20 simple cake recipes every baker should get the hang of

13 classic cake recipes for every occasion

Classic cakes often come with a secret ingredient: nostalgia. For some, it’s the flavours that take you on a trip down memory lane, and for others it’s all about recreating a childhood favourite. From a timeless fluffy sponge cake, to a rich and indulgent chocolate cake, these 13 cake classics are all-time crowd-pleasing favourites.

Let your KitchenAid Stand Mixer help with the mixing and whisking, and leave the measuring and sifting up to the Sifter and Scale attachment – so you can turn your full attention to mastering them. Ready to start baking?

1. Sponge cake

Looking for a trusty classic cake to get creative with? You’ve found it. This soft and fluffy lightweight sponge is extremely versatile. Use it to build a layered cake, sandwich it with a luscious layer of jam and whipped cream, or top it with a pile of fresh, juicy berries.

2. British carrot cake recipe

Forget every carrot cake recipe you’ve ever tried. And bake this one instead. It’s everything you want in a classic: moist, warmly spiced, and covered with a velvety yet tangy cream cheese icing. Dreading the carrot-grating part? Leave that to your KitchenAid food processor.

3. Pumpkin cake recipe

Not too sweet. Not too fruity. Spiked with cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, it tastes infinitely cosy. This fragrant pumpkin cake with a hint of orange zest is your ultimate autumnal treat.

4. Chocolate cake

Chocolate lover? Meet your next obsession. Three decadent layers of moist, rich chocolate cake covered in and sandwiched together with an extravagance of velvety smooth chocolate ganache. It’s begging for a scoop of ice cream on top.

5. Coffee cake

Streusel. What a wonderful word to roll off your tongue. Wait until you taste a slice of this comforting coffee-infused cake. A crunchy cinnamon-spiced streusel on top, with a tender crumb below. It’s a real treat.

6. Chocolate almond cake

Coffee and chocolate—is there a better combo? Yes, coffee and chocolate all melded into one boldly flavored, melt-in-your-mouth type of cake with a crackly meringue top. Tip: if you’re aiming for a gluten-free dessert, use gluten-free dark chocolate and you’re all set.

7. Vanilla butter cake

No time to go to the supermarket? No worries. Chances are you’ve already got all the ingredients for this vanilla classic at home. Cover it with a silky vanilla buttercream, scatter it with juicy berries or tropical slices of mango, and indulge your sweet tooth.

8. Bundt cake

If decorating isn’t your forte, this show-stopping bundt cake is the way to go. Just drape over some super-simple icing, pop on some berries, and add a sprig or two of herbs for a beautiful, mouthwatering centrepiece.

9. Cake roll

True, rolling up the cake base takes a bit more skill. But this swirly Swiss roll is a real head-turner. Especially when topped with ripples of buttercream, edible flowers or colourful fruit as well.

10. Marble cake

This marble cake might look quite standard on the outside. But slice it up to discover the hypnotising chocolate and vanilla swirls within. Look no further for low effort and big results – you can have the batter ready in a mere 10 minutes.

11. Red velvet cake

A soft red cake topped with peaks of snowy white icing. This red velvet cake is dressed to impress. The recipe calls for buttermilk to create a softer, more tender crumb. And those subtle notes of cocoa work wonders when combined with the tartness from the buttermilk and vinegar. It’s official, Her Red Velvetness has arrived.

12. Vanilla bean cheesecake

A buttery biscuit crust, a wonderfully rich creamy filling, and another level of flavour from the vanilla pod. This dreamy cheesecake is bound to put a smile on your guests’ faces. Added bonus? All you need is your KitchenAid blender. Countertop or handheld, every model does the trick.

13. Brownies

Gooey and fudgy on the inside. Satisfyingly crackly on the outside. These subtly salted, dark chocolate and hazelnut brownies are a textural delight. And they’re so easy to make. The hardest thing about this recipe? Waiting for them to cool.

7 fruity cakes that will liven up any dessert table

Fruity cakes are naturally sweet and bursting with freshness. No wonder they steal the show at dessert time. From tangy citruses to juicy plums and seasonal favourites like rhubarb and pears, these seven cakes show off some of nature's finest flavours. Which one will you pick first?

14. Pear cake recipe

Feeling confident about your baking skills? Challenge yourself with this retro upside-down pear cake. It’s a tad trickier, but the moment you turn it over is pure magic. First, you pour in homemade caramel, then add a generous layer of sweet pears, and end with the batter. Bake it, cool it and then … flip it!

15. Lemon curd cake recipe

Dig out this lemon curd cake recipe when you want to serve a quick yet classy dessert. It might look like a simple trifle, with fluffy chunks of sponge cake and sweet juicy strawberries, but the homemade tangy lemon curd makes all the difference. Want to go all out? Serve it in elegant individual glasses.

16. Easy plum cake

Hosting a summery brunch or afternoon tea? This gorgeously juicy late summer treat deserves a spot on your cake stand. The best thing about it? You can prep and bake it in under 50 minutes. Easy to make. Hard to resist.

17. Orange cake

The use of almond flour gives this tempting orange cake a subtle nutty flavour, while fresh orange juice and zest add a little citrus kick. So pour yourself a cup of tea, sit back and treat yourself to a slightly bigger slice.

18. Citrus upside down cake

When life gives you citrus fruit, make this stellar upside-down cake. It won’t just wow your friends with its glossy top layer of caramelized brown sugar, butter, blood oranges, and grapefruit, but it will also sweep them off their feet with piney hints of cardamom and zingy sprinkles of orange zest.

19. Summer fruit cake

Looking for a dessert to sweeten up a hot summer’s day? This moist rhubarb cake will do the trick. With just the right amount of tartness, and a fluffy texture, it’s perfect combined with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Not a fan of rhubarb? Simply replace it with your favourite fruit – fresh or frozen.

20. Lemon and poppyseed cupcakes

Tangy lemon zest and nutty poppy seeds make the perfect duo in these crowd-pleasing cupcakes. They’re slightly moist, a tad crunchy, and definitely ending up on your to-bake list.