Baking has been a good quarantine pastime for many. Below are some great baking books featuring cakes for small family celebrations, or eating for desserts or snacks. As a home baker myself, I recommend these baking books both for people who are just getting started with baking or experts who want to expand their knowledge.

A Piece of Cake: Easy Cakes from Dump Cakes to Mug Cakes, Slow Cooker Cakes and More! by Betty Crocker

This Betty Crocker cookbook is a classic and there are many recipes that come with a slight twist on tradition. There are about 44 recipes including such delectable dishes as Mango Almond Coffee Cake, Banana, Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Poke Cake, and Hazelnut Candy Bar Icebox Cake. This book offers clear and easy-to-follow instructions.

Martha Stewart's Cakes: Our First-Ever Book of Bundts, Loaves, Layers, Coffee Cakes, and More

This book from Martha Stewart makes me dream of eating her cakes and everything else she has baked in this book including cakes, cupcakes, cookies and much more. Martha Stewart is a precise teacher who gives instructions on how to bake and feel good while learning new techniques and tips for beginners and experts. The recipes I liked are: Rhubarb Tea Cakes, Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake and Pumpkin Spice Cake.

Perfect Pies & More: All New Pies, Cookies, Bars, and Cakes from America's Pie-Baking Champion by Michele Stuart

The pictures of the pies in this cookbook look so tempting that I wanted to grab them and eat them. This champion pie maker shows five different ways of making a crust and her 40 recipes cover fruit pies, cream pies, nut pies, whimsical pies and cookies and bars and more. My favorites include Sugar-Free Pumpkin Pie, Double Chocolate Bundt Cake and Star-Spangled Flag Pie.
 

Savory Pies: Delicious Recipes for Seasoned Meats, Vegetables and Cheeses Baked in Perfectly Flaky Crusts by Greg Henry

Do you think pies are just for dessert? Think again! With this book and a little bit of practice and skill, you can make pie for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I have chose this cookbook to feature because I find these recipes amazing for their taste and to share with others. People who are beginners and experts  will  look forward to making these deliciously looking pies.  My favorite dishes are: Irish Breakfast Pie, Shave Asparagus Galette with Mascarpone and Jarlsberg and Broccolini Tart with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fried Garlic.

Daisy Cakes Bakes: Keepsake Recipes for Southern Layer Cakes, Pies, Cookies, and More by Kim Nelson

Have you ever picked up a baking book, stared at the pictures and say to yourself, "I want to eat this cake or pie right now?" Well, this book has simple-to-follow instructions and directions for what you need to do to make a cake or pie right away.  I recommend this book because it is easy for anyone to follow.

Bigger Bolder Baking: A Fearless Approach to Baking Anytime, Anywhere by Gemma Stafford

This internet famous chef and baking show host offers more than 100 recipes to make pies, cakes, puddings, and other sweets. You won’t be able to take your eyes away from this book. 

Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!