United Cakes of America

Book excerpt: This tour of classic and curious cakes from all fifty states is “a sweet home-baked slice of Americana” (Publishers Weekly). In order to form a more perfect union of flour, eggs, butter, and sugar, CakeLove author Warren Brown offers his unique take on dessert recipes from all fifty states, plus Puerto Rico and Washington, DC. Starting his tour with the classic Baked Alaska, Brown explores America’s rich culinary history while updating regional treats like Louisiana King Cake, South Carolina’s Lady Baltimore Cake, and Florida’s Key Lime Pie. There are official state desserts, like Maryland’s Smith Island Cake and Massachusetts’ Boston Cream Pie, as well as unofficial favorites, like New York–style Cheesecake and St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake. Brown also includes more adventurous confections like Michigan’s Chocolate Sauerkraut Cake, and brand-new treats he’s created in honor of specific states, such as his California-inspired Avocado Cupcakes. With mouth-watering photos, informative sidebars, and an entire section devoted to the magic of buttercream frosting, United Cakes of America should take “that coveted guest-of-honor space on your baking shelf” (L.A. Weekly).