Cakes & Pies

Vanilla versions of cakes and pies are classic. Perfect for pairing with just about any frosting, topping, or filling, they’re like a backdrop of inspiration just waiting to be jazzed up. But here, pure vanilla flavor is the jazzy part. Some recipes in this chapter are modernized versions of beloved family recipes I’ve eaten my entire life. Others are my take on classic cakes and pies, with the vanilla flavor amped way up—the show-stopping Vanilla Cloud Cake will make even the most ardent chocolate cake lovers doubt their dedication. All are timeless, versatile, and ultimate crowd-pleasers.