The 15 Most Beloved Cake Recipes: Food52’s All-Time Favorites
Discover the 15 cake recipes that have won Food52's community hearts: from banana upside-down to decadent chocolate and cloud cakes.
Our 15 Most Popular Cake Recipes of All Time
There’s no joy quite like the aroma of a homemade cake filling your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, a slice of cake marks every significant moment, holiday, and celebration. Over the years, the Food52 community has voted with their whisks and ovens—certain cakes appear again and again, becoming the backbone of joyful gatherings and weeknight treats alike. Here, we share the 15 cakes that our readers, editors, and contributors love most: from chocolate masterpieces to fruit-forward favorites and innovative classics that always earn a second slice.
Why These Cakes Stand Out
- Variety: From simple pantry cakes to intricate showstoppers, there’s something for every skill level and craving.
- Reliability: These recipes have stood the test of time, praised by hundreds of home bakers for flavor and consistency.
- Versatility: Many cakes can be easily adapted with seasonal fruits, nuts, or spices.
- Cult Following: Some cakes started trends and built cult followings; others are timeless staples rediscovered by new generations.
15. Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake
Transform bananas and pantry staples into an irresistible dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to eat. This banana upside-down cake features caramelized bananas baked over a tender spice cake. Serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and a hot cup of coffee for a comforting finish to any meal.
- Key Flavors: Sweet banana, buttery caramel, soft spice cake
- Best For: Using up ripe bananas, casual gatherings
- Baker’s Tip: A cast iron skillet gives the caramel an especially rich, deep flavor.
14. Light, Fluffy Butter Cake
This cake lives up to its name, offering a delicate crumb and subtle sweetness that makes it endlessly adaptable. Whether as a mid-morning treat or the centerpiece of a birthday celebration, the light, fluffy butter cake pleases every palate.
- Key Flavors: Classic vanilla, rich butter
- Best For: Layer cakes, snack cakes, or even trifles
- Baker’s Tip: Pair with whipped cream and fresh berries for a simple, elegant finish.
13. Nigella Lawson’s Dense Chocolate Loaf Cake
This recipe by Nigella Lawson has earned rave reviews for its super-moist, ultra-chocolaty crumb and memorable flavor. Unlike other restaurant-style cakes, this loaf cake boasts bold cocoa flavor without overwhelming sweetness or fussy layers of frosting.
- Key Flavors: Deep chocolate
- Best For: Chocolate lovers, snacking, gifting
- Baker’s Tip: Serve thin slices with lightly sweetened whipped cream or Greek yogurt.
12. Ultimate Chocolate Cake
Created by baking expert Erin McDowell to mark Food52’s 10th birthday, the Ultimate Chocolate Cake earns its title with layers of intense chocolate flavor and a glossy ganache topping. The ultimate centerpiece for any celebration, this cake is rich but balanced—never cloying.
- Key Flavors: Dark chocolate, silky ganache
- Best For: Special occasions, birthdays, parties
- Baker’s Tip: Use the best chocolate you can find for both batter and ganache.
11. Korean Fresh Cream Cake
Airy, tender, and just sweet enough, the Korean fresh cream cake is a celebration of fruit and cream. Traditionally filled with strawberries, this cake is just as delicious topped with seasonal fruits like peaches, blueberries, or pineapple. Its understated sweetness makes it the perfect canvas for creative variations.
- Key Flavors: Light vanilla sponge, fresh fruit, whipped cream
- Best For: Birthdays, spring and summer gatherings
- Baker’s Tip: Chill the cake before serving for the cleanest slices and best texture.
10. Orange-Cardamom Olive Oil Cake
A feast for both the eyes and the palate, this orange-cardamom olive oil cake pairs fragrant orange zest with the subtle warmth of cardamom, all anchored by extra-virgin olive oil for unparalleled moistness. It’s a cake that’s as stunning as it is satisfying.
- Key Flavors: Fresh orange, cardamom, fruity olive oil
- Best For: Impressing guests, afternoon tea, brunch
- Baker’s Tip: Garnish with citrus segments or candied orange peel for a vibrant finish.
9. Niloufer Ichaporia King’s Cardamom Cake
This cake is a love letter to cardamom, layering sweet, rich, and airy textures in less than an hour. A crunchy topping and a fragrant, light crumb make it an addictive treat for any time of day.
- Key Flavors: Cardamom, buttery cake, sweet crunch
- Best For: Coffee breaks, family gatherings
- Baker’s Tip: This cake comes together especially quickly—perfect for last-minute guests.
8. Richard Sax’s Chocolate Cloud Cake
True to its name, this iconic dessert blends a crisp, wafer-like crust with a mousse-like, airy chocolate center and a topping of pillowy whipped cream. The Chocolate Cloud Cake is rich, but never heavy, delivering a dramatic finish to any meal.
- Key Flavors: Bittersweet chocolate, whipped cream
- Best For: Elegant dinner parties, holidays
- Baker’s Tip: Serve with fresh raspberries for an extra touch of color and tartness.
7. Chocolate Dump-It Cake
From Food52’s founder Amanda Hesser comes a crowd-pleasing chocolate cake that’s delightfully simple to prepare. With a nickname like “Dump-It,” the name refers to the minimal fuss: mix, bake, chill, and serve. This cake is at its best fully chilled, when the flavors deepen and the texture firms up beautifully.
- Key Flavors: Old-fashioned chocolate, moist crumb
- Best For: Bake sales, weeknight desserts, casual get-togethers
- Baker’s Tip: Serve cold with ice cream for optimum flavor.
6. Very Easy Apple Cake
With only five ingredients, this very easy apple cake proves that simplicity can be stunning. The result is an impossibly light and fluffy cake crowned with slices of tender apple. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and enjoy with a generous swirl of homemade whipped cream.
- Key Flavors: Fresh apple, simple sweetness
- Best For: Quick desserts, family suppers, fall gatherings
- Baker’s Tip: Swap apples for pears for a gentle flavor twist.
5. Louisa’s Cake
This editor-favorite cake combines ricotta, eggs, and plenty of butter for a luxurious crumb, while grated apple and lemon zest lend freshness and depth. The result is airy but rich, light but not bland—a brilliant marriage of texture and flavor.
- Key Flavors: Ricotta, apple, lemon zest
- Best For: Rustic celebrations, everyday indulgence
- Baker’s Tip: Louisa’s cake shines both as a dessert and a weekend breakfast treat.
4. Éclair Cake
Part French pastry, part showstopper, the éclair cake went viral for a reason. While it asks for a bit of patience—an overnight chill yields the best results—none of the steps are too technical. The end result is a jaw-dropping, photo-ready treat with custard and chocolate that’s absolutely worth the wait.
- Key Flavors: Vanilla custard, chocolate glaze, buttery pastry layers
- Best For: Potlucks, holidays, celebrations
- Baker’s Tip: Allow at least 11 hours for chilling and assembly for optimal sliceability.
3. Torta Caprese (Chocolate and Almond Flourless Cake)
The Torta Caprese is a flourless classic from Italy, renowned for its complex flavor—a blend of sweet, nutty, and just the right touch of savory. Success here hinges on using a kitchen scale to measure all ingredients for best results. Each bite offers luxurious texture and intense flavor.
- Key Flavors: Chocolate, almond, slightly savory undertones
- Best For: Gluten-free guests, sophisticated occasions
- Baker’s Tip: Serve dusted with powdered sugar or a dollop of crème fraîche.
2. Maialino’s Olive Oil Cake
Maialino’s olive oil cake has become legendary amongst Food52 bakers, praised for its balance of sweet and savory notes. Its moist, tender crumb can be credited to a generous pour of extra-virgin olive oil and the bright addition of orange zest. The cake adapts beautifully to any occasion—just add seasonal fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Key Flavors: Olive oil, orange, subtle sweetness
- Best For: Brunch, everyday dessert, celebrations
- Baker’s Tip: This cake keeps well at room temperature and even improves after a day or two.
1. ‘World’s Best Cake’ With Banana & Coconut
Officially named Norway’s national cake in 2002, the so-called World’s Best Cake dazzles with a decadent mix of banana, coconut, cinnamon, and cardamom. A unique preparation—baking meringue atop tender cake and stacking with whipped cream—creates beautiful layers of flavor and texture. Toasted coconut adds crunch, while banana and spice make every bite memorable.
- Key Flavors: Banana, coconut, cinnamon, cardamom, meringue
- Best For: Show-stopping celebrations, holiday spreads
- Baker’s Tip: Assemble the layers just before serving for best texture.
A Table Recap of the Top 5 Cakes
| Cake Name | Main Flavors | Recommended Use | Special Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ‘World’s Best Cake’ | Banana, coconut, cardamom, meringue | Show-stopping celebrations | National cake of Norway; dramatic layers |
| Maialino’s Olive Oil Cake | Olive oil, orange zest | Brunch, anytime treat | Famous for keeping moist; best with seasonal fruit |
| Torta Caprese | Chocolate, almond | Gluten-free option, dinner parties | Best measured by weight; rich, nutty |
| Éclair Cake | Cream, chocolate, pastry | Potlucks, birthdays | Requires overnight chill; worth the wait |
| Louisa’s Cake | Ricotta, apple, lemon | Brunches, casual gatherings | Airy, yet rich and flavorful |
Baker’s FAQs
Q: Which of these cakes is best for beginners?
A: The Very Easy Apple Cake and Chocolate Dump-It Cake are both ideal for beginners thanks to their simple ingredient lists and forgiving methods.
Q: Can I adapt these cakes for gluten-free diets?
A: Torta Caprese is naturally gluten-free. For others, you may swap standard flour for a gluten-free blend, but textures and flavors may vary.
Q: What’s the best way to store homemade cakes?
A: Most cakes keep best wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature for up to three days. Cakes with fresh fruit or cream should be refrigerated and served within a day or two.
Q: Can I freeze any of these cakes?
A: Yes! Many of these cakes, such as Maialino’s Olive Oil Cake and Louisa’s Cake, freeze well. Wrap tightly in plastic and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight for best results.
Key Tips for Cake Success
- Read recipes thoroughly before starting to avoid surprises mid-bake.
- Invest in a kitchen scale for precise ingredient measurement, especially for recipes like Torta Caprese.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before slicing to preserve texture.
- Use high-quality chocolate, butter, and eggs for superior flavor in chocolate and butter cakes.
- Don’t be afraid to customize with fruits, spices, or toppings to put your own spin on these classics.
Join the Cake Conversation
Baking is both tradition and innovation—a slice of joy that’s always welcome. Have a favorite from the list, or have you put your own creative twist on one of these cakes? Share your experiences, tips, and adaptation ideas with the Food52 community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I replace dairy ingredients in these cakes for vegan versions?
A: Some cakes, such as the Orange-Cardamom Olive Oil Cake, can be adapted for vegan diets with plant-based milks and egg substitutes. However, recipes reliant on eggs for structure, like the World’s Best Cake, may require more complex modifications.
Q: What’s the secret to the best cake texture?
A: Proper mixing—don’t overbeat the batter. Also, always use room temperature ingredients for a uniform crumb and better rise.
Q: Best garnish ideas for serving cakes?
A: Fresh fruit, edible flowers, citrus zest, toasted nuts, and a dusting of confectioner’s sugar all make beautiful, flavorful additions.
