Each year I like to share 1-2 absolutely epic cake recipes, and they unsurprisingly become some of the most popular dessert recipes with AK readers. I typically test and perfect a new cake around Valentine’s Day, but these incredible cake recipes are truly perfect for any occasion.

I think it all started back in 2018 with my now-famous Paleo Chocolate Cake with Paleo Chocolate Frosting. I truly couldn’t believe how delicious this cake was, especially because it was gluten free, grain free, dairy free & paleo-friendly! Since then I’ve created 10-15 more wonderful cake recipes ranging from an amazing carrot cake to a gorgeous lemon blueberry cake.

Many of these cake recipes are gluten and grain free because I’ve fallen in love with the texture and natural sweetness that almond, coconut & oat flour give these cakes. Be sure to check out the recipe blog posts and notes sections, too, because I often have tips on how to make them dairy free and/or vegan! There really is a cake for anyone and everyone in this list.

Tips for frosting a cake

Getting the perfect layers of frosting on your cake, especially round layered cakes, can feel intimidating. Check out all of my tips & tricks for beautifully frosting these cakes:

• Let the cake layers cool completely. Make sure to let the cake layers cool completely before frosting them so that the frosting doesn’t soak into the cakes.
• Do a crumb coat first. Frost the layers as you normally would and then coat the outside of the cake with a very thin layer of your frosting. Then, place the cake in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before you finish frosting. This is so that the crumbs stick to this layer of frosting and not your main layer.
• Adding a drizzle? If you’re adding, say, a chocolate drizzle on top of the frosting layer, be sure to place the cake in the fridge after frosting it and before adding the drizzle. This will allow the drizzle to set properly on top.

The perfect freezer-friendly dessert

That’s right, these cake recipes can be frozen either frosted or unfrosted for up to 2 months! I recommend freezing your cake unfrosted and in individual layers for the best results. Here’s how to do it:

1. Once the cake layers are cool, simply wrap each individual layer in plastic wrap & aluminum foil.
2. Place the cakes in a zip-top freezer bag.
3. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the cake layers in the refrigerator overnight and then let the cake come to room temperature before serving.

Our favorite cake-baking tools

• 9 inch or 6 inch cake pans for round cakes or an 8×8 inch pan for square cakes
• Parchment paper
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Stand mixer or hand mixer for making frosting
• An offset spatula for frosting the cake
• A good set of mixing bowls
• A nice cake stand

Check out all of our kitchen essentials here!

GF = indicated gluten free. Remember to check the full recipes for any substitution recommendations.

Fall & Winter Cakes

Blow Ya Mind Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting GF

One Bowl Gluten Free Gingerbread Snacking Cake GF

Brown Butter Apple Coffee Cake

Spiced Zucchini Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting GF

Vegan Pumpkin Mug Cake GF

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Brown Butter Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Pecan Gingersnap Cookie Streusel

Spring & Summer Cakes

The Best Healthy Carrot Cake You’ll Ever Eat GF

Chocolate Zucchini Cake GF

Orange Zucchini Cake with Orange Frosting GF

Almond Lemon Raspberry Poppy Seed Cake GF

Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Cake with Lemon Frosting GF

Almond Flour Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting GF

Orange Carrot Zucchini Cake with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting

Brown Butter Blueberry Coffee Cake

All About Chocolate Cakes

Inside Out Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake GF

The Best Paleo Chocolate Cake with Paleo Chocolate Frosting GF

Grain Free Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake GF

Vegan Dark Chocolate Tofu Cheesecake with Peanut Butter Pretzel Crust GF

Whole Wheat Brown Butter Banana Bundt Cake with Dark Chocolate

Best Ever Vegan Avocado Chocolate Birthday Cake with Vegan Chocolate Ganache

Unique Takes on Traditional Cakes

Healthy Birthday Cake GF

Baby’s First Healthy Smash Cake GF

Vegan Banana Bread Mug Cake GF

Damn Good Peanut Butter Banana Cake GF

Homemade Funfetti Yellow Birthday Cake

If you make any of these cake recipes be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it!