13 Best Classic Cake Recipes Delicious and Easy

When I make my favorite Classic Cake Recipes today, I still hum the same old songs she used to sing while tapping the spoon on the side of the bowl and watching the batter swirl like gold. She always said that a good cake doesn’t need to look perfect; it just needs to make people smile. She was right—because no matter how many fancy desserts I try, nothing beats the comfort of a warm slice of homemade cake shared with people I love.

These Classic Cake Recipes are the kind you can make on quiet afternoons, busy birthdays, or rainy weekends when you just need a little sweetness to brighten the day. As they bake, the smell fills every corner of the house, wrapping everything in a soft kind of joy. I love that feeling more than anything because it reminds me why baking matters. Also, all my cakes pair super deliciously with Cheesecakes.

Once the cake comes out of the oven golden, soft, and fluffy, I like to frost it with creamy buttercream or a simple glaze. Sometimes I decorate with berries, chocolate shavings, or just a sprinkle of powdered sugar because it doesn’t need much to be special. Every bite feels like a warm hug that says “welcome home.

13. Carrot Cake

Carrot Cake is a delicious classic cake recipe everyone loves because it brings a perfect mix of sweetness and spice. It includes fresh grated carrots and warm cinnamon, which make the cake moist and flavorful, and it is topped with creamy cream cheese frosting that adds a rich, smooth taste. Every bite gives a comforting, satisfying feeling. It is easy to prepare at home and perfect for gatherings and celebrations—a timeless dessert everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1 cup cream cheese frosting

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar, then gradually add oil.
3. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, and slowly add to the wet ingredients.
4. Stir in grated carrots and walnuts until evenly combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool completely and frost with cream cheese frosting before serving.

---

12. Chocolate Fudge Cake

Chocolate Fudge Cake combines deep chocolate flavor with a moist, soft texture and rich chocolate fudge frosting. It is perfect for chocolate lovers, birthdays, and any celebration. The intense chocolate taste and soft layers make it irresistible.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup chocolate fudge frosting

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch cake pans.
2. Mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, and beat until smooth.
4. Gradually stir in boiling water until batter is thin and well combined.
5. Pour batter into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool completely before frosting with chocolate fudge frosting.

---

11. Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake is a stunning classic cake with vibrant red color and a tender texture. It pairs perfectly with creamy cream cheese frosting and has a subtle chocolate flavor. It’s visually impressive for celebrations and remains a favorite for all ages.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 cup cream cheese frosting

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch cake pans.
2. Mix flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In another bowl, combine oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.
4. Slowly mix wet ingredients into dry until smooth.
5. Pour batter into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes.
6. Cool completely and frost with cream cheese frosting.

10. Lemon Drizzle Cake

Lemon Drizzle Cake is light, moist, and refreshing with a sweet lemon glaze. Perfect for tea time or casual gatherings, the zesty lemon flavor balances beautifully with soft buttery cake.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon zest.
4. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt, and add alternately with milk.
5. Pour batter into pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice to make glaze and pour over warm cake.

---

9. Vanilla Sponge Cake

Vanilla Sponge Cake is a soft, airy classic cake everyone loves. It has a delicate vanilla flavor, is easy to make, and can be enjoyed plain or layered with frosting and fruit. Perfect for birthdays and celebrations, its soft sponge absorbs syrups and fillings well, making every slice fluffy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
2. Beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale.
3. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold into the egg mixture.
4. Stir in milk and melted butter until smooth.
5. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and firm.
6. Cool completely before slicing or frosting as desired.

---

8. Coffee Cake

Coffee Cake is a warm, tender cake with a sweet cinnamon streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, it pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. The soft buttery cake and crunchy topping create a delightful texture contrast, making every bite comforting and cozy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat eggs, milk, butter, and vanilla in another bowl until smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients and pour into the pan.
5. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts, then sprinkle over the batter.
6. Bake 35–40 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

---

7. Banana Cake

Banana Cake is moist and naturally sweet from ripe bananas. It pairs wonderfully with cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze. Its tender crumb and rich flavor make every slice comforting and satisfying. Perfect for kids and adults alike, it’s a timeless favorite.

Ingredients

• 2–3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cream cheese frosting (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
2. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla.
3. Mix flour, baking soda, and salt, and add alternately with mashed bananas.
4. Stir in buttermilk until smooth.
5. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool completely and frost with cream cheese frosting if desired.

6. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake combines caramelized pineapple rings with a soft buttery cake. Visually appealing and flavorful, it can be served warm or at room temperature. Every bite is sweet, moist, and perfect for family gatherings or casual treats.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 can pineapple slices, drained
• Maraschino cherries (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and melt butter in a 9-inch cake pan.
2. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over melted butter.
3. Arrange pineapple slices on top and place cherries in centers if desired.
4. Beat softened butter and sugar until creamy, then add eggs and vanilla.
5. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt, adding alternately with milk.
6. Pour batter over pineapple and bake 35–40 minutes.
7. Cool 5 minutes, then invert carefully onto a serving plate.

---

5. Marble Cake

Marble Cake swirls chocolate and vanilla batter together for a visually stunning and delicious dessert. Soft and moist, it’s perfect for birthdays or tea time. Every slice shows a beautiful marble pattern, making it both fun and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
2. Beat butter and sugar until creamy, then add eggs and vanilla.
3. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt, adding alternately with milk.
4. Remove 1/3 of the batter and mix with cocoa powder.
5. Pour vanilla and chocolate batters alternately into the pan and swirl lightly.
6. Bake 40–45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool completely before slicing and serving.

---

4. Coconut Cake

Coconut Cake has a soft, tender crumb and is layered with creamy coconut frosting. Sprinkled with shredded coconut, it’s visually attractive and flavorful. Perfect for special occasions or casual desserts, its gentle coconut flavor delights everyone.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 1/2 cups coconut frosting

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch cake pans.
2. Beat butter and sugar until creamy, then add eggs and vanilla.
3. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt, adding alternately with coconut milk.
4. Pour batter into pans and bake 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Cool completely and frost with coconut frosting.
6. Sprinkle shredded coconut on top for decoration.

---

3. Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake features soft sponge layers filled with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Light, refreshing, and visually vibrant, it’s perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions. Every slice is delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
• 1 1/2 cups whipped cream

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
2. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla.
3. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt, adding alternately with milk.
4. Pour batter into pan and bake 25–30 minutes, until golden and firm.
5. Cool completely, then slice horizontally to create layers.
6. Spread whipped cream between layers and top with sliced strawberries.

---

2. Apple Cake

Apple Cake features tender cake layers filled with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples. Moist, flavorful, and comforting, it’s perfect for autumn gatherings or casual desserts. Every bite brings warmth and joy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups peeled and chopped apples

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
2. Beat butter and sugar until creamy, then add eggs.
3. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon, adding alternately with milk.
4. Fold in chopped apples.
5. Pour batter into pan and bake 35–40 minutes, until golden and firm.
6. Cool completely before serving.

---

1. Classic Pound Cake

Classic Pound Cake has a rich buttery flavor and dense yet soft texture. Simple and indulgent, it’s perfect for tea time or dessert. Every slice is comforting, moist, and timeless.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch loaf pan.
2. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time and mix well.
4. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt, adding alternately with milk.
5. Stir in vanilla extract until batter is smooth.
6. Pour into prepared pan and bake 60–70 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool completely before slicing and serving.

Conclusion

When life feels a little too fast and the days start to blur together, I turn to my Classic Cake Recipes because they remind me to slow down and savor something simple and sweet.