16 Classic Cake Recipes For Every Occasion

Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that keep things simple. These classic cakes cover every event, from birthdays to dinner parties and late-night cravings. From our take on a deep and delicious chocolate cake (watch how to make it below), to an airy angel food cake and a crumbly coffee cake, these are the recipes we come back to again and again. (We hope you will too.)

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1. Easy chocolate cake

Photo, Erik Putz.

This riff on McCain’s Deep n’ Delicious cake is one to keep in your back pocket at all times. Get this easy chocolate cake recipe.

2. Classic vanilla cake

Photo, Erik Putz.

One of the only cakes we make over and over again. It’s easy, fast and spectacular. It looks best in two 8-inch cake pans; for 9-inch pans, decrease the baking time to 30 min. Get this classic vanilla cake recipe.

3. Double-chocolate cake

Photo, Colin Faulkner.

Double the chocolate, double the fun! This espresso-flavoured cake — pink peonies optional — will delight all chocolate lovers. Get this double-chocolate cake recipe.

4. Angel food cake

Photo, Michael Graydon.

Airy, light and virtually guilt-free, a vanilla-tinged cake is a perfectly dreamy dessert. Get this angel food cake recipe.

5. Coffee Cake

Photo, Erik Putz.

This raspberry-and-streusel cake can go high or low: Serve it with afternoon tea and coffee or after a dinner party. Everyone will want a second slice. Get this coffee cake recipe.

6. Chocolate cheesecake

Photo, Michael Graydon.

With layers of lusciousness, from the easy cookie crust to scrumptious chocolate curls, this cheesecake is nirvana for devoted chocoholics. Get this chocolate cheesecake recipe.

7. Classic cheesecake

Photo, Erik Putz.

A classic you can dress up as much (or as little) as you like. You can enjoy it with a citrusy cranberry sauce, but a drizzle of fruit coulis or chocolate ganache works too. Get this classic cheesecake recipe.

8. Upside-down cake

Photo, Erik Putz.

Topped with fresh peaches, this cake’s crisp outer crumb and moist centre makes every bite one to savour. Get this upside-down cake recipe.

9. Carrot cake

Topped with decadent cream-cheese icing, this cake works for any occasion. Get this carrot cake recipe.

10. Coconut cake

Photo, Erik Putz.

Coated with crisp coconut flakes, each forkful is light, airy and unbelievably delicious — everything you want in a cake. Get this coconut cake recipe.

11. Berry pudding cake

Photo, Roberto Caruso.

Raspberries add a dose of antioxidants and give this dessert its sweet-tart taste. Drizzle with whisky-butter sauce and top with whipped cream. Get this berry pudding cake recipe.

12. Lemon pudding cake

Photo, Erik Putz.

If citrus is more your speed, then be swept away with this zesty and comforting cake. Get this lemon pudding cake recipe.

13. Layer cake

Photo, Colin Faulkner.

This stunning layered vanilla cake is ombre inside and out. Get this layer cake recipe.

14. OTT party cake

Photo, Colin Faulkner.

This cherry-vanilla cake is easier to ice than it looks. See for yourself with the Chatelaine Kitchen’s how-to video on icing these ruffled rosettes. Get this OTT party cake recipe.

15. Gluten-free cake

No one should miss out on a slice of this gluten-free dessert topped with chocolate ganache. Get this gluten-free cake recipe.

16. No-bake cake

Photo, Erik Putz.

Short on time — or baking know-how? This mocha biscuit cake, rumoured to be a favourite of Prince William’s, is the perfect, eye-pleasing treat. Plus, you don’t even have to turn on the oven. Get this no-bake cake recipe.

Recipe Collections

16 Classic Cake Recipes For Every Occasion (Including Staying In On A Friday Night)

Chocolate. Angel food. Vanilla. Coconut. No matter which cake you bake, it’s sure to stand out from the rest.

How to make the easiest-ever chocolate cake

How to make the easiest-ever chocolate cake

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