Easy Cakes With Big Payoff And You’ll Want to Bake Every One Of Them

Summer’s here, and it’s the perfect excuse to turn on the oven for the right reasons homemade cake. Whether you’re spending the weekend with friends or just want something sweet after dinner, these bakes are simple and worth the effort. Think easy recipes with fresh flavors that don’t take all day to make.

From fruity layers to cool no-bake options, there’s something for every kind of baker even if you’re more of a mix-and-pour type. These cakes are light enough for warm days but still feel like a treat. No fuss, just straightforward baking you’ll actually look forward to.

We’ve pulled together ideas that work well for cookouts, birthdays, or just slow afternoons. They’re beginner-friendly but don’t feel basic. Ready to turn on the oven? Here’s what’s worth making this season.

Heaven on Earth Cake

This cake is layered with angel food cake pieces, pudding, cherry pie filling, and whipped topping—it’s a breeze to assemble. It chills beautifully in the fridge, making it ideal for warm days or a quick dessert for guests. You’ll only need a few ingredients, and the result is light, creamy, and crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Heaven on Earth Cake

Flourless Chocolate Sheet Cake

Rich without being heavy, this flourless cake leans on cocoa and eggs to create a fudgy texture that’s naturally gluten-free. It’s perfect for those wanting something indulgent but simple to put together. Dust it with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream for extra flair.
Get the Recipe: Flourless Chocolate Sheet Cake

Peach Kuchen

Think of it as a cross between cake and pie, with a tender base and juicy peaches nestled on top. It’s often finished with a cinnamon-sugar streusel, giving it that home-baked charm. Great for brunch or dessert, especially in peach season.
Get the Recipe: Peach Kuchen

Frosted Lemonade Ice Cream Cake

Combining ice cream, lemonade, and whipped topping, this frozen cake is refreshing and fun to make. It has a playful lemon twist that pairs well with summer afternoons. Serve it straight from the freezer and watch it disappear.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Lemonade Ice Cream Cake

Sweet Potato Dump Cake

This one’s all about layering—no mixing bowls needed. Canned sweet potatoes, cake mix, and butter turn into a warm, spiced dessert straight out of the oven. It’s especially good with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Dump Cake

Best Gluten Free Bundt Cake

Moist and sturdy with a lovely crumb, this cake holds its own against traditional versions. The secret’s in the blend of gluten-free flours and rich flavorings like vanilla or citrus. It’s great for sharing—or keeping all to yourself.
Get the Recipe: Best Gluten Free Bundt Cake

Easy Strawberry Ice Cream Cake

Made with store-bought ice cream and shortcake layers, this one saves time without skimping on flavor. The strawberries add a sweet-tart pop, and it looks as good as it tastes. Best of all, no oven required.
Get the Recipe: Easy Strawberry Ice Cream Cake

Sheet Pan Easy Berry Cake

Baked on a single pan, this cake is loaded with fresh or frozen berries for a burst of color and flavor. It’s casual enough for potlucks but still feels special. A simple glaze or powdered sugar finish makes it party-ready.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Easy Berry Cake

Easy Peach Cake Recipe

With canned or fresh peaches, this soft, moist cake is a no-fuss favorite. It bakes up golden and fragrant, and pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or a scoop of ice cream. You can serve it warm or chilled—it holds up nicely either way.
Get the Recipe: Easy Peach Cake Recipe

Rocky Road Sheet Cake

Rocky Road Texas Sheet Cake is packed with marshmallows, nuts, and a rich chocolate glaze poured over a tender cake. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Rocky Road Sheet Cake

Rhubarb Dump Cake

A classic pantry-style dessert, this uses tart rhubarb, cake mix, and a bit of butter to do all the work. Once baked, you get a gooey base with a golden, crisp top. It’s a great way to use up rhubarb when it’s in season.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Dump Cake

Raspberry Dump Cake

Bright and fruity, this raspberry version comes together in one dish and bakes up with a cobbler-like texture. It’s sweet with just enough tang to keep it interesting. Serve it warm with whipped cream or cold straight from the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Dump Cake

Strawberry Coffee Cake

Soft cake meets a layer of juicy strawberries and a buttery crumble topping. It’s perfect for breakfast or snacking, and it holds up well over a day or two. You can even sneak in a dollop of yogurt or whipped topping when serving.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Coffee Cake

Cherry Dump Cake

Canned cherries and cake mix make this a go-to for last-minute desserts. It turns golden and bubbly in the oven, and it’s best served slightly warm. Add vanilla ice cream and you’re set.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Dump Cake

Wild Blueberries Yogurt Cake

This light loaf uses yogurt to keep things moist without being too heavy. Wild blueberries give it a punch of flavor in every bite. It works well for breakfast, brunch, or a light dessert.
Get the Recipe: Wild Blueberries Yogurt Cake

Éclair Cake

This no-bake treat stacks graham crackers, vanilla pudding, and chocolate topping to recreate the flavor of classic éclairs. It chills to perfection overnight, so it’s great for make-ahead events. The texture softens just right by the time you slice it.
Get the Recipe: Éclair Cake

Low Carb Chocolate Roulade

With a rich cocoa sponge and cream filling, this roll cake is both eye-catching and friendly to low-carb eaters. It’s surprisingly easy to make and looks impressive when sliced. Serve chilled for clean, even slices.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Chocolate Roulade

Strawberry Crunch Cake

Inspired by the nostalgic ice cream bar, this cake layers vanilla and strawberry flavors with a crunchy topping. It’s a hit at birthdays or potlucks and has that fun, familiar flair. Use fresh or frozen berries depending on what you’ve got.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Crunch Cake

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

You’d never guess there are veggies in this moist, chocolaty cake. Zucchini keeps the texture tender while blending right in. It’s a great way to use up garden extras, and the chocolate chips don’t hurt either.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Pumpkin Texas Sheet Cake

This sheet cake brings fall flavor to a big, shareable dessert. The pumpkin keeps it moist, and a spiced glaze poured on while warm soaks in for extra richness. It’s easy enough for weeknights and perfect for holidays.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Texas Sheet Cake

The Best Asian Fruit Cake: Chinese Bakery Style

Soft, airy sponge layers are filled with lightly sweetened whipped cream and fresh fruit like kiwi, mango, and strawberries. This cake is light but satisfying and usually less sugary than Western counterparts. It’s often seen at celebrations and loved for its clean, fresh flavor.
Get the Recipe: The Best Asian Fruit Cake: Chinese Bakery Style

Rhubarb Cake with Streusel

This cake has a soft base and tangy rhubarb chunks, finished with a crumbly, buttery topping. The contrast between the tart fruit and sweet streusel keeps each bite interesting. It’s great warm or cold, and perfect with a hot drink.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Cake with Streusel