19 Best Festive Cake Recipes for New Year’s: Unveil Sweet Delights

The New Year is the perfect time to indulge in delightful treats, and there's nothing quite like a beautifully crafted cake to ring in a fresh start. Cakes have a magical way of bringing people together, making celebrations even more joyous.

Whether you're hosting a grand New Year’s Eve bash or enjoying a cozy night with loved ones, these 19 best festive cake recipes for New Year’s are sure to impress and satisfy every sweet tooth in the house. Each of these recipes brings its own twist, from traditional favorites to modern marvels, ensuring a delicious start to the year ahead. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into these sweet delights!

1. Classic New Year’s Vanilla Cake

A timeless choice that never fails to please, this vanilla cake is fluffy, moist, and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
4. Alternate adding flour mix and milk, beginning and ending with flour.
5. Pour batter into pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool for 10 minutes, remove from pans, and let cool completely before frosting.

2. Decadent Chocolate Truffle Cake

Rich, velvety, and layered with creamy ganache, this cake is a chocolate lover's dream.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans.
2. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add sugar, eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla to the dry mix. Beat on medium speed.
4. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).
5. Pour into pans and bake 30-35 minutes. Cool and frost with ganache.

3. Passion Fruit New Year’s Cheesecake

For a unique twist, this tangy passion fruit cheesecake is both refreshing and indulgent.

Ingredients:

• For the crust:
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons melted butter
• For the filling:
• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the topping:
• 1 cup passion fruit pulp
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Combine crust ingredients; press into a springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, mix well. Pour over crust.
4. Bake for 55-60 minutes. Let cool.
5. For topping, mix passion fruit pulp, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook until thickened, cool, and spread over cheesecake.

4. Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A classic New Year’s treat with its vibrant color and velvety texture.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch pans.
2. Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa, and salt.
3. Add eggs, oil, buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Beat until smooth.
4. Divide batter between pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely.
5. Frost with cream cheese frosting.

5. Lemon Blueberry Cake

Bright and tangy, this cake is filled with juicy blueberries and a fresh lemon flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Zest and juice of 2 lemons
• 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch pans.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
4. Alternate adding flour mix and buttermilk. Add lemon zest and juice.
5. Fold in blueberries.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool and frost.

6. Spiced Carrot Cake

A warmly spiced cake full of carrots, nuts, and a hint of pineapple.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Beat oil and sugar. Add eggs, mix well.
4. Stir in carrots, pineapple, and walnuts.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.

7. Black Forest Cake

A rich chocolate cake layered with cherries and whipped cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 jar (24 oz) morello cherries
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch pans.
2. Mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed. Stir in boiling water.
4. Pour into pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
5. Whip cream with powdered sugar.
6. Layer cake with whipped cream and cherries.

8. Pumpkin Spice Cake

With the delightful flavors of pumpkin and warm spices, this cake is perfect for the season.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt, and baking soda.
3. Beat sugar and oil until blended. Add eggs one at a time. Add pumpkin and vanilla.
4. Add dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Pour into pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool.

9. Funfetti Celebration Cake

Bright and festive, this cake is filled with colorful sprinkles and perfect for any party.

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup rainbow sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch pans.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
4. Alternate adding flour mix and milk. Fold in sprinkles.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.

10. Tiramisu Layer Cake

Inspired by the classic Italian dessert, this cake is soaked in coffee and layered with mascarpone.

Ingredients:

• For the cake:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• For the filling:
• 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
• ¼ cup coffee liqueur
• 1 pound mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch pans.
2. For the cake, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla. Alternate adding flour mix and milk.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely.
4. Brew coffee and mix with liqueur.
5. Beat mascarpone with powdered sugar. Whip cream and fold into mascarpone mix.
6. Slice cakes into layers. Soak with coffee mix. Layer with mascarpone cream. Chill.

11. Almond Raspberry Cake

A delightful combination of almonds and raspberries in a moist, tender cake.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 ½ cups fresh raspberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
2. Combine flours, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then almond extract.
4. Alternate adding flour mix and milk. Fold in raspberries.
5. Pour into pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool before serving.

12. Coconut Layer Cake

With layers of coconut cake and creamy frosting, this cake is a tropical delight.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch pans.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, then coconut extract.
4. Alternate adding flour mix and coconut milk. Fold in shredded coconut.
5. Pour into pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely. Frost with coconut frosting.

13. Mocha Cake

Perfect for coffee enthusiasts, this mocha cake is rich, chocolaty, and infused with coffee flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch pans.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa.
3. Mix cooled coffee with buttermilk.
4. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
5. Alternate adding flour mix and coffee mix.
6. Pour into pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool, then frost.

14. Strawberry Shortcake

A classic dessert with layers of tender cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream.

Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch pans.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
4. Alternate adding flour mix and milk. Pour into pans.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely.
6. Whip cream with powdered sugar.
7. Assemble with cake, whipped cream, and strawberries.

15. Champagne Cake

Celebrate the New Year in style with this elegant and delicate champagne-infused cake.

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 5 large egg whites
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups champagne

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch pans.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg whites one at a time, then vanilla.
4. Alternate adding flour mix and champagne.
5. Pour into pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely.

16. White Chocolate Raspberry Cake

A sophisticated cake with layers of white chocolate and fresh raspberries.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch pans.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, then vanilla.
4. Alternate adding flour mix and milk. Fold in raspberries and white chocolate chips.
5. Pour into pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely.

17. Coconut Lime Cake

Fresh and zesty, with the tropical flavors of coconut and lime.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract
• Zest and juice of 2 limes
• 1 cup coconut milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch pans.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, then coconut extract, lime zest, and juice.
4. Alternate adding flour mix and coconut milk.
5. Pour into pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely.

18. Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

A heavenly combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch pans.
2. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat sugar, eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Add boiling water. Batter will be thin.
4. Pour into pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely.
5. Frost with peanut butter frosting.

19. White Chocolate Peppermint Cake

Perfect for wintertime, this cake combines the sweetness of white chocolate with refreshing peppermint.

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch pans.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then peppermint and vanilla extracts.
4. Alternate adding flour mix and milk, beginning and ending with flour.
5. Fold in white chocolate chips.
6. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the cakes in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.
8. Frost with peppermint-flavored frosting and garnish with crushed peppermint candies if desired.

Conclusion

Delightful cake recipes that are sure to make your New Year’s celebrations extra special. Each cake brings its own unique flavor and charm, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a fan of rich chocolate, fruity citrus, or creamy cheesecakes, there’s something here for everyone. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these cakes as much as I do. Here’s to a New Year filled with sweetness and joy!