We spend a lot of time talking about, developing, and baking cakes at Southern Living. From coffee cakes and cheesecakes to Bundts and layer cakes, there are just so many delicious recipes to love. And while we have our favorites, we always like to share the recipes our readers rave about the most. Here are the top cake recipes that are rated by you, our readers.
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Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Pumpkin pie meets pound cake in this perfect-for-anytime-dessert. Readers raved about this recipe: “Easy, beautiful and delicious!! I’ve made this cake 5 or 6 times since I received the Thanksgiving issue. Everyone loves it! It’s easy, moist, and the center swirl makes it beautiful.”
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Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
Gala apples star in this stunning dessert, which is complemented by pecans and a caramel-like sauce. It’s a perfect recipe for a fall gathering or holiday potluck when you’re looking to impress. One reader said: “This recipe is hands down the best apple cake I’ve made, and I’ve made a lot over the years! It has now been requested for Thanksgiving.”
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Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser
Originally developed for a December magazine cover, this layered cake is a true beauty. We’ve heard from many readers over the years that this recipe is so good (the unique flavors plus the beautiful presentation), that they’ve even selected it as their wedding cake.
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Jessica Furniss
While this cake might sound simple, it is moist, delicious, and truly spectacular. One reader said: “I used to make this years ago and loved it. The forgot it until I stumbled across this here. I had the stuff needed and made it over the weekend. Just as good as I remembered.”
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Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Yes, you read that right: this extra moist and delicious cake starts with a can of tomato soup. The majority of comments noted this recipe had been in their family for decades, which is music to our ears.
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Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser
Who really can resist a chocolate cake? Cocoa powder and one cup of coffee are the secret ingredients to making this an extra decadent cake. One reader commented: “Absolutely delicious! Very easy to make! Made the salted Carmel buttercream frosting. Might have to make another as this one isn’t lasting long. Very easy and very good!”
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Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
This easier-than-ever buttermilk cake is delicious, extra flavorful, and a family-favorite. Readers tell us they make this on repeat (the highest praise in our opinion!), and that it’s perfect for any occasion.
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Before there was the ultimate red velvet, there was this extra-special Mahogany cake. This was our most popular dessert of 2024, and readers raved about the cake and its famous Ermine frosting: “Knocks your typical chocolate cake out of the water. Buttermilk makes it extra moist. Can’t wait to bake again!”
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
If ever there was a cake to call our “best,” this is certainly the one. Canned crushed pineapples, flaked coconut, and chopped nuts are the secrets to this incredibly moist and delicious cake that readers say they’ve been baking for years: “If my memory serves me well, this recipe was in you 1982 recipe book. I have made it many times and always asked for the recipe. It is a moist and delicious cake. I always get compliments when I take it to gathering. You won’t be disappointed, well maybe you’ll be disappointed you waited so long to make this cake!”
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
An iconic cake with passionate baking fans for over 40 years. The crushed pineapples, pecans, and bananas are the ingredients that make this extra moist and a true showstopper. Over 70 reviewers shared their love for this classic: “This is absolutely the best cake you will ever eat, hands down!”
Dining and Cooking