In my novel, Art and Soul, one of the characters – Ronnie – owns and runs a cake shop called Sweet’s Cakes (her full name is Sharon Sweet).

In this section you will find recipes for all the cakes which feature in the book. You can also find them in “Baking” with lots of other lovely recipes in the main menu above under Sweet’s Cakes (drop down option). “Baking” is also a category if you scroll down to the right-hand “Topics” menu.

And if you like reading uplifting contemporary romance, why not get yourself a copy of Art and Soul from Amazon?

1. Sponge cake with white icing and multi-coloured sprinkles

This is Charlie’s favourite. He’s the hero of the story, although slightly hopeless at times. Straightforward and an enduring classic – the cake and the character 😉

2. Raspberry ripple sponge cake

One of the most delicious cakes I have ever eaten (and that’s saying something!). This is just one of the tempting delights Ronnie – Becky’s best friend – offers her customers at her bakery, Sweet’s Cakes.

3. Chocolate fudge cake with chocolate buttercream frosting/icing

 This is the favourite of Becky, the story’s heroine. Ridiculously easy to make and just as delicious!

4. Red velvet cake with white chocolate buttercream frosting/icing

Not as “red” as I would have liked, but a rich and yummy treat nonetheless. I’ve also made red velvet mini bundt cakes and red velvet swirl brownies (with a layer of cheesecake).

5. White chocolate layer cake with raspberry buttercream filling

This cake is commissioned from Sweet’s Cakes for Phoebe’s 18th birthday party. In the book it’s in the shape of the number 18 and adorned with various edible models… I didn’t see the need to go that far!

6. Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting

Constantly on sale at Sweet’s Cakes, this is a best seller and also powers Becky and Ronnie through their “putting the world to rights” chats.

7. Cappuccino swirl layer cake

This cake pops up at one of the weddings Becky is working at. It’s the ideal after-dinner cake as it goes perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.

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 Claire Huston / Art and Soul