The Best Cake Recipes from Drizzle and Dip

I’ve been blogging for over 16 years, and this collection represents my absolute best cake recipes. You’ll find tried-and-tested layer cakes, cupcakes, mini cakes, and celebration cakes loved by thousands of readers. These are the recipes I return to again and again.

Key Takeaways

• Over 25 tested cake recipes from 16+ years of baking for my blog
• Includes layer cakes, cupcakes, bundt cakes, and celebration cakes
• Categories for chocolate, fruit, and special occasion cakes
• Detailed tips for perfect results every time
• Options for beginners through to advanced bakers

Frequently Asked Questions About Cake Baking

What makes a good cake recipe? A good cake recipe produces consistent results with clear instructions, readily available ingredients, and a texture and flavour that’s worth the effort. The best recipes have been tested multiple times to ensure success.

How do I keep layer cakes moist? Store layer cakes in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Cakes with cream cheese frosting should always be refrigerated.

Can I freeze homemade cakes? Yes. Freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in cling film for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving. Most frosted cakes can also be frozen.

What’s the difference between butter and oil cakes? Butter cakes have a richer flavour and firmer crumb. Oil cakes stay moister longer and have a more tender texture. Chocolate cakes often benefit from oil, whilst vanilla cakes shine with butter.

How do I know when my cake is done? A cake is done when it springs back when lightly touched, pulls away from the sides of the tin, and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

What causes a cake to sink in the middle? Cakes sink when underbaked, when the oven door is opened too early, when there’s too much raising agent, or when the oven temperature is incorrect. Always bake for the full time and avoid opening the oven door in the first 20 minutes.

Table of Contents

• Best Layer Cakes and Celebration Cakes
• Best Chocolate Cakes
• Best Fruit Cakes and Seasonal Cakes
  • Stone Fruit Cakes
  • Citrus Cakes
  • Traditional Fruit Cakes
• Best Cupcakes and Mini Cakes
• Best Simple Cakes for Any Occasion
• Tips for Baking Perfect Cakes

Best Layer Cakes and Celebration Cakes

Layer cakes make stunning centrepieces for celebrations. These recipes produce impressive results with flavours that match their beautiful appearance.

My best carrot cake recipe

After extensive research and testing, I developed this perfect carrot cake recipe. The texture is moist without being heavy, and the cream cheese frosting strikes the ideal balance between sweet and tangy.

The best hummingbird sheet cake

I adapted my favourite hummingbird cake recipe into a sheet cake format. This makes feeding a crowd incredibly easy. The cream cheese buttercream frosting is my go-to for any occasion.

Victorian sponge cake with strawberry jam

This is the best version of this classic cake that I know. I share tips and tricks for achieving the perfect light, airy sponge that makes this cake so beloved.

The best spiced date came with maple cream cheese frosting

This is one of my favourite recipes of all time. I soak the dates in coffee to add depth and to offset the sweetness. The fluffy maple cream cheese frosting is sublime with this sponge.

Spiced date cake with cream cheese and honey frosting

This delicious cake is a total showstopper and makes a lovely celebration cake. The warm spices and moist crumb make it perfect for autumn and winter celebrations.

The best tres leches cake that is a seis leches cake

This cake is made with six kinds of milk, creating a moist showstopper that’s magnificent to eat. You can make it as a traditional tray cake or layer it for extra drama. The combination of different milks creates incredible moisture and richness.

The best coffee tres leches cake with dalgona cream

Coffee adds a delicious twist to classic tres leches. I made this version in a small square tin, perfect for smaller gatherings. The whipped dalgona cream topping adds a trendy finishing touch.

Best Chocolate Cakes

Chocolate cake lovers, this section is for you. These recipes range from incredibly rich and dense to light and fluffy.

Maybe the best chocolate cake in the world by Ina Garten

The internet will tell you this is the best chocolate cake around, and I certainly think it’s up there. I make my own fluffy buttercream frosting for it. The texture is perfectly moist whilst still maintaining structure.

Red wine chocolate cake with fudgy chocolate frosting.

I made a version of Ina Garten’s cake with red wine, giving it a delicious, fruity twist. I covered it with my favourite chocolate fudge frosting, which had a deeper chocolate flavour than buttercream.

The ultimate chocolate cake

This cake is one of the densest chocolate cakes I’ve ever made. It teeters on the edge of brownie territory. Be warned, it’s decadent to the maximum degree.

The River Cafe chocolate nemesis

This cake is a legend. From the famous misprinting in the book to the replication across the globe, it’s one of the loveliest cakes you will ever make. It’s more of a baked chocolate mousse than a sponge cake, and I literally dream of making it again.

Best Fruit Cakes and Seasonal Cakes

Fruit cakes showcase seasonal produce and offer lighter alternatives to chocolate. These recipes celebrate the best of each season.

Stone Fruit Cakes

The famous purple plum torte

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve made this torte. It’s incredibly easy to whip up whenever plums are in season. Perfect to serve as dessert with chantilly cream. I’ve also made a version with apricots that was equally incredible.

A perfect easy apricot torte

This variation on the plum torte works beautifully with fresh apricots. The simple batter lets the fruit shine whilst creating a tender, moist crumb underneath.

Citrus Cakes

Orange cake with orange buttercream frosting

From my second cookbook ‘Sweet’, this cake hits my love for orange baked goods head-on. It has orange buttercream frosting too. I use this recipe to make vanilla cake by simply leaving out the orange and replacing it with vanilla extract.

Orange and Campari cake

Another cake with orange flavours and a hit of boozy Campari. It’s also gluten-free and makes a delicious dessert to round off a meal. The bitter notes from the Campari balance the sweetness perfectly.

Clementine upside-down cakes

These little mini clementine upside-down cakes have been a huge hit on my website over the years. The caramelised citrus topping creates beautiful presentation and intense flavour.

Lemon and thyme mini bundt cakes

Beautifully moist little cakes with a fine crumb and drippy lemon icing. The addition of fresh thyme adds an unexpected herbal note that elevates the lemon flavour.

Passion fruit (granadilla) curd loaf cake

This moist and delicious tea loaf could just as easily be made with lemon curd instead of granadilla curd. I used the curd for the icing drizzle too, creating layers of tangy tropical flavour.

Traditional Fruit Cakes

Easy stout fruit cake with cherries

I adapted my maternal grandmother’s easy fruit cake to add a rich flavour dimension with stout and a hint of chocolate. You can use water if you want to keep it alcohol-free.

My ultimate indulgent fruitcake recipe

Since I’m rather obsessed with fruitcake, I developed this luxury, indulgent cake for something a little different. It’s especially nice at Christmas but works wonderfully year-round.

Best Cupcakes and Mini Cakes

Cupcakes and mini cakes offer perfect portion control whilst maintaining all the flavour of full-sized cakes. These recipes work beautifully for parties and celebrations.

Red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting

Back in the day when I had my little cupcake business, these were a winner. This is definitely the best red velvet cake I’ve ever encountered. The texture is velvety smooth with a subtle cocoa flavour.

The best fruit cupcakes with spiced vanilla buttercream

I adapted my favourite vanilla cupcake recipe to make these deliciously festive cupcakes. They’re perfect for Christmas but work beautifully any time of year.

Madeleines with lemon and lavender

I love little cakes as much as big ones, and this madeleine recipe is a total keeper. You can mix up the flavours to whatever you like. The delicate shell shape makes them feel extra special.

Lemon poppyseed madeleines

This is another version of my favourite easy madeleine recipe. The poppy seeds add texture whilst the lemon glaze provides a sweet-tart finish.

Best Simple Cakes for Any Occasion

Sometimes you want a cake that’s impressive without being complicated. These recipes deliver beautiful results with straightforward methods.

The best olive oil chiffon cake

This is a delectable cake that’s not too sweet with an airy texture. It’s lovely to serve with breakfast or brunch with ricotta, fresh nectarines, and honey. The olive oil keeps it incredibly moist.

Related Recipe Collections

Looking for more baking inspiration? Explore these comprehensive collections:

• My best-ever baking recipes – Beyond cakes, including breads, pastries, and more
• 10 summer fruit recipes you should be making – Seasonal fruit desserts and bakes

Tips for Baking Perfect Cakes

Room Temperature Ingredients Ensure butter, eggs, and dairy are at room temperature. This creates better emulsion and produces lighter, more tender cakes.

Measure Accurately Baking is a science. Weigh your ingredients for the most consistent results. Volume measurements can vary significantly.

Don’t Over-Mix Once you add flour, mix only until just combined. Over-mixing develops gluten, resulting in tough, dense cakes.

Check Your Oven Temperature Invest in an oven thermometer. Many ovens run hot or cold, affecting baking times and results dramatically.

Cool Completely Before Frosting. Warm cakes will melt your frosting. Patience pays off with professional-looking results.

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