October is National Dessert Month! The perfect excuse to head into the kitchen and whip up something delicious! Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, your library has your next inspiration.

Browse Our Cookbooks:
From timeless classics to trendy treats, our cookbook collection is full of dessert recipes for every skill level. Learn to make flaky pies, rich cakes, international sweets, and more.

Borrow Bakeware:
Did you know we lend out cake pans? Whether you’re baking a birthday cake or trying your hand at something new, check out our collection of specialty pans — no need to buy your own.

Not Sure Where to Start?
Let our staff help you find the perfect book to match your baking goals. There’s nothing like turning the pages of a great cookbook and getting inspired to create something sweet.

Celebrate National Dessert Month by checking out a cookbook (or a cake pan!) and treating yourself to a homemade dessert. Your next great bake starts at the library!

What would National Dessert Month be without a new recipe? Below the book list is a family-favorite dessert recipe – passed down generations from my great-grandmother. May it create fond memories for you and your family.

 

Bake Club: 101 Must-Have Moves for Your Kitchen by Christina Tosi and Shannon Salzano
A fun, hands-on baking guide that empowers home bakers with essential techniques and creative confidence. Featuring 101 foundational “moves” and plenty of encouragement, this book invites readers to play, experiment, and fall in love with baking all over again.

 

Art of the Pie: A Practical Guide to Homemade Crusts, Fillings, and Life by Kate McDermott
A warm and approachable guide that blends expert pie-making techniques with heartfelt life lessons. With step-by-step instructions, personal stories, and a generous dose of encouragement, McDermott helps bakers of all levels create delicious pies from scratch while savoring the joy of the process.

 

What’s for Dessert by Claire Saffitz
A collection of approachable yet inventive dessert recipes designed for both novice and seasoned bakers. With her signature clarity and encouragement, Saffitz guides readers through a variety of sweet treats that emphasize flavor, texture, and simplicity.

 

A Bake for All Seasons with recipes by Paul Hollywood, Prue Leith & the bakers
For both The Great British Baking Show fans and newbies, this book brings together the creativity of The Great British Bake Off bakers alongside judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, offering recipes inspired by the flavors and ingredients of each season. From springtime tarts to cozy winter bakes, this collection celebrates seasonal baking with fresh ideas and stunning results for every time of year.

 

The Weeknight Dessert Cookbook by Mary Younkin
Eighty quick and easy dessert recipes that require just 5 to 15 minutes of prep time; perfect for busy evenings. From rich chocolate treats to fruity favorites, this collection makes it simple to enjoy homemade sweets without spending hours in the kitchen.

 

Baker Bettie’s Better Baking Book by Kristin Hoffman
A thorough guide that demystifies classic baking techniques, offering step-by-step instructions and approachable recipes to help bakers of all levels build confidence in the kitchen. With a strong focus on foundational skills and understanding the “why” behind the methods, this book empowers readers to bake with both creativity and precision.

 

The Little Prairie Book of Berries by Sheryl Normandeau
Celebrates the unique and flavorful berries of the Canadian Prairies with a collection of delicious, approachable recipes. From saskatoons to sea buckthorn and haskap berries, this book highlights local ingredients and offers creative ways to enjoy them in both sweet and savory dishes.

 

100 Cookies: The Baking Book for Every Kitchen with Classic Cookies, Novel Treats, Brownies, Bars, and More by Sarah Kieffer
A thorough baking book that features a diverse collection of cookie recipes—from timeless classics to inventive new treats, including brownies and bars. With clear instructions and stunning photography, it’s designed for bakers of all levels looking to elevate their cookie game in any kitchen.

 

Baking yesteryear: the best recipes from the 1900s to the 1980s by B. Dylan Hollis
A nostalgic journey through American baking history, featuring quirky and beloved recipes from each decade between the 1900s and 1980s. With humor, vintage charm, and detailed instructions, Hollis revives forgotten favorites and curious concoctions for the modern home baker.

 

Cake by Maira Kalman
A whimsical and heartfelt celebration of cake and its place in our lives, blending charming illustrations with personal stories and reflections, as well as recipes. This delightful book invites readers to savor the joy, memory, and meaning that a simple slice of cake can bring.

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Great Grandma Foreman’s Cherry Dessert Salad

My family traditionally served this dish at fall and winter holiday meals, but it also works as a light and oh-so-sweet spring or summer treat. 

Ingredients: 

  • 2 14.5 oz. cans tart cherries (undrained)
  • ½ C. tapioca pearls (small to medium sized)
  • ½ C. white sugar
  • 1 tsp. almond extract
  • whipped cream or topping
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients except the almond extract and whipped cream/topping.
  2. Cook on medium heat until tapioca is clear, stirring occasionally so it does not burn.
  3. Stir in the almond extract.
  4. Place mixture in a large bowl to cool for 10 minutes, and then to the fridge to fully cool.
  5. Before serving, cover the top of the cooled salad with the whipped cream/topping.