Yes, homemade cake recipes are delicious. But they’re more than that!
Cakes bring people together when a big celebration is in order. They promote togetherness when everyone joins together in the kitchen for a day of baking. They can also be shared with loved ones as a thoughtful gesture!
Related: My Grandma’s Coffee Cakes
The other great part about cakes is that there are endless recipes out there—from classic yellow cake to carrot cake to chiffon cake and more. I have quite a few recipes of my own!
So if you’re looking for a cake to make this weekend or for your next big event, check out my go-to recipes and let me know what you think!
Light and Delicious Carrot Cake
Carrot cake is a classic you can find at most grocery stores. But if you have the time to make it at home, I highly recommend it!
This recipe is just delectable as any other carrot cake you may have tried (maybe even a little better!), but it’s lower in calories and fat.
So if you want to enjoy a couple of slices, go for it!
How do I make this “better for you” version? Instead of using oil, I used buttermilk and applesauce. It keeps the cake incredibly moist, too!
Find the recipe HERE.
Banana Fudge Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
This recipe was created on a total whim… but it might just be one of the best things I’ve ever come up with.
The idea for the fudge topping on the cake comes from my grasshopper cake.
I originally thought instead of the peanut butter frosting, a simple whipped topping might do.
But peanut butter and bananas are one of my favorite combinations, and so, the decadent peanut butter frosting became the finishing touch to the easy banana cake.
HERE is the recipe.
German Chocolate Caramel Cake
My mom loved German chocolate cake above all else. And that’s why I decided to make this cake in the first place!
But to take it to a whole new level, I added caramel and swirled it throughout the gooey layer of chocolate cake.
I like to bake it in a larger sheet pan so that the squares are a bit thinner. But if you want thicker, brownie-like squares, try baking it in a 13 x 9 pan instead.
HERE is the recipe if you’d like to give it a try!
Fudgy Chocolate Sheet Cake
For something that still has that chocolaty taste but isn’t as heavy and rich, try my fudgy chocolate sheet cake.
Just because the cake isn’t overly chocolaty doesn’t mean that you won’t be hit with that incredible chocolate flavor the moment you take a bite.
That’s the frosting you’re tasting. So fudgy!!
It cn also feed a crowd. Great for your next big gathering! HERE is the recipe.
Hawaiian Sheet Cake
Is the cold weather getting to you? Hopping on a plane to Hawaii might be a stretch, but a bite of this Hawaiian sheet cake with transport you to island time in no time!
I created this recipe with my grandpa in mind—he told me stories about how sweet the pineapples were in Hawaii. And it only made sense to add the toasted coconut and pecans for a perfect island treat!
I know it’s fall and this may seem like more of a summer recipe… but you could always have it next to your Hawaiian Sweet Rolls this Thanksgiving!
Take a look at the recipe HERE.
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
If you’re on the hunt for a simple dessert, you can’t get any simpler than a dump cake. And I’ve been making this cherry pineapple dump cake for years!
When I make this recipe, I typically serve it chilled in small bowls with some homemade whipped cream.
You can definitely serve this warm with some vanilla ice cream too!
But the wait is MORE than worth it. Sweet, tart, buttery and OH SO flavorful. YUM!
HERE is a link to the recipe.
Banana Cake with Lemon Buttercream Frosting
This banana cake is one of my newer cake recipes, but it’s such a hit that it totally deserves a permanent spot in my recipe box.
Lemon and banana together may sound like an odd combination. But I can say with certainty that the sweet banana flavor paired with the zesty lemon is a mouth-watering combo.
Find the recipe HERE.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Cake
Let’s give a warm welcome to the newest recipe in this roundup! My pumpkin cream cheese swirl cake.
If you’re looking for a go-to fall dessert, you’ve found it. It’s like eating a slice of pumpkin bread, but with the added “oomph” of a cream cheese layer in the middle.
I also like making this in a bundt pan. It just looks prettier if you ask me! And if you’d like to give it a shot too, you can find the recipe HERE.
Harvest Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Another great recipe for fall is my harvest apple cake topped with cream cheese frosting.
Now, the cake is incredible by itself. But it’s the frosting that takes it to a new level.
It’s filled with fall flavors like apple and cinnamon, and it’s a regular request for my mom’s birthday cake.
Check out the recipe HERE.
Crushed Pineapple Upside Down Cake
If you don’t like pineapple, you may shy away from this recipe. The pineapple flavor is so rich and incredible, that even if you aren’t a huge fan of the fruit, I recommend you give it a try!
I describe each bit as a “tangy sweetness” that will leave you completely satisfied. But if you’re looking for an extra creamy addition, put some whipped cream on top of your square!
HERE’s a link to try it at home.
Creamy and Delicious Baked Cheesecake
I feel like the idea of making cheesecake scares people a bit. But I’m telling you… this cheesecake recipe is BEYOND simple to make!
This is the cake I had on my 16th birthday. It was so good, I can still remember that day vividly!
The original recipe called for a crust made with zwieback toast (common teething biscuits for babies). But since those are often hard to find, I altered it a bit and made the crust with shortbread cookies.
It turned out amazing! Sometimes the best recipes come from unexpected adjustments 🙂 HERE is the recipe.
Easy Gooey Butter Cake
I first tried this sinfully delicious dessert during my years at Mizzou.
It was my first time trying it, but oh my… words can’t even describe how delicious it was!
This recipe was given to me by a friend’s mom after I raved about how good her cake tasted. She was nice enough to send me home with the recipe!
It’s not quite as “wet” as other butter cake recipes I’ve tried. It’s more cake-like but still has all of the yummy cream cheese filling.
And if you want an “easy to make last minute” recipe, then this cake is the dessert for you!
HERE is a link to try it!
Super Simple No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake
Upgrade your cheesecake by adding a thick layer of blueberry pie filling on top!
While my classic cheesecake might be simple to make, this one is even easier because it’s a no-bake recipe!
It was derived from my daughter’s favorite cherry cheesecake dessert, but I decided to give the blueberries a try… it was a hit!
Try it yourself HERE.
Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake
While we’re on the topic of blueberries, check out my lemon blueberry pound cake!
The tenderness of this cake mixed with bursting flavors of blueberry and lemon is the reason I make this pound cake year-round.
The recipe is surprisingly easy to make and it makes two loaves. Meaning you can keep one for yourself and gift one to a friend or neighbor!
Or… just keep both. You’ll go through it faster than you think! HERE is the recipe.
Strawberry Cake
I typically make this cake when spring rolls around. But if you’re looking for more of a “fruity” dessert among the rich and creamy flavors that come with a lot of fall and winter recipes.
The first time I took a bite of this cake, I was hooked. It was unlike any cake I tried before!
It’s from my grandma’s “magic” recipe box and ever since she made it for me, it’s been a classic in my recipe box too!
Take a look at the recipe HERE.
Lemon Poke Cake
My Grandma’s lemon poke cake will, no doubt, become a go-to recipe for you.
It’s so easy to make and the results will speak for themselves with all of the compliments you’ll receive.
I originally tasted this recipe when my Grandma made it for me. So when I wanted to make it myself, I looked and looked through her handwritten recipe cards trying to find it.
I knew the recipe used a cake mix. And I knew it was called a poke cake. But I couldn’t find a poke cake recipe card in her collection.
That was until I found a recipe card was titled “Lemon Sugar Cake” and as I read the ingredients, I realized this was the poke cake I was searching for!
Find the recipe HERE.
The Best Apple Cider Donut Cake
If you’ve never tried an apple cider donut, you don’t know what you’re missing. But I can certainly give you a taste of one in this apple cider donut cake.
It tastes just like an apple cider donut down to the soft inside and subtle crunch of cinnamon sugar.
You can eat this apple cider donut cake as is, or you can take it to a whole other level by heating up a slice in the microwave.
That warmth really does something. I’m not sure how, but it truly brings out all the flavors inside.
Check out the recipe HERE.
Grasshopper Cake
With the perfect blend of vanilla and chocolate, this cake is a must-try. Oh, not to mention the hint of mint throughout!
This is one of those cakes you can make no matter what time of year it is. And no matter the event!
It’s simple enough that you can make it even when you’re in a hurry. Did I mention it’s made with boxed cake mix? Even easier!
Give it a try HERE.
Chocolate Cream Cheese Ribbon Cake
By adding a ribbon of cream cheese frosting to this chocolate cake, it goes from classic to absolutely decadent.
It was actually one of the first cakes I learned how to make and I used to enjoy making it with my mom.
Anytime we brought it to an event, I was ecstatic to say, “I made this!”. Find the recipe HERE.
Sock It To Me Cake
This recipe starts with boxed cake mix. But don’t let the simplicity fool you… it’s flavorful, moist and a go-to recipe for last-minute parties!
This is another recipe that I used to make with my Mom. Whenever she was in charge of bringing a dessert to a luncheon, family dinner or neighborhood event, everyone would know the Sock It To Me Cake would make an appearance!
There was never a slice left at the end of the day. So, I’m not the only one who thinks it’s enjoyable! Click HERE for the recipe.
15 recipes… I know that’s a lot! Do you have one that stands out? One you’d like to try?
Here’s another thought… get a few friends together and ask everyone to bring a different cake. That way you can try multiple recipes at one time!
From my kitchen to yours,
Jill
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