18 Colorful Cakes and Easy Mix Recipes That Make Every Occasion Sweeter

If you love bright, fun and flavor-packed desserts, this roundup is a total treat. From easy cake mix cookies to dreamy red velvet classics, rainbow birthday cakes and creative cereal or fruit-filled bakes, there’s something here for every craving. These recipes keep things simple but still bring big flavor, making them perfect for parties, holidays or anytime you want a little extra sweetness.

Classic Red Velvet Cake

A red velvet cake on a white plate. — Classic Red Velvet Cake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

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This cake stands out with its striking color and soft crumb. A smooth frosting layer adds balance and richness. Each slice shows an even texture that stays moist. It presents beautifully as a layered dessert.
Get the Recipe: Classic Red Velvet Cake

Elvis Blue Suede Shoes Cake

A three-layer blue cake with white frosting and blue icing sits on a stand. A slice is cut out and placed on a plate in the foreground. Three forks and stacked plates are nearby. — Elvis Blue Suede Shoes Cake. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Bold blue layers bring a playful twist to this cake. The interior stays soft with a gentle vanilla flavor. Frosting adds contrast and emphasizes the bright color. It works well for themed parties and celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Elvis Blue Suede Shoes Cake

Froot Loops Cereal Cake with White Chocolate Milk Splash

A round white frosted cake decorated with colorful cereal pieces and topped with a white chocolate crown, displayed on a white cake stand with cereal scattered around. — Froot Loops Cereal Cake with White Chocolate Milk Splash. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This cake mixes crushed cereal into the batter for a colorful look. The white chocolate topping gives the surface shine and sweetness. Slices show specks of vibrant cereal throughout. It brings a nostalgic touch to the table.
Get the Recipe: Froot Loops Cereal Cake with White Chocolate Milk Splash

Honey Bun Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix

Two slices of frosted yellow cake are stacked on a white plate, placed on a textured tablecloth. A whisk and wooden utensils are visible in the background. — Honey Bun Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This treat uses cake mix to create a tender base with a cinnamon swirl. The glaze settles into the crevices for a smooth finish. It bakes into a warm, golden surface. The aroma fills the kitchen with sweet spice notes.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bun Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix

Moist Yellow Cake Recipe

A slice of three-layer yellow cake with chocolate frosting sits on a plate; the rest of the cake is visible in the background. — Moist Yellow Cake Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This classic cake offers a soft crumb and light vanilla flavor. A simple frosting or glaze pairs well with it. The structure holds up nicely for layering. It stays tender from the first slice to the last.
Get the Recipe: Moist Yellow Cake Recipe

Rainbow Birthday Cake Cheesecake

A pastel layered cheesecake with whipped cream swirls and white chocolate slices on top, displayed on a white decorative cake stand. — Rainbow Birthday Cake Cheesecake. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

This cake combines cheesecake richness with colorful layers. Each slice reveals bands of bright hues. The texture is smooth and dense. It creates a cheerful centerpiece for celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Birthday Cake Cheesecake

Rainbow Layer Cake

Tall layers in multiple colors give this cake a striking presentation. The crumb stays soft and even across each tier. Frosting ties the layers together with a clean finish. It slices into vibrant wedges.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Layer Cake

Red Velvet Cake

This version focuses on smooth texture and balanced flavor. Its bright color contrasts well with white frosting. The cake stacks neatly for clean layers. It works well for birthdays and holidays.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Mug Cake

This mug cake cooks in minutes and has a tender, fluffy crumb. The red color appears vibrant once it rises. A spoonful of frosting or whipped topping can be added. It is convenient for a fast, warm treat.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Mug Cake

Fresh Strawberry Cake

This extra-moist fresh strawberry cake melts in your mouth with a deliciously fresh and natural strawberry flavor. It’s paired with a creamy and light strawberry buttercream that dreams are made of. Made with 12 ounces of strawberries, it’s like biting into a fresh strawberry in cake form!
Get the Recipe: Fresh Strawberry Cake

Fresh Blueberry Cake

This bakery recipe for fresh blueberry cake is perfect for birthdays and special occasions. The layer cake is incredibly moist and full of natural blueberry flavor, with pretty layers of homemade blueberry compote and blueberry buttercream.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Blueberry Cake

Lemon Pudding Cake

You won’t believe me if I tell you that this cake batter magically separates into 3 layers in the oven! The bottom becomes a sponge cake layer, a creamy layer forms in the middle, and a curd-like layer settles on top. You have to make these magical Lemon Pudding Cakes!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pudding Cake

Plum Cake

If you have the last few pieces of summer fruit ripening in your produce bowl, I have the best easy single layer cake recipe for you. This Plum Cake has a streusel made with ginger, cornmeal, and brown sugar to make a light, crisp topping. You’re going to want to save this recipe!
Get the Recipe: Plum Cake

Matcha Cake

A bright green cake with fluffy white buttercream sandwiched between the layers and fresh strawberries on top is so stunning for almost any occasion. This simple matcha cake is made with green tea powder (also known as matcha), and baked in a single 8-inch square pan that you easily slice and stack and make a two layer loaf cake.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Cake