make-ahead cakes for events

Planning an event is a LOT of work, isn’t it?

You’re juggling a million things, and then there’s DESSERT.

You want something special, something delicious, but baking on the BIG day? That can be stressful.

What if you could have an AMAZING cake ready to go, *before* the party even starts?

That’s the magic of make-ahead cakes!

Seriously, these are game-changers.

Many cakes actually taste even BETTER after a day or so, letting all those yummy flavors blend.

We’ve rounded up 39 incredible make-ahead cake ideas just for you.

These recipes will help you get dessert sorted, so you can focus on having FUN.

Ready to find a cake that makes your next event a little bit easier (and tastier)?

1. No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

This No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake is incredibly easy to make and wonderfully delicious.

Enjoy its light and creamy texture, perfectly complemented by a satisfyingly crunchy graham cracker pecan crust.

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2. Lime Coconut Cake

Lime Coconut Cake

Lime Coconut Cake is a bright and zesty dessert that truly captures tropical flavors. This delicious bundt cake combines refreshing lime with sweet coconut. Topped with a vibrant lime glaze and toasted coconut, it’s a delightful treat for any occasion.

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3. Basque Burnt Cheesecake

Basque Burnt Cheesecake

Basque Burnt Cheesecake is wonderfully smooth and creamy, and incredibly easy to make.

This unique burnt cheesecake develops a beautifully caramelized crust with a delightful crème brûlée flavor.

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4. Easy Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake Recipe (Fresh Blueberries)

Easy Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake Recipe (Fresh Blueberries)

This Easy Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake Recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. It effortlessly blends sweet fresh blueberries with a bright lemon cake mix for a delightful dessert. You can even use frozen blueberries for this incredibly simple and satisfying treat.

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5. Lunch Box Cakes

Lunch Box Cakes

Lunch Box Cakes are the cutest mini treats, perfect for when you want a small, sweet indulgence.

These delightful cakes are incredibly easy to whip up using a simple cake mix and are delicious with a hint of chocolate.

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6. Mini Chocolate Cupcakes

Mini Chocolate Cupcakes

Discover these incredibly delicious Mini Chocolate Cupcakes, perfectly rich and decadent two-bite treats. They offer just the right amount of sweetness in every bite. These mini desserts are an ideal choice for any party or gathering.

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7. Easy Lemon Drizzle Cake

Easy Lemon Drizzle Cake

This Easy Lemon Drizzle Cake is a wonderfully moist and light treat.

It’s celebrated as the best lemon drizzle cake due to its bright, refreshing taste.

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8. Mini Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream Icing

Mini Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream Icing

Mini Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream Icing are tiny treats that deliver a big, fresh lemon flavor.

Each two-bite cupcake is a delicious dessert, perfect for any gathering or celebration.

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9. Chocolate Poke Cake

Chocolate Poke Cake

This Chocolate Poke Cake is a true dessert classic.

It’s incredibly moist and rich, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Every bite offers a delightful blend of tender cake and sweet, indulgent chocolate.

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10. The Best No Bake Snickers No Cheesecake Recipe

The Best No Bake Snickers No Cheesecake Recipe

Satisfy your sweet tooth with The Best No Bake Snickers Cheesecake Recipe.

This creamy no-bake cheesecake is loaded with chopped Snickers bars and rests on a delicious Oreo crust.

It’s perfectly topped with caramel and peanuts, making it the ultimate treat for any Snickers lover.

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11. Strawberry Layer Cake

Strawberry Layer Cake

This Strawberry Layer Cake features moist cake bursting with fresh strawberries. Each delicious layer is topped with sweet strawberry frosting, creating a truly fruity cake. It’s the perfect easy layer cake for any celebration, especially as a birthday cake.

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12. Pistachio Pudding Cake

Pistachio Pudding Cake

Enjoy the delightful Pistachio Pudding Cake, a simple bundt cake perfect for any occasion. This easy dessert uses a cake mix to create a delicious, crowd-pleasing treat for everyone.

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13. Blueberry Cheesecake

Blueberry Cheesecake

This homemade Blueberry Cheesecake features a rich, sweet and tangy filling.

It rests on a buttery graham crust, perfectly complemented by a vibrant blueberry sauce.

Enjoy a delightful balance of creamy texture and fruity flavor with every bite.

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14. Gluten Free Apple Cider Donut Cake

Gluten Free Apple Cider Donut Cake

Enjoy this soft Gluten Free Apple Cider Donut Cake, tasting just like farm-fresh apple cider donuts. It’s coated in delicious cinnamon sugar, making it the perfect treat for fall.

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15. Gingerbread Cake

Gingerbread Cake

Enjoy a warm slice of this delightful Gingerbread Cake. This cozy, perfectly spiced gingerbread cake recipe makes for an unforgettable holiday treat.

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16. Blackberry Cake

Blackberry Cake

This Blackberry Cake features delightful lemon cake layers that perfectly complement juicy fresh blackberries.

It’s beautifully filled with a luscious mascarpone buttercream and sweet blackberry curd, creating a truly delicious experience.

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17. Sous Vide Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecakes

Sous Vide Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecakes

Indulge in the rich and delightful flavor of Sous Vide Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecakes. These mini cheesecakes in mason jars offer a perfect treat for any occasion. Each bite delivers a wonderful blend of classic hot chocolate and cool peppermint.

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18. Banana Upside Down Cake Recipe

Banana Upside Down Cake Recipe

Enjoy a truly delicious and moist Banana Upside Down Cake made with fresh bananas and a simple cake mix. This delightful recipe is perfect for any occasion, offering a taste reminiscent of a rich banana bundt cake.

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19. Sopapilla Cheesecake (Churro Cheesecake)

Sopapilla Cheesecake (Churro Cheesecake)

Sopapilla Cheesecake (Churro Cheesecake) is a delightful dessert everyone will love.

These easy-to-make sopapilla cheesecake bars offer a sweet and satisfying treat.

Enjoy this classic sopapilla dessert perfect for any gathering.

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20. Keto Berry Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

Keto Berry Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

Enjoy a slice of this delicious Keto Berry Cake with Cream Cheese Icing.

A hidden layer of berries soaks into the cake, keeping this mixed berry cake wonderfully moist and flavorful.

It’s a simple yet delicious treat, perfect for any occasion.

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21. Strawberry crumble cake

Strawberry crumble cake

This Strawberry crumble cake is a quick and delicious summer dessert.

It features a light vanilla cake base, bursting with fresh strawberries and topped with a sweet streusel crumb.

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22. Peppermint Candy Cane Cake with Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting

Peppermint Candy Cane Cake with Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting

Get ready for a show-stopping Peppermint Candy Cane Cake with Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting.

This festive dessert boasts a vibrant peppermint flavor, thanks to delightful peppermint extract and real crushed candy canes.

Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s the perfect treat to delight your taste buds.

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23. Swiss Roll

Swiss Roll

This chocolatey Swiss Roll recipe looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make from scratch. Enjoy a rich, creamy, and flavorful dessert with its homemade whipped cream filling and luscious chocolate ganache coating.

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24. Red Velvet Cheesecake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red Velvet Cheesecake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Enjoy a slice of our stunning Red Velvet Cheesecake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This delicious treat features the classic red color and soft, velvety texture of a Red Velvet Cake, perfectly paired with a creamy cheesecake layer and rich Cream Cheese Frosting.

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25. Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes

Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes

Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes are a delightful holiday dessert you can make in no time. This delicious mini cheesecake recipe features a crunchy graham cracker pecan crust. They are almost too easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion!

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26. Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

The Ice Cream Sandwich Cake is the ultimate easy summer dessert, perfect for any gathering. This delightful summer recipe combines creamy ice cream and rich chocolate for a refreshing treat. It’s the perfect sweet ending to any warm day.

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27. Carrot Cake

Carrot Cake

This easy Carrot Cake recipe will truly impress with its simplicity. It’s wonderfully moist and soft, featuring a perfect balance of sweet carrots and tangy cream cheese frosting.

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28. No Bake White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake

No Bake White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake

Enjoy this creamy and delicious No Bake White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake. It features a buttery biscuit base, rich white chocolate filling, and vibrant fresh raspberries throughout. This no bake cheesecake makes a fabulous dessert for any celebration.

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29. Cherry Cake Cups

Cherry Cake Cups

Cherry Cake Cups offer a delightful twist on handheld cherry pie. These delicious treats feature a tangy cherry filling baked right into a tender cake crust. You’ll find it hard to stop at just one of these perfect little bites.

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30. Black Forest Icebox Cake

Black Forest Icebox Cake

Get ready for a delicious Black Forest Icebox Cake, a wonderfully easy no-bake dessert. This layered treat combines rich chocolate and cherry flavors for a satisfying experience. Made with Oreos, it’s the perfect simple Icebox Cake when you want something special.

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31. Strawberry Lemonade Ice Cream Cake

Strawberry Lemonade Ice Cream Cake

This Strawberry Lemonade Ice Cream Cake offers a delightful taste of summer.

You will love its cool, creamy texture paired with sweet and tart refreshing flavors.

It’s truly the perfect dessert for any sunny day.

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32. Banana Bundt cake

Banana Bundt cake

This classic Banana Bundt cake is wonderfully soft and moist.

It’s perfectly topped with a luscious vanilla bean cream cheese glaze, making it a treat you’ll absolutely adore.

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33. Orange Cake

Orange Cake

This Orange Cake bursts with fresh orange flavor in every bite.

Enjoy its moist, soft texture and strong citrus taste.

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34. Caramel cake

Caramel cake

This Caramel cake offers a delightfully easy way to enjoy a classic dessert.

Each slice features three soft, moist layers generously filled with creamy caramel frosting, making it a perfect homemade cake.

This indulgent salted caramel dessert is sure to be a hit for any birthday or wedding celebration.

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35. Hummingbird Cupcakes

Hummingbird Cupcakes

Hummingbird Cupcakes are a delightful treat, blending the sweet flavors of banana and pineapple with a generous mix of pecans.

These moist cupcakes are truly wonderful, especially when finished with a swirl of rich cream cheese frosting.

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36. Brown Butter Yellow Cake with Nutella Buttercream Frosting

Brown Butter Yellow Cake with Nutella Buttercream Frosting

This Brown Butter Yellow Cake features a soft, fluffy yellow cake base infused with nutty brown butter.

It’s generously topped with rich, whipped Nutella buttercream frosting.

This delightful dessert is perfect for any special occasion or simply a sweet everyday treat.

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37. White Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake

White Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake

This White Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake is the perfect fall dessert.

Enjoy its creamy and rich texture with a delightful pumpkin spice twist.

A luscious white chocolate glaze provides the ultimate finish.

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38. coconut and cherry cake

coconut and cherry cake

This delightful Coconut and Cherry Cake is wonderfully easy to make.

It’s the perfect old-fashioned cherry and coconut cake to enjoy with a cup of tea and brighten any afternoon.

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39. Orange and Pomegranate Cake

Orange and Pomegranate Cake

This incredibly moist and delicious Orange and Pomegranate Cake gets its unique flavor from a whole cooked orange blended right into the batter. It’s a delightful twist on a classic blood orange cake, perfect for any occasion.

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