18 Classic Cake Recipes Everyone Should Know

Do you want to become a superstar baker? Mastering 18 classic cake recipes can make you one. You'll find amazing flavors like lemon lavender and orange blossom that will make your cakes special.

These recipes are special because each one is unique and offers something new to learn. You'll discover how to make cakes that are moist, delicious, and beautiful. By trying these recipes, you'll become a better baker and make your family and friends happy with your yummy creations.

1. Vanilla Bean Cake

Moist and flavorful, this vanilla bean cake is a classic dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter until creamy.
4. Gradually add the sugar to the butter and continue beating until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next.
6. Beat in the vanilla extract.
7. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk and yogurt, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
8. Beat in the vanilla bean paste.
9. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Moist Chocolate Cake

Rich, decadent chocolate cake perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cocoa powder and milk, stirring until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition, then whisk in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the cocoa mixture, whisking until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert with a distinctive red color.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons red food coloring
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup cream cheese frosting

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter until creamy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add red food coloring and mix until combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
7. Beat in vanilla extract.
8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once the cakes are cool, spread cream cheese frosting on top of one cake and place the other cake on top.
12. Frost the outside of the cake with the remaining frosting.

4. Carrot Cake

Moist and flavorful, carrot cake is a classic dessert loved by many.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cakes are cool, frost and decorate as desired.

5. Lemon Lavender Pound Cake

Lemon Lavender Pound Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter until creamy.
4. Gradually add the sugar to the butter and beat until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next.
6. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
7. Stir in the lavender buds, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
10. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Classic Cheesecake

Rich and creamy dessert with a graham cracker crust.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 pounds cream cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Prepare the crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs and sugar, then stir in melted butter.
3. Press the crust mixture into a 9-inch springform pan.
4. Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add eggs one at a time.
5. Stir in sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt.
6. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the edges are set.
8. Let the cheesecake cool completely in the pan.
9. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

7. Strawberry Shortcake

A classic dessert featuring sweet strawberries and moist cake.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together milk and eggs.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into a 9-inch round cake pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Split the cooled cake in half horizontally using a serrated knife.
10. Spoon sliced strawberries over the bottom cake layer.
11. Top with the top cake layer and dust with confectioners' sugar.
12. Serve immediately and enjoy.

8. German Chocolate Cake

Moist and rich, German Chocolate Cake is a classic dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cocoa powder and milk, stirring until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time to the cocoa mixture, whisking well after each addition.
5. Whisk in vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cocoa mixture, whisking until just combined.
7. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
8. Fold the melted chocolate into the cake batter until well combined.
9. Stir in chopped pecans.
10. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
11. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
12. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Pound Cake

Rich and buttery, classic pound cake is a timeless dessert favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. Cream the butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Gradually add sugar and beat until well combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate.
5. Stir in vanilla extract.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
7. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
8. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Coffee Cake

Soft and fluffy coffee cake with a sweet crumb topping.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture and milk, alternating between the two.
6. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and 1/4 cup of the chopped walnuts for the topping.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the topping evenly over the top.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

11. Banana Nut Cake

Moist and flavorful, banana nut cake is a classic dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. With mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Stir in mashed bananas and chopped walnuts.
7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove from oven and let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

12. S'mores Cake

A decadent dessert combining chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers in a moist cake.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup marshmallows
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa powder and milk until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
5. Whisk in vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to cocoa mixture, whisking until just combined.
7. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
8. Fold melted chocolate into cake batter until well combined.
9. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Once cakes are cool, spread a layer of marshmallow creme on top of one cake layer.
13. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over marshmallow creme.
14. Place second cake layer on top and frost with chocolate frosting.
15. Toast marshmallows with a kitchen torch, if desired, for a golden brown topping.

13. Tiramisu Cake

Tiramisu Cake is a classic Italian dessert made with ladyfingers and espresso.

Ingredients

• 12-16 ladyfingers
• 1 cup of strong brewed espresso
• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Dip each ladyfinger into the espresso for about 3-5 seconds on each side.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, and egg yolks.
3. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the cocoa powder and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until well combined.
5. To assemble the cake, start with a layer of ladyfingers in the bottom of a large serving dish.
6. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
7. Repeat the layers, starting with the ladyfingers, then the mascarpone mixture.
8. Dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder.
9. Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours before serving.
10. Slice and serve.

14. Cinnamon Swirl Cake

Moist and sweet cinnamon swirl cake filled with a gooey cinnamon center.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by milk and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
6. Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish.
7. In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon and sugar for the swirl.
8. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish.
9. Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar mixture.
10. Use a knife or spatula to create a swirly design on top of the batter.
11. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
12. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

15. Orange Blossom Cake

Delicate orange blossom cake with a moist and fragrant flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons orange blossom water
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in orange blossom water and orange zest.
6. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cakes are completely cool, they can be frosted and decorated as desired.

16. Coconut Cream Cake

Moist coconut cake filled with creamy coconut buttercream frosting.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, shredded coconut, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Add the softened butter and mix until smooth.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. To make the frosting, beat the heavy cream and confectioners' sugar until stiff peaks form.
10. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.
11. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

17. Boston Cream Cake

Moist and decadent, Boston Cream Cake is a classic dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. To make the cream filling, beat the heavy cream and confectioners' sugar until stiff peaks form.
10. To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread the cream filling over the top.
11. Place the second cake layer on top and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
12. To make the chocolate glaze, melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
13. Pour the glaze over the top of the cake and refrigerate for an additional 10-15 minutes to set the glaze.

18. Yellow Butter Cake

Classic yellow butter cake is a rich and moist dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter until creamy.
4. Gradually add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next.
6. Beat in the vanilla extract.
7. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Conclusion

You'll master the art of cake-making with these 18 recipes. For instance, using the Moist Chocolate Cake recipe, you can create a stunning birthday cake, like Sarah's, which wowed her guests with its rich, velvety texture and deep flavor, making it a memorable celebration. This skill will elevate your baking.