10+ Cake Recipes from Scratch for Every Occasion

Baking a cake from scratch is a rewarding experience that allows you to create something special with your own hands. You can customize flavors and ingredients to suit your taste, making each cake uniquely yours. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just treating yourself, homemade cakes offer a personal touch that store-bought options simply can’t match.

In this article, you’ll find a variety of cake recipes that are easy to follow and delicious. Each recipe will guide you through the process of mixing, baking, and decorating to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time. Get ready to enjoy baking and impress your friends and family with your homemade creations!

1) Classic White Cake

Classic white cake is a light and fluffy dessert, perfect for any celebration. It has a soft texture and a delicious vanilla flavor. You can easily make it from scratch using simple ingredients.

To make this cake, start by creaming together butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Then, add egg whites and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the flour and baking powder. This will create a smooth batter ready for baking.

Pour the batter into prepared cake pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Let the cakes cool before frosting with your favorite icing. Enjoy your delightful classic white cake at any gathering!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup milk

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream butter and sugar together until light.
3. Add egg whites and vanilla; mix well.
4. Gradually add flour and baking powder.
5. Stir in the milk until smooth.
6. Pour batter into greased cake pans.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
8. Cool before frosting.

2) Rich Chocolate Layer Cake

A rich chocolate layer cake is perfect for chocolate lovers. This cake is moist, fluffy, and packed with deep chocolate flavor. You’ll enjoy the smooth frosting that complements each slice.

To make this cake, start by gathering your ingredients. Make sure you have quality cocoa powder for the best taste. As you bake, your kitchen will fill with a wonderful chocolate aroma.

When it comes to frosting, a creamy chocolate or fudge frosting works great. This adds extra sweetness and makes your cake look impressive for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
3. In a large bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes on medium speed.
5. Stir in boiling water until well combined.
6. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks.

3) Moist Vanilla Bean Cake

This Moist Vanilla Bean Cake is a delightful treat you can make from scratch. It’s soft, buttery, and packed with rich vanilla flavor. It’s perfect for celebrations or just to enjoy at home.

To make this cake, start by gathering your ingredients. Make sure you have fresh vanilla beans for the best taste. The cake’s texture is light yet satisfying, making it a favorite for many.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp fine salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Seeds from 1 vanilla bean

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour your cake pans.
3. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add the butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean seeds.
5. Mix until smooth and pour into pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

4) Fluffy Angel Food Cake

Angel food cake is a light and airy dessert. It is mainly made from egg whites, sugar, and cake flour. This cake is perfect for those who prefer a low-fat option.

To make it, start by whipping egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Then, gradually add sugar and mix until well combined. Next, gently fold in the cake flour and vanilla.

Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. Allow it to cool upside down in the pan. This helps maintain its fluffy texture.

Enjoy your cake plain or with fresh fruit and whipped cream. It’s a delightful treat that can be served on special occasions or just because!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cake flour
• 1 ½ cups white sugar, divided
• 12 egg whites
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Whip egg whites until stiff peaks form.
3. Gradually add 1 cup of sugar and mix well.
4. Gently fold in the cake flour and vanilla.
5. Bake for 30 minutes and cool upside down.

5) Lemon Drizzle Cake

Lemon drizzle cake is a bright and tasty treat that is perfect for any occasion. Its moist texture and zesty flavor make it a favorite among many bakers.

To make this cake, you’ll need simple ingredients that you might already have at home. The lemon syrup adds a delightful sweetness that seeps into the cake while it cools.

This recipe is easy and great for anyone who wants to bake from scratch. Plus, it pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 lemons, zested
• 2 ¼ cups self-rising flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon fine salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a loaf pan.
3. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar together.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
5. Stir in the lemon zest and juice.
6. Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt.
7. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6) Red Velvet Delight

Red velvet cake is a classic dessert known for its rich color and soft texture. It has a hint of cocoa that makes it unique. The cream cheese frosting adds just the right amount of tanginess.

To make this cake, you’ll need key ingredients like buttermilk, vinegar, and cocoa powder for flavor. Be sure to prep your baking pan properly to get that perfect rise.

Baking at 350°F (175°C) is ideal for achieving a moist cake. Once cooled, frost it generously with cream cheese frosting for a gorgeous finish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
3. In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
4. In another bowl, combine sugar and oil.
5. Add eggs, buttermilk, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla. Mix well.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
7. Pour batter into prepared pans.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let cool before frosting with cream cheese frosting.

7) Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot cake is a delicious treat that combines the sweetness of carrots with warming spices. It’s moist and tender, making it a favorite among many. Topping it off with cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy flavor.

To make this cake, start by mixing grated carrots with sugar, eggs, and oil. Then, fold in flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until a toothpick comes out clean.

Once cooled, spread a creamy layer of frosting made from cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. This frosting perfectly complements the flavors of the cake.

Ingredients

• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix grated carrots, sugar, oil, and eggs.
3. Add flour, baking soda, and cinnamon; mix until combined.
4. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let it cool, then frost with cream cheese frosting.

8) Spiced Chai Cake

A spiced chai cake is a delightful treat that brings the warm flavors of chai tea into a dessert. You’ll enjoy the blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, which give it a cozy taste.

To get started, you can use chai-infused milk to give your cake a rich flavor. This recipe can be topped with a creamy spiced buttercream for an extra touch.

Your friends and family will love this cake for any occasion. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of chai or coffee.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup chai-infused milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
3. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and spices.
4. In another bowl, mix sugar, eggs, oil, and chai milk.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
6. Pour batter into pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
7. Cool before frosting with spiced buttercream.

9) Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple upside-down cake is a classic dessert that combines sweet fruit and soft cake. This recipe is simple and perfect for any occasion. The best part is the beautiful topping of caramelized pineapple and cherries.

To start, you’ll need basic ingredients like butter, brown sugar, and fresh pineapple. The combination creates a moist cake that will impress your friends and family.

When baking, remember to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Pour your batter over the fruit and bake until golden brown.

Ingredients

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 slices fresh pineapple
• 9 maraschino cherries
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt butter and mix with brown sugar in the baking pan.
3. Arrange pineapple slices and cherries on top.
4. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and baking powder.
5. Pour batter over the fruit and bake for 30-35 minutes.
6. Let it cool before inverting onto a plate. Enjoy!

10) Decadent Black Forest Cake

A decadent Black Forest Cake combines rich chocolate layers with cherries and whipped cream. This classic dessert is perfect for special occasions or just to treat yourself.

Start with soft chocolate sponge cake layers. You soak them in cherry syrup for extra flavor. Then, add fresh cherries and whipped cream to create a beautiful and delicious dessert.

You can find recipes that include kirsch-infused cherries for added depth. The balance of chocolate, cream, and fruit makes every bite special. This cake is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup cherries, pitted
• Cherry syrup or kirsch, as desired

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour the cake pans.
3. In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add warm water and mix until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
6. Let the cakes cool completely.
7. Slice the cakes in half. Then, soak them with cherry syrup and layer with cherries and cream.
8. Frost the outside with whipped cream.
9. Decorate with additional cherries.
10. Slice and enjoy!