12 Must-Try Cake Recipes

Photography By Sara Schober | Last Updated February 23, 2021

Chef Whitney Otawka uses brandy-soaked cherries to garnish this double chocolate cake, perfect for festive occasions as well as Sunday supper.

A party without cake is just a meeting

Julia Child

Sure, making a cake from a box mix is convenient. But you know what's just as easy? Baking a cake from scratch. Techniques like mixing to the right consistency so the cake isn't too heavy may take a bit of trial and error, but if you can use a measuring cup and spoons, you can probably make any of the one or two-layer treats here. And for really special holiday celebrations, give the Bûche de Noël a try. If you mess up, toss it in a large bowl with the whipped cream filling and icing, and call it a trifle. As we say around our test kitchen, cake is always a good idea, whatever form it's in.

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Olive Oil Lemon Cake

This beautifully simple cake makes a light and tangy dessert for springtime gatherings. Not too sweet, with just the right amount of fresh lemon.

Stack Cake

This cake, traditionally served at weddings in Appalachia, was also made by Chef Randolph's grandmother during the holiday season, when apples were harvested.

Gingerbread Spice Layer Cake

This cake, with just a hint of cocoa, makes a spectacular finish to a holiday celebration.

Mary's Double-Chocolate Cake

Reprinted by permission from The Saltwater Table: Recipes from the Coastal South. Instead of using eggs and oil, this recipe calls for mayonnaise to add moisture to the cake layers. This was a common...

Bûche de Noël

This traditional French cake is in the shape of a tree branch - the name means Christmas log. It makes a unique addition to your holiday dessert table.

Lemon Pound Cake

The surprise ingredient in this moist cake is cottage cheese. Serve one loaf now and freeze the second for a future gathering.

Sweet Potato Mini Bundt Cakes

It’s easy to make a vegan version of these cakes by using plant-based milk and non-dairy oil.

Pandan Chiffon Cake

Pandan, a tropical plant commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine, can be found at La Salsa on Beach Boulevard and other local markets specializing in international ingredients.

Banana Cake with Tahini Ice Cream

The flavors of banana and sesame seeds pair well in this stylish dessert.

Chocolate Tahini Cupcakes with Blackberry Frosting

The use of tahini adds a subtle sesame flavor and helps reduce the amount of oil needed for the cupcake batter.

Matcha Mint Chocolate "Cheesecake"

There's no baking this cake. It's raw and vegan. (And totally delicious).

Butternut Squash Cupcakes with Latte Icing

This dessert, with a flavor similar to spice cake, is a great way to use any leftover butternut squash. Roast the seeds and use as a garnish or eat as a snack.

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