A sweet treat can turn any gathering into a party and a cake is perfect for almost every occasion. If you don't have time to make your own, bakeries specialize in sweet, tasty and beautiful. Some of my fondest childhood memories involve leaving nose prints on glass display cases filled with fancy pastries and elegant cakes brimming with sweet potential unlimited by a "Happy Birthday" or "Congratulations" written on top.
This chocolate cake with raspberry jell was actually ordered for a man's birthday and one request was that it not be frilly or girly. Tart red raspberries drizzled in chocolate contrast beautifully with sweet, dark fudge icing stripes and bead border to create an attractive non-feminine any-and-every occasion cake.
Red velvet is one of those classic cakes that almost everyone loves and is so astrictive with its distinctive color that it doesn't need much in the way of decoration. Cream cheese icing dots on top and cocoa nibs(crushed cacao beans processes with a little sugar) on the sides simply finish this not too sweet crowd pleaser.
This spiral tort with buttercream icing and dark chocolate ganache looks elegant on a plate and especially neat when cut. It was fun to make and easier than I expected, like rolling a short, fat jellyroll. Mint leaves make a good stand-in for inedible strawberry leaves.
Sheet cakes are easy to cut, feed a lot of people, and have great potential for leaving leftovers for breakfast the next morning. A simple shell border and chocolate drizzle to indicate the chocolate cake inside are a quick way to finish this tasty treat so you can get on to eating it.
Whipped cream is a nice, light alternative to traditional buttercream icing and fresh berries add truly natural color and a summery feel. This cake would be perfect for a picnic, cookout, birthday party, or even a sweet and simple summer wedding.
