Rating: 
Summary: Exceptional reference guide for cakes!
Review: EXCELLENT reference for the expert or professional baker. Crystal clear directions and analysis of recipes. Might not include enough pictures and a little too much analysis for the beginning baker.
Rating:
Summary: "The Cake Bible" deserves more than a rave!
Review: Rose Levy Beranbaum raises the fun of browsing and researching recipes to nearly a fantasy level by writing a work that is as much a delight to read as it is to follow for cake baking. (I am not ashamed to confess that I have read this book late into the night and in bed!) Ms. Beranbaum has effectively interwoven aspects of cake baking that are important to me: taste, chemistry and presentation. Each and every recipe that I have made has been scrumptious. (Nor am I ashamed to admit that I have had to use cake pans smaller than recommended because the batter was too delicious to stop tasting!) The explanations as to the how's and why's of each recipe is fascinating, and the book's photos are nothing less than spectacular. (Finally, I refuse to be shamed by the fact that my final products have often had to be remade because they looked so good and somehow "disappeared" before the guests arrived!)
The Cake Bible has a generous variety of recipes which are both broad and interesting. And, the icing on the cake, so to speak, is Ms. Beranbaum's inclusion of adornments, techniques and instructions for the home baker to use to individualize each cake and claims as her or his own. I have given this book as a gift more times than I can remember...it is that good.
Rating:
Summary: Best cookbook I own
Review: This is the first of my some 75-plus cookbooks that I have read from cover to cover. Her instructions are a marvel of clarity, and I have made desserts I never dreamed were within my skills. I wish she'd do similar books for other food groups.
Rating:
Summary: Without a doubt...the 'BEST' !!!
Review: As an avid baker, especially cake making, this book is truely the "Bible for Cakes." I have numerous baking and cake books, but this is the one I always use. What makes this book so useful, is the way the directions are set up, the concise writing, the helpful hints, and the teaching. The author's ability to teach through her writing style is invaluable. For beginners and professionals, this book has it all. I especially like and use the chapter on baking the extra large layers. For wedding cakes this is IT !! I have had the pleasure of hearing someone eating a wedding cake I made, say "...My God, this is a real cake." What a complement !!!
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of this book is the author's sense of humor. I enjoy reading this book for the shear fun of it; no other cookbook that I've ever read, have I had the pleasure of laughing aloud. What a GREAT book this is !!! Anyone who enjoy's baking will reach again and again for the "Cake Bible." Christine A. Storey
Rating:
Summary: Can't I rate it 1000?
Review: I bought this book many years ago...and it's still my FAVORITE. No matter how many books I buy or read on the subject, there is nothing that can possibly be compared to this jewel. Really easy to follow instructions, STEP BY STEP, that will make you feel like you were born to be the best baker in the world. I think that Ms. Berambaum background in science gave her an extraordinary perspective: she understands how things must be explained so they can be REPRODUCED. Ms. Berambaum will not only tell you how to but WHY! If your goal is to become a baker that not only produces beautiful cakes but also the most incredible tasting cakes ever baked...this one is for you.(Yes, I am devoted fan!
Rating:
Summary: Best cookbook in the world!
Review: This is the best cookbook I have ever used. Not only does
this book describe how to bake great cakes, but it also
explains WHY the recipies are the way they are. The recipes
in this book are as close to perfection as is humanly possible.
Rating: 
Summary: Mixed Results
Review: I have had mixed results with this book. The cakes that turned out well (downy yellow butter and golden almond, for example) were among the best cakes I've ever tasted. The ones that didn't, however (including the white spice pound cake and chocolate genoise) were dry and tasteless. I recommend this book for the intrepid experimenter: you will probably not like all the recipes in this book, but the ones that you like, you will love. The directions are extremely clear and detailed; I am an intermediate baker and I learned a lot from this book. Two words of advice: 1. Start checking your cakes a good 5-10 minutes before the suggested baking time; many of these cakes dry out in a heartbeat and are best just a touch underdone (and my oven temperature is perfect). 2. Berenbaum's buttercream is not for the faint of heart (4 sticks to frost one cake)! You might want to look elsewhere for buttercream recipes.
Rating:
Summary: the Cake Bible has made many happy cake lovers
Review: I have been baking cakes for groups using Rose's wonderful recipes for seven years. Every time, while the happy faces are eating that last bite, someone will come over to ask me--
Rating:
Summary: Truly is the Bible for Cakes
Review: Beranbaum gives clear exact instructions and if you follow them to the T, you should have perfect results (which wasn't always the case for me!). Pound cakes are usually an easy task for me but the white spice gave me some trouble and I made it three times!
Overall, excellent book and one you need for your shelf.
Rating:
Summary: Love the Cake Bible, outstanding!
Review: I love to read cookbooks, and this one is one of my favorites. The author goes into great deal about why each cake the way it is, and gives wonderful directions for creating your own delicious desserts. Many of the cakes are far more work than I will ever want to put in, but I still enjoy reading about how to make such fabulous creations.
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