15 Cake Recipes to Sweeten Your Day

15 Cake Recipes to Sweeten Your Day

ByCook Maniac Team Reading Time: 13 minutes

Cakes are a delightful treat loved by many. You can find cakes for every occasion, from birthdays to holidays, making them a staple in celebrations. A variety of flavors and styles means there’s a cake recipe out there for everyone to enjoy.

A cluttered kitchen counter with scattered ingredients, mixing bowls, and a recipe book open to a page on cake recipes

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, creating a cake from scratch can be a rewarding experience. This article will inspire you to try new recipes and make delicious cakes using simple ingredients. You’ll discover that baking can be a fun way to express your creativity and share joy with others.

1) Classic Chocolate Cake

A classic chocolate cake sits on a vintage cake stand, adorned with a dusting of cocoa powder and a dollop of whipped cream

A classic chocolate cake is a favorite for many. It combines rich chocolate flavor with a moist texture. You can make it for birthdays, parties, or just because you want a sweet treat.

To start, gather your ingredients. It typically includes flour, cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, butter, and baking powder. Using room temperature ingredients helps create a smooth batter.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pans to prevent sticking. After mixing your ingredients, pour the batter into the pans.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready to cool.

Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 cup butter
  • 4 eggs

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease your cake pans.
  3. Mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and baking powder.
  4. Add butter and eggs; mix until smooth.
  5. Pour batter into pans.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
  7. Cool before serving.

2) Moist Carrot Cake

A moist carrot cake sits on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by fresh carrots, walnuts, and a dollop of creamy frosting

This moist carrot cake is a favorite for many. It’s filled with flavors and textures that make each bite a delight. You’ll love the combination of grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts.

To make this cake, you’ll need some basic ingredients. Once baked, top it off with a simple cream cheese frosting for an extra treat. The frosting complements the cake perfectly.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 4 eggs

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the flour, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Add eggs and oil; mix until combined.
  4. Stir in carrots, pineapple, and walnuts.
  5. Pour into a greased cake pan.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
  7. Let cool before frosting.

3) Vanilla Bean Layer Cake

A vanilla bean layer cake sits on a white cake stand, surrounded by fresh vanilla beans and a dusting of powdered sugar

A Vanilla Bean Layer Cake is a delightful option for any celebration. It combines rich flavors with a light texture, making it a favorite for many. The tiny flecks of vanilla bean add a touch of elegance and enhance the taste.

To start, gather the ingredients for a tender cake that bakes perfectly every time. This recipe is great for creating multiple layers, allowing you to stack and frost as you like.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour your cake pans.
  3. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla bean paste.
  5. Alternate adding flour and milk, mixing until combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
  7. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

4) Lemon Drizzle Cake

A vibrant kitchen scene with a freshly baked Lemon Drizzle Cake cooling on a wire rack, surrounded by scattered lemon zest and a few whole lemons

Lemon drizzle cake is a delightful treat that combines sweetness with a tangy lemon flavor. This cake is moist and fluffy, perfect for any occasion.

To make it, you will need basic ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and of course, fresh lemons. The cake often has lemon zest and juice mixed in for that refreshing taste.

You can enjoy this cake as a snack or dessert. It pairs wonderfully with tea and can be served plain or with a drizzle of icing.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
  4. Gradually add the flour and baking powder, then mix in the lemon zest and juice.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.

5) Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A luscious red velvet cake sits on a white cake stand, topped with creamy swirls of tangy cream cheese frosting

Red velvet cake is a classic choice for many celebrations. Its rich color and flavor make it a favorite among dessert lovers. Topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, this cake is both moist and delicious.

To make this cake, start by preparing your ingredients. You will need flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, buttermilk, eggs, vegetable oil, and red food coloring. The cream cheese frosting requires cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.

Next, mix the dry ingredients together. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Gradually blend the wet mixture into the dry ingredients for a smooth batter. Pour the batter into greased cake pans and bake at 350°F (177°C) until done.

After the cakes cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting between the layers and on top. Enjoy your delightful red velvet cake!

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp red food coloring
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • ½ cup butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
  2. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
  3. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, oil, and food coloring.
  5. Combine the wet and dry mixtures until smooth.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
  9. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  10. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.
  11. Frost the cooled cakes as desired.

6) Rich Coffee Cake

A table set with a freshly baked rich coffee cake, surrounded by ingredients and kitchen utensils

Rich coffee cake is a delightful treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack. It has a tender crumb and a sweet, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with coffee. You can enjoy it plain or add toppings like nuts or a glaze for extra flavor.

To make this cake, you start by creaming together butter and sugar. Then, you mix in the eggs before adding flour, baking powder, and salt. The result is a moist cake that bakes to golden perfection in under an hour.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
  5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
  6. Add milk and mix until smooth.
  7. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
  8. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7) Zesty Orange Bundt Cake

A zesty orange bundt cake cooling on a wire rack, surrounded by fresh oranges and a scattering of orange zest

You will love making a Zesty Orange Bundt Cake! This cake is full of bright orange flavor. It combines orange zest and fresh orange juice, making each bite a delight.

Start by preparing your bundt pan to prevent sticking. The cake comes out best when the pan is greased well.

Once baked, you can top this cake with a sweet orange glaze. It adds a zesty finish that enhances the flavor. This cake is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Zest of 2 oranges
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a bundt pan with butter or cooking spray.
  3. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
  4. In another bowl, beat sugar, buttermilk, oil, and eggs.
  5. Add orange zest, juice, and vanilla to the wet mixture.
  6. Combine dry and wet ingredients until just mixed.
  7. Pour the batter into the bundt pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack.

8) Decadent Cheesecake

A decadent cheesecake surrounded by fresh berries and drizzled with rich chocolate sauce

Decadent cheesecake is a rich and creamy dessert that impresses everyone. You can enjoy a classic version or try different flavors like chocolate or peanut butter. Each bite is smooth and satisfying.

To make this cheesecake, you will need some basic ingredients. Cream cheese is essential for that creamy texture. Adding sour cream gives it extra richness.

Ingredients

  • 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) sugar
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • 1 cup (120 g) cookie crumbs (for crust)
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) butter, melted

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

  2. Mix cookie crumbs and melted butter in a bowl.

  3. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.

  4. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

  5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

  6. Stir in sour cream until combined.

  7. Pour the filling over the crust in the pan.

  8. Bake for 55-70 minutes, or until the center is set.

  9. Let it cool completely before serving.

9) Ultimate Marble Cake

A marble cake batter being swirled in a mixing bowl, surrounded by ingredients like flour, sugar, and cocoa powder on a countertop

This Ultimate Marble Cake is a delightful mix of chocolate and vanilla flavors. It’s perfect for any occasion or just as a treat for yourself.

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).

Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. This helps the cake come out easily.

In a bowl, mix together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.

Then, in another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

You’ll want to add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

Next, divide the batter in half.

Stir in cocoa powder and a little water into one half for the chocolate layer.

Alternate spooning the batters into the pans to create a beautiful swirl.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before serving. Enjoy the deliciousness!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of cake flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup water

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
  2. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
  3. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
  4. Cream butter and sugar in another bowl until fluffy.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
  6. Divide the batter in half.
  7. Mix cocoa powder and water into one half.
  8. Alternate spooning batters into the pans.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
  10. Cool before serving.

10) Banana Walnut Cake

A freshly baked banana walnut cake cooling on a wire rack, surrounded by scattered walnuts and ripe bananas

Banana walnut cake is a delicious treat you can enjoy anytime. Its moist texture, rich flavor, and crunchy walnuts make it a favorite for many. It’s a great way to use overripe bananas.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need ripe bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking powder, baking soda, and walnuts.

The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar, then mix in the bananas and eggs. Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring until combined.

Next, fold in the chopped walnuts.

Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. Let it cool before slicing.

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cream butter and sugar together.
  3. Mix in bananas and eggs.
  4. Add flour, baking powder, and baking soda; stir until combined.
  5. Fold in chopped walnuts.
  6. Pour batter into a greased pan.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
  8. Let cool before slicing.

11) Matcha Green Tea Cake

A slice of matcha green tea cake on a delicate plate with a drizzle of icing and a sprinkle of matcha powder. A cup of green tea sits beside it

Matcha green tea cake is a delightful treat that’s full of flavor. It features the earthy taste of matcha powder, which gives the cake a beautiful green color. The cake is soft, light, and perfect for any occasion.

To make this cake, you will combine eggs, sugar, flour, and matcha among other ingredients. You can enjoy it plain or with a creamy frosting. This cake pairs well with tea for a perfect afternoon snack.

Ingredients

  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup (200g) sugar
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons matcha powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
  • Optional: frosting of your choice

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar until fluffy.
  3. Mix in flour, matcha, and baking powder.
  4. Add oil and buttermilk, stirring gently.
  5. Pour the batter into a prepared pan.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

12) Coconut Lime Cake

A coconut lime cake sits on a rustic wooden table, garnished with fresh lime slices and shredded coconut. A soft, natural light illuminates the dessert

Coconut Lime Cake is a delightful treat that combines zesty lime and fluffy coconut flavors. The cake is moist and refreshing, perfect for any occasion. You’ll love how easy it is to make!

You start by mixing self-raising flour, sugar, butter, eggs, coconut, and lime zest. The ingredients blend together to create a light batter.

Pour it into a pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden.

Once baked, you can top it with coconut whipped cream and fresh lime slices. This adds a beautiful finish, making the cake even more special.

Ingredients

  • 225g self-raising flour
  • 225g caster sugar
  • 225g butter (softened)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 100g desiccated coconut
  • 2 tsp finely grated lime zest
  • Lime juice (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and lime zest.
  3. Add softened butter and eggs. Mix well.
  4. Stir in desiccated coconut until combined.
  5. Pour the batter into a prepared cake pan.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Let it cool and top with coconut whipped cream and lime slices. Enjoy!

13) Strawberry Shortcake

A table set with fresh strawberries, a mixing bowl, flour, and sugar. A freshly baked strawberry shortcake sits in the center

Strawberry shortcake is a delightful dessert that combines layers of soft cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. It’s perfect for summer gatherings and celebrations.

To start, you prepare the strawberries by slicing them and mixing them with sugar. This helps release their natural juices.

Next, you make a simple cake batter using flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and half-and-half. Bake it at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.

Once the cake is ready, cut it in half and layer it with strawberries and whipped cream. Repeat the layers until you reach the top.

Enjoy every bite of this classic treat!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of sliced strawberries
  • 1/4 cup of sugar
  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 cup of butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup of half-and-half
  • Whipped cream for topping

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice the strawberries and mix with sugar.
  3. Make the cake batter by combining flour, sugar, and butter.
  4. Add eggs and half-and-half; mix until well combined.
  5. Pour the batter into a pan and bake until golden brown.
  6. Allow the cake to cool and then slice it in half.
  7. Layer with strawberries and whipped cream.
  8. Repeat layers, finishing with cream on top.

14) Almond Honey Cake

A golden almond honey cake surrounded by scattered almonds and drizzled with honey

Almond Honey Cake is a delightful treat that balances sweetness with a rich almond flavor. This cake is moist and tender, thanks to the combination of almond flour and honey.

To start, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

Prepare an 8-inch round cake pan by lining it with parchment paper.

This cake is simple to make. Begin by mixing together the dry ingredients. Then, cream the butter and sugar in another bowl.

Add your honey for extra moisture and flavor.

Bake the cake until it’s golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool before serving.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups almond flour
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup honey
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Line an 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper.
  3. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
  4. Cream butter and sugar in another bowl.
  5. Add honey and mix well.
  6. Incorporate eggs one at a time.
  7. Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
  8. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until done.
  10. Let cool before serving.

15) Pumpkin Spice Cake

A rustic kitchen counter with a freshly baked pumpkin spice cake cooling on a wire rack, surrounded by scattered ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves

Pumpkin spice cake is a tasty treat that welcomes the flavors of fall. It combines warm spices with the rich taste of pumpkin, making it perfect for any gathering.

You only need a few simple ingredients to whip up this delicious cake. You can use boxed cake mix for a quick prep or make it from scratch if you prefer.

Top it with cream cheese frosting for extra flavor. This cake is sure to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

  • 1 box spice cake mix
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 3 large eggs
  • Cream cheese frosting (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine the cake mix, pumpkin puree, and eggs.
  3. Mix until smooth.
  4. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Let it cool and frost as desired.

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