The Perfect Cake and Anolon Baking Set

Today marked the big event, the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle. The fashion icons were all about the fascinators and who wore whom but some of us were all about the food – and that cake. The Sun shared an article about Claire Ptak, the baker behind the royal couple’s wedding cake with a recipe for a lemon and elderflower cake to hold us over (by the way, Claire’s Violet Bakery is fabulous.) Update: Thanks to member Lorraine who forwarded a link with the royal wedding cake recipe published at Food and Wine

Speaking of fabulous cake, The Perfect Cake: Your Ultimate Guide to Foolproof Classic, Unique, and Modern Cakes for Any Occasion by The Editors at America’s Test Kitchen is the cookbook to answer any baker’s cake needs. As a side note, if you missed my promotion on The Perfect Cookie, last year please check it out – these two books are must haves. 

The Perfect Cake shares 230 plus recipes, tips and step-by-step instructions that will guide the novice baker. The flavor combinations and more complex cakes will please those of us with many cakes under our belt (in every sense of the word).  I’ve made the Italian almond cake from this title earlier this year and have several dozen others marked to try – if only cake were acceptable for every meal but that comment harkens back to the belt mention.

The photographs of these creations will inspire you to pull out the sifter and get to baking. America’s Test Kitchen shares seven cake recipes from this book to try now. We have linked to these recipes so that you can add them to your bookshelf.

The perfect cake calls for the perfect bakeware – Anolon’s Advanced Non-stick Bakeware Five Piece Non-stick Set fits the bill. It is no secret that I love Anolon products (see our promotion for the Tri-ply Clad Braiser and the Nouvelle Copper Dutch Oven). The set above is a perfect gift for someone just starting out or as a replacement for our own worn bakeware. The pans are sturdy and have provided perfect results for my baking projects. I use the cookie tray and rack almost every day for one purpose or another.

America’s Test Kitchen is offering a copy of The Perfect Cake and Anolon is providing an Advanced Non-stick Bakeware Five Piece Non-Stick Set to three members in our contest below. Special thanks to both for providing me the products for review.

 

America’s Test Kitchen is offering a copy of The Perfect Cake  and Anolon is providing an Advanced Non-stick Bakeware Five Piece Non-Stick Set to three members in the US. Two of the entry options are to answer the following questions in the comments section of this blog post.

Which recipe in the index would you try first?
Which Anolon bakeware product would you like to add to your collection?

Please note that you must be logged into the Rafflecopter contest before posting or your entry won’t be counted. For more information on this process, please see our step-by-step help post. Be sure to check your spam filters to receive our email notifications. Prizes can take up to 6 weeks to arrive from the publishers. If you are not already a Member, you can join at no cost. The contest ends at midnight on July 2nd, 2018.

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175 Comments

  • JJWong  on  May 19, 2018

    I would love to learn how to bake a moist, flavorful cake each time I set out to do so! We are always on the hunt for a yummy carrot sheet cake!

  • hirsheys  on  May 19, 2018

    Ooooh, I'd get the popover pan and I'd love to try the bananas fosters cake.

  • djoh437938  on  May 19, 2018

    cream cheese coffee cake, i love coffee cakes and of course i would need the round analon cake pan to bake it in

  • cowlady  on  May 19, 2018

    I would try the Mexican chocolate ice cream torte first because it is fairly easy to make.

  • bookreadera  on  May 19, 2018

    I'm making the salted caramel cupcakes tomorrow.

  • Siegal  on  May 19, 2018

    I want to make pumpkin cupcakes

  • jr0717  on  May 19, 2018

    That carrot-honey layer cake sounds great!

  • Siegal  on  May 19, 2018

    I would love a set of the analon bronze cookware

  • FireRunner2379  on  May 19, 2018

    I love cake, its my favorite dessert! The Pear-walnut upside-down cake sounds very interesting, something worth trying for sure!

  • FireRunner2379  on  May 19, 2018

    I'd like to have the Anolon 6-Cup Popover Pan.

  • hae1123  on  May 19, 2018

    Definitely Salted Caramel Cupcakes!!!

  • hae1123  on  May 19, 2018

    I’d love to try 5 piece bronze bakeware set!

  • Patoliv1312  on  May 19, 2018

    Surprisingly, I want to try the
    Vegan Dark Chocolate Cupcakes

  • rchesser  on  May 19, 2018

    The Salted Caramel Cupcakes!

  • Patoliv1312  on  May 19, 2018

    I like the 9-inch cake pans. Want to try a different brand.

  • southerncooker  on  May 19, 2018

    9-Inch Round Cake Pan with Silicone Grips, Bronze and German Chocolate Sheet Cake

  • rchesser  on  May 19, 2018

    9-Inch Square Springform Dessert Pan, Gray.

  • southerncooker  on  May 19, 2018

    I commented both answers in one post. The 9 in cake pans was my 2nd answer

  • mcrimmins  on  May 19, 2018

    Cookie sheet.

  • mcrimmins  on  May 19, 2018

    Carrot Cupcakes

  • AlexH  on  May 19, 2018

    Rainbow cake and a square pan!

  • kmn4  on  May 19, 2018

    Spice cake

  • kmn4  on  May 19, 2018

    9-Inch x 13-Inch Rectangular Baker, Cobalt Blue

  • Kris.Dudley  on  May 19, 2018

    Pomegranate Walnut Cake would be a show stopper!

  • ravensfan  on  May 19, 2018

    Carrot-honey layer cake

  • ravensfan  on  May 19, 2018

    12-cup covered muffin pan

  • Outrun1986  on  May 19, 2018

    The salted caramel cupcakes for sure, I would try this first.

  • Outrun1986  on  May 19, 2018

    I would like to try the 14-INCH X 16-INCH COOKIE SHEET, GRAY

  • heyjude  on  May 19, 2018

    Gateau Breton

  • lauriesk  on  May 19, 2018

    I would try the Chocolate cream cupcakes

  • fortyeightbits  on  May 19, 2018

    Salted caramel cupcakes!

  • MadMom  on  May 19, 2018

    The blackberry-mascarpone lemon cake sounds divine! I would love any of the Anolon products!

  • eileen2015  on  May 19, 2018

    I made the rainbow cake for celebrating spring. Fantastic. I want to try every cake recipe in the book

  • JamieLondonK  on  May 19, 2018

    Spice cake and would love the popover pan

  • JaneRose  on  May 19, 2018

    I would start out with one of my favorites: carrot cupcakes! I've had my eye on this book for a while now. The cover is gorgeous!

  • JaneRose  on  May 19, 2018

    The 11 x 17 bronze cookie pan would be a welcome addition to my bakeware.

  • yeven  on  May 19, 2018

    Definitely salted carmael cupcakes

  • Alleycat  on  May 19, 2018

    The blueberry ombre cake on the cover looks magnificent.

  • Alleycat  on  May 19, 2018

    Would love to try the pizza crisper pan.

  • jezpurr  on  May 20, 2018

    The Pomegranate Walnut Cake!!!^_^

  • jezpurr  on  May 20, 2018

    The deep skillet!!!^_^

  • Amdona  on  May 20, 2018

    Pumpkin cupcakes for my grandson and the cupcake pan

  • thewife1992  on  May 20, 2018

    I would love to bake the Orange Pound Cake page 323 and I would be thrilled to win the Anolon baking set as I need a new cooling rack and I already own Anolon cookware!

  • JRumi  on  May 20, 2018

    I would like to try the Black Forest Cake

  • JRumi  on  May 20, 2018

    I would like the Analon roasting pan

  • honken  on  May 20, 2018

    Salted caramel cupcakes!

  • MiMi60  on  May 20, 2018

    Blueberry boy bait

  • MiMi60  on  May 20, 2018

    I would love the 11-Inch x 17-Inch Cookie Pan, Pewter/Onyx. .. I need to do some shopping!!

  • contest718  on  May 20, 2018

    Vegan yellow layer cake & Boston cream cupcakes.

  • nomadchowwoman  on  May 20, 2018

    Mom always made me a German Chocolate cake for my birthday, per my request. So I would try one of those luscious-sounding German Chocolate cakes, maybe the one with cashews and coffee first.

  • hamjenny  on  May 20, 2018

    The Salted caramel cupcakes sound wonderful I would like to try those first

  • matag  on  May 20, 2018

    I’d make Boston cream cupcakes
    I’d like the 9-INCH SQUARE SPRINGFORM DESSERT PAN

  • RSW  on  May 20, 2018

    Buttermilk-caramel cake

  • rosalee  on  May 20, 2018

    I am intrigued by the chocolate-beet cupcakes!

  • RSW  on  May 20, 2018

    9-INCH X 13-INCH RECTANGULAR BAKER, PERSIMMON ORANGE

  • mph993  on  May 20, 2018

    Olive Oil Yogurt Bundt Cake

  • demomcook  on  May 20, 2018

    Raspberry-pistachio buckles. The covered 9 x 13 pan tops my wish list.

  • rosalee  on  May 20, 2018

    We could use a new roaster like the Anolon Roaster with Nonstick Rack

  • AndieEats  on  May 20, 2018

    I'd want to try making the maple layer cake! And the cooling rack would be a nice addition.

  • Angryyew  on  May 21, 2018

    Vegan Dark Chocolate Cupcakes and the 9 inch cake pans.

  • ket06e  on  May 21, 2018

    Chocolate Turtle Cake and I need a 10 x 15 inch cookie sheet!

  • SarahGelle  on  May 21, 2018

    I would love to make the blackberry jam cake now that they're almost in season!

  • sarahawker  on  May 21, 2018

    German chocolate sheet cake

  • sarahawker  on  May 21, 2018

    The Analon Popover pan would be a great addition to my baking.

  • rosyannposy  on  May 21, 2018

    I'm curious about the beet sprinkles. Another rack would be handy.

  • mpdeb98  on  May 21, 2018

    Pumpkin cupcakes and 12-Cup Covered Muffin Pan with Silicone Grips

  • sgump  on  May 21, 2018

    The New York-style crumb cake sounds tasty (nice to see buttermilk as an ingredient). And I like the looks–and usefulness–of the Anolon 9-inch x 13-inch covered cake pan (bronze).

  • smartie101  on  May 21, 2018

    Summer Peach Cake

  • contest718  on  May 21, 2018

    I would really love to get this 10-Piece Bakeware Set, Umber/Onyx when I get a bigger kitchen next year.

  • RNJessicaK  on  May 21, 2018

    So many I want to try!! The tahini & banana (since I always have tahini to use up), Marbled Blueberry, Maple Pumpkin…but I'll probably start with the Saffron-Orange.

  • Dannausc  on  May 21, 2018

    Carrot cupcakes and a muffin pan!

  • amylou61  on  May 22, 2018

    I think I'd try the Carrot Honey Layer Cake. Yum!

  • amylou61  on  May 22, 2018

    I'd like to try the 2-Piece Loaf Pan Set for making meat loaf. The pool of grease that gathers at the bottom of the pan is a problem this pan could possibly solve, and the price isn't too high.

  • sarahcooks  on  May 22, 2018

    Definitely the mug cakes! I often want just a little bit of cake in the evening but don't want to bake a whole cake.

  • LeilaD  on  May 22, 2018

    Swiss hazelnut cakes… mmm…

    And I could really, really use a new cooling rack.

  • lgroom  on  May 23, 2018

    Salted caramel cupcakes.

  • eatysmith  on  May 23, 2018

    "Which recipe in the index would you like to try first?" Salted caramel cupcakes!

  • eatysmith  on  May 23, 2018

    "Leave another comment about which product you would like to try." 9-Inch x 5-Inch Loaf Pan, Gray!

  • Wojtanowski  on  May 25, 2018

    I have been in search of the perfect "Fluffy Yellow Cake" – need to try that recipe…in the Anolon cake pan with silicone grips – that's innovative!

  • melspot  on  May 25, 2018

    The Blackberry Walnut Buckle sounds great. I also just want to make a good cake that doesn't go flat in the middle, at 5000+ feet.

  • ChazBrenchley  on  May 25, 2018

    I'm not the only one who wants to make salted caramel cupcakes, I see…

  • ktpotat  on  May 25, 2018

    boston cream cupcakes

  • jsguaium  on  May 25, 2018

    Chocolate Turtle cake is the recipe I'd like to try first

  • lizkamerer  on  May 25, 2018

    I want to try the Gluten free Confetti cupcakes!

  • leilx  on  May 26, 2018

    Chocolate caramel, chocolate turtle and german chocolate cakes. I need new cookie sheets so the three piece bronze cookie sheet set is my pick

  • sally0630  on  May 26, 2018

    All the recipes sound AWESOME but I would love to try the Genoise sponge cake first is so rd interesting and YUMMY!

  • sally0630  on  May 26, 2018

    I would love to try this game setI https://www.anolon.com/product/3-piece-cookie-pan-set-bronze/

  • Debcancook  on  May 26, 2018

    I am very fond of salted caramel, those cupcakes are fab!

  • hippiechick1955  on  May 26, 2018

    The caramel cake; a favorite in my home.

  • hippiechick1955  on  May 26, 2018

    I'd buy this 11" deep square grill pan.

  • EmilyR  on  May 27, 2018

    Classic white layer cake… still looking for the perfect from scratch white cake.. and the analon cookie pans.

  • mph993  on  May 27, 2018

    I would like to try the chocolate beef cake and a 9" square springtime pan!

  • threefourpfeif  on  May 27, 2018

    The old-fashioned chocolate layer cake sounds delicious

  • dusksunset  on  May 27, 2018

    Devil's Food Cake
    14 x 16 cookie sheet

  • LaurenE  on  May 27, 2018

    9-Inch Round Cake Pan with Silicone Grips, Bronze and German Chocolate Sheet Cake

  • NancyLynn  on  May 28, 2018

    Beet chocolate cupcakes, because I can't think of any more things to make with the excessive beets I have.

  • clairew137  on  May 28, 2018

    Boston cream cupcakes

  • nova  on  May 28, 2018

    I would love to try Pineapple upside down cake – a favorite growing up!

  • robynsanyal  on  May 28, 2018

    Ultimate chocolate cupcakes with ganache filling

  • mmstarla  on  May 29, 2018

    I literally could name off a page of recipes that I would love to try first, lol. If I was forced to narrow it down I think I would try the Blackberry-mascarpone lemon cake first!

  • skyejaden  on  May 30, 2018

    I would love to make the carrot cupcakes!!

  • lhudson  on  May 30, 2018

    Salted caramel cupcakes and would love to have the 9 inch square springform dessert pan.

  • tarae1204  on  May 30, 2018

    Carrot-honey layer cake

  • riley  on  May 30, 2018

    Blueberry boy bait using a 9 x 13 covered cake pan

  • Laura1  on  May 30, 2018

    chocolate beet cupcakes

  • lpatterson412  on  May 30, 2018

    Watermelon icecream cake!!

  • robynnemellor  on  June 3, 2018

    Strawberry dream cake

  • jmay42066  on  June 3, 2018

    The Salted Caramel Cupcakes

  • jmay42066  on  June 3, 2018

    5 piece bronze bakeware set

  • t.t  on  June 3, 2018

    Flourless chocolate cake

  • t.t  on  June 3, 2018

    17-Inch x 12.5-Inch Roaster with Nonstick Rack

  • sallansd  on  June 3, 2018

    the Vegan Dark Chocolate Cupcakes sound yummy!

  • sallansd  on  June 3, 2018

    the 17-Inch x 12.5-Inch Roaster with Nonstick Rack would be very handy

  • kkarin  on  June 4, 2018

    I would love to make the NY Style Crumb Cake.

  • debbiehb  on  June 4, 2018

    I'd like to bake the Salted Caramel Cupcakes

  • hillsboroks  on  June 4, 2018

    I would love to try the Rhubarb Ribbon Cake.

  • mpritchard  on  June 4, 2018

    I would try the petit fours.

  • mpritchard  on  June 4, 2018

    I'd like to try the square springform pan.

  • Katiefayhutson  on  June 5, 2018

    Tahini banana snack cake and the 2 piece loaf pan

  • HeatherLynn  on  June 6, 2018

    My family would love to try the Boston cream cupcakes!

  • HeatherLynn  on  June 6, 2018

    I would love to try out the 14-Inch x 16-Inch Cookie Sheet, Gray from Anolon!

  • LABeachGal  on  June 7, 2018

    Salted Caramel Cupcakes sound delicious!

  • LABeachGal  on  June 7, 2018

    I would love to have the Anolon Advanced Bronze Nonstick Bakeware 12-Cup Muffin Pan with silicone handle grips!

  • KarenDel  on  June 8, 2018

    I would like to make the Cookies and cream cake pops

  • KarenDel  on  June 8, 2018

    I would live to have the 10-Piece Bakeware Set in onyx/pewter

  • verorenee  on  June 8, 2018

    Salted caramel cupcakes

  • verorenee  on  June 8, 2018

    2-QT Oval Au Gratin, Baltic Blue

  • Julia  on  June 8, 2018

    Orange fallen chocolate cake and I would be happy with any of the pieces from the bakeware collection.

  • Nancygs  on  June 8, 2018

    Jelly roll for sure! And I'd use the sheet pan most.

  • floridagld  on  June 8, 2018

    Salted caramel cupcakes for FIL whose favorite cake for birthday is southern caramel cake. This might be easier to make. Lol.

  • JAkers  on  June 9, 2018

    Rainbow Cake!

  • rosasharne  on  June 9, 2018

    Rainbow cake for me too! It's my five year old friend's favorite.

  • BMeyer  on  June 9, 2018

    salted caramel cupcakes

  • floridagld  on  June 9, 2018

    so many great anolon products.
    I like the fluted pan, the meatloaf pan and the roaster with rack too.

  • InAHealthyKitchen  on  June 9, 2018

    The Mexican chocolate ice cream torte looks like a good recipe to start with!

  • InAHealthyKitchen  on  June 9, 2018

    I need an 10-ounce casserole, and Anolon's blue one is a great color.

  • bangss  on  June 9, 2018

    The Mexican chocolate Ice Cream Torte sounds great!

  • sequoia55  on  June 9, 2018

    chocolate-beet cupcakes

  • heyjude  on  June 10, 2018

    Cream Cheese Coffee Cake baked in a red Anolon Gratin dish

  • tararr  on  June 11, 2018

    Pomegranate Walnut Cake

  • ckbkcollector  on  June 11, 2018

    Lemon layer cake & 10-Piece Bakeware Set, Umber/Onyx

  • jlh39  on  June 11, 2018

    I will start with the lemon-buttermilk sheet cake. Analon's 9-Inch x 13-Inch Covered Cake Pan would be very useful!

  • TheCookbookCook  on  June 19, 2018

    Boston Cream cupcakes

  • ltsuk  on  June 21, 2018

    blueberry boy bait

  • ladybrooke  on  June 21, 2018

    I'd try the lemon pound cake.

  • ladybrooke  on  June 21, 2018

    I'd love to own the 9in square springform pan.

  • Shelley.b  on  June 21, 2018

    Rainbow cake

  • Shelley.b  on  June 21, 2018

    9 inch cake pan

  • thecharlah  on  June 21, 2018

    Vegan yellow layer cake

  • lisambb  on  June 23, 2018

    I need more coffee cakes in my life.

  • Nancith  on  June 23, 2018

    As a fruitcake fan, it would have to be Apricot & cherry modern fruitcake.

  • percussion03  on  June 23, 2018

    Maple layer cake and a pizza crisper

  • orchidlady01  on  June 24, 2018

    Orange pound cake

  • orchidlady01  on  June 24, 2018

    I would love to use the Anolon Vesta Stoneware 9-Inch x 13-Inch Rectangular Baker in Cobalt Blue.

  • curafresh  on  June 24, 2018

    Chocolate beet cupcakes

  • keizerfire  on  June 24, 2018

    Lavender tea cakes and the spring form pan!!

  • valente347  on  June 24, 2018

    I would like to see how their yellow cake recipe stacks up against my favorite from Rose Levy Berenbaum.

  • wildjellybeans  on  June 25, 2018

    Salted caramel cupcakes

  • eboogie  on  June 25, 2018

    I'd love to make the Maple Layer Cake.

  • Scotsman61  on  June 25, 2018

    That carrot-honey layer cake along with

  • Scotsman61  on  June 25, 2018

    5 piece bronze bakeware set

  • auntietina  on  June 27, 2018

    Chocolate beet cupcakes sounds like a good way to sneak some veggies into my Dad's diet.

  • auntietina  on  June 27, 2018

    The cupcake pans with cover look good.

  • VeryVigario  on  June 27, 2018

    Maple layer cake

  • VeryVigario  on  June 27, 2018

    I would go with a new cookie sheet… I am in desperate need! 11×17

  • tennyogirl  on  June 27, 2018

    Carrot-honey layer cake

  • tennyogirl  on  June 27, 2018

    I'd like to try the 6-cup Popover Pan!

  • linmin  on  June 27, 2018

    Buttermilk Caramel Cake

  • Lafauvette  on  June 28, 2018

    Old-fashioned chocolate layer cake and 18-ounce round casserole

  • Sofie168  on  June 28, 2018

    The cake on the cover; it's so pretty!

  • jemans  on  July 1, 2018

    the blackberry mascarpone lemon sound incredible

  • jemans  on  July 1, 2018

    The bronze cookie pan would be very useful!

  • jluvs2bake  on  July 1, 2018

    Triple chocolate mousse cake

  • starzine  on  July 2, 2018

    I would like to try the Genoise sponge cake.

  • horselady57  on  July 2, 2018

    Blackberry-mascarpone lemon cake

Seen anything interesting? Let us know & we'll share it!