15 Cake Recipes from Scratch to Delight Your Taste Buds

15 Cake Recipes from Scratch to Delight Your Taste Buds

ByCook Maniac Team Reading Time: 13 minutes

Baking cakes from scratch can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. You can create delicious, homemade cakes that are perfect for any occasion. Not only will you impress your family and friends, but you will also enjoy the process of making something from the heart.

A kitchen counter with mixing bowls, flour, eggs, and sugar for cake recipes from scratch

Using fresh ingredients and simple techniques, you can customize flavors and decorations to suit your taste. Each recipe you try will add to your skills and confidence in the kitchen. Join the journey of baking and discover the joy of making cakes from scratch.

1) Classic Chocolate Cake

You can make a delicious classic chocolate cake from scratch that everyone will love. It’s a simple recipe with easy-to-find ingredients. This cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because you want something sweet.

For the batter, you will need butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. Cocoa powder gives it that rich chocolate flavor. Don’t forget the baking soda to help it rise!

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup butter, softened
  • 1-2/3 cups sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup baking cocoa
  • 1-1/4 teaspoons baking soda

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour your cake pan.
  3. In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and sugar until smooth.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
  5. Gradually add the flour, cocoa, and baking soda, mixing until combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  7. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes.

2) Lemon Ricotta Layer Cake

Making a lemon ricotta layer cake is a delightful experience. The ricotta cheese adds moisture and creaminess to the cake, while the lemon gives it a bright and fresh flavor.

A rustic kitchen counter with fresh lemons, ricotta cheese, and baking ingredients scattered around. A finished Lemon Ricotta Layer Cake sits on a wooden cake stand

To make this cake, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want to prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition.

Next, fold in ricotta cheese and lemon zest, followed by the flour mixture. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Let the cakes cool before frosting. Enjoy a slice of this light and delicious dessert!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line with parchment.
  3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
  6. Fold in ricotta cheese and lemon zest.
  7. Stir in the flour mixture.
  8. Pour batter into prepared pans.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
  10. Cool before frosting.

3) Moist Carrot Cake

A moist carrot cake is a delightful treat that you can easily make from scratch. It’s filled with fresh carrots, spices, and often includes nuts or pineapple for added flavor.

A mixing bowl filled with grated carrots, flour, sugar, and eggs, surrounded by ingredients such as cinnamon, nuts, and vanilla extract on a kitchen counter

To start, you will need a few simple ingredients. The key to its moistness is the addition of vegetable oil. This helps keep the cake soft for several days.

You can top your cake with cream cheese frosting, which complements the flavors perfectly.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients.
  3. In another bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and oil together.
  4. Stir in the carrots and pineapple.
  5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
  6. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness.

4) Velvety Red Velvet Cake

Making a red velvet cake from scratch is a fun experience. This cake is known for its bright red color and soft texture. You will love the combination of flavors, including a hint of chocolate and tangy buttermilk.

A pristine kitchen counter displays a freshly baked red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, surrounded by scattered ingredients and utensils

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need red food coloring, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, kosher salt, buttermilk, and cream cheese for the frosting.

Ingredients

  • 1 (1-ounce) bottle red food coloring
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1½ cups whole buttermilk

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
  3. In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, food coloring, and vanilla.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then bake for 25-30 minutes.
  6. Cool the cakes, then frost with cream cheese frosting.

5) Rich Coffee Cake

Rich coffee cake is a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee. Its buttery flavor and soft texture make it a favorite for any occasion.

A vintage kitchen table with a freshly baked rich coffee cake, surrounded by ingredients and utensils for scratch baking

To prepare this cake, you start by creaming butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Combine dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt for the perfect balance.

You can add a cinnamon swirl for extra flavor. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown. The smell will fill your kitchen and make everyone eager to taste a slice.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cream the butter and sugar together.
  3. Add eggs, mixing well after each one.
  4. In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
  6. Stir in the vanilla and cinnamon.
  7. Pour batter into a greased pan.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6) Fluffy Vanilla Cake

Making a fluffy vanilla cake from scratch is a delightful way to enjoy baking. This cake is soft, tender, and perfect for any celebration or just a treat at home.

A mixing bowl filled with flour, sugar, and eggs, surrounded by measuring cups and spoons, with a bottle of vanilla extract on the counter

You will need simple ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and vanilla. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that light texture.

For the best results, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps to incorporate air into the batter, giving your cake a nice rise.

Bake your cake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour your cake pans.
  3. In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Stir in the milk and vanilla.
  6. Mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  7. Pour the batter into prepared pans.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
  9. Cool before serving.

7) Decadent Cheesecake

Making a decadent cheesecake from scratch is easier than you think. This creamy dessert is perfect for special occasions or just to treat yourself.

A lavish spread of ingredients: cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla, surrounded by bowls of crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and fresh berries

Start with a buttery crust made from crushed cookies. A rich filling combines cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla for a smooth texture.

Bake it slowly at 325°F (163°C) until the center is set but still slightly wobbly. Let it cool, and you’ll have a delicious cheesecake that everyone will love.

Ingredients

  • 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (100 g) crushed cookies (for the crust)
  • ½ cup (113 g) butter, melted (for the crust)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix crushed cookies and melted butter. Press into a springform pan.
  3. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and eggs, mixing well.
  4. Pour filling over the crust and bake for 50-60 minutes.
  5. Let it cool before serving.

8) Zesty Lemon Bundt Cake

This Zesty Lemon Bundt Cake is perfect for lemon lovers. It’s moist and packed with fresh lemon flavor. You will enjoy the delightful lemon glaze drizzled on top.

A zesty lemon bundt cake cooling on a wire rack, surrounded by fresh lemons and a dusting of powdered sugar

To make it, start by gathering your ingredients. The cake will be light and fluffy, making it great for any gathering.

You can serve this cake as a dessert or even with afternoon tea. Each bite will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • Zest of 3 lemons
  • 1 tablespoon lemon extract
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. Grease and flour a Bundt pan.
  3. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. In another bowl, whisk the sugar, oil, eggs, buttermilk, lemon zest, and extract.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
  6. Pour into the pan and bake for 45-50 minutes.
  7. Cool and drizzle with lemon glaze.

9) Peanut Butter Cake

A mixing bowl filled with flour, sugar, and peanut butter, surrounded by measuring cups and a whisk on a kitchen counter

Peanut butter cake is a delightful treat that you can easily make from scratch. This cake is moist and tender, perfect for any occasion. The creamy peanut butter frosting adds a rich flavor that everyone will love.

You can make this cake using simple ingredients like peanut butter, flour, and sugar. It’s a great way to satisfy your sweet cravings. Serve it at parties or enjoy a slice with your coffee.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter and butter until smooth.
  3. Add sugar, and blend well.
  4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
  5. Stir in milk and vanilla extract.
  6. In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking powder.
  7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
  8. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
  9. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  10. Let cool before frosting with peanut butter frosting. Enjoy!

10) Strawberry Shortcake

A kitchen counter with fresh strawberries, flour, sugar, and a mixing bowl for making strawberry shortcake from scratch

Strawberry shortcake is a delightful dessert perfect for spring and summer. You’ll love how easy it is to make from scratch. The key components are a light cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream.

Start with a fluffy vanilla cake as your base. Slice sweet strawberries and mix them with a little sugar to enhance their flavor. Don’t forget the homemade whipped cream for the top!

This treat looks beautiful and tastes even better. It’s ideal for gatherings or just a fun dessert at home. Your family and friends will enjoy every bite!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (for whipped cream)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add softened butter, milk, and eggs. Beat until smooth.
  4. Pour batter into greased pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  5. Let the cakes cool, then slice them in half.
  6. Mix strawberries with sugar and let sit.
  7. Whip the cream with sugar until soft peaks form.
  8. Layer strawberries and whipped cream between the cake layers.
  9. Top with more strawberries and cream before serving.

11) Cookies and Cream Cake

A kitchen counter with ingredients, mixing bowls, and a stand mixer, surrounded by recipe books and a freshly baked cookies and cream cake

Making a Cookies and Cream Cake from scratch is fun and satisfying. This cake has a light and fluffy base, perfect for holding the delicious cookie bits.

You’ll want to start by mixing a white cake batter. As you prepare the batter, crush some Oreo cookies to mix in. This adds a delightful crunch and rich flavor.

Bake the cake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown. Once it’s cooled, frost with a creamy cookies and cream buttercream.

Enjoy each slice for a sweet treat at any gathering!

Ingredients

  • 1 package white cake mix
  • 1-1/4 cups water
  • 1/3 cup canola oil
  • 3 large egg whites
  • 10 Oreo cookies, coarsely crushed

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour your cake pan.
  3. In a large bowl, mix cake mix, water, oil, and egg whites.
  4. Beat for 2 minutes on medium speed.
  5. Fold in crushed Oreo cookies.
  6. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Let cool before frosting.

12) Traditional Rum Cake

A rustic kitchen with vintage baking tools and ingredients for traditional rum cake

Traditional rum cake is a delightful dessert that brings a warm, rich flavor to any gathering. It’s often made with a buttery cake base and soaked in a sweet rum glaze. This cake is perfect for celebrations and comforting family dinners.

To start, you will need ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and of course, your favorite rum. Mixing these together creates a soft and moist cake that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup dark rum
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a bundt pan.
  3. In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
  4. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well.
  5. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.
  6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
  7. Stir in the rum until just combined.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  9. Bake for 50-60 minutes.
  10. Let cool before removing from the pan.

13) Classic Pound Cake

A vintage kitchen with a wooden table, mixing bowls, and ingredients laid out to make a classic pound cake from scratch

Classic pound cake is simple and delicious. Its name comes from the traditional recipe that uses a pound of each main ingredient: butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. This results in a rich and buttery flavor.

To start, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a fluffy texture. Mix the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Next, gently fold in the flour. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool before slicing.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a loaf pan.
  3. Beat butter and sugar together until fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
  5. Mix in flour and salt slowly.
  6. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
  7. Bake for about 60 minutes.
  8. Cool, then slice and enjoy!

14) Spiced Apple Cake

A rustic kitchen table with a freshly baked spiced apple cake, surrounded by ingredients like apples, cinnamon, and flour

Spiced apple cake is a delicious treat that brings warmth to any gathering. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh apples creates a comforting flavor.

This cake is moist and flavorful. You’ll love the chunks of tender apples mixed in every bite. It’s a simple recipe that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup apples, peeled and chopped

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  3. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. In another bowl, beat sugar and butter together.
  5. Add eggs and mix well.
  6. Gradually add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients.
  7. Fold in the chopped apples gently.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
  9. Allow to cool before serving.

15) Walnut Layer Cake

A rustic kitchen with ingredients for a walnut layer cake laid out on a wooden table, including a bowl of walnuts, flour, eggs, and a recipe book

A Walnut Layer Cake is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich flavor of walnuts pairs wonderfully with creamy frosting, making it a favorite among cake lovers.

To make this cake from scratch, you will need some basic ingredients. Mixing them together gives you a soft and moist cake. Bake it until golden brown and enjoy the wonderful nutty aroma.

You can use cream cheese frosting to elevate the cake’s taste. The frosting adds a nice balance to the walnut flavor, making each slice irresistible.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (250 g) butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) sugar
  • 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup (100 g) chopped walnuts
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

  3. Add eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition.

  4. Gradually mix in the flour and baking powder.

  5. Stir in the chopped walnuts and milk.

  6. Pour the batter into greased and floured round cake pans.

  7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Then, check with a toothpick.

  8. Cool the cakes on wire racks before frosting.

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