10+ Cakes Recipes You’ll Love to Bake and Share

Cakes have always been a go-to for celebrations, or honestly, just a random Tuesday night. Whether you’re craving something basic or want to try something a little fancier, cake recipes are there to help you whip up a dessert that makes people smile.

You can find recipes for every taste and skill level. That makes baking a cake at home feel less intimidating, and way more fun.

When you bake at home, you get to pick your own ingredients and play around with flavors. Maybe you’re feeling classic vanilla, maybe you want chocolate, or maybe you’re in a fruity mood—there’s just so much to try.

With a decent recipe, you can turn flour and sugar into something that feels like a small celebration.

1) Classic Vanilla Butter Cake

Vanilla butter cake is that old-school favorite you never really get tired of. It’s simple, buttery, and comes out soft and moist.

You start by mixing sugar, baking powder, salt, and butter. This gets the texture just right.

Add eggs one at a time, beating after each. The batter comes together pretty quickly.

You can eat it plain or go wild with frosting—totally up to you.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together.
3. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
5. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with flour.
6. Stir in vanilla extract.
7. Pour batter into greased pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
8. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.

2) Berry Icebox Cake

Berry icebox cake is basically summer in dessert form. It’s no-bake, super easy, and you layer graham crackers (or vanilla wafers) with creamy filling and juicy berries.

As it chills, the crackers turn soft and cake-like. Use strawberries, blueberries, raspberries—whatever berries you have handy.

The filling usually has whipped cream and cream cheese or pudding. It’s a breeze to throw together and looks pretty impressive on the table.

No need to turn on the oven, which is a win on hot days.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 packs of graham crackers or 2 sleeves of vanilla wafers

Cooking Instructions

1. Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
2. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture.
4. In a dish, layer graham crackers, then spread a layer of cream mixture.
5. Add a layer of mixed berries.
6. Repeat layers, ending with berries on top.
7. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
8. Serve chilled and enjoy.

Find more ideas for berry icebox cake here.

3) Simple White Cake with 7 Ingredients

This white cake keeps things straightforward. Seven ingredients—that’s it.

It mixes up fast and bakes in under an hour. You get a light cake that’s great for birthdays or just because you want cake.

No fancy tricks here, just basic stuff you probably already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup milk

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
4. Mix flour and baking powder, add to wet ingredients.
5. Stir in milk until batter is smooth.
6. Pour into greased pan.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

4) Japanese-style Moist Yellow Cake

Japanese-style yellow cake is so soft and moist, it almost feels like you’re eating a cloud. The secret is in the mixing—gentle folding, careful stirring.

It stays fresh and tender for days. It’s not quite like a regular butter cake; it’s closer to a sponge in texture.

You don’t need any fancy gadgets, just a little patience. If you want to see how it’s done, check out this very best vanilla cake that uses Japanese techniques.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup (90 g) cake flour
• ¾ tsp baking powder
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round pan.
2. Beat the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy.
3. Sift together cake flour and baking powder, then gently fold into the egg mixture.
4. Mix melted butter, milk, and vanilla, then fold this gently into the batter.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool before serving.

5) Birthday Bundt Cake

Birthday Bundt Cake is just fun, honestly. You get a pretty shape from the pan, and it’s super moist.

You can keep it simple with vanilla or chocolate, or go all out with frosting and sprinkles.

Some folks use a vanilla bean glaze—fancy, but not hard. This cake feeds a crowd, so it’s perfect for parties.

It doesn’t take too much time either, which is always a plus.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Vanilla glaze or frosting
• Sprinkles (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour your Bundt pan well.
3. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
5. Mix in vanilla extract.
6. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
7. Add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with milk.
8. Pour batter into the pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Cool in pan 15 minutes, then turn out to cool completely.
11. Add glaze or frosting and decorate with sprinkles if you like.

You can find detailed recipes like this Birthday Bundt Cake on sites like Beth Cakes.

6) Chocolate Stout Cake with Salted Caramel Frosting

Chocolate stout cake is for people who want something a little different. The stout gives it a deep, rich flavor with a hint of bitterness that cuts through the sweetness.

The cake comes out dense and moist—definitely not your average chocolate cake.

Salted caramel frosting makes it even better. The sweet-salty combo works magic with the chocolate.

Drizzle on extra caramel if you’re feeling fancy. This one’s a showstopper for any gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 cups stout beer (like Guinness)
• 2 cups butter
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 cups sugar
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream

For the salted caramel frosting:

• 1 cup butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup salted caramel sauce
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat stout, butter, and cocoa powder until smooth. Let cool.
3. Mix sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Beat eggs with sour cream, then add stout mix.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently.
6. Pour batter into greased pans and bake 30-35 minutes.
7. Cool before frosting.
8. For frosting, beat butter, sugar, caramel, and cream until smooth.
9. Frost the cooled cake and drizzle extra caramel on top.

7) Tres Leches Sponge Cake

Tres leches cake is all about that soft, milky goodness. You’ll make a light sponge, then soak it with three different milks.

The cake soaks up everything, staying moist but never heavy. After that, you’ll top it with whipped cream.

It’s a classic for a reason.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs, separated
• ¾ cup + 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
• ½ cup whole milk or cream
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
3. In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar until fluffy.
4. Gently fold egg whites into yolk mixture.
5. Sift flour and baking powder, then fold into eggs carefully.
6. Pour batter into a greased pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
7. Mix evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk.
8. Poke holes in the warm cake and slowly pour milk mix over it.
9. Chill cake for at least 2 hours, then spread whipped cream on top.
10. Serve cold and enjoy your moist tres leches sponge cake.

For a detailed recipe, check out this Easy Tres Leches Cake Using Sponge Cake Base.

8) Banana Walnut Cake

Banana Walnut Cake is one of those simple, moist treats you can whip up almost any time. It brings together ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts for a really satisfying bite.

Usually, I like to top it with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting. That extra bit of tangy sweetness just works.

It’s great as a snack or a casual dessert. Plus, it’s a breeze to make and doesn’t hog your oven for too long.

You’ll start by mixing butter, sugar, and vanilla. Then, mashed bananas and dry ingredients jump in.

Fold in the walnuts for that classic texture. Pour everything into a greased pan and let it bake.

Once it’s out and cooled, slather on the cream cheese frosting. If you’ve got overripe bananas hanging around, this recipe’s a perfect excuse to use them up.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
• 1/4 cup butter, softened (for frosting)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together butter, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs, one at a time.
4. Stir in mashed bananas.
5. Sift flour, baking soda, and salt, then add to the wet mix.
6. Fold in walnuts.
7. Pour batter into a greased pan.
8. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
10. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mix well.
11. Spread frosting on cooled cake.

If you want more tips or a slightly different take, check out this banana walnut cake recipe page.

9) Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

You’ll probably love this carrot cake—it’s moist, easy, and full of flavor. The warm spices and sweet carrots just belong together.

Cream cheese frosting? Absolutely. It’s smooth, a little tangy, and makes the cake pop.

Fresh ingredients make a big difference here. I’d serve this for birthdays, holidays, or honestly, whenever a craving hits.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
4. Add eggs one at a time.
5. Stir in the dry ingredients until combined.
6. Fold in grated carrots and walnuts.
7. Pour batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool completely.
10. To make frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
11. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mix well.
12. Spread frosting over the cooled cake. Enjoy!

Curious for another version? You might want to check this recipe.

10) Easy Lemon Pound Cake

This easy lemon pound cake hits the spot when you’re craving something soft, moist, and bursting with fresh lemon. The golden crust and tangy lemon glaze bring just the right touch of sweetness—seriously, it’s hard to resist.

You don’t have to be a pro baker to pull this off. The ingredients are straightforward, and the steps won’t leave you scratching your head.

Soon, your kitchen will smell like lemon and butter—honestly, that’s half the fun. Pair a slice with coffee or tea, or just share it with whoever’s around (if you feel like sharing).

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a loaf pan.
3. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
4. Beat butter and sugar until they look light and fluffy.
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each.
6. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
7. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk.
8. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Let it cool before you glaze or slice it up.

If you want extra tang, try a lemon glaze like the one in this Easy Lemon Pound Cake.