Citrus grape cake

A rustic Italian-style cake made with olive oil as well as butter. Wonderful eaten warm with a scoop of ice cream for pud

Chocolate fondue & toasted marshmallow

There’s no getting away from it, toasted marshmallows are a messy business – but they’re all the better for it!

Chocolate fondant

A gooey prepare-ahead dessert that's perfect for entertaining – it's all a matter of timing…

Glazed plum cake

This glorious cake looks like something in a French pâtisserie, but is actually quite simple to make

Sugar-dusted snowflake cake

Give your Christmas cake a stylish and professional finish this year with this sparkling decoration idea

Summer celebration cake

This fruity cake is impressive but easy to make – perfect for birthdays or for dessert

Chocolate crunch bars

A little melting, stirring and chilling and you’ve got a chocolatey treat to enjoy with a cuppa. The kids can help, too

Sicilian potato cake

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
This potato cake – torta di patate – is a staple in many a trattoria and it’s delicious eaten warm

Fruity teacake

Perfect with a reviving cuppa, this cake
is a keeper and will happily sit in a tin
for a week or so

Easy wreath cake

Make your Christmas cake extra special this year with this easy and speedy decoration

Hot chocolate milkshakes

Break 200g plain chocolate (I used 70% cocoa) into cubes and put into a pan with 600ml full-fat milk. Gently heat until the chocolate melts, then bring almost to the boil, whisking regularly until even and smooth. Can be made ahead, then chilled for up to 2 days. Re-heat if necessary, whisking, then ladle or pour into heatproof glasses or mugs. Top with scoops vanilla ice cream and mini marshmallows. Add a nip of rum or brandy for the adults, if you like.

Malt chocolate cheesecake

This crowd-pleasing dessert is made ahead, so all you have to do on the night is take it out of the fridge and bask in the glory