17 Cakes That Work for Any Time You Want Something Sweet
Cakes come in so many styles, from old-fashioned Southern favorites to fruity sheet cakes and elegant pound cakes. Some recipes lean simple and nostalgic, while others bring creative twists with unexpected ingredients or decorative touches. Whether you’re craving the warmth of pumpkin spice, the brightness of citrus, or the indulgence of chocolate fudge, this list has something for every kind of sweet tooth. With options that are light and airy, rich and dense, or perfectly moist, these cakes highlight just how versatile and delightful homemade baking can be.
Hot Milk Cake with Fudge Icing
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Hot milk gives this cake a soft, tender crumb. It’s topped with rich fudge icing that sets slightly as it cools. The combination is comforting and nostalgic. A recipe that feels old-fashioned but timeless.
Get the Recipe: Hot Milk Cake with Fudge Icing
Moist Yellow Cake Recipe
This classic yellow cake is soft, tender, and buttery. Its simple flavor makes it a perfect base for any frosting or glaze. The crumb is moist without being heavy. A timeless cake that’s always reliable.
Get the Recipe: Moist Yellow Cake Recipe
Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
A rich red velvet base is paired with tangy cream cheese frosting. The cake is light and moist, with just a hint of cocoa. The frosting adds a creamy finish that balances the sweetness. A true classic that always looks stunning.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe
This sheet cake uses fresh strawberries for flavor and color. The crumb is moist and tender, topped with a strawberry glaze or frosting. It’s fruity and simple to make for a crowd. A bright, seasonal dessert.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe
Pumpkin Crumb Cake Recipe
This cozy cake layers spiced pumpkin batter with a buttery crumb topping. The pumpkin keeps the cake moist, while the streusel adds sweetness and crunch. It’s a perfect balance of soft and crumbly textures. A fall favorite that’s great for breakfast or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Crumb Cake Recipe
Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake – Old Fashioned Recipe!
Cream cheese gives this pound cake richness and a smooth texture. The cake is dense yet moist, with a buttery, slightly tangy flavor. It’s delicious plain or with fruit. A Southern classic that’s stood the test of time.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake – Old Fashioned Recipe!
Easy Lemon Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze
Lemon adds brightness to this rich, dense pound cake. A sweet-tart glaze soaks into the top, making every bite flavorful. The cake is buttery but lightened by citrus. A refreshing dessert for any season.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze
Strawberry Cake with Jello
This cake uses strawberry Jello for color and fruity flavor. It bakes into a moist, tender crumb with a bright pink hue. Frosted or plain, it’s cheerful and sweet. A retro favorite with plenty of charm.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cake with Jello
Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake Recipe
This Southern classic combines banana, pineapple, and pecans into a spiced cake. Cream cheese frosting ties it all together. The result is moist, flavorful, and slightly tropical. A cake with rich tradition and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake Recipe
Upside-Down Mandarin Cake (with Caramel)
Mandarin slices are baked at the bottom of the pan with caramel, then flipped for serving. The fruit becomes glossy and sweet, while the cake stays soft. The presentation is eye-catching and unique. A creative take on upside-down cake.
Get the Recipe: Upside-Down Mandarin Cake (with Caramel)
Easy Strawberry Poke Cake (Your Go-To Summer Dessert)
A sheet cake is poked with holes and filled with strawberry gelatin, creating bursts of flavor. Whipped topping or frosting adds a creamy finish. The cake is light, fruity, and refreshing. A favorite for warm weather.
Get the Recipe: Easy Strawberry Poke Cake (Your Go-To Summer Dessert)
Rhubarb Cake with Streusel
Tart rhubarb is baked into a tender cake topped with golden streusel. The fruit adds brightness that contrasts with the sweet topping. The cake stays moist and flavorful with each bite. A lovely seasonal treat.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Cake with Streusel
Almond apple cake with apple roses
This elegant cake pairs almond-flavored batter with thinly sliced apple “roses” on top. The apples bake tender, creating a beautiful design. The flavor is nutty, fruity, and lightly sweet. A showpiece dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Get the Recipe: Almond apple cake with apple roses
Chinese Sponge Cake Recipe (Chiffon Cake)
This sponge cake is light, airy, and slightly sweet. Made with whipped egg whites, it bakes into a fluffy texture. The flavor is delicate and subtle. A simple cake that highlights technique over richness.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Sponge Cake Recipe (Chiffon Cake)
Easy Funfetti Cake from Scratch
This cake is filled with sprinkles that bake into colorful bursts. The crumb is light and fluffy, while the flavor stays buttery and sweet. Frosting makes it festive, but it’s fun plain too. A playful bake that always brings smiles.
Get the Recipe: Easy Funfetti Cake from Scratch
Pumpkin Sheet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
Pumpkin cake is baked in a sheet pan and topped with creamy frosting. The white chocolate adds richness to the tangy cream cheese. The cake is spiced, moist, and crowd-pleasing. A festive option for fall gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Sheet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
Apple Cake with Cinnamon
This rustic cake is filled with chunks of apple and warm cinnamon spice. The apples bake soft and juicy, keeping the crumb moist. Each slice is comforting and fragrant. A great choice for cool weather baking.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cake with Cinnamon
