The Best Cake Recipes (2024)

Cake recipes to impress, including the ultimate chocolate fudge cake, classic Victoria sponge cake, a banana cake recipe and Mary Berry's orange layer cake

Cake recipes to impress, including the ultimate chocolate fudge cake, classic Victoria sponge cake, a banana cake recipe and Mary Berry's orange layer cake. Whether you prefer something sweeter, fruity, chocolatey, or lighter, we all have our weakness when it comes to cake. There's also always a reason to have cake, whether you're celebrating a birthday, got a charity bake sale or you're expecting guests for a coffee.

This light-as-air lemon chiffon cake is the perfect cake for spring.

Baking a beautiful cake doesn't have to be difficult or stressful. The baking itself should be simple enough and if you're looking for something more elaborate and show-stopping, you can take some time on the decorating to make them look the part.

You'll find some traditional cake recipes in our collection, as well as some less common flavours and ingredients including parsnips and courgettes, which help reduce the quantity of fat needed in the cake - often replacing butter. Yes, we know it's a little unusual but trust us... You can either play it safe or try something totally new, but whatever your preference, all our cake recipes are easy to make and won't keep you in the kitchen too long. From show-stoppers to simple loaf cakes, we've got them all, so take your pick depending on the occasion and make a delicious cake that will impress everyone.

See more easy but impressive cake recipes...

The Best Cake Recipes (1)

Banana Bread Cake with Butterscotch Icing

One slice of this moist, rich banana bread cake with butterscotch icing recipe will have you running back for more!

The Best Cake Recipes (2)

Apple and Blackberry Cake

Make apple and blackberry cake recipe with this easy all-in-one recipe made with seasonal fruit (and just perfect with a dollop of cream).

The Best Cake Recipes (3)

(Image credit: Laura Edwards)

Carrot Cake with Orange Cream Frosting

This light and zesty carrot cake with orange cream frosting is one of our favourite recipes, and one of our most popular on the site.

The Best Cake Recipes (4)

(Image credit: Laura Edwards)

Chocolate Fudge Cake

Rich and delicious, this chocolate fudge cake is one of our most popular recipes. You can't go wrong with this recipe.See the chocolate fudge cake recipe.

The Best Cake Recipes (5)

(Image credit: Laura Edwards)

Cup of Tea Fruit Loaf

Pre-soaking gives you fruit that is plump, juicy and bursting with flavour for this delicious traditional cup of tea fruit loaf recipe.

The Best Cake Recipes (6)

Courgette and Lime Cake

This courgette and lime cake recipe may sound strange but it's delicious!

The Best Cake Recipes (7)

Madeira Cake

Try this light and springy madeira cake recipe for a classic cake that can be made with mainly storecupboard ingredients.

The Best Cake Recipes (8)

Apple Walnut Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

This incredibly glamorous Sex and the City-inspired apple walnut cake with caramel cream cheese frosting recipe yields a creamy, hugely rich apple and walnut cake. You won't be able to resist a second slice!

Mary Berry's Orange Cake

Zesty and light, this orange cake recipe from the queen of baking Mary Berry herself is delicious at any time of the day!

The Best Cake Recipes (10)

Chocolate Hazelnut Salted Caramel Cake

This is a real show stopper, with chocolate and hazelnut layers wrapped in Swiss meringue buttercream icing and dripping in caramel. This stunning chocolate hazelnut salted caramel cake is worth the effort.

The Best Cake Recipes (11)

Coffee and Walnut Cake

Coffee and walnut cake recipe is a traditional British favourite. Treat your taste buds with this recipe and your sugar lust will be well and truly satisfied.

The Best Cake Recipes (12)

Red Velvet Cake

An American classic for a reason, this flashy cake tastes as good as it looks - try our red velvet cake recipe for yourself!

The Best Cake Recipes (13)

Dark Chocolate and Almond Torte

This dark chocolate and almond torte recipe is delicious served with crème fraîche, vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt. Tumble a few raspberries on top if you're making this when they're in season for a simple but beautiful effect.

The Best Cake Recipes (14)

Dairy Free Ginger Cake

This ginger cake recipe is so moist and spicy, no-one will believe that it's dairy-free. If you can lock it away in a cake tin for a day or two, it will taste even better!

The Best Cake Recipes (15)

Sour Cream Cake with Lavender

Our beautifully moist sour cream cake with lavender recipe keeps for three days in an airtight container - which means more time for you to have another slice!

The Best Cake Recipes (16)

Nutty Orange and Parsnip Cake

The addition of parsnip to this nutty orange cake recipe makes for a deliciously moist alternative to carrot cake.

The Best Cake Recipes (17)

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Rich, dark and guaranteed to give just the right sort of punch. This flourless chocolate cake recipe tastes divine just out of the oven, but the creme fraiche and fresh raspberry topping add a grown-up edge.

The Best Cake Recipes (18)

Chocolate and Hazelnut Victoria Sponge Cake

A nice and simple victoria sponge cake recipe but with a chocolatey twist, why not stir some chopped nuts through the cake mixture for a seriously nutty taste.

The Best Cake Recipes (19)

Lemon, Almond and Yogurt Cake

We've used yogurt instead of butter in this cake recipe to cut down on the saturated fat. The flavour is just as delicious and the almonds give a fabulous texture.

The Best Cake Recipes (20)

(Image credit: charlie richards)

Victoria Sandwich Loaf

The cornerstone of a traditional British afternoon tea, our Victoria sandwich loaf recipe has all the cream and strawberry jam of the original in a pretty loaf shape.

The Best Cake Recipes (21)

Mini Cupcakes

You'll be proud to serve our mini cupcakes recipe at a special tea or fundraising event. They also make lovely girly gifts!Indulge your sinful side by using liqueurs and syrups for flavouring - you can redeem yourself by using natural cream cheese frosting rather than buttercream.

The Best Cake Recipes (22)

Lemon Drizzle Cake

You'll be the envy of your friends when you serve up this lemon drizzle cake recipe. Light, moist sponge cake, oozing with sticky lemon frosting - we're feeling hungry just thinking about it!

The Best Cake Recipes (23)

(Image credit: Laura Edwards)

Spiced Apple Sour Cream Cake

The flavours of this moist spiced apple sour cream cake recipe will develop on keeping - if you can resist its charms for long enough, that is!

The Best Cake Recipes (24)

Caramel Cheesecake

A luscious layer of dulce de leche sets off this decadent caramel cheesecake recipe, and its smooth filling pairs wonderfully with the crunchy ginger nut base. We know you love cheesecakes and this is one of our best!

The Best Cake Recipes (25)

Salted Peanut Caramel Cupcakes

This salted peanut caramel cupcakes recipe has a thoroughly modern twist, with the salt cutting through the sweetness of the caramel.

The Best Cake Recipes (26)

Strawberry and Lemon Triple Layer Cake

Lazy cake bakers rejoice! This delectable strawberry and lemon triple layer cake recipe looks impressive, but is incredibly easy to make. You can even make the sponges weeks in advance and keep them in the freezer.

The Best Cake Recipes (27)

Pistachio and Rosewater Cake

This incredibly pretty cake is infused with the delicate flavours of the Middle East - our pistachio and rosewater cake recipe will wow your guests.

The Best Cake Recipes (28)

Banoffee Swiss Roll

A new twist on banoffee - and on swiss roll! We predict your family and friends will love this delightful combination in ourbanoffee swiss roll recipe.

The Best Cake Recipes (29)

Chocolate Brownie Cake

A big, brash American-style show-stopper, this chocolate brownie cake recipe is perfect for both adults and children.

The Best Cake Recipes (30)

Frosted Peach and Coconut Cake

A really beautiful and unusual cake, you'll be unable to resist a slice of this gorgeous frosted peach and coconut cake recipe.

The Best Cake Recipes (31)

(Image credit: One Bowl Baking, Yvonne Ruperti)

Lemon Sorbet Cake

The ideal cake for small parties when you only need to serve six or eight. This four-layer lemon sorbet tiny cake recipe is paired with zingy frosting. Delicious!

The Best Cake Recipes (32)

Sticky Ginger and Treacle Cake with Rum and Pecan Praline

Happiness (with a touch of nostalgia) is the best description of the feeling this sticky ginger and treacle cake with rum and pecan praline recipe produces.

The Best Cake Recipes (33)

(Image credit: Recipes For A Good Time)

Boozy Banana Cake

A great way to use up leftover bananas - this boozy banana cake recipe is a guaranteed BBQ hit.

The Best Cake Recipes (34)

Tiramisu Cupcakes

Turn the Italian pud that everyone loves into a teatime treat with our tiramisu cupcakes recipe.

The Best Cake Recipes (35)

(Image credit: charlie richards)

Chocolate and Hazelnut Victoria Sandwich

A simple Victoria sponge with a chocolatey twist, our chocolate and hazelnut Victoria sandwich recipe is a real crowd-pleaser.

The Best Cake Recipes (36)

Almond, Polenta and Honey Cake

This almond, polenta and honey cake recipe has hardly any flour in it, giving it a moist, heavy texture and a wonderful sweet flavour.

The Best Cake Recipes (37)

Lemon and Almond Cake with Amaretto

This is just so pretty! A perfect gift for someone's birthday, or just because you felt like having some me-time in the kitchen, this lemon and almond cake with amaretto recipe tastes every bit as lovely as it looks.

The Best Cake Recipes (38)

Chocolate Guinness Cake

With a fantastically moist texture and a deep, rich flavour, our chocolate Guinness cake recipe is one you'll return to time and again. It also makes a great birthday cake for even the most macho men!

The Best Cake Recipes (39)

Spiced Beetroot Cake with Mascarpone

With a rich flavour and crumbly texture, you wouldn't guess this spiced beetroot cake with mascarpone recipe is made with an antioxidant-packed superfood.

The Best Cake Recipes (40)

Orange and Walnut Layer Cake

A real American show-stopper, this orange and walnut layer cake recipe is perfect for tea with the girls, and the orange's sharpness stops it being too rich.

The Best Cake Recipes (41)

(Image credit: charlie richards)

Dundee Cake

There's nothing nicer than a good slice of light crumbly fruit cake and this Dundee cake recipe is our idea of the perfect companion to a cup of tea!Find more easy cake recipes

The Best Cake Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Which is the most delicious cake in the world? ›

Cheese Cake

This is hands down one of the most creamy, rich and yummiest cakes in the world. Who can ignore the richness of the famous new york cheesecake? Available in a wide variety of flavors, cheesecake is royalty when it comes to cakes! [Want to bake it on your own?

Can I replace oil with melted butter in cake mix? ›

Most cake mixes call for oil, but butter will bring in amazing flavor. To substitute butter for oil in baking just melt the butter, measure it, let it cool, and add it as you would the oil. Compared to oil, butter will create a cake with a firmer, cakeier texture.

What is the most eaten cake in the world? ›

Chocolate again stole first position as the most searched for cake in 81 countries. Red Velvet is second with 43 countries. It is also crowned Europe's go-to treat with 14 Member States opting for this cake as their favorite. Angel cake comes in third spot with over 33 countries.

Which cake is king of cakes? ›

A king cake, also known as a three kings cake, is a cake associated in many countries with Epiphany. Its form and ingredients are variable, but in most cases a fève ( lit. 'fava bean') such as a figurine, often said to represent the Christ Child, is hidden inside.

Should you beat eggs before adding to cake mix? ›

Martina says, “Late in the mixing stage, eggs will incorporate better if you lightly beat them before adding to the batter. The finished cake may be slightly shorter than expected, but its flavor and tenderness shouldn't be affected.” For egg-leavened cakes, the eggs are crucial.

Do professional bakers use box cake mix? ›

As a professional baker, I don't often use boxed mixes, but I appreciate how easily they bring a cake together. I think premade mixes are great for beginners gaining confidence around the kitchen and also for last-minute cake "emergencies."

What does adding sour cream to cake mix do? ›

Sour cream is one of the fattiest dairy products; the extra fat content (for example, adding sour cream to a cake instead of milk) will make the cake moister and richer, says Wilk. "Fat, in any form (butter, lard, cream, etc.) shortens gluten strands, which essentially leads to the most tender baked goods," she adds.

What is a secret ingredient for cakes? ›

Mayonnaise: The Hidden Gem in Cake Recipes

Made up of eggs and oil, mayonnaise acts as an emulsifier, adding creaminess and moisture to your cake.

What are the 7 rules for baking perfect cake? ›

Seven rules for baking a perfect cake
  1. Always grease the pan and line with parchment. It's insurance that your cake will slide out cleanly after cooling.
  2. Allow the oven to fully preheat first. ...
  3. Bake in the centre of the oven (unless otherwise specified) ...
  4. Bake in the size of pan specified. ...
  5. No substitutions.
May 16, 2023

Which 2 ingredients help the cake to rise? ›

These are the key ingredients that make a cake rise. There are two types of leavening agents, chemical (baking soda and baking powder) and biological (yeast).

What does adding an extra egg to cake mix do? ›

Because eggs help build the cake's structure (don't use them and you're looking at a gooey mess), adding an extra egg yolk makes the cake batter denser. Translation: you'll have a moister confection. Conversely, she suggests an extra egg white for a fluffier cake.

How does the number of eggs affect a cake? ›

Eggs also contain a variety of proteins that create the structure of a cake, and when beaten, they can act as a leavening agent by adding air to the cake batter. However, if you add too many eggs to your cake batter, then your end result could be spongy, rubbery, or dense.

Are muffins better with oil or butter? ›

It is possible to replace oil with butter in a muffin recipe as generally most muffin recipes are quite forgiving and you may find that butter gives a better flavour.

Which is the tastiest cake? ›

Here is the best cake flavours in India:
  1. Chocolate Cake Flavour. The first choice of every Indian – The Chocolate Cake. ...
  2. Vanilla Cake Flavour. ...
  3. Strawberry Cake Flavour. ...
  4. Butterscotch Cake Flavour. ...
  5. Red velvet Cake Flavour. ...
  6. Fruit Cake Flavour. ...
  7. Pineapple Cake Flavour. ...
  8. Rasmalai Cake Flavour.
Feb 28, 2024

What is the most expensive type of cake in the world? ›

Diamond Cake by Debbie Wingham – $75 million

It is a great example of culinary craftsmanship as the cake is adorned with edible diamonds. The 'diamonds' on the cake reflect light like genuine gemstones. Therefore, the intricacy of the design and the detailing made the cake the most expensive cake.

What is America's favorite cake? ›

Some of the most popular cake flavors in America include chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, carrot, and lemon.

Who is the most beautiful cake? ›

What Is the Most Beautiful Cake in the World?
  • Italian Tiramisu Cake. ...
  • Floral Tiered Wedding Cake. ...
  • Geode Cake. ...
  • Lavender Honey Cake. ...
  • French Opera Cake. ...
  • Rainbow Layer Cake. ...
  • Velvet Red Cake. ...
  • Japanese Sakura Cake. A delicate and light cake flavored with cherry blossoms (sakura), often decorated with sakura flowers or motifs.

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