100 afternoon sweets With snacking cakes, brownies, blondies, and more

Kieffer's (100 Morning Treats, 2023) fifth cookbook bursts with delectable sweets created and perfected by the author. Kieffer draws readers into each recipe with chatty introductory notes. Her engaging voice is encouraging for the cook and descriptive of the mouthwatering virtues of her recipes. Kieffer, clearly smitten with her own recipes, claims many favorites (double chocolate cake, passion fruit s'mores pie, brownies 2.0). Her enthusiasm is refreshing and contagious. She touts her rough puff pastry for giant Pop Tarts, noting that "sprinkles are optional, but way more fun." Recipes are grouped into eight chapters, from simple one-bowl bakes and no-bakes to pies and weekend projects. The chapter "Recipes for a Crowd" features Kieffer originals: Minnesota sheet cake, blueberry crumble bars, and coffee blondies. Every recipe has numbered steps and a beautiful, tempting photo of the sweet. Kieffer adds bonuses in the form of recipes for "extras" (streusel, caramel, magic shell), snappy quotes, and a "Music To Bake To" playlist. Kieffer's book is attractive, useful, and fun--a pleasure for browsing and baking.

Kieffer (author of the LJ Best Book 100 Morning Treats) is back with 100 more bakes to make readers happy. Recipes are straightforward, with uncomplicated directions and ingredients that can be found in a common pantry. All the classic bars, brownies, and no-bakes are covered, along with a bunch of innovative recipes, such as creamy raspberry bars. Kieffer also simplifies many complicated sweets into manageable bakes while preserving the flavor, as she does with jam-filled donut cake. Those familiar with Kieffer's books will recognize the signature layout and will forgive small font and mid-recipe page breaks amid her encouraging tone, helpful hints, and delectable photography. She closes with two chapters covering all the tried-and-true recipes that literally are the frosting, meringue, or ganache on the cake. Do readers need another snacking-cake cookbook? The answer is of course, just like they need a piece of pretzel shortbread with their afternoon coffee. VERDICT Another solid addition to Kieffer's growing library of baking books, bound to be in high demand for its breadth of recipes and flavors and trending subject.--Sarah Tansley