bees fed on lavender) at selected delicatessens. If unavailable, any variety of honey can be used. Note

Milk chocolate is easily overheated, which turns it grainy, so when melting it, make sure the water is at a low simmer, and the base of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir gently until it is melted, then remove the bowl immediately from the heat. Change the recipe by using white and dark […]

Use any fresh berries you like in this recipe. If you only have one patty pan, bake the first batch, then wash, butter and flour the pan again before baking the next lot. Note

The amount of milk you need to add to this scone dough depends on the water content of the pumpkin. The amount you add will vary every time you make these scones. Note

We used a 35cm x 45cm oval plastic serving platter for the pond; a shallow cake pan, baking dish or shallow casserole dish would also work, depending on the number of frogs you need for the party. You will have about 1 cup of cake mixture left over ­enough for another five frogs. Note

Make sure the rosebuds have not been treated with any chemical sprays. Note

Watch their eyes light up for this happy, smiling flower. White icing is also known as fondant (it’s the traditional icing used on wedding cakes). It is available in packets from the supermarket and cake decorating shops. Note

Substitutes: use whole roasted almonds instead of hazelnuts. Note

Possums without eyes can be made up to two days ahead. Pipe eyes on the day of serving. Note

Make sure the rose petals have not been treated with any chemical sprays. Note

A hit with every coconut lover, this slice just improves with age. It can also be made as tartlets. Note

Although almonds were the key ingredient in traditional macaroons, coconut quickly became an equally popular adaptation. Can be made a week ahead store in airtight container freeze suitable microwave not suitable. Note

One-year-olds may be too young to eat these colourful Smarties, but they will love the cake. Note

Cake pans vary in depth, so if you have a little cake mixture left over, use it to make cupcakes. Use bought sugar flowers of your choice, available from supermarkets and cake decorating suppliers. Remove and discard skewers before cutting bottom tier. White icing is also known as fondant (it’s the traditional icing used on […]

The hardest part of making this cake is getting the colours right. Use good quality colourings and you’ll have no trouble. It’s been around since 300 BC… but it wasn’t until 1952 that the first checkers programme was used by a computer. Note

Personalise the messages scrawled all over this clever cake, which looks just like an inner-city wall for the cake. Note

This recipe comes from western Canada. Keeping time: 2 weeks. Note

These scones are at their very best made just before serving. Eat them hot, straight out of the oven. Note

Cut the marshmallows using an oiled knife, otherwise it will be difficult. Note

Macaroons are available from speciality bakery shops and select supermarkets. If you can’t find them, any small round filled biscuit will do. Try mini Oreos or Wagon Wheels, or Monte Carlos. Colour the butter cream, and decorate the robot, using any colours and lollies you like. Fruit Mentos and Smarties come in pastel colours, if […]

If the birthday person is mad about cats, this enigmatic creation will be… purrfection Note

Known variously throughout the Middle East and North Africa as basboosa, namoura or harisi, this sweet slice is saturated with a citrusy sugar syrup which gives it a lovely individual flavour. Note

You need only slender small servings of this ultra-rich cake, which is why we’ve chosen to bake it in a lamington pan. The layer of marzipan in the middle keeps the cake moist as well as adding to the flavour. Buy the best marzipan (or almond paste) you can find. Note

Pie can be prepared a day ahead. Note

Use white Candy Melts in place of chocolate Melts for an extra-white finish. Note

Flavoured Milk Bottles can be found in packets of ALLEN’S Milk Bottle Mania; use whichever colours you like. Remember to remove the skewers from the drawbridge before cutting the cake. Note