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For a really special dessert, something that will delight your family and friends, look no further than a cake. Cakes are the frosted equivalent of happiness and cheer—the perfect celebration sweet. They offer a slice of bliss, and we Southerners know all about taking our time to enjoy the sweeter side of life, one bite at a time.

Nostalgic and old-fashioned yet wonderfully fresh, every layer cake, pound cake, cupcake, and more comes with the Southern Living stamp of approval. The confections found on these pages are bound to be the next beloved birthday cake, congratulatory torte, or weeknight indulgence that you’ll want to share again and again. With easy-to-follow techniques, plus kitchen secrets and tips, any home baker can make a Southern cake worth bragging about!

From sun-ripened peaches to freshly gathered pecans, the delicious ingredients used in these recipes take the cakes to heavenly heights. Rich buttercreams, lofty meringues, and delicate glazes add flair. From crowd-pleasing flavors like red velvet and caramel to decidedly Southern favorites like ambrosia and Mississippi mud, there’s a from-scratch sweet waiting to be discovered just a few pages away!

Editor