Electric Mixer

Shortbread cookie crust meets airy filling.

At the turn of the century, folks were feeling devilish, no longer satisfied with angel food cake, the evangelical treat of the late 1800s. They wanted chocolate and plenty of it, and devil's food cake filled the bill.

This moist orange-flavored soufflé is rich with white chocolate. Offer snifters of orange liqueur to sip alongside.

In this terrific take on the classic Linzer-torte, an almond-cinnamon cookie crust is the delicious base for layers of chocolate and raspberries with raspberry jam. Cookie-crust stars top the whole thing off.

Although they are baked, these intensely chocolaty bar cookies resemble fudge more than brownies. To retain the creamy texture, keep them in an airtight tin at room temperature for up to a week. If the bars are refrigerated, their texture will become more dense.

These delicate crisps resemble rolled tuiles. Using an offset spatula makes spreading the batter much easier.

A vacherin includes layers of meringue with a creamy filling; its name derives from its resemblance to the rich, round French and Swiss cheeses of the same name. Begin preparing this lovely dessert at least one day before you plan to serve it. Once assembled, the torte can be frozen for up to four days.

"I was at a conference in West Vancouver, British Columbia, when I discovered Salmon House on the Hill," writes Beth D'Ambrosio of Pittsford, New York. "The one thing more breathtaking than the restaurant's view was dessert: a slice of impossibly rich chocolate cake topped with raspberry sorbet." This dense and fudgy flourless chocolate cake isn’t baked—it’s steamed on top of the stove. The cake will puff up while it steams and fall as it cools.

Whether you serve this in individual goblets or a pretty bowl, garnish it with fresh mint and whipped cream for a festive look.

This surprisingly rich-tasting custard has much less fat than the classic version made with egg yolks. In another twist, we call for vin santo instead of the conventional choice, Marsala.

If time is short, omit the streusel topping.

Pumpkin adds beautiful color to the all-American cheesecake while pecan praline makes a southern-style topping. Begin preparing this cake a day ahead.