A party without cake is just a meeting
Julia Child
Sure, making a cake from a box mix is convenient. But you know what's just as easy? Baking a cake from scratch. Techniques like mixing to the right consistency so the cake isn't too heavy may take a bit of trial and error, but if you can use a measuring cup and spoons, you can probably make any of the one or two-layer treats here. And for really special holiday celebrations, give the Bûche de Noël a try. If you mess up, toss it in a large bowl with the whipped cream filling and icing, and call it a trifle. As we say around our test kitchen, cake is always a good idea, whatever form it's in.
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