People don't seem to make cakes much anymore, except for special occasions. That's too bad - a cake can be really easy to make and can dress up a dreary weekday. These cakes are simple, quick, and flavorful without being fussy. Make a cake just because it's Tuesday, or because your child brought home a good report card.
1. Peanut Butter Bundt Cake
Linda Larsen
This fabulous cake was the result of an accident. I love to make it just to have on hand. If you are even the littlest bit experienced, you can whip up this batter in about half an hour. The frosting is super simple. Make this cake soon!
2. Pear Cake with Caramel Sauce
Linda Larsen
This cake starts with a mix, which makes it even easier. It's also low in fat, and fun to serve with its drizzle of caramel ice cream topping. The texture of the cake is just perfect, and the fluffy cream cheese frosting is perfect.
3. Chocolate Oatmeal Cake
Linda Larsen
I invented this recipe by combining three recipes into one. I love how the oatmeal in the cake adds moistness and texture, while the coconut broiled topping is creamy and rich. The recipe looks long, but the cake goes together quickly.
4. Glazed Lemon Pound Cake
Linda Larsen
This simple cake is so delicious, with orange juice and lemon juice in the batter and a tart lemon glaze. Serve it surrounded with fresh fruits for the perfect dessert.
5. Pineapple Cake
Linda Larsen
I invented this recipe for my book 'Everything Tex-Mex Cookbook'. I wanted to use pineapple in a cake, but couldn't find any recipe that didn't start with a boxed cake mix. This cake is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and it's easy to make too.
6. Chocolate Layer Cake
Linda Larsen
This wonderful cake is smooth and moist. Something about the boiling water added to the batter really creates a velvety texture. You can make this in one 13" x 9" pan if you'd like; bake for 40-50 minutes until the cake pulls away from the sides of the pan. Cool, then frost.
7. Graham Cracker Sheet Cake
Linda Larsen
This is a wholesome cake, with graham cracker crumbs, orange juice, and walnuts. I made the frosting decadent but tempered the sweetness with cream cheese, which also made it as smooth as silk. This is a good lunch box cake.
8. Best Carrot Cake
Linda Larsen
Yum, I think I'll go make this cake right now! The combination of shredded carrots (baby carrots, please!) and pineapple, along with cinnamon and walnuts makes this luscious cake a real winner. You could even have it for breakfast! (Well, it's better than a caramel roll!)
9. Apple Walnut Bundt Cake
Linda Larsen
This classic recipe is good for you because it contains lots of apples and walnuts, and uses oil instead of butter. It is a good keeper, staying moist for days, if it lasts that long!
10. Mandarin Orange Cake
Linda Larsen
And finally, this easy cake is made with a can of mandarin oranges. You can use the juice drained from the oranges if you'd like, but I think that you get more orange flavor by using orange juice. However you make it, you'll love it!
