15 Easy Cake Recipes for Beginners

Are you excited to start baking? You've come to the right place to find easy cake recipes that are perfect for beginners. These simple and delicious desserts are made with basic ingredients, making them easy to make and fun to eat.

From classic yellow cake to moist chocolate cake, we have a variety of recipes to try. You'll discover new favorite flavors and decorating ideas to make your cakes special. Let's get started and explore these easy cake recipes together!

1. Simple Vanilla Cake

Classic vanilla cake made easy with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

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

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 the eggs one at a time, then stir in the 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. Beat just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
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, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Moist Chocolate Cake

Rich, decadent chocolate cake for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 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 (175°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, combine cocoa powder and sugar.
4. Add milk to the cocoa mixture and whisk until smooth.
5. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
6. Whisk in vanilla extract.
7. Gradually add the flour mixture to the cocoa mixture, whisking until just combined.
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. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Lemon Sunshine Cake

Lemon Sunshine Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 cup whole milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the butter, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Gradually add the milk and mix until the batter is smooth.
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 them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Classic Pound Cake

Classic Pound Cake is a rich and moist dessert made with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups 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 salt

Instructions

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

5. Easy Carrot Cake

Moist and flavorful carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

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

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 sugar and eggs until light and fluffy.
4. Add the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the bowl and mix until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the bowl and mix until smooth and creamy.
11. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting on top.
12. Place the second layer on top of the first and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

6. Strawberry Shortcake

Sweet strawberry shortcake made with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• 1 cup whipped cream

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender to work it into the dry ingredients.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and eggs.
5. Add the cream mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times.
7. Roll the dough out to about 1 inch thickness and cut into rounds.
8. Place the rounds on a baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes.
9. Split the shortcakes in half horizontally and top with sliced strawberries and whipped cream.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy.

7. Beginner's Banana Cake

Moist and delicious banana cake perfect for beginners.

Ingredients

• 3 large ripe bananas
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Basic Red Velvet Cake

Moist and flavorful, this basic red velvet cake is perfect for any occasion.

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°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. Beat in red food coloring and vanilla extract.
6. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
7. Beat just until combined.
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. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Quick Coffee Cake

Delicious coffee cake with a crumbly topping and sweet glaze.

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 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F 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 sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture and milk, alternating between the two.
6. Stir in chopped walnuts and brown sugar.
7. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before glazing.

10. Decadent Brownie Cake

Rich, fudgy brownie cake perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving.

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter
• 2 cups of sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Melt the butter and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the cocoa powder until well combined.
4. Let the mixture cool slightly, then stir in the eggs one at a time.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract, flour, and salt.
6. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
7. Fold the melted chocolate into the cake batter until well combined.
8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
10. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

11. One-Bowl Sugar Cake

Simple One-Bowl Sugar Cake is a classic dessert.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Pour in the milk and mix until the batter is smooth.
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
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. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

12. Fast Apple Spice Cake

Moist and flavorful, this fast apple spice cake is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

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

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, nutmeg, 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 vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, then fold in diced apples.
6. Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

13. Hummingbird Cake

Hummingbird Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert with bananas, pineapple, and spices.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups mashed ripe bananas
• 1 cup crushed pineapple
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, 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 mashed bananas and crushed pineapple.
5. Add flour mixture to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
6. Stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chopped pecans.
7. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and smooth tops.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.
9. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cakes are cool, you can frost and decorate as desired.

14. No-Fuss Nutella Cake

Rich, chocolatey Nutella cake with a moist and velvety texture.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup Nutella
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

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, whisk together milk, eggs, and Nutella.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Stir in the vegetable oil.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

15. Classic Yellow Cake

Classic yellow cake is a moist and delicious dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons 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 bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter until creamy.
4. Gradually add sugar to the butter and beat until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
6. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with 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. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Conclusion

You'll be a cake-baking master in no time, whipping up thousands of cakes with these 15 easy recipes! Your friends will beg for your moist chocolate cake, and you'll be famous for your lemon sunshine cake. Get ready to bake a million classic yellow cakes and become the most amazing beginner baker ever!