classic cake recipes

Sometimes, you just need a REALLY good slice of cake.

Not a fussy or overly complicated one. Just a simple, classic cake that tastes amazing.

These are the kinds of recipes that have been loved for years for one simple reason—they’re PERFECT.

They fill your kitchen with the best smell and bring everyone running for a slice.

I’ve put together a list of the most classic, can’t-go-wrong cake recipes out there.

You’ll find something for every occasion, from simple sheet cakes to special birthday cakes.

Whether you’re celebrating something big or just need a Tuesday treat, you’ll find the perfect recipe right here.

1. Chiffon Cake

Chiffon Cake

This Chiffon Cake is light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet—just like the classic version everyone loves.

With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can make a delicious chiffon cake recipe that’s sure to impress.

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2. Lemon Bundt Cake

Lemon Bundt Cake

This Lemon Bundt Cake is a sweet-tart favorite that’s easy to make and always a hit.

With a soft, golden crumb and a rich cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for birthdays or just because.

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3. Swiss Roll

Swiss Roll

This chocolate cake roll is a showstopping treat that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.

Filled with smooth whipped cream and covered in silky chocolate ganache, this Swiss Roll cake is rich, creamy, and perfect for any dessert lover.

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4. Castella cake

Castella cake

This Japanese sponge cake, known as castella, is soft, fluffy, and perfectly moist—just like a cloud. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a touch of whipped cream and fresh berries, this Taiwanese castella cake is a sweet treat that never disappoints.

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5. White Cake Recipe

White Cake Recipe

This white cake recipe turns out soft, fluffy layers every time—perfect for any celebration. Whether you’re baking an 8-inch, 9-inch, or 9×13 sheet cake, it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

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6. Sour cream pound cake

Sour cream pound cake

This sour cream pound cake is soft, rich, and perfect for any occasion.

Made with simple ingredients and a touch of sour cream for extra moisture, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

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7. Yellow Cake Recipe

Yellow Cake Recipe

This classic yellow cake recipe delivers a soft and moist treat that everyone will love.

Pair it with rich chocolate buttercream for a sweet, satisfying bite that’s perfect for any celebration.

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8. Yellow Sheet Cake Recipe

Yellow Sheet Cake Recipe

This homemade yellow cake recipe is easy to make and always a hit at gatherings.

With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a soft, sweet yellow sheet cake ready in no time.

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9. Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

This classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake is soft, buttery, and full of sweet tropical flavor. Each slice brings a perfect mix of juicy pineapple and rich caramel, topped with a cherry for a touch of charm.

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10. Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze

Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze

This easy lemon pound cake is packed with rich sour cream flavor and always turns out moist and delicious.

Perfect for any occasion, it’s a classic old fashioned lemon sour cream pound cake with a bright lemon glaze that makes every slice feel special.

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11. Applesauce Cake

Applesauce Cake

This applesauce cake is softly moist with a cozy flavor from warm spices that make every slice feel like comfort in your mouth.

Perfect for using up leftover applesauce, this easy cake recipe brings sweet, spiced goodness with no fuss.

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12. Lemon Layer Cake

Lemon Layer Cake

This lemon layer cake is light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor in every bite.

Perfect for birthdays or just because, it’s a crowd-pleasing treat that’s easy to make and always a hit.

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13. Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake

This red velvet cake is a show-stopping treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Perfect for celebrations, this fluffy, rich cake with its deep red color and creamy frosting never fails to delight.

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14. Chocolate Bundt Cake

Chocolate Bundt Cake

This Chocolate Bundt Cake is rich, moist, and perfect for any sweet treat craving.

Made with simple ingredients, it’s an effortless way to enjoy a decadent dessert that everyone will love.

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15. Red Velvet Cupcakes

Red Velvet Cupcakes

These Red Velvet Cupcakes are wonderfully moist and come with a hint of chocolate that’s impossible to resist.

Top them off with classic cream cheese frosting for a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

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16. Lemon Pound Cake

Lemon Pound Cake

This Lemon Pound Cake is delightfully moist and full of bright lemon flavor. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

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17. Honey cake

Honey cake

This honey cake is rich, moist, and bursting with sweet honey flavor that’s perfect for birthdays, weddings, or New Year’s celebrations.

Made with simple ingredients and a tangy sour cream frosting, it’s an easy homemade cake that everyone will love.

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18. Chocolate Fudge Cake

Chocolate Fudge Cake

Indulge in this rich and moist chocolate fudge cake, perfect for any celebration.

With four layers of fudgy chocolate sponge and a smooth, fluffy chocolate frosting, it’s the best chocolate cake recipe you’ll ever make.

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19. Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

This easy pineapple upside down cake recipe brings sweet, juicy pineapple and buttery brown sugar together in a golden, caramelized layer. Perfect for a cozy treat, it’s simple to make and tastes even better with a scoop of ice cream on top.

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20. Chocolate pound cake

Chocolate pound cake

This chocolate pound cake is a rich and moist treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Made with love and simple ingredients, it’s a go-to for chocolate lovers who want a delicious dessert without the hassle.

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21. Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake

This Red Velvet Cake is rich, moist, and just sweet enough, with a soft crumb that everyone will enjoy.

The tangy cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with the classic red velvet flavor, making it a show-stopping treat for any celebration.

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22. Italian Cream Cake

Italian Cream Cake

This Italian Cream Cake is rich, moist, and packed with sweet, nutty flavor that everyone will rave about. It’s the perfect treat for birthdays, family gatherings, or anytime you need a little dessert joy.

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23. Butter Cake

Butter Cake

This butter cake is rich, soft, and wonderfully moist—perfect for birthdays, brunch, or just because. With a simple butter cake recipe that anyone can enjoy, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

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24. Tres Leches Dessert

Tres Leches Dessert

This Tres Leches Dessert is a rich, dreamy treat that’s soaked in three creamy milks for a soft, luscious bite every time.

Perfectly sweet with a tender sponge base, it’s a simple yet unforgettable dessert that’s quick to make and always a hit.

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25. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a classic favorite with sweet pineapple rings and a rich, golden crust.

Easy to make and perfect for sharing, it’s a delicious treat that always brings a smile.

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26. Blueberry Pound Cake

Blueberry Pound Cake

This Blueberry Pound Cake is a classic treat with a tender, buttery crumb and bursts of juicy blueberries in every bite. Perfect for weekend baking or sharing with friends, it’s a sweet, easy dessert that never goes out of style.

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27. Pineapple Upside Down Skillet Cake

Pineapple Upside Down Skillet Cake

This pineapple upside down skillet cake brings classic comfort to your kitchen with a golden, juicy topping and soft, warm crumb. Easy to make and perfect for dessert lovers who love a little tropical twist in a familiar favorite.

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