32 Cakes That Go Big on Flavor

These cakes are bold, fun, and anything but plain. From poke cakes and dump cakes to bundt cakes packed with flavor, this lineup leans into playful textures, nostalgic ingredients, and rich layers. Some get their flair from the Instant Pot, while others go big with candy, cereal, or cocktail-inspired twists. If you’re looking to bake (or pressure cook) something that stands out on the table, these cakes all bring something extra.

Elvis Blue Suede Shoes Cake

Inspired by Elvis and his love of bold flavors, this cake is usually made with blue velvet cake, bananas, and peanut butter. It’s rich and colorful. A playful spin on southern desserts. Serve with a drizzle of chocolate.
Get the Recipe: Elvis Blue Suede Shoes Cake

Cookies and Cream Cake

Layers of chocolate or vanilla cake are packed with crushed cookies and a creamy frosting. It’s sweet, crunchy, and always a hit with kids and adults. Top with more cookie pieces. A bakery-style dessert at home.
Get the Recipe: Cookies and Cream Cake

Froot Loops Cereal Cake with White Chocolate Milk Splash

This colorful cake is packed with crushed cereal and finished with a white chocolate drizzle that mimics milk. It’s bright, sweet, and nostalgic. Great for birthday parties. Definitely an eye-catcher.
Get the Recipe: Froot Loops Cereal Cake with White Chocolate Milk Splash

Heart Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Baked in a heart shape, this oversized cookie cake is crisp on the edges and soft inside. Decorate with frosting or keep it simple. Great for holidays or anniversaries. Easy to slice and share.
Get the Recipe: Heart Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Cannoli Layered Cake

Classic cannoli filling gets layered between soft cake rounds for a twist on the Italian dessert. It’s creamy with bits of chocolate and orange zest. Dust with powdered sugar or add pistachios on top. A fresh take on a bakery favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cannoli Layered Cake

Instant Pot Guinness Bundt Cake

Rich with cocoa and deep flavor from the stout, this cake is moist and just sweet enough. The Instant Pot helps it cook evenly without drying out. Top with glaze or powdered sugar. A grown-up dessert.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Guinness Bundt Cake

Instant Pot Mint Chip Bundt Cake

Chocolate and mint meet in this soft cake with a cooling bite and pops of chocolate chips. The Instant Pot keeps it tender. Drizzle with ganache. A good pick for winter or holiday desserts.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mint Chip Bundt Cake

Instant Pot Toffee Angel Food Cake

Light, airy angel food cake gets upgraded with bits of toffee for a mix of fluffy and crunchy. It cooks gently in the Instant Pot to keep that spongey texture. Serve with whipped cream. A nice balance of light and sweet.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Toffee Angel Food Cake

Old Fashioned Berry Cornbread Cake

This cake blends cornbread’s crumb with sweet berries for a rustic, satisfying dessert. It’s soft with just a bit of grit and sweetness. Serve warm with cream or on its own. Great for brunch or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Berry Cornbread Cake

Cherry Cola Cake

Cola adds moisture and a subtle cherry flavor to this rich chocolate cake. A glossy frosting or glaze ties it all together. It’s sweet, dense, and a little nostalgic. Serve chilled or at room temp.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cola Cake

Instant Pot New York Fudge Super Chunk Cake

Packed with chunks of chocolate and a dense, rich crumb, this cake leans all the way into fudge territory. The Instant Pot helps it bake evenly. Add more chunks on top if you want it extra. Best served in small slices.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot New York Fudge Super Chunk Cake

Instant Pot Maker’s Mark Bundt Cake

This bundt cake uses bourbon for a warm, rich flavor that soaks into every bite. The alcohol bakes off, leaving depth and sweetness. Serve with glaze or whipped cream. A classy twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Maker’s Mark Bundt Cake

New York Super Fudge Chunk Sheet Cake

This sheet cake is loaded with different kinds of chocolate, from chips to chunks to cocoa in the batter. It’s bold and rich. Easy to cut and share. A great option for parties or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: New York Super Fudge Chunk Sheet Cake

Instant Pot Pound Cake

Dense, buttery, and simple, this pound cake works as a base for fruit, whipped cream, or glaze. The Instant Pot helps it stay moist and even. Slice and serve with coffee. A solid, no-fuss dessert.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pound Cake

Instant Pot Blackberry Bundt Cake

Fresh or frozen blackberries add color and tang to this soft bundt cake. The fruit bakes right into the batter. Top with a simple glaze or powdered sugar. A great summer dessert.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Blackberry Bundt Cake

Cinnamon Wacky Cake

This old-school cake is made without eggs or dairy but still comes out moist and full of cinnamon flavor. It’s mixed and baked in the same pan. A pantry-friendly bake. Dust with sugar or keep it plain.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Wacky Cake

Hippie Cake

Packed with fruit, nuts, and spices, this cake leans earthy and hearty with lots of texture. It’s a nod to vintage recipes. A slice is sweet but not overdone. Great for fall or snack cake lovers.
Get the Recipe: Hippie Cake

Fruit Sherbet Sheet Cake

Bright, fruity, and soft, this cake is made with sherbet for flavor and color. It’s light and a little tangy. Frost with a whipped topping. Fun for parties or summer events.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Sherbet Sheet Cake

Instant Pot Mexican Mango Bundt Cake

This tropical bundt cake includes ripe mango and warm spices for a bold, unique flavor. The Instant Pot keeps the crumb soft. Top with chili-lime glaze if you want a kick. A sunny dessert with flair.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mexican Mango Bundt Cake

Instant Pot Spanish Coffee Cake

This cake has warm cinnamon, brown sugar, and nuts layered inside for a soft, spiced bite. It cooks gently in the Instant Pot. Serve with tea or coffee. A comforting, old-fashioned recipe.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spanish Coffee Cake

Strawberry Margarita Cake

This boozy cake includes lime, strawberry, and a bit of tequila for a flavor that mimics the cocktail. It’s light, fruity, and bright. Frost with whipped lime topping. Great for summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Margarita Cake

Vanilla Crazy Cake

Like wacky cake, this one skips eggs and dairy and comes together fast in one bowl. It’s simple but soft and sweet. Flavor it with vanilla or other extracts. Add sprinkles or glaze to dress it up.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Crazy Cake

Caramel Tres Leches Cake

A soft sponge cake gets soaked in three types of milk plus caramel for a rich, custardy texture. It’s sweet, wet, and totally over-the-top. Top with whipped cream or more caramel. Serve cold.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Tres Leches Cake

Churro Cake

This cake takes inspiration from the classic fried treat with cinnamon-sugar flavor and soft crumb. It’s often layered with whipped filling or topped with crunchy sugar. Fun for kids or themed parties. Serve warm if you can.
Get the Recipe: Churro Cake

Instant Pot Triple Chocolate Bundt Cake

Chocolate in the batter, chocolate chips, and a chocolate glaze make this cake rich and intense. The Instant Pot helps it cook without drying. Let it chill before slicing. A serious treat for chocolate fans.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Triple Chocolate Bundt Cake

Pink Lemonade Cake

Bright and sweet with a little tang, this cake uses lemonade mix or concentrate for bold flavor. The color is fun, too. Top with whipped frosting or glaze. Great for spring or baby showers.
Get the Recipe: Pink Lemonade Cake

Christmas Funfetti Cake

Classic funfetti cake gets a holiday twist with red and green sprinkles. It’s simple but always festive. Add frosting or keep it plain. A good pick for baking with kids.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Funfetti Cake

Instant Pot Carrot Cake Cheesecake

This mashup layers carrot cake with a cheesecake filling for a dessert that’s rich, spiced, and super moist. The Instant Pot keeps everything soft. Chill before slicing. A standout holiday dessert.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Carrot Cake Cheesecake

Slow Cooker Apple Dump Cake

Just dump the ingredients in and let the slow cooker do its thing. The apples bake down and the topping becomes crisp and golden. Serve warm with ice cream. Zero fuss but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Dump Cake

Coconut Bundt Cake

This soft bundt cake is packed with coconut flakes and topped with glaze or frosting. It’s tropical, light, and great with tea or coffee. Toasted coconut adds extra crunch. Freezes well too.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Bundt Cake

Oreo Dump Cake

Layers of crushed Oreos, cake mix, and sweetened milk or butter melt together into a gooey, chocolatey dessert. It’s rich and simple to make. No mixing bowl needed. A hit with kids and chocolate lovers.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Dump Cake

Chocolate Candy Cane Cake

This cake blends chocolate and peppermint for a winter-ready dessert. Top with crushed candy canes or peppermint frosting. Moist and festive. A must-bake for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Candy Cane Cake