25 Easy Cake Recipes That Will Make You Look Like a Baking Pro

I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Baking a cake doesn’t have to be hard. You can make yummy cakes with simple ingredients and easy steps. These recipes are great for beginners and let you enjoy homemade cakes without stress.

From classic vanilla to rich chocolate, there’s a cake for every taste. You’ll find options for quick snacks or fancy desserts. With these recipes, you can whip up a tasty treat in no time.

Chocolate Birthday Cake

You’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot water

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes.

   
   
4. 
   

   Stir in the hot water. The batter will be thin.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pour into the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.

   
   
6. 
   

   Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely.

   
   
7. 
   

   Frost with your favorite chocolate frosting.

   
   

Lemon Drizzle Cake

Ingredients:

• 225g self-raising flour
• 225g sugar
• 225g butter, softened
• 4 eggs
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 75g sugar (for drizzle)

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Heat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a loaf tin.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and lemon zest in a bowl. Beat until smooth.

   
   
3. 
   

   Pour the batter into the tin. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden.

   
   
4. 
   

   While baking, mix lemon juice and 75g sugar for the drizzle.

   
   
5. 
   

   Once baked, poke holes in the warm cake with a skewer.

   
   
6. 
   

   Pour the drizzle over the cake while it’s still hot.

   
   
7. 
   

   Let it cool in the tin before serving. Enjoy your tangy, moist lemon drizzle cake!

   
   

Vanilla Cake

You’ll need:

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

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

   
   
3. 
   

   Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.

   
   
4. 
   

   Alternate adding flour mix and milk to the butter mixture. Mix until smooth.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pour batter into pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

   
   
6. 
   

   Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

   
   

Red Velvet Cake

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

   
   
3. 
   

   In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.

   
   
4. 
   

   Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.

   
   
6. 
   

   Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

   
   
7. 
   

   Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

   
   
8. 
   

   Frost with cream cheese frosting and enjoy your delicious red velvet cake!

   
   

Chocolate Fudge Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot water

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes.

   
   
4. 
   

   Stir in hot water. The batter will be thin, don’t worry!

   
   
5. 
   

   Pour into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.

   
   
6. 
   

   Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely.

   
   
7. 
   

   Frost with your favorite chocolate frosting and enjoy!

   
   

Carrot Cake

You’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix flour, sugar, oil, and eggs in a large bowl.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add grated carrots, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well combined.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour the batter into your prepared pan.

   
   
5. 
   

   Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

   
   
6. 
   

   Let the cake cool before frosting or serving.

   
   

Strawberry Shortcake

You’ll need:

• 1 box French vanilla cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• Fresh strawberries
• Whipped cream

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix the cake mix, eggs, water, and butter in a large bowl until smooth.

   
   
3. 
   

   Pour the batter into the prepared pans. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

   
   
4. 
   

   Let the cakes cool completely. Slice each cake in half horizontally.

   
   
5. 
   

   Wash and slice the strawberries.

   
   
6. 
   

   Layer the cake, starting with a cake layer, then whipped cream and strawberries. Repeat with remaining layers.

   
   
7. 
   

   Top with more whipped cream and strawberries.

   
   
8. 
   

   Chill for at least an hour before serving.

   
   

Enjoy your easy and delicious strawberry shortcake!

Peanut Butter Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch baking pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix flour, sugar, and baking soda in a large bowl.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add milk, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.

   
   
4. 
   

   In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and peanut butter. Heat until melted and well mixed.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pour the warm peanut butter mixture into the batter. Stir until combined.

   
   
6. 
   

   Pour the batter into your prepared pan.

   
   
7. 
   

   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

   
   
8. 
   

   Let the cake cool before serving. Enjoy your delicious peanut butter cake!

   
   

Marble Cake

You’ll need:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, vanilla, and baking powder in a bowl until smooth.

   
   
3. 
   

   Pour 2/3 of the batter into the pan.

   
   
4. 
   

   Add cocoa powder to the remaining batter and stir well.

   
   
5. 
   

   Drop spoonfuls of chocolate batter over the vanilla batter.

   
   
6. 
   

   Swirl with a knife to create a marble effect.

   
   
7. 
   

   Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

   
   
8. 
   

   Let cool before serving. Enjoy your homemade marble cake!

   
   

Banana Bread

You’ll need:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mash the bananas in a large bowl. Mix in the melted butter.

   
   
3. 
   

   Stir in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.

   
   
4. 
   

   Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir in.

   
   
5. 
   

   Add the flour and mix until just combined.

   
   
6. 
   

   Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

   
   
7. 
   

   Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

   
   
8. 
   

   Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

   
   

Texas Sheet Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×18 inch baking pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix flour and sugar in a large bowl.

   
   
3. 
   

   In a saucepan, combine butter, water, and cocoa. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour the hot mixture over the flour mixture. Stir well.

   
   
5. 
   

   Add buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

   
   
6. 
   

   Pour batter into the prepared pan.

   
   
7. 
   

   Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

   
   
8. 
   

   Let cool before frosting, if desired.

   
   

Lemon Blueberry Poke Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix
• Water, oil, and egg whites (as per cake mix instructions)
• 3 cups fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 container whipped topping
• 1 package lemon pudding mix

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Bake the cake as directed on the box in a 9×13 inch pan. Let it cool for 15 minutes.

   
   
2. 
   

   Poke holes all over the cake with the back of a wooden spoon.

   
   
3. 
   

   In a saucepan, mix 2 cups blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and cook for 3-4 minutes.

   
   
4. 
   

   Add remaining blueberries and cornstarch mixed with water. Stir until thick.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pour the blueberry mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.

   
   
6. 
   

   Chill the cake for 2 hours.

   
   
7. 
   

   Prepare lemon pudding and spread it over the cake.

   
   
8. 
   

   Top with whipped topping and serve.

   
   

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Blueberry Poke Cake!

Cherry Dump Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cans cherry pie filling
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Pour the cherry pie filling into the pan. Spread it evenly.

   
   
3. 
   

   Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cherries.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour the melted butter over the cake mix. Try to cover as much as possible.

   
   
5. 
   

   If using, sprinkle chopped pecans on top.

   
   
6. 
   

   Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.

   
   
7. 
   

   Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

   
   
8. 
   

   Scoop into bowls and enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you like!

   
   

Peach Dump Cake

You’ll need:

• 2 cans sliced peaches in syrup
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 stick butter, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• Cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

   
   
2. 
   

   Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

   
   
3. 
   

   Pour peaches with syrup into the dish. Add almond extract if using.

   
   
4. 
   

   Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over peaches.

   
   
5. 
   

   Place butter slices on top of cake mix.

   
   
6. 
   

   Sprinkle cinnamon if desired.

   
   
7. 
   

   Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown.

   
   
8. 
   

   Let cool slightly before serving.

   
   

Enjoy your easy and tasty peach dump cake!

Icebox Cake

You’ll need:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 package chocolate wafer cookies
• Fresh berries for topping

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Whip the cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

   
   
2. 
   

   Spread a thin layer of whipped cream on a serving plate.

   
   
3. 
   

   Arrange a layer of cookies on the cream, slightly overlapping.

   
   
4. 
   

   Cover with a layer of whipped cream.

   
   
5. 
   

   Repeat layers until you’ve used all the cookies.

   
   
6. 
   

   Spread remaining cream over the top and sides.

   
   
7. 
   

   Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

   
   
8. 
   

   Top with fresh berries before serving.

   
   

Chocolate Banana Cake

You’ll need:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix the cake mix, mashed bananas, oil, eggs, and water in a large bowl until smooth.

   
   
3. 
   

   Fold in the chocolate chips.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour the batter into your prepared pan.

   
   
5. 
   

   Bake for 35-40 minutes. Check with a toothpick – it should come out clean when done.

   
   
6. 
   

   Let the cake cool before serving. Enjoy your delicious chocolate banana treat!

   
   

Funfetti Cake

You’ll need:

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

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

   
   
3. 
   

   In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.

   
   
4. 
   

   Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

   
   
5. 
   

   Gently fold in the sprinkles.

   
   
6. 
   

   Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.

   
   
7. 
   

   Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

   
   
8. 
   

   Frost and decorate your funfetti cake as desired!

   
   

Coconut Cream Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 can coconut cream

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix the cake mix, coconut milk, oil, eggs, and coconut extract in a large bowl until smooth.

   
   
3. 
   

   Fold in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.

   
   
5. 
   

   Let the cake cool completely.

   
   
6. 
   

   Poke holes all over the cake with a fork.

   
   
7. 
   

   Pour the coconut cream over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.

   
   
8. 
   

   Sprinkle the remaining coconut on top.

   
   
9. 
   

   Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

   
   

Apple Cinnamon Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.

   
   
3. 
   

   Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.

   
   
4. 
   

   Stir dry ingredients into wet mixture. Fold in chopped apples.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pour batter into the pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

   
   
6. 
   

   Let cool before serving. Enjoy your tasty apple cinnamon cake!

   
   

Buttermilk Pound Cake

You’ll need:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 1/4 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 10-inch tube pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla.

   
   
3. 
   

   Combine flour and baking soda. Add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, mixing until just blended.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 60-75 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

   
   
5. 
   

   Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

   
   

Raspberry Bakewell Cake

You’ll need:

• 200g butter, softened
• 200g sugar
• 4 eggs
• 200g ground almonds
• 200g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 250g raspberries
• 4 tbsp raspberry jam
• 2 tbsp flaked almonds

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F. Grease and line a 20cm cake tin.

   
   
2. 
   

   Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.

   
   
3. 
   

   Fold in the ground almonds, flour, and almond extract.

   
   
4. 
   

   Spoon half the mixture into the tin. Spread with jam and scatter half the raspberries.

   
   
5. 
   

   Top with remaining mixture and raspberries. Sprinkle with flaked almonds.

   
   
6. 
   

   Bake for 50-60 minutes until golden and a skewer comes out clean.

   
   
7. 
   

   Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

   
   

Ginger Marmalade Cake

Ingredients:

• 225g butter, softened
• 225g sugar
• 3 eggs
• 225g self-raising flour
• 2 tbsp milk
• 4 tbsp orange marmalade
• 2 tsp ground ginger

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Heat your oven to 160°C (140°C fan). Grease and line a 900g loaf tin.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well.

   
   
3. 
   

   Fold in flour and ginger. Stir in milk and 3 tbsp marmalade.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour batter into tin. Bake for 50-60 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.

   
   
5. 
   

   Cool in tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

   
   
6. 
   

   Warm remaining marmalade and brush over the top of the cake.

   
   

Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

You’ll need:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix the cake mix, eggs, melted butter, and milk in a large bowl until smooth.

   
   
3. 
   

   Fold in the chocolate chips.

   
   
4. 
   

   Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.

   
   
5. 
   

   Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

   
   
6. 
   

   Let it cool before serving. Enjoy your delicious cookie cake!

   
   

Spiced Apple Cider Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch cake pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.

   
   
3. 
   

   In another bowl, beat sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

   
   
4. 
   

   Add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with apple cider. Mix until just combined.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pour batter into the pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

   
   
6. 
   

   Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

   
   

Ultimate Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot water

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

   
   
4. 
   

   Stir in the hot water. The batter will be thin.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pour into the prepared pans.

   
   
6. 
   

   Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

   
   
7. 
   

   Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.