Recommendations for baking books?

[MilduraS]

DH bought me Delia's cakes for Christmas (at my request!) but the recipes are my worst nightmare and I'm returning it before it gathers dust on the shelf. Well over 3/4 (likely much more) of them contain dried fruits, spices, nuts or alcohol. None of which I want to ever eat in a cake. I'd expect the odd spiced cake or fruit cake but it seems that all she really cooks. The delicious looking chocolate soufflé cake is filled with Armagnac soaked prunes and even the bloody chocolate cupcakes have Chinese five spice

Can anyone recommend a good book for classic cakes and treats? I have no desire to make anything big and fancy for Instagram. Just the basics like a Victoria sandwich cake, lemon drizzle, brownies, cheesecakes, Fudge cake, shortbread etc.

Mary Berry's Ultimate Cake Book is nice with lots of variety.

I have Mary Berry's baking Bible. I love it and use it time and time again. As does DD (9) and shes never had a disaster. Good range of recipes from basic sponges, biscuits, traybakes and lots of all in one recipes which are always good. But best of all is the Xmas cake which the husband asks me to make as it's the best Christmas cake he's ever had apparently.

Definitely Mary Berry. I have the little 100 Cakes and Bakes book that I picked up in Asda for a few £ years ago and it's my main go-to book for baking

I have my dad's be-ro home backed recipe book, it's like a small paperback. That's my go to for most of those things except maybe cheesecake. For that I would just use BBC food online.

@stripetop omg I have my mum's hand me down bero baking book. I rarely use it as I have it cos Mary berrys. But the flapjack recipe and the crumble topping one was my fave as a kid.

This is a good one for both basic & fun cakes & bakes:

Jane’s Patisserie: Deliciously customisable cakes, bakes and treats. THE NO.1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/1529109426/ref=cmswwrcppapiglttfabcJDY51R6V5BKSZ18SH55B

She also has a website with even more recipes. Have tried several & they work great.

I was just going to suggest Jane’s Patisserie but see that @APurpleSquirrel has already suggested it!

Straightforward recipes that work, from the UK (no weird ingredients) and YouTube videos if you’re trying something completely new. I recommend to friends and family regularly!

www.janespatisserie.com/2020/04/22/millionaires-shortbread-2/

www.janespatisserie.com/2015/03/23/triple-chocolate-chip-crinkle-cookies/

The choc chip cookies are hugely popular with my colleagues! There are so many different recipes for all kinds of things, from the simple Victoria sponge/ cookies, through to layered cakes and ombré icing.