Festive cakes you don't need a culinary degree to make! 🧑‍🎓


Hey friends❣️

My philosophy in the kitchen is simple: food shouldn’t be overworked, over-decorated, or over-thought. The goal is always the same ~ to eat and enjoy it! I love good-looking food, but the visuals should enhance, not disguise. And if a cake is exhausting to make, it’s probably not worth it.

This brand new holiday cake proves my point ~ easy to mix, beautiful out of the oven, and completely irresistible once you cut into it. (And it won't be out of place on your January brunch table.)

Vanilla Cranberry Bundt Cake


Simple festive bakes grandma would love

clockwise from top left

  1. Gingerbread Cake
  2. Morning Glory Cake
  3. Honeybun Cake
  4. Honey Cake
  5. Nyakers Gingersnap Cake Recipe
  6. Cardamom Coffee Cake
  7. Pumpkin Doughnut Cake Cardamom Coffee Cake
  8. French Pistachio Cake
  9. Honeycrisp Apple Cake
  10. Cranberry Orange Cake


what you're loving lately

Chewy Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

These cookies were delicious. I love your idea of letting the pumpkin purée drain. I actually added one more step. I put the dough in the fridge for about two hours. That made it so easy to handle. I also added Maldovan salt to the top to give it a gourmet flair. Thank you so much for all your wonderful recipes. I’ve been following you for over 10 years and you are the best! Happy Thanksgiving 2025. 😀
DARLENE

Reviews from readers like you are a big part of what makes a recipe website like the View from Great Island the perfect place to find your next delicious bite.

When you make a recipe I encourage you to leave a review (and don't forget those 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟!) Whether you made the recipe as written, or changed it up in creative ways, your feedback and conversations help keep our community going strong. Thank you!


Sue Moran

I love to make delicious food, photograph it, and write about it, but mostly, I just love to EAT. Isn’t that what it’s all about? My recipes are bold and vibrant, but totally approachable ~ and my philosophy? We should all have the tools to feed ourselves well, and the confidence to cut loose a little in the kitchen. Food should be fun!

The View from Great Island, Madison, WI 53719
Unsubscribe · Preferences

The View from Great Island

Subscribe for a daily dose of delicious. Hungry folks of all skill levels will get first look at new recipes plus lots of subscriber-only content. Questions? Just click reply!

Read more from The View from Great Island
pumpkin orzo

Hey friends❣️ My Monday emails always seem to take a practical turn, almost without me realizing it ~ but it makes sense. I’ve just cleared away the dishes from Sunday dinner, and now I’m staring down a brand new week with zero plan for what to eat. Good thing there’s coffee. ☕️ Cheesy Pumpkin Orzo with Turkey Meatballs Fresh up on the site today is a meal that appeals to all ages. I use canned pumpkin but you could just as easily roast a butternut squash (or any other variety) and use that....

holiday appetizers

Hey friends❣️ Popping in today with some useful holiday entertaining tidbits and, as promised, your free gift! Show Stopping Holiday Appetizers Of course all this great appetizer inspiration isn't just for the holidays, the winter months are long and can be dreary if not for the odd party or two. Here's how to set the festive mood right from the start! How to Set the Table 99% of the time I set a super casual table. I’ve got a stash of plaid napkins, and I just roll up the silverware and tuck...

Thanksgiving Salads

Hey friends❣️ I'm all about Thanksgiving today, no surprise there. But it's extra personal for me this year because, for the first time in ages, I'm hosting! And after so many years in the guest role, I'm a little rusty. I like to work from the outside in when I plan holiday menus, so today I'm starting with the little extras that make the day special. But I'll be back tomorrow with more holiday inspiration (and a special gift for you ~ watch your inbox!!) Thanksgiving Salads That Might Just...