35 Best Cake Recipes For A Sweet Finish Off Your Day

No matter what, or how much we have eaten for dinner, there’s always room for dessert.

Whether you’ve baked a poundcake, bundt cake, or something oh-so chocolatey, we all look forward to indulging our sweet tooth and tucking into a tasty dessert to finish off the day. 

So, if you’re an inexperienced baker it can be difficult to live up to people’s expectations for their sweet treats.

Even worse, if you’re the friend or family member who rises to the baking challenge, it can be difficult to come up with new cake ideas that continue to impress.

If either of these sounds like you, then trust us, we’ve been there too.

However, there’s no need to cry into your mixing bowls just yet! We’ve scoured the internet and discovered 35 of the best cake recipes.

Read on for some fresh, delicious, and occasionally healthy cake recipes and instructions, and solve all of your baking woes. 

Quick Table: 35 Best Cake Recipes

Recipe	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Chocolate Cake	352	1 Hour
Red Velvet Cake	310	1 Hour
Homemade Coconut Cake	356	1 Hour 16 Minutes
Peach Pound Cake	335	1 Hour 30 Minutes
Vanilla Pound Cake	280	1 Hour 10 Minutes
Apple Bundt Cake With Cinnamon	270	1 Hour 15 Minutes
Chocolate Brownie Cake	454	1 Hour 5 Minutes
Christmas Wreath Cake	413	3 Hours 30 Minutes
Cheesecake In A Jar	300	2 Hours 15 Minutes
Carrot Cake	118	2 Hours 5 Minutes
Classic Ooey Gooey Butter Cake	220	55 Minutes
Chocolate Avocado Cake	75	1 Hour 10 Minutes
Pecan Buttermilk Cake	485	55 Minutes
Banana Cake	85	1 Hour 35 Minutes
Cherry Limeade Cake	435	45 Minutes
Pumpkin Pie Cake	318	1 Hour 20 Minutes
Blueberry Coffee Cake	250	1 Hour 10 Minutes
Butterscotch Peanut Butter Cake	170	55 Minutes
Rocky Road Sheet Cake	280	50 Minutes
Birthday Cheesecake	510	2 Hours
Vanilla Cupcakes	262	1 Hour 10 Minutes
S’mores Cupcakes	280	54 Minutes
Lemon Blueberry Cake	439	1 Hour 55 Minutes
Ruffle Heart Cake	290	1 Hour 30 Minutes
Champagne Cupcakes	190	50 Minutes
Mixed Fruit Vanilla Cake	188	50 Minutes
Vanilla Poppyseed Cake With Raspberry Topping	418	1 Hour 5 Minutes
Vegan Lemon Drizzle Cake	279	1 Hour 10 Minutes
Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake	375	2 Hour 30 Minutes
Vegan Victoria Sponge	433	1 Hour 15 Minutes
Vegan Russian Christmas Tea Cakes	216	50 Minutes
Healthy Muffins Recipe	115	25 Minutes
Gluten-Free White Cake	220	1 Hour
Winter Ginger, Pear, And Almond Cake	456	1 Hour 5 Minutes
Savory Herb Cheesecake	159	1 Hour 30 Minutes

35 Best Cake Recipes For A Sweet Finish Off Your Day

Sweet Cake Recipes 

1. Chocolate Cake

We’re starting our list off with a classic: a rich chocolate cake. There’s nothing worse than a dry cake you have to force your way through to make the baker happy, but rest assured that this cake will never give you this problem!

It is rich in moisture and so flavorful you’ll enjoy every mouthful down to the last chocolatey crumb. A key ingredient in this recipe is coffee – but don’t worry!

You won’t be able to taste any of it in the cake, you’ll simply enjoy the rich, deep flavor it provides. You can bake this amazing chocolate cake by following the recipe here!

Calories Per Serving: 352

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

2. Red Velvet Cake

Another favorite amongst bakers and cake lovers alike is the red velvet cake, and this recipe kicks it up a notch in terms of quality and flavor.

A key ingredient in this red velvet cake recipe is vinegar, which helps to cut the richness of the cocoa and create wonderful flavor friends and family are sure to love. 

Everything in this recipe is made from scratch, including the delectable cream cheese! So, it is only for the most dedicated of bakers.

However, if that doesn’t sound like you, why not give it a go anyway? We promise it’s worth it! 

Calories Per Serving: 310

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

3. Homemade Coconut Cake

Aside from the slightly sweet, slightly nutty flavor of the coconut, the best thing about this recipe is that it’s totally adaptable!

You can make the coconut flavor as subtle or as strong as you like, by adding or reducing the number of coconut flakes and coconut frosting you use. Perfect for coconut lovers and on the fencers alike.

Calories Per Serving: 356

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 16 Minutes

4. Peach Pound Cake

If you’re dreaming of the perfect summer dessert, then look no further than this peach pound cake! A pound cake is a cake that usually contains one pound of the key ingredients – butter, flour, and sugar. 

The ingredients for this cake must be all room temperature. However, you’ll be glad to hear you can choose between fresh peaches or canned peaches – just make sure all the liquid has been drained!

Calories Per Serving: 335

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

RELATED: 15 Delicious Funnel Cake Recipe Using Pancake Mixes

5. Vanilla Pound Cake

Another great pound cake recipe is this vanilla cake! Vanilla pound cake is a classic and universally enjoyed.

This recipe ensures that the core concept of the classic vanilla cake is kept the same, while the texture and flavor of the cake are elevated by using specific quality ingredients, such as whole milk. 

Calories Per Serving: 280

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes

6. Apple Bundt Cake With Cinnamon

A classic bundt pan is required to make this cake, so make sure you have one handy! The cinnamon in this recipe compliments the apple beautifully, you won’t want to make an apple cake without it ever again! 

The caramel frosting completes this cake. You can choose between adding it immediately, which allows it to soak into the cake and add an amazing flavor, or you can choose to wait approximately fifteen minutes before using which will allow the caramel to retain its shape.

Either way, you’ll have the perfect apple bundt cake everyone is sure to enjoy! 

Calories Per Serving: 270

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes

7. Chocolate Brownie Cake

Is it a cake? Is it a brownie? We can’t tell – but we love it! There’s a great story behind this recipe, and it involves both chocolate cake mix and brownie cake mix.

While experimental, the results are great, and you will not regret trying! Trust us on this one.

Calories Per Serving: 454

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

8. Christmas Wreath Cake

Nothing says “‘Tis the season’ like a Christmas wreath cake!

You may look at this cake and not know if you want to eat it or use it as the centerpiece as you eat your Christmas dinner, but we think that question will be answered as soon as you try the delicious buttercream or one of the many mouth-watering pretzel “treees”!

Calories Per Serving: 413

Preparation Time: 3 Hour 30 Minutes

RELATED: 15 Amazing Blue Velvet Cake Pop Recipes

9. Cheesecake In A Jar

Bored of the same old cake? Want to do something more creative with the presentation? This cheesecake in a jar is the answer to your problems!

This is a no-bake cheesecake that is so easy to make it’ll be on the top of your list for all occasions. 

Calories Per Serving: 300

Preparation Time: 2 Hour 15 Minutes

10. Carrot Cake

This carrot cake recipe had to make this list!

The combination of shredded carrots, pecans, and pineapple creates a delectable taste that everyone can enjoy, while the cream cheese frosting adds a delightful sweetness that tops it all off perfectly.

If made correctly, we know this carrot cake will be the tastiest thing you’ll eat all day.

Calories Per Serving: 118

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 5 Minutes

11. Classic Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Also known as the perfect coffee cake, this unique recipe is ideal for those with a sweet tooth!

The ooey gooey butter cake has two layers, and while the first layer is firm, the top layer is a soft, melt-in-your-mouth dream!

The secret to this cake is to melt your butter rather than cook with it at room temperature. We promise you’ll love the results.

Calories Per Serving: 220

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes

12. Chocolate Avocado Cake

Okay, hear us out on this one! You may think that avocado and chocolate cake is a recipe for disaster, but this particular recipe is so decadent and so chocolatey that nobody will notice it has avocado in it!

What they will take note of is the richness and deliciousness that comes with every mouthful. Try it, but be warned, cakes from an artisan bakery may pale in comparison afterward. 

Calories Per Serving: 75

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes

RELATED: 15 Delicious Funnel Cake Recipe Using Pancake Mixes

13. Pecan Buttermilk Cake

We’re not sure if the highlight of this cake is the mouth-watering pecan glaze or the deep, rich flavor that comes from the brown sugar.

What we do know is that this cake is easy to make, and is best eaten fresh from the oven. 

This pecan buttermilk cake can actually be frozen and eaten on another date – if you can stop yourself from devouring it in one sitting, that is. 

Calories Per Serving: 485

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes

14. Banana Cake

Not only is this banana cake packed full of flavor, but it is also super easy to make! All you need is seven ingredients, one of which is self-rising flour.

Using self-rising flour omits the need for baking powder, but make sure to add it bake in if using all-purpose flour instead. 

This recipe is actually based on a banana muffin recipe, meaning you could also eat this cake for breakfast! 

Calories Per Serving: 85

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 35 Minutes

15. Cherry Limeade Cake

This is perhaps the easiest recipe to make on this list. Not only is it easy to bake, but it is also easy to decorate – and even easier to eat!

This cake is adorned with cherries and uses freshly squeezed lime juice. Not to mention, the buttercream is to die for! However, it is important that you follow the recipe exactly.

Some people may be tempted to omit the almond extract when it’s time to make the buttercream, but it complements the cherry in a wonderful way, and cannot actually be tasted in the cake. 

Calories Per Serving: 435

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

16. Pumpkin Pie Cake

Tired of Halloween candy? Then check out this pumpkin pie cake recipe! This recipe is great if you’re baking for a lot of people.

It is a show-stopping cake; it is a much bigger version of a pumpkin pie containing three layers and topped with some whipped cream, pecans, and caramel sauce. Dreamy! 

Calories Per Serving: 318

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 20 Minutes

RELATED: 15 Delicious Root Beer Bundt Cake Recipes

17. Blueberry Coffee Cake

Eat a slice of this blueberry cake on your coffee break and you’ll be ready to get back to work!

If you’re wondering what a coffee cake is, it’s a cake that accompanies a cup of coffee, not a cake that contains coffee (though that can happen!) 

This coffee cake is full of tasty, fresh blueberries (but you can use frozen if you wish) and has a wonderful crumble topping.

Calories Per Serving: 250

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes

18. Butterscotch Peanut Butter Cake

Cake + Butterscotch + Peanut Butter = Perfection. 

This recipe is packed with eggs, buttermilk, and sugar to ensure you have a moist cake packed full of flavor!

Top with marshmallows, and butterscotch and peanut butter sauce to make all of your dessert dreams come true. 

Calories Per Serving: 170

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes

19. Rocky Road Sheet Cake

Nothing comes close to a rocky road ice cream on a hot day…except perhaps this rocky road sheet cake!

The base of this recipe is a chocolate cake, and then the rocky road topping is made fresh and complements it beautifully! 

This recipe calls for cashews as a topping, but you can use any nuts you like – like walnuts or pecans. It also calls for milk chocolate chips, but you could use dark, white, or a combination of all three! 

Calories Per Serving: 280

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

20. Birthday Cheesecake

There’s no better birthday present to give to someone than this delightful birthday cheesecake.

You can almost guarantee that a smile will be brought to the faces of those who try the white chocolate, rainbow sprinkles, and cream cheese combination.

And did we mention the oreo crust? 

Calories Per Serving: 510

Preparation Time: 2 Hours

RELATED: 15 Outstanding Cassata Cake Recipes For A Complete Dinner Idea

21. Vanilla Cupcakes

Some people may refer to this as the perfect vanilla cupcake recipe, and when you try cakes that are this fluffy, soft, moist in the middle with a crusty outer edge, it’s hard to disagree!

You can choose between using buttercream or whipped cream as a frosting, but really these cupcakes are so good you could eat them without any frosting at all! (But who are we kidding, we all love frosting, right?)

Calories Per Serving: 262

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes

 22. S’mores Cupcakes

If you’ve had your fill of vanilla cupcakes for a while, then why not make these s’mores cupcakes instead?

Bring back your favorite campout memories with the light crunch of graham crackers and melted gooeyness of the marshmallows. Anyone for a campfire song? 

Calories Per Serving: 280

Preparation Time: 54 Minutes

23. Lemon Blueberry Cake

The tangy, zesty flavor of lemons combined with the sweetness of blueberries is a timeless classic! This recipe also calls for zucchini, but don’t worry!

Like with the avocado and coffee in recipes previously mentioned in this list, you won’t be able to taste the zucchini.

What you will be able to notice, though, is the rich moisture that zucchini brings to cakes, and you’ll be happy you used it!

Calories Per Serving: 439

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 55 Minutes

24. Ruffle Heart Cake

Show somebody you love them by baking them is stunning ruffle heart cake – perfect for Valentine’s Day, wedding anniversaries, etc.

This ruffle heart cake is made with red velvet cake (feel free to use a cake mix) and buttercream. It is easy to make but requires great attention to detail when it comes to the outer ruffles.

It’s totally worth the challenge, though! We love the finished result, and we’re sure your loved ones will too!

Calories Per Serving: 290

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

RELATED: 15 Best Cranberry Pecan Pound Cake Recipes To Sooth Your Taste Buds

25. Champagne Cupcakes

Whether it’s NYE, mother’s day, or a wedding reception, these champagne cupcakes add a touch of sophistication and elegance and are sure to outshine all the party food surrounding them.

Champagne makes the texture of the cake lighter and will add a wonderful flavor to the batter and the frosting. No matter the occasion, we’re sure these cupcakes will be utterly enjoyed. 

Calories Per Serving: 190

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

26. Mixed Fruit Vanilla Cake

If you want to eat a cake that isn’t too sweet or heavy, then this mixed fruit vanilla cake is perfect for you!

It uses a variety of dried fruits instead of candied fruit, so it is packed full of different flavors that aren’t too sweet.

The recipe contains certain dried fruits like blueberries and cranberries, but you can use whatever dried fruit you want.

This way, you can make the cake your own. Top it off with cream cheese, fruit frosting, and you have yourself a delectable dessert! 

Calories Per Serving: 188

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

27. Vanilla Poppyseed Cake With Raspberry Topping 

This recipe is a classic that people have been enjoying for years!

The poppyseeds bring a wonderful balance to the fragrant and light vanilla, while the raspberry tops it all off and creates a cake jam-packed with flavor!

It’s not too difficult to make, either! 

Calories Per Serving: 418

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

Vegan Cake Recipes 

Being vegan does not mean you need to miss out on delicious cake. Check out these vegan cake recipes, and you’ll see exactly what we mean!

28. Vegan Lemon Drizzle Cake

Would you believe us if we told you this cake was made without milk, butter, or eggs? These key ingredients are replaced with psyllium husks, plant milk, and unsweetened vegan yogurt.

The results are undeniable – you get a delicious cake batter which, combined with lemon, lemon extract, and lemon juice, makes for an unforgettable dessert! 

Calories Per Serving: 279

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes

RELATED: 15 Stunning Crack Cake Recipes

29. Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake

This indulgent vegan chocolate cheesecake is so easy to make! Instead of using vegan cream cheese, this recipe calls for coconut oil, silken tofu, and lemon juice.

Combined, these ingredients help to achieve the desired cheesecake flavor that both vegans and non-vegans can enjoy!

Calories Per Serving: 375

Preparation Time: 2 Hour 30 Minutes

30. Vegan Victoria Sponge

Victoria sponge cake is a classic British dessert, and it tastes just as great with vegan ingredients! Not only is this a vegan recipe, but it is also gluten-free!

To make this sponge cake recipe vegan, you will need dairy-free margarine, soya yogurt, xanthan gum, gluten-free plain flour, gluten-free baking powder, and you can opt for rice milk if you wish.

Calories Per Serving: 433

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes

31. Vegan Russian Christmas Tea Cakes

These tea cakes are traditional in Russia for Christmas time. It is traditional for some families to shape these into crescents, and call them ‘moon cakes’. This recipe is vegan by chance, calling for no non-vegan ingredients.

You can also make it gluten-free by using xanthan gum, gluten-free all-purpose flour, and gluten-free vanilla extract. However you choose to make these tea cakes, we know you’ll love them!

Calories Per Serving: 216

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

32. Healthy Muffins Recipe

Cakes are typically acceptable to eat as part of a balanced diet, but in case you wanted a healthier alternative, why not try these healthy muffins! 

This recipe uses wholemeal plain flour instead of regular flour. However, the flavor is not comprised here.

These muffins are spiced with cinnamon and cardamom and filled with pineapple and banana for a mouth-watering flavor.

Calories Per Serving: 115

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

RELATED: 15 Stunning Cranberry Shortbread Cake Recipes

Gluten-Free Cake Recipes 

Some of the aforementioned vegan recipes are also gluten-free or have a gluten-free option, but here are a few more for you to check out!

33. Gluten-Free White Cake

This recipe is so good people question if it is actually gluten-free. We can assure you that yes, it is!

As well as gluten-free key ingredients, this recipe calls for vanilla and almond flavors, and your choice of buttercream or a strawberry frosting.

The results are scrumptious, and you’ll want to make this cake more than once. 

Calories Per Serving: 220

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

34. Winter Ginger, Pear, And Almond Cake

This recipe is an upside-down cake that does not call for any flour. The balance of sweet and spicy in this cake is so satisfying, you’ll want to make another one as soon as you’re finished eating. 

Calories Per Serving: 456

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

Savory Cake Recipe 

Here’s a cake recipe that is a little different from what you’d normally expect! 

35. Savory Herb Cheesecake

If a sweet cake isn’t quite what you’re looking for, then why not try this savory herb cheesecake!

This cake requires quite a lot of ingredients and effort to make, but we can say with confidence that the results will be worth it!

This savory herb cheesecake is delicious, and is sure to be a fan favorite in your household, among your friends, co-workers, and whoever you make it for! 

Calories Per Serving: 159

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

Final Thoughts 

So there you have it! 35 amazing cake recipes that will leave everyone feeling sated and happy. Whether you’re baking a sweet, vegan, gluten-free, or even savory cake, you can be sure of one thing: cake never tasted so good!

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Makes A Cake Moist?

The best way to make a fluffy and moist cake is to whisk the butter and sugar together. Make sure they are whisked until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale yellow in color. 

How Do I Know When My Cake Is Done? 

There are a few ways to tell if a cake is done baking. First, you can press the top of the cake with a clean finger. If the cake springs back, then you can try the next step.

Next, insert a toothpick or a skewer into the middle of the cake. If it comes out clean, then the cake has finished baking. 

What Do I Need To Know Before Making A Cake?

It is important to ensure that, for most cakes, the ingredients are all the temperature stated in the recipe you are using.

This is because the dimensions and shape of the ingredients will change the cooking time. This is why you should also always use the correct tin when baking – it will usually be specified in the recipe.