Some cakes don’t just taste amazing—they leave a lasting impression. These recipes combine rich flavors, beautiful presentation, and just the right amount of indulgence to make any occasion feel special.

Apple Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Closeup of a pan of apple sour cream coffee cake.
Apple Sour Cream Coffee Cake. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Apple Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a moist and flavorful cake, perfect for pairing with your favorite coffee. The addition of sour cream ensures a rich texture, while the apples add a natural sweetness. This cake is easy to prepare, making it a great option for a homemade treat. Serve it fresh to add a touch of homemade luxury to your coffee break, without the high cost of coffee shop pastries.
Get the Recipe: Apple Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Vintage Strawberry Sheet Cake

A piece of strawberry sheet cake topped with strawberry sauce and vanilla ice cream on a plate.
Vintage Strawberry Sheet Cake. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this vintage strawberry sheet cake is a huge hit at baby showers, wedding showers, barbecues, and church dinners.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Strawberry Sheet Cake

Honey Bun Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix

Two slices of frosted yellow cake are stacked on a white plate, placed on a textured tablecloth. A whisk and wooden utensils are visible in the background.
Honey Bun Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

When it comes to holiday desserts, a honey bun cake is right up there. I’ve been to both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners where this was one of the desserts offered. What sets this cake apart is the fact that you make it with yellow box cake mix but no one would ever believe it came from a box, because it is so delicious.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bun Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix

Copycat Nothing Bundt Cake Carrot Cake Recipe

A slice of irresistible carrot Bundt cake, inspired by a classic Nothing Bundt Cake recipe, is adorned with creamy cheese frosting and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. It sits elegantly on a white plate, waiting beside a fork for your indulgence.
Copycat Nothing Bundt Cake Carrot Cake Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

This moist carrot cake with cream cheese icing is ideal for special events, especially baby showers, family reunions, and Easter desserts.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Nothing Bundt Cake Carrot Cake Recipe

Yellow Cake Mix Banana Bread

Two slices of banana bread on a red plate, with two ripe bananas and a glass of milk in the background.
Yellow Cake Mix Banana Bread. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

you literally dump all of the ingredients in the pan you’ll be baking your cake in — or in my instance, yellow cake mix banana bread. Then you mix all the ingredients together, pop it in the oven and you get easy peasy banana bread.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Cake Mix Banana Bread

Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake – Old Fashioned Recipe!

Round cake with white icing drizzled on top, sitting on a wooden surface. Cake has a cracked texture on the sides and a hole in the center.
Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake – Old Fashioned Recipe!. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake is the kind of classic, no-shortcuts dessert that never goes out of style. Rich, buttery, and impossibly moist, this cake bakes up with a golden crust and a tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re slicing it up for Valentine’s Day or just because Tuesday deserves a little sweetness, this old-fashioned favorite always delivers.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake – Old Fashioned Recipe!

Lavender Chamomile Cake

A slice of lavender chamomile cake on a decorative plate.
Lavender Chamomile Cake. Photo credit: Sage Alpha Gal.

This delicious loaf cake is infused with the calming aroma of lavender and the delicate flavor of chamomile tea.
Get the Recipe: Lavender Chamomile Cake

Bundt Cake: Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

A pumpkin bundt cake with vanilla glaze on a white plate.
Bundt Cake: Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Icing. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Pumpkin bundt cake with cream cheese icing.
Get the Recipe: Bundt Cake: Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake

A spoon drizzles icing over a baked dessert in a black cast iron skillet, creating one of those stunning desserts perfect for any occasion.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

An easy pumpkin cinnamon roll skillet cake made in a cast iron pan.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake

Passover Honey Cake

A slice of bread with jam served on a white plate beside a red napkin and a silver knife.
Passover Honey Cake. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This Passover honey cake is one that Leah’s Grandma Yetta made for the first and second seders. And it’s so simple — honey, ginger, cinnamon and, surprisingly, coffee give it its depth of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Passover Honey Cake

Pumpkin Crumb Cake Recipe

A piece of pumpkin crumb cake on a cutting board.
Pumpkin Crumb Cake Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

As the temperatures drop and the crisp autumn air sets in, it’s itime to try this simple yet delicious pumpkin crumb cake recipe.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Crumb Cake Recipe

Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze

A close-up of a slice of impressive cake with fruit, nuts, and icing on top, sitting on a white plate beside a fork—a true showstopper cake for any occasion.
Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Apple and Butternut Squash Cake with Buttermilk Glaze is the ultimate fall dessert—warm spices, tender squash, and sweet apples come together in a beautifully moist cake. The buttermilk glaze seeps into every nook and cranny, creating a glossy, sugary finish that signals autumn in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze

Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes

Two cupcakes topped with white frosting and garnished with pecan pieces, displayed close together.
Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

In addition to the maple flavor, one of the things I love about this Cake Mix Maple Pecan cupcake recipe is how easy it is. One of the reasons it is simple and quick is because you are using box cake mix from the store.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes

Banana Pudding Poke Cake

A slice of banana pudding cake topped with sliced bananas and crushed vanilla wafers.
Banana Pudding Poke Cake. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

My banana pudding poke cake is so moist and easy to make. I love the topping with creamy Cool Whip, sweet bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers. It tastes like banana pudding in cake form!
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Chocolate Poke Cake

A slice of chocolate poke cake topped with chocolate whipped cream, mini chocolate chips, and chocolate sauce.
Chocolate Poke Cake. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

This rich chocolate cake topped has a decadent filling and a light creamy topping. If you like chocolate you are going to love this cake. Can you believe it starts off with a cake mix?
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Poke Cake

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

Read More About Me

Follow Lucy on social media:

Posted in:

You May Also Like:

Sign up with your email address to receive a 5-day series of Southern Cooking Secrets, followed by weekly emails with recipes and tips. We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *