As comforting and appealing as a favorite armchair or a cozy robe, warm-from-the-oven classic desserts make everyone feel good. Here are more than 250 mouth-watering recipes that every home baker will rely on when a homemade dessert is required. Whatever the occasion might be, the perfect treat is described with clear instructions that are easy to follow and guaranteed to yield delicious results.

These are cakes that children request for their birthdays, the whoopee pies and blondies that are the first things to go at bake sales, the shortcake that celebrates the strawberry season, and the pies and cobblers that accompany the apple harvest. When a friend who is sick with the flu needs cheering, a dense, not-too-sweet gingerbread lifts the spirits. Rough week at work? Creamy, raisiny rice pudding soothes jangled nerves. And when a child is going through an I-hate-cake phase, surprise her with a frozen chocolate mint ice cream cake.

With 40 cookie creations, 42 pretty pies, 36 fruity crisps and cobblers, and puddings, meringues, squares, slumps, bombs, and buckles galore, the possibilities for sweet satisfaction are endless. Bakers will also find just right recipes for the crusts, frostings, toppings, and classics. Little-known food anecdotes and historical tidbits drawn from three centuries of cookery books round out this addictive dessert collection. It's just the thing for every baker.