They look fancy, but they’re secretly easy. These cakes are perfect for sharing—or keeping to yourself. No one has to know how simple they were to make.

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling

Carrot cake cookies with cream cheese icing filling.
Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling are a unique and delightful dessert. These cookies combine the flavors of a classic carrot cake with the convenience of a cookie, and the cream cheese filling adds a creamy, tangy contrast. They’re a great way to end a Sunday dinner on a sweet note.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling

Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze

A slice of fruit cake on a white plate, showing a golden crust with visible fruit pieces and a glossy glaze on top. A fork is placed in front of the cake.
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

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

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

Banana Cake Roll

A sliced, frosted rolled cake—one of our best easy cakes—topped with chopped nuts and dried fruit is arranged on a rectangular white plate, with dessert forks in the background.
Banana Cake Roll. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Try this easy Banana Roll Cake recipe that combines a cream cheese filling that’s baked along with the sponge cake that makes it so easy to roll up. We added pecans, dried cranberries, and candied ginger for an extra delectable dessert cake.
Get the Recipe: Banana Cake Roll

Apple Cake with Cinnamon

A homemade apple tart in a cast iron skillet sits next to a plate with a single slice, a fork, a knife, and a halved apple on a white surface—perfect for sharing with company.
Apple Cake with Cinnamon. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This simple Apple Cinnamon Cake is a beloved comfort dessert, adorned with fresh apple slices on top. Baked in a skillet, it exudes charm while remaining effortlessly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cake with Cinnamon

Cake Mix Mug Cake

Cake mix mug cake with cream cheese frosting.
Cake Mix Mug Cake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Do you ever crave cake but don’t want to go through the hassle of making a full-size one? You can make a delicious cake in a mug using cake mix in just a few minutes when baking it in the microwave. The no-butter cream cheese frosting is quick to make too.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Mug Cake

Almond apple cake with apple roses

A cake with apples on top of a white plate.
Almond apple cake with apple roses. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

With a fine, spongy almond crumb and the delicate sweetness of honey, this almond apple cake with apple roses is THE cake for Rosh Hashana.
Get the Recipe: Almond apple cake with apple roses

Magic Cake With Autumn Apples

A slice of homemade custard pie topped with powdered sugar is served on a white plate, with a fork holding a bite-sized piece—perfect for company or those who love cakes.
Magic Cake With Autumn Apples. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Magic Cake With Autumn Apples, also known as Custard Cake, is made from a single, effortless batter using just six ingredients! The apples add a delightful little surprise.
Get the Recipe: Magic Cake With Autumn Apples

Moist Cake Brownie Recipe

A close-up of a Thanksgiving brownie with chocolatey goodness.
Moist Cake Brownie Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Thanksgiving Brownie Recipe offers a delicious dessert option with rich chocolate brownies and festive flavors. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat.
Get the Recipe: Moist Cake Brownie Recipe

Hot Milk Cake with Fudge Icing

Flat lay of square hot milk cake on plate.
Hot Milk Cake with Fudge Icing. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Hot Milk Cake with Fudge Icing is a tender, fluffy, and moist vanilla cake much like a sponge cake. It’s made with scalded (or hot) milk and is very simple to make and not overly sweet.
Get the Recipe: Hot Milk Cake with Fudge Icing

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

Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Buttercream

A slice of homemade strawberry cake with icing and strawberry on top.
Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Buttercream. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Homemade moist and tender Strawberry Cake with Fresh Strawberries. Top with fluffy strawberry buttercream for a sweet summer dessert.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Buttercream

Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake With Canned Mandarins

A sliced mandarin orange bundt cake on a white plate.
Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake With Canned Mandarins. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Refresh your palate with this Mandarin Orange Cake featuring canned mandarins. A citrusy dessert topped with a sweet orange drizzle icing, ensuring a slice of pure delight for a festive and flavorful experience.
Get the Recipe: Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake With Canned Mandarins

Strawberry Pound Cake Mini Loaf

Three slices of strawberry bread on a white plate.
Strawberry Pound Cake Mini Loaf. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

One bite, and you’ll see why the taste of strawberry pound cake is so irresistible. It’s baked to perfection with real strawberries making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pound Cake Mini Loaf

Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

A slice of pumpkin cake with white icing.
Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Indulge in this moist pumpkin sheet cake, generously slathered with a decadent layer of creamy, tangy white chocolate cream cheese icing.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Carrot Cake In A Mug

Carrot mug cake.
Carrot Cake In A Mug. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Indulge in this tasty, easy-to-make carrot mug cake! This delicious microwave baked treat is the perfect treat for any time, ready in just a few minutes.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake In A Mug

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

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!

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.

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