The holidays bring out the best in home kitchens — simple ingredients, big flavors and a combination of recipes passed down through generations alongside new ones taking the internet by storm.

To help make the most of the season, we asked the newspaper's features reporters to turn on their ovens and bake up their favorite cakes. Some chose family standbys. Others tried something completely new or ones that showcase local ingredients.

Each cake is paired with a brief explainer from the writer who baked it, sharing where the recipe comes from and why she decided to bake it for this special cake celebration.

After the photo shoot, the entire newsroom had the chance to try a slice — or all six. Each cake found fans along the way.

Maybe you’ll find a new favorite among them. Maybe one will

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