Whether you're planning a casual buffet-style breakfast or a fancy late-afternoon fete, one thing's for sure: dessert will be on your bridal shower menu. We love how each of these crowd-pleasing cakes from the newest book in Martha Stewart's best-selling baking series, Martha Stewart's Cakes, complements a unique celebration style.
Fruit-Topped Lemon Cake What better place to start than with a classic? Impress shower guests with this fresh take on lemon cake starring layers of textures and tastes, with sweetened whipped cream, and fresh mixed berries.
Singular Sensations Wrapped in pink glassine paper and tied with waxed twine, these mini cranberry-orange-walnut loaves would make sweet take-home treats for a tea party themed shower. To make a large loaf instead of several smaller ones, use a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, and bake for 55 minutes.
Pipe Dream No pastry school experience? No problem. You can still DIY this beautiful dessert thanks to an easier way to pipe buttercream roses: Just one oversize star tip creates each bloom. The pastry bag is filled with two shades of frosting, half untinted and half blush to create an edible blooming centerpiece for a spring shower or a pink-themed party. Underneath, four layers of sponge cake are brushed with a light-rum syrup and sandwiched with pastry cream.
No-Bake Delights These individual-size cheesecakes made in muffin tins are just as cute-and irresistible-as cupcakes. The homemade pomegranate jelly makes a festive and tasty topping. You can substitute another flavor to suit your wedding season or color palette making these treats suitable for an array of different party themes.
Memorable Minis Served warm and dusted with confectioners' sugar, these miniature olive oil-anise bundt cakes would be perfect for a fall bridal shower served with a side of espresso. The flavor combination is typical in Italian baking and a fun stray from classic cinnamon.
Easy Elegance This cake capped off with bourbon-spiked whipped cream and candied pecans is fancy but far from fussy. The layers studded with candied nuts and the boozy topping are uncomplicated to create and can be made in stages, while the caramelized pears are a seasonal ode to fall or winter.
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