Making a gorgeous dessert for your next get-together is, well, a piece of cake.
We’ve picked some easy, elegant cake ideas, including decadent chocolate cakes and fruit-filled delights.
We spike aboxed cake mixwith champagne or sparkling wine in place of the called-for water.
Credit: Andy Lyons
Top withcanned frostingand fresh berries for a simple yet fancy finish.
Use whatever fruit is in season as a fresh topper.
A hint of orange zest on top gives the cake a pop of color and zesty flavor.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Best-Ever Chocolate Cake
Who doesn’t love chocolate?
Dulce de Leche Cake
This elegant cake idea onlylookslike a lot of work.
A quick caramelized-sugar drizzle hints at the classicdulce de leche dessert.
Credit: Karla Conrad
A simplepowdered sugar frostingon thiseasy cake recipeadds sweetness and a gorgeous finish.
Pistachio-Honey Cake with Berries and Cream
Warm honey lends a subtle sweetness to this pistachio-cornmeal cake.
One-Bowl Chocolate S’more Cake
Channel yourfavorite campfire treatin this simple but elegant cake idea.
Credit: David Loftus
The fact the entire recipe ismade in a single bowlmakes it more appealing.
Caramelized Pear Skillet Cake
Take a break from pineapple and make this easy upside-down cake instead.
Warm spices such as ginger, nutmeg, and cloves make it a perfectcake recipe for fall.
Credit: Blaine Moats
Simplicity makes this elegant cake idea beautifully sophisticated.
Though we won’t judge if you want to layer on sprinkles, too.
Gooey Chocolate-Caramel Fantasy
Calling all chocoholics!
Credit: Andy Lyons
This easy cake recipe is nothing short of a chocolate lover’s dream.
Be sure to keep it chilled until it’s time for the topping.
Then go wild with the creamy caramel and mounds of crunchy pecans.
Credit: Andy Lyons
We topped it off with a mouthwatering fruit sauce made with crunchy pomegranate seeds and tart jelly.
The “wacky” part of this easy cake comes from usingvinegar in the batterrather than eggs.
If you like planning ahead, make this beautiful cake andfreeze itup to 3 months in advance.
Credit: Andy Lyons
Then, wait to assemble it when it’s party time.
Molasses Spice Cake
Our special homemade berry compote takes aneasy cake recipefrom basic to standout.
Tres Leches Strawberry Shortcake
It doesn’t get much more delicious than afood mash-upinvolvingstrawberry shortcakeandtres leches cake.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
This beautiful cake looks like a chore but only needs 25 minutes of hands-on time.
Once baked, the cake can chill overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead option for your next gathering.
Then, take your plating skills to the next level with a generous drizzle of warmeddulce de leche.
Credit: Carson Downing
Whole Wheat Chocolate-Blueberry Cake
Whole-wheat flour gives this rich, easy chocolate cake recipea healthier spin.
The simple small cake only takes 30 minutes to bake and goes perfectly with the easy blueberry topping.
A decadent chocolate glaze and a few more fresh blueberries present a glamorous, glossy look.
Credit: Andy Lyons
Credit: Blaine Moats
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Credit: Con Poulos
Credit: Blaine Moats
Credit: Brie Passano
Credit: Andy Lyons
