Whenever I’m in a cafe that has some tempting cakes on display, I love checking them out – even though I can’t eat any of them!  It sounds a bit masochistic I know, but I’m a cake geek – (if you hadn’t already noticed). I enjoy admiring other people’s sweet creations, plus the thrill gets even better when I think I can devise a healthier version.

I spotted this cheeky brownie amongst the cake crowd in a beautiful bakery window display last week. Read more

I’m imagining that parsnips probably aren’t the first ingredient you’d reach for whenever the urge takes you to make a cake. Nor even the third, fourth or fifth. But let me invite you to consider the possibility.

This raspberry sponge is so delicious, so delightfully light, so sinfully moist and more-ish – and its due, in great part, to the addition of the humble parsnip. Read more

This little beauty tastes every bit as heavenly as it looks. Bite into this cutey and your lucky tastebuds get to enjoy a seductive combo of cardamom, warm buttery sweetness with a nuanced after-zing of fresh lime. Pistachios always move a cake up the luxury scale for me. I find their unique flavour incredibly moreish. It’s a wonder they made it from the jar to the mixing bowl. And their gorgeous decorative spring green colour light up the top of any cake. Read more

Let’s face it, flapjacks are the Julie Andrews of the cake world really, aren’t they? They don’t have the frivolity nor kerbside appeal of a good chocolatey or iced toppingy type of cake. But as a wholesome and satisfying sweet snack, they’re unbeatable. Read more

Sweet Jesus! this cake is absolutely divine! 

Ok, maybe you couldn’t readily imagine being bowled over by a sponge with some rhubarb in it, but take it from me, this is the most delightful, delectable treat. It’s so light and moist and melty. Read more