Start the new year with a positively yummy resolution -- to celebrate each month by making a cake. Few desserts are as universally appreciated as a really good cake. And few mark special occasions nearly as well, perhaps because cutting a cake is such a potent ceremonial moment.

We've invented a calendar of cakes to take you from January to December, suited to the holidays, ingredients, and moods of the seasons. One month may have you carefully crafting a regal anniversary cake; another will find you snacking on warm coffee cake with your best friend on a cool morning. Enjoy making one cake, and then the next. And look ahead once again, knowing there will soon be another reason to celebrate.

January: Martha's Meyer Lemon Anniversary Cake

February: Triple-Chocolate Mousse Cake

March: Cardamom Streusel Coffee Cake

April: Spring Shower Almond Petits Fours

May: Teatime Coconut Layer Cake

June: Cocoa Buttermilk Cake with Scrolled Tuiles

July: Berry Pound Cakes with Whipped Cream

August: Peaches-and-Cream Ice Cream Cake

September: "Bake Sale Cookie" Cupcakes

October: Darkest Chocolate Crepe Cake

November: Apple Pie Cake and Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake

December: Snow-Capped Fruitcake