Some days just need something sweet to feel a little better. Whether it’s a birthday, a regular weeknight, or a slow afternoon, a good cake or cupcake can turn things around. These 21 easy recipes are simple to make, fun to share, and tasty enough to bring out even when there’s no big reason. You don’t need a party to enjoy a dessert that feels worth it.
Classic Yellow Cake. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Ultra Moist Chocolate Cake
This chocolate cake comes out rich and moist every time, from the first slice to the last. The deep cocoa flavor stays bold without being too heavy, and the texture never falls apart. Keep this easy cake recipe on hand for when dessert needs to feel like a real treat.
Get the Recipe: Ultra Moist Chocolate Cake
Green Tea Cupcakes
These green tea cupcakes are soft and light, with a mellow flavor that stands out without being too strong. The matcha frosting adds a smooth finish that ties everything together. Try this simple cupcake recipe when you want something different but still easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Green Tea Cupcakes
Chocolate Cinnamon Cupcakes
These chocolate cupcakes have a warm cinnamon twist that gives them a little something extra without overdoing it. The cake stays soft, the ganache on top adds a smooth finish, and the flavors work together in every bite. Use this easy cupcake recipe when you want something familiar with a fun twist.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cinnamon Cupcakes
Kit Kat Cake
This chocolate cake is wrapped in Kit Kats and filled with soft layers that look just as good as they taste. It’s simple to build but always gets noticed, no matter the occasion. Pull out this cake recipe when you want a dessert to feels more fun without much work.
Get the Recipe: Kit Kat Cake
Individual Pineapple Upside-down Cakes
These small cakes are topped with sticky pineapple and a soft, buttery base that stays neat and tasty. Each one holds its shape and doesn’t need anything extra to feel complete. Try this easy cake recipe when you want something simple that still feels a little special.
Get the Recipe: Individual Pineapple Upside-down Cakes
Carrot Cake
This carrot cake is full of warm spices and sweet raisins, all tied together with thick cream cheese frosting on top. It slices clean and holds together well, with a soft bite that always feels homemade. Save this cake recipe for days when you want something that works every single time.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake
Mini Chocolate Cupcakes
These mini cupcakes pack rich chocolate flavor into small bites that are easy to grab and share. They stay soft without drying out and work great when you don’t want to fuss with big slices. Bake this cupcake recipe when you need something fast, simple, and crowd-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Mini Chocolate Cupcakes
Yogurt Nutella Cupcakes
These soft cupcakes have a sweet Nutella center and a slight tang from yogurt that balances the flavors. The texture stays light but satisfying, and each bite gives you that bakery-style feel. Keep this easy cupcake recipe close for times when you want something with just a little surprise.
Get the Recipe: Yogurt Nutella Cupcakes
Classic Yellow Cake
This yellow cake is soft, buttery, and full of that classic flavor people always look for. It melts in your mouth and feels like something straight from a good bakery case. Make this simple cake recipe when you want dessert to feel just right without any guesswork.
Get the Recipe: Classic Yellow Cake
Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cake
This cake is soft and sweet, with chocolate chips in every bite and a moist crumb from the applesauce. It’s not too heavy, holds its shape, and slices clean without falling apart. Bake this easy cake recipe when you want something that disappears fast every single time.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cake
Molten Chocolate Cakes
These single-serve chocolate cakes have soft edges and warm centers that melt the second you dig in. They look fancy, but come together fast with simple steps and basic ingredients. Make this easy dessert when you want something that feels special but doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Molten Chocolate Cakes
Double Chocolate Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting
These cupcakes combine rich chocolate cake with sweet strawberry frosting for a bold mix of flavors. They stay soft and hold their shape, with a bright finish that makes them look like they came from a bakery. Keep this cupcake recipe in your back pocket when you want something pretty and easy.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting
Blueberry Streusel Coffeecake
This soft cake is filled with sweet blueberries and topped with a crumbly streusel that gives each bite some crunch. The center stays moist, and the golden topping bakes up crisp and sweet. Choose this easy cake recipe when you want something that looks good in a pan and tastes even better.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Streusel Coffeecake
Cherry Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting
These cherry cupcakes are light and sweet, topped with smooth vanilla frosting that gives them a classic finish. They hold up well and taste fresh, even after sitting out for a while. Bake this easy cupcake recipe when you want something colorful that still feels homemade.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting
Red, White, and Blue Bundt Cake
This Bundt cake swirls soft layers of color into one fun and simple dessert that slices clean every time. The crumb is tender and holds its shape, so there’s no need for extra decorating. Try this easy cake recipe when you want something that stands out without adding extra work.
Get the Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Bundt Cake
S’mores Cake
This cake layers chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers for a dessert that brings everything together in one bite. It’s gooey but not messy, and it works even for people who don’t bake often. Make this cake when you want something that’s fun, easy, and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Cake
Blueberry Pudding Cake
This pudding cake bakes up with a soft cake on top and a warm, gooey center underneath, thanks to juicy blueberries. It’s rich without being too heavy and feels like it took more time than it really did. Use this easy cake recipe when you want something different but still simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Pudding Cake
Kool-Aid Cupcakes
These bright cupcakes get their color and fruity flavor from powdered drink mix, which makes the batter pop without any extra steps. They bake up soft and sweet with a smooth finish that looks like it took more work than it did. Try this fun and easy cupcake recipe when dessert needs a quick twist.
Get the Recipe: Kool-Aid Cupcakes
Individual Blueberry Coffeecakes
These small cakes are packed with blueberries and topped with just the right amount of sweet crumble on top. Each one stays soft in the center and is easy to grab without falling apart. Go with this easy cake recipe when you want something neat, tasty, and ready to pass around.
Get the Recipe: Individual Blueberry Coffeecakes
Homemade Ice Cream Cake
This no-bake cake stacks soft layers with frozen ice cream into one cool dessert that holds up well. It slices clean and keeps its shape straight from the freezer, with just the right mix of sweet and creamy. Use this make-ahead cake recipe when dessert needs to be ready before the guests even arrive.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ice Cream Cake
Mountain Dew Bundt Cake
This Bundt cake uses soda to give it a bright lemony flavor and a soft, tender crumb that doesn’t dry out. A smooth icing glaze finishes it off and makes the whole thing come together fast. Bake this easy cake recipe when you want something different that still works every time.
Get the Recipe: Mountain Dew Bundt Cake