There’s something uniquely satisfying about a homemade cake. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, baking a cake from scratch offers a delightful experience. We’ve gathered 18 fantastic cake recipes that range from comforting classics to exciting new flavors, ensuring there’s a perfect bake for every preference. Dive in and discover your next favorite dessert!
1. Southern Red Velvet Cake
This striking cake has a mild cocoa flavor and a signature soft, velvety texture with a vibrant red hue. It is traditionally paired with a cooked flour frosting or a rich cream cheese icing.
Get the Recipe2. Zesty Lemon Drizzle Loaf
Bright citrus notes shine through in this dense yet tender loaf cake infused with fresh lemon zest. A tart lemon glaze is poured over the top while warm, soaking into the crumb for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe3. Classic Vanilla Bean Layer Cake
Three fluffy layers of tender white cake infused with real vanilla bean paste are stacked high. A smooth and creamy vanilla buttercream frosting covers the outside for a timeless dessert.
Get the Recipe4. Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Freshly grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and warm spices are baked into a hearty loaf or layers. A tangy and sweet cream cheese frosting balances the savory spice blend perfectly.
Get the Recipe5. Old-Fashioned Chocolate Fudge Cake
This rich dessert features deep cocoa flavors and a dense, moist crumb texture. It is coated in a thick, glossy chocolate ganache that satisfies intense chocolate cravings.
Get the Recipe6. Toasted Coconut Bundt Cake
Shredded coconut is folded into a buttery batter and baked in a decorative bundt pan until golden. A sweet coconut milk glaze and toasted flakes top the cake for a double dose of flavor.
Get the Recipe7. Banana Walnut Cake with Brown Butter Frosting
Overripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to this nutty, dense cake. The accompanying frosting uses browned butter to add a toasted, caramel-like depth to the flavor profile.
Get the Recipe8. Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake
A tender yellow cake base is rippled with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon. The top features a crunchy streusel crumble, making it an excellent companion for a morning cup of coffee.
Get the Recipe9. Spiced Apple Cake with Caramel Glaze
Chunks of fresh apples and autumnal spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are scattered throughout this rustic cake. A homemade caramel sauce is drizzled over the top for a sticky, sweet finish.
Get the Recipe10. Fresh Strawberry Cream Cake
Light sponge layers are filled with fresh strawberry slices and stabilized whipped cream. This dessert is refreshing and highlights the natural sweetness of the ripe berries.
Get the Recipe11. Hummingbird Cake
This Southern classic combines mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, and pecans for a fruity and dense texture. It is finished with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting and garnished with chopped nuts.
Get the Recipe12. Chocolate and Vanilla Marble Cake
Dark chocolate and white vanilla batters are gently swirled together before baking to create a beautiful patterned interior. Each slice offers a balance of both flavors in every bite.
Get the Recipe13. Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cake
Layers of dark chocolate cake are filled with a tart raspberry preserves reduction. The exterior is coated in a dark chocolate buttercream, creating a sophisticated flavor contrast.
Get the Recipe14. Light and Airy Angel Food Cake
Made primarily from whipped egg whites and cake flour, this fat-free cake creates a cloud-like texture. It is best served simply with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Get the Recipe15. Golden Butter Pound Cake
This dense and heavy cake relies on a high ratio of butter and eggs to create a tight, moist crumb. It develops a golden, slightly crisp crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
Get the Recipe16. Colorful Confetti Birthday Cake
Rainbow sprinkles are folded into a white cake batter, creating colorful speckles when baked. It is frosted with a sweet vanilla buttercream and topped with even more sprinkles for a festive look.
Get the Recipe17. German Chocolate Cake
A mild, sweet chocolate cake serves as the base for the signature coconut and pecan filling. The custard-like topping is spread between the layers and on top, leaving the sides exposed to show off the layers.
Get the Recipe18. Caramelized Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Pineapple rings and maraschino cherries are arranged in a brown sugar glaze at the bottom of the pan before the batter is added. Once baked, the cake is flipped to reveal a caramelized fruit topping.
Get the Recipe