Frosting

Nothing says festive as eloquently as a towering white coconut cake, and this particular one is breathtaking. Better yet, it's delicious—we've brushed each layer with a syrup made from coconut water and sugar to ensure that every bite is succulent. Shreds of delicate fresh coconut far surpass the packaged kind.

This recipe was created by Melissa Murphy of the Sweet Melissa Patisseries in Brooklyn, New York. To fill, frost, and decorate the Lemon-Raspberry Wedding Cake, you'll need to make this recipe three times. For each batch, be sure to use a mixing bowl that can hold at least 5 quarts.

This frosting is fluffy and foolproof. For ease, use a handheld electric mixer.

The original financier was an almond pastry created by a 19th-century Parisian pastry chef for his wealthy banker clients. This chocolate version is worth its weight in gold.

Brandi Neuwirth of Cary, North Carolina, writes: "My family and I moved here from Los Angeles last year, and my new surroundings have really influenced my cooking. There's a great farmers' market nearby where I get lots of local ingredients. The produce there inspired me to create this dish, which is a real taste of the South."

Editor's note: This recipe is from Michele Adams's and Gia Russo's book Wedding Showers: Ideas & Recipes for the Perfect Party. This recipe originally accompanied Double Chocolate Raspberry Cake. You can enhance the flavor of this frosting recipe with extracts of orange or mint if frosting a plain chocolate cake. Make this frosting up to two days in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to use.

The recipe and introductory text below are from Amy Sedaris's I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence.

This recipe is used to prepare Chocolate Orange Dobostorte.

One buttercream base makes two frosting flavors. Vanilla tops the orange cupcakes , and almond tops the devil's food . Be sure to use unsprayed (nontoxic) roses for decoration.

This recipe originally accompanied Chocolate Layer Cake with Chocolate-Raspberry Frosting.

This frosting goes with the recipe for Incredible Melted Ice-Cream Cake

This recipe is an accompaniment for Blueberry-Lemon Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting .

This recipe was created to accompany Chocolate Strawberry Orance Wedding Cake .