Electric Mixer

These elegant cakes have a soft pudding-like center and refreshing lemon flavor. Although best served warm, they can be made ahead and served at room temperature.

The foundation of this recipe is a lemon curd that can be served on its own with, say, scones or toasted brioche, or partnered with fruit. In this layered treat, some of the curd is combined with whipped cream to make the mousse, and some is used on its own. When covering the curd, make sure that the plastic wrap touches the surface to prevent a "skin" from forming on top.

A chocolaty version of a rich French gâteau called, aptly, a financier, this cake shows how ground nuts, melted chocolate, butter, and beaten egg whites can result in a deceptively light texture. An elegant dessert, it needs nothing more than a dusting of confectioners' sugar to finish it off.

A delectable new take on the old-fashioned summer shortcake.

A show-stopper centerpiece cake for February fourteenth. White chocolate provides a rich, buttery texture. To serve, remove the chocolate lid and break it into pieces to nibble along with the cake.

The tartness of the cranberries is accented by the sweet, crunch meringue filling served at Le Bec-Fin in Philadelphia.

For years, pumpkins were planted in central-state cornfields to help the corn's roots cool in the summer. This pretty roll cake is an impressive alternative to classic pumpkin pie.

Pears and pear nectar add a delightful accent.

A luscious tropical treat enhanced with a delicious crust made of gingersnap cookies and macadamia nuts. Begin preparing this one day before you plan to serve it.

Cottage cheese is the secret to the moistness of these muffins. They're good spread with a bit of honey.