23 Cakes That Go Beyond the Usual

From sweet mini bundts to savory patties and nostalgic tea cakes, this list covers all kinds of small-format cakes. You’ll find options baked, fried, chilled, and even cooked over a fire. Some lean into bold flavors like pineapple, peanut butter, or maple, while others keep it simple with spice or fruit. Whether you’re after dessert or a side dish, there’s something here to try.

Air Fryer Cheesy Mexican Corn Cakes

Stack of Mexican corn cakes on a white plate with a fork. — Air Fryer Cheesy Mexican Corn Cakes. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

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These savory cakes are crisp on the outside with a cheesy, tender center. Corn kernels and spices give them bold flavor. The air fryer makes them golden without oil. Great as a snack or side for chili or tacos.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheesy Mexican Corn Cakes

Apple Spice Rum Cakes

Spiced with cinnamon and cloves, these cakes are studded with apple pieces. A splash of rum deepens the flavor and adds warmth. They bake up moist with a golden top. Serve them with whipped cream or a dusting of sugar.
Get the Recipe: Apple Spice Rum Cakes

Brownie Peanut Butter Mousse Cakes

A Brownie Peanut Butter Mousse Cake with layers of rich brownie and creamy peanut butter mousse. — Brownie Peanut Butter Mousse Cakes. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

A rich brownie base is topped with a light, fluffy peanut butter mousse. Each mini cake combines creamy and fudgy textures. The contrast of dense and airy makes each bite satisfying. Chill before serving for clean layers.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Peanut Butter Mousse Cakes

Chocolate Cornflake Cakes

No baking needed for these crunchy, chocolate-covered treats. Cornflakes are coated in melted chocolate and shaped into mounds. They harden quickly and are easy to portion. A nostalgic favorite that’s fast to make.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cornflake Cakes

Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Shaped Mini Bundt Cakes

These bundts are baked in pumpkin-shaped molds for a festive look. The dark chocolate base is rich and slightly bitter. They’re soft inside with a firm outer edge. Great for fall events or Halloween tables.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Shaped Mini Bundt Cakes

Easter Mini Vanilla Bundt Cakes with Chocolate Eggs

Each mini bundt is light vanilla cake topped with a few chocolate eggs. The shape makes them easy to decorate for spring. They’re tender, sweet, and pretty on a platter. Serve as part of a brunch or dessert tray.
Get the Recipe: Easter Mini Vanilla Bundt Cakes with Chocolate Eggs

Irish Tea Cakes

These simple cakes are lightly sweet and dusted with powdered sugar. The crumb is soft and almost biscuit-like. Traditionally served with tea, they work well warm or at room temp. Add raisins or currants for a twist.
Get the Recipe: Irish Tea Cakes

Maple Spice Cakes with Maple Glaze|Acorn Cakelets

A plate of cookies and a cup of coffee. — Maple Spice Cakes with Maple Glaze|Acorn Cakelets. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Warm spices mix into a maple-sweetened batter baked in acorn molds. A maple glaze adds shine and flavor. They have a soft crumb and a golden crust. A good fall dessert for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Maple Spice Cakes with Maple Glaze|Acorn Cakelets

Mini Butter Cakes

Three pastries on a plate with powdered sugar. — Mini Butter Cakes. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

These cakes are rich with butter and bake into golden, slightly crisp edges. The inside stays tender and moist. They’re great on their own or topped with berries and cream. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Mini Butter Cakes

Mini Cherry Almond Cakes

Chopped cherries and almond extract flavor these small cakes. The combination is fruity, nutty, and slightly floral. They bake up moist and compact. Ideal for tea or small gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cherry Almond Cakes

Mini Hummingbird Cakes

Three mini hummingbird cake on a white plate. — Mini Hummingbird Cakes. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

These mini versions of the classic Southern cake combine banana, pineapple, and pecans. They’re topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Each one is dense and flavorful. A nice pick for spring or Easter tables.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hummingbird Cakes

Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes

Bright and tangy, these bundts are full of fresh lemon flavor. A simple glaze drizzles over the ridges for extra zing. They’re light in texture and easy to portion. Good for showers or citrus-themed spreads.
Get the Recipe: Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes

Mini Strawberry Bundt Cakes

A bundt cake topped with whole strawberries and white icing sits on a white cake stand, with dishes and a teapot in the background. — Mini Strawberry Bundt Cakes. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

Fresh strawberries give these cakes color and flavor. The shape makes them fun to frost or glaze. They’re sweet, fruity, and bake up soft. Great for summer desserts.
Get the Recipe: Mini Strawberry Bundt Cakes

Old Fashioned chewy sugar cookies (Tea Cakes)

These cookies are thick, soft, and lightly golden on the bottom. The dough bakes into a chewy, sugar-dusted finish. They’re simple but satisfying. Serve with coffee or milk.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned chewy sugar cookies (Tea Cakes)

Peanut Butter Cup Cakes

A tray of cupcakes topped with caramel and popcorn. — Peanut Butter Cup Cakes. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Mini cakes baked with a peanut butter cup in the center. The outer cake stays soft while the candy melts slightly inside. Each bite mixes peanut butter, chocolate, and vanilla. Great for kids or bake sales.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cup Cakes

Pie Iron Pineapple Upside Down Cakes

Made over a fire using a pie iron, these cakes caramelize on the outside. Pineapple slices and brown sugar form the base, flipping out as a gooey topping. The batter cooks quickly and stays soft. A camping-friendly dessert with flair.
Get the Recipe: Pie Iron Pineapple Upside Down Cakes

Pineapple Ice Cream Cakes

Layers of ice cream and crushed pineapple are frozen into a chilled dessert. Graham cracker crust adds a crunchy base. The pineapple keeps it sweet and slightly tangy. Sliceable and easy to prep ahead.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Ice Cream Cakes

Pineapple Upside Down Cakes

Pineapple upside down cake in foil. — Pineapple Upside Down Cakes. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Classic cakes with pineapple rings and brown sugar on top, flipped after baking. They bake up golden with a syrupy glaze. The cake underneath is soft and buttery. Serve slightly warm for best flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cakes

Polenta Cakes

Savory or sweet, these firm cakes are made from cooked polenta. They’re sliced and pan-fried or baked. The texture is crisp outside and creamy inside. Good as a base for toppings or sauces.
Get the Recipe: Polenta Cakes

Spinach Cheddar Cakes

These savory cakes blend spinach, cheese, and seasonings into a pan-fried patty. They’re crisp at the edges and soft inside. Serve them warm with a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce. Great for brunch or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Cheddar Cakes

Tea Cakes – Old-fashioned Southern Recipe

A cross between a cookie and a soft cake, these are buttery and simple. The texture is pillowy and lightly sweet. Often flavored with vanilla or nutmeg. A staple in many Southern kitchens.
Get the Recipe: Tea Cakes – Old-fashioned Southern Recipe

Thai Fish Cakes

Savory patties made from ground fish, red curry paste, and herbs. They fry up golden and slightly chewy. Usually served with sweet chili sauce. A popular appetizer or street food option.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fish Cakes

Warm Lemon Pudding Cakes

A white ramekin filled with lemon pudding, topped with powdered sugar and a slice of lemon. — Warm Lemon Pudding Cakes. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

These cakes bake with a light sponge top and a gooey lemon pudding underneath. The flavor is tart, sweet, and bright. They’re best served warm with a spoon. A cozy dessert for cooler days.
Get the Recipe: Warm Lemon Pudding Cakes