This summer fruit dish is so quick to put together, looks good and tastes great!

This decadent almond crunch is a stunning accompaniment to hot espresso.

Swimming in a sea of blue jelly, this cheeky jellyfish will delight the kids.

The hardest part of making this cake is making the butter cream smooth on the sides of the petals where the cake has been cut. If you freeze the cut cake pieces for an hour or so, it will help minimise the cake crumbling.

This recipe cleverly combines a honeycomb texture with toffee flavours to make a fabulous dipping dessert.

EQUIPMENT 30cm (12-inch) round cake board, plastic sandwich bag, oven trays test kitchen tips If using butter cream instead of the chocolate frosting, you will need two quantities of chocolate butter cream . Use a variety of chocolate bars – such as Flakes, Violet Crumbles or Tim Tam biscuits – for the campfire logs. The […]

Any tart fruit makes an excellent base for a meringue pie, including pineapple and passionfruit, both of which would make delicious substitutes for the citrus we've used here.

No one need ever know that these delicious cakes came from a packet. Jazz them up with a few extras, and everyone will think that you are so creative. Note

Granny Smith apples are best for this recipe; they add a wonderful tart characteristic for a good balance of flavours.

These colours are so vibrant together and create the perfect sweet treat.

You will never want store-bought again after trying this delicious recipe for moist date rolls.

The fluffy cream topping and zingy lemon curd swirls make an excellent topping that just completes this cake.

Store in an airtight container for up to a week. Note

The Australian Women's Weekly Kids' Perfect Party Book

Fun and great for sharing; white choc-chip orange and cranberry muffins from Australian Women's Weekly.

Drizzled in sweet lemon syrup, these crispy almond and walnut pastries are a delightful accompaniment to a cup of hot coffee.

When I was a kid, the best afternoon tea in the world was a sticky cinnamon bun, nearly as big as your head and still warm from the oven.

Praline, otherwise known as nut toffee, is a versatile confection and can be used in many ways, but it's hard to go past a sprinkle on top of a dish of ice-cream for delicious simplicity.

Keeping time: 1 day. This is delicious served warm with cream either as a cake or a dessert. Note

EQUIPMENT 1 x 20cm (8-inch) cardboard cake board; 2 x 8cm (3-inch) cardboard cake boards; paper piping bag; 50cm (20-inch) square-cake board. We used ganache in this recipe to hold the larger drum in place as it sets firmer than the frosting. Note

Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Note

You can make these egg-and-dairy-free cupcakes in either vanilla or chocolate flavour, or if you're catering for many, make a batch of each.

Studded with chopped up Chokito bars, these chewy chocolate caramel cookies are perfect for afternoon tea-time treats.

Brownie will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 days; in the refrigerator for 1 week; or frozen for up to 2 months. Note

Spoil your family and friends this weekend with stacks of these glorious buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup and whipped praline butter.

Rum adds a grown-up edge to that classic childhood favourite, pineapple upside-down cake. Delicious served warm with cream or ice-cream.

test kitchen tip Use iced chocolate doughnuts as nests instead of the cinnamon doughnuts. Note

The difference between 100% corn (maize) cornflour and wheaten cornflour (cornstarch) is that wheaten has gluten, whereas 100% corn is gluten-free. The gluten adds height to the sponge and gives it a lighter texture. Note

EQUIPMENT 26cm x 35cm (10 inch x 14 inch) baking dish 30cm x 40cm (12 inch x 16 inch) rectangular cake board bamboo skewer. The grommets have gone a-surfing — even fussy teenage boys and girls will want to ‘hang 10’ with this cool pair of board shorts. Use a skewer to make holes for […]

If you can’t find Candy Melts, use white chocolate Melts. Note

This sauce is best made a day in advance. Keep refrigerated up to 3 days in a screw-top jar. Serve with beef burgers, braised ribs, roasted potato wedges and as a sauce for home-made baked beans. Note

To give as a gift, thread ribbon through centre of the shortbread and tie into a ring. Or, you can hang shortbread from your Christmas tree. Note

This cute and colourful 'under the sea' birthday cake is perfect for little ones who love animals or spending time by the ocean.

Brought to you by the classic Australian Women's Weekly birthday cake cookbook.

Bringing your favourite confectionery treat together with a delectable baked good to make a fabulous dessert recipe.

To keep the glossy finish to the frosting, the cake needs to be frosted up to an hour before the party. The frosting soon dries out to resemble cooked meringue. Note

Classic, creamy and comforting, blancmange is really the French version of panna cotta. It is delicious all on its own, or served with a variety of toppings, for example, berry coulis

While the cooking method may stray from tradition, there are only pure, classic, mouth-watering flavours to be found in these delicious brownies. This recipe is an easy crowd pleaser.

35cm (14-inch) square cake board These cute little cakes would also be a welcome treat at a halloween party for younger children. Cupcakes should be decorated the day of serving as the Minties will dissolve if left overnight. Store cakes in an airtight container at room temperature. If you can’t find un-iced cupcakes, use iced […]

Covered in an assortment of lollies, this gorgeous yellow dragon cake is sure to be a winner with the kids.

These grilled pears with vanilla ice-cream make a simple, elegant dessert.

Check the cookies a few minutes before the end of baking time if they feel a little soft, but firm, give one cookie a gentle push with the side of your thumb. A cooked cookie will slide easily on the tray. The cookies will become crisp on cooling. Note

Fun envelope cookies for special occasions like weddings and engagement parties.

Celebrate your child turning four with this awesome birthday cake for car lovers.

Fruit can be cooked a day ahead, keep, covered, in the refrigerator. Make bread topping and bake puddings as required. Note

You might have a few puffs left over; freeze them, unfilled. Valentine’s croquembouche Fit a large piping bag with a plain tube (or without a tube); three-quarters fill the bag with pastry mixture. Hold the bag upright, pipe the pastry into 2cm (¾ inch) rounds. Working quickly, use tongs or forks to dip the puffs […]

When folding flour into egg mixture, you can use a large metal spoon, a rubber spatula, a whisk or use one hand like a rake. “This is my mum’s recipe, and whenever I go home, I’ll always find one waiting in the cake tin.” Note

This cake is perfect for a first birthday party. It's quite simple to make, so you're not spending lots of time on a creation that probably won't be given its due attention by the birthday child.

It's not that hard being green... there's a pond, plenty of water, lily pads and a rainbow connection... Why, there's lots of fun to be had!

A refreshing, sensational summer dessert with subtle spicy flavours brought to you by Australian Women's Weekly.

Replace toys with caramello koalas or teddy bear biscuits, edible flowers and lollies shaped like picnic foods, such as fruits, hot dogs and pizza. You’ll find lots of toys to easily decorate cakes in variety shops or toy stores. Note

Citrus lovers will adore these fluffy puddings drizzled in marmalade syrup.

Be sure to remove toothpicks from cake before cutting and serving. Raspberry straps, cut into strips, can be used instead of red licorice rope. Sandwich the two cakes together with a little blue butter cream. Spread the cake with coloured butter creams. Insert candy cane into centre of red icing ball to make drumstick. Note

When this classic French dessert is done well, nothing can beat its silky, cream texture. Don't forget to sieve your custard and remember to insulate with a tea towel so the outside doesn't cook too quickly.

Also known as turón, these popular Filipino deep-fried bananas make an excellent dessert with refreshing coconut ice-cream.

These colourful vanilla cupcakes will be very popular with the kids.

Brought to you by the classic Australian Women's Weekly children's birthday cake cookbook.

The birthday child and friends will be thrilled with these individual tortoise cakes covered in chocolate freckles.

The word 'junket' normally conjures up images of politicians on 'work' trips in exotic places, or unappetising, lumpy bowls of custard. This dish is, thankfully, neither. It is a smooth, sweet, gingery bowl of goodness.

This recipe is also nut-free, dairy-free and egg-free. Handy hints ice-block sticks are available from craft and hobby shops. For easy pouring, use a saucepan with a pouring lip, or carefully transfer the hot toffee to a heatproof jug. Note

EQUIPMENT 20cm x 30cm (8-inch x 12-inch) rectangular cake board We used Tic Tacs to make the ladybird `trail’. Use as many ladybirds as you like to decorate the cake board. Use any critter lollies you can find, sour worms work well, or even use plastic spiders, if you like. If using non-edible decorations, make […]

The ganache can be made 2 days ahead; store in the refrigerator. When ready to use, beat with an electric mixer until it is of a spreadable consistency. Decorate the log with fresh cherries, if you like. Note

This dessert is pure bliss . Creamy orange custard with a quintessential toffee topping. Note

Simple and sweet these cupcakes are decorated with crystalised violets.

Thrill your family and friends this Christmas by attaching these easy, stunning angel cookies to your presents.

Mint Slice is a biscuit with a light, crisp chocolate biscuit base, a thick layer of mint cream and a smooth coating of dark chocolate. Note

Makes enough for 1.5kg American-style pork spareribs. Ribs can be marinated in the sauce for three hours or overnight; use the marinade to baste ribs during cooking. Sauce also goes well with grilled pork cutlets or as a marinade for chicken wings. Note

With layers of sponge, cheesecake filling, berries and custard, this delicious trifle is sure to impress.

Churros are a popular Spanish dish of deep-fried pastry coated in sugar.

A trick to cutting turkish delight is to place it in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up, then cut it with an oiled knife, making sure to oil the knife regularly. You need a 6cm (2½-inch) fluted square cutter, or alternatively use a 7cm (2¾ inch) fluted round cutter. Note

These miniature wedding cakes would make a lovely gift to hand around to friends at a bridal shower or engagement party.

These mousse-like layers have a light, delectable texture and are full of creamy flavours.

In China, dragons traditionally symbolise good luck, which, along with this dragon, is a pretty nice gift to give as a birthday present.

These pretty little pies taste just as good as they look. Use fresh cherries when they are in season; otherwise thawed frozen cherries will do.

Topped and tailed with caramelised apple, these delightful tea cakes can be served up for morning or afternoon tea, and would be a different and welcome addition to the school lunchbox.

equipment 31cm x 34cm teddy bear cake pan 38cm x 47cm covered cake board Allen’s Peaches & Cream and Strawberries & Cream can be found in Allen’s Party Mix. Note

Stuffed with chopped pecans and drizzled in a butterscotch sauce, these buttery apples make a heavenly dessert.

Give your regular yo-yos a citrusy, nutty twist with these orange and hazelnut flavoured morsels. Perfect to enjoy with your morning or afternoon cuppa with friends.

Jalousie is best made on the day of serving. Serve with whipped cream if you like.

You need a 200g packet of Skittles for Zappo. Oval cake pans can be bought from cake decorating suppliers, or make a cake in a baking dish and cut the oval shape from it – easy and cheaper. Remember to remove the toothpicks out of the reach of children. Note

Try different colours of popcorn for a multi-coloured effect on this cheeky pig cake. Use leftover lollies, biscuits and popcorn for take-home lolly bags.

This pudding perfectly balances the tartness of the rhubarb with the sweet, creaminess of white chocolate. Delicious!

For a special occasion, you can't go wrong with this spectacular meringue topped with juicy berries and coulis.

Thrill your child with this adorable and delicious handbag birthday cake!

It is important to slice the limes as thinly as possible because the rind tends to be tougher than any other citrus fruit. Note