Ralph Smith
Let's start here: There's nothing wrong with boxed cake mix. It's the secret ingredient in Ree Drummond's super easy chocolate cake and it can even be used to make her cake mix cookies. But if you're looking to step up your baking skills or you just want a show-stopping dessert for a special occasion, these cake recipes made from scratch are sure to impress. All you need are a variety of classic homemade cake recipes, a simple frosting or cake decorating ideas, and a few decorating tools—plus, a few tips from Ree herself.
When it comes to making a successful cake recipe, Ree has a few tricks up her sleeve. First, she says that buttermilk is key! "I wind up with the fluffiest cakes when the recipe calls for buttermilk," Ree says, "try substituting buttermilk instead of milk in your favorite recipe." Or opt for a recipe that already uses it, like the pumpkin sheet cake or the chocolate strawberry Nutella cake. Another tip for making perfect cakes at home: don't overmix! "The more you beat the batter, the more the gluten will develop, and the tougher the cake will be!" Ree says. Whether you're keeping things simple with an easy sheet cake recipe or going all-out with a gorgeous layer cake, these homemade cakes will make birthdays, holidays, or even weekdays feel extra special.
Will Dickey
1 of 25
Chocolate Ganache Cake
This simple, yet elegant cake, is made in one layer so it couldn't be easier. It's rich and chocolatey, with a fancy swirl of peanut butter on top.
Get the recipe.
Ryan Liebe
2 of 25
Chocolate Sheet Cake
This simple cake is a Drummond family-favorite! It's perfect for just about any occasion—from birthdays to Christmas parties to school bake sales.
Get Ree's recipe.
Ralph Smith
3 of 25
Coconut Layer Cake
This beautiful cake isn't lacking in flavor. It has coconut extract in the batter and shredded coconut for decoration.
Get Ree's recipe.
Ralph Smith
4 of 25
Coffee-Toffee Crunch Cake
This cake is for the real coffee lovers' out there! There's instant coffee in both the cake batter and the frosting for the ultimate boost of caffeine.
Get Ree's recipe.
Hector Sanchez
5 of 25
Applesauce Cake with Brown Butter Maple Buttercream
If you thought cakes were for professionals, we've got some good news! This one-bowl cake is easy enough for any skill level. It's lightly spiced, moist, and delicious to serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or homemade brown butter maple frosting if you prefer.
Get the recipe.
Con Poulos
6 of 25
Lemon Pound Cake
If you're looking for a cake that you can eat any time of day, this recipe is for you! Its bright, lemony flavor would work just as well at brunch as it would for dessert.
Get Ree's recipe.
Buff Strickland
7 of 25
Chocolate Birthday Cake
This festive cake can work for any age whether you're celebrating 13 or 93! Get creative with the candy toppings by using different colors based on the occasion.
Get Ree's recipe.
Con Poulos
8 of 25
Sigrid's Carrot Cake
This classic carrot cake recipe is so versatile that you can adjust it based on your preferences. Turn it into a Bundt cake or even a sheet cake, but whatever you do—don't forget the cream cheese frosting!
Get Ree's recipe.
Ralph Smith
9 of 25
Tres Leches Cake
The Spanish name for this cake, "tres leches," translates to "three milks." And that's exactly how it's made. The cake is soaked in heavy cream, evaporated milk, and sweetened, condensed milk to make it extremely moist.
Get Ree's recipe.
Danielle Daly
10 of 25
Chocolate Strawberry Nutella Cake
This decadent cake is layered with goodness—from the chocolate cake layers and Nutella frosting to the whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Best of all, it comes together in less than an hour!
Get Ree's recipe.
Will Dickey
11 of 25
Apple Cake
This cake is simple, wholesome, and incredibly flavorful! It's loaded with fresh apples, apple butter, cinnamon, and toasted pecans.
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Hector Sanchez
12 of 25
Pumpkin Sheet Cake
For another variation on homemade sheet cakes, try this pumpkin sheet cake topped with cream cheese frosting. It's perfect for pumpkin spice season or any time the craving strikes.
Get Ree's recipe.
Hector Sanchez
13 of 25
Chocolate Wacky Cake
You don't need a mixing bowl (or even a whisk!) to make this fluffy chocolate cake. Just add all the ingredients to the baking pan and mix it up with a fork. It’s truly wacky and wonderful!
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Will Dickey
14 of 25
Strawberries and Rosé Sheet Cake
This pretty-in-pink sheet cake is perfect for Mother's Day, bridal showers, or any spring/summer party. Use the rosé wine to add moisture to the cake, then pour yourself a glass with the extras!
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Will Dickey
15 of 25
King Cake
True, this colorful ring of cinnamon goodness is made for Mardi Gras... but who said you can't enjoy it outside the Big Easy? Just don't forget to sprinkle yours in shiny gold, royal purple, and bright green sparkling sugar.
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Hector Sanchez
16 of 25
Apple Cake in an Iron Skillet
Inverting this skillet cake to reveal the caramelize apple slices on the bottom might sound scary, but no matter how it turns out, it’s sure to taste delicious. Especially when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Get Ree's recipe.
Will Dickey
17 of 25
Gingerbread Cake
To balance out the warm holiday spices in this gingerbread cake, top it with a tangy cream cheese frosting that has a touch of bright lemon zest.
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Ryan Dausch
18 of 25
Fourth of July Cake
This berry-topped flag cake is as much fun to make as it is to eat! It's the perfect addition to your backyard BBQ.
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Joanne Ozug/ The Pioneer Woman
19 of 25
Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake
This is the kind of cake that will put a smile on anyone's face! It's easier than it looks since it has a layer of chocolate ganache frosting that can cover any cracks from rolling the cake.
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Will Dickey
20 of 25
Pumpkin Spice Cake
This perfectly spiced, caramel-glazed pumpkin Bundt cake might look fancy, but it's surprising easy to make. Just be sure to grease the pan well so the cake doesn't stick.
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Danielle Daly
21 of 25
Eggnog Cake
Creamy eggnog and a hint of bourbon add a nice richness to this holiday cake without being too overbearing. To bake this cake to perfection, use a lighter colored pan to prevent the sides of the cake from getting too dark.
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Will Dickey
22 of 25
Pumpkin Roll Cake
You can make this beautiful cake using a half sheet pan. Once it comes out of the oven, work quickly to roll the cake and prevent any cracking.
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Jessica Merchant/ The Pioneer Woman
23 of 25
Confetti Snack Cake
You've probably seen the boxes of these colorful cake mixes in the grocery. But making a homemade version from scratch is easier than you might think. Plus, you can use any combination of sprinkles you like!
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Bridget Edwards/The Pioneer Woman
24 of 25
Angel Food Cake
This might just be the lightest and airiest cakes of them all! It's delicious on its own but can also be served with whipped cream and fresh fruit in the summer.
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The Pioneer Woman
25 of 25
Red Velvet Sheet Cake
Red velvet cake is a classic for a reason—it's rich, decadent, and so colorful! Using cake flour in the batter helps to keep it light and fluffy.
Get Ree's recipe.