The 40 Best Cake Recipes for Literally Any Occasion
Our best cakes are perfect for holidays, birthdays, or lazy Sundays
Sometimes you want to bake a special dessert for a celebratory occasion — and other times you just want to surprise the kids on Saturday night. So we rounded up the best cake recipes for you, no matter the reason you’re in need of a baking recipe. Is someone in your family getting another year older? We have the best birthday cake recipes (and the best birthday Instagram captions to go with ‘em) to fill with candles and enjoy with loved ones. But that’s not all — we have all types of cakes on our list, whether you prefer vanilla or chocolate or all the flavors in between.
So, which is the most delicious? That’s up to you to decide! Sometimes the best easy cake recipes for beginners are super simple with just a few ingredients, while the best picks for more experienced bakers might involve getting creative or piling on the layers. And since pumpkin spice is great any time of year, we have plenty of warm, spicy and seasonal fall cakes to enjoy with your next afternoon cup of coffee. So preheat your oven, because the exact-right recipe is coming right up.
Basic Vanilla Cake
Give a simple dessert some flair: Place cookie cutters on the iced cake and sprinkle on sanding sugar. Try red and green for the holidays!
Carrot Sheet Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
Loaded with orange zest, ginger and cinnamon, this treat is truly flavor-packed.
Get the recipe for Carrot Sheet Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting »
Triple Citrus Bundt
Lemon, orange and lime zest bring plenty of punch to this bright dessert that'll instantly perk up a dreary day.
Strawberry Coconut-Crust Cheesecake
The coconut crust makes this pretty dessert gluten-free, while the jammy topping makes it colorful — and totally delicious.
Flourless Fudge Cake
Decorate this deliciously dark cake with white icing for any celebration, or just dust it with cocoa and dig in.
Get the recipe for Flourless Fudge Cake »
RELATED: 25 Easy and Creative Chocolate Desserts That You Haven't Tried Yet
Raspberry Lemon Pound Cake
A colorful, sweet-tart treat is the perfect ending to any feast ... or for breakfast the next morning.
Pumpkin Roll
Try this contest-winning confection next time you're in need of a showstopping dessert recipe.
S'mores Icebox Cake
This no-bake cake stacked with layers of grahams, chocolate and marshmallow brings the flavors of the campfire inside for an anytime dessert.
Double Chocolate Bundt
Calling all chocolate lovers: Strong-brewed coffee in the batter and the frosting amps up the cocoa flavor even more.
Outlaw Carrot Cake With Brown Sugar Butter Cream
Trust us, no one will complain about this rule-breaking carrot cake (made with whole-wheat flour and brown sugar instead of regular!).
Get the recipe for Outlaw Carrot Cake with Brown Sugar Butter Cream »
RELATED: 25 Easy Carrot Desserts You've Got to Try This Easter
Chocolate Gingerbread Cake With White Chocolate Buttercream
Festive spices meet chocolate in this rich and moist chocolate gingerbread cake, the perfect centerpiece for any holiday dinner.
Get the recipe for Chocolate Gingerbread Cake with White Chocolate Buttercream »
Strawberry Rhubarb Layer Cake
Turn a classic pie filling combo into a luscious vanilla cake! The layers of fresh compote and cream cheese frosting will make this your family's new favorite.
Get the recipe for Strawberry Rhubarb Layer Cake »
RELATED: 40 Easy, Delicious Family Dinner Ideas For Any Day of the Week
Peanut Butter Cake
Roasted nuts on top of this peanut butter lover's cake give it a delightfully nutty crunch.
Sticky Plum Upside-Down Cake
For a less boozy (but still gorgeous) upside down cake, try this pretty plum version.
Great-Grannie's Old Fashioned Coffee Cake
Guess which supermodel is sharing her grandma's recipe for this moist and crumbly southern-style cake ...
Get the recipe for Great-Grannie's Old Fashioned Coffee Cake »
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Date cake enriched with date purée makes these treats extra sticky-sweet.
Vanilla Blossom Cake
Edible flowers turn a classic vanilla cake into a stunning centerpiece.
Lemon Pudding Cake
Get two treats for the price (and effort!) of one with this light and fluffy cake enhanced by a creamy pudding-like sauce.
Chocolate Layer Cake
If you love chocolate on chocolate, this cake, packed with cocoa powder and semisweet chocolate, is right up your alley.
Bursting-With-Berries Lemon Curd Cake
This Bundt recipe is adorned with fresh berries and sweet, tangy lemon whipped cream.
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