Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a weekend brunch, or just need a sweet pick-me-up, these 18 cozy cakes and bakes are the perfect answer. From rich chocolate bundts and nostalgic poke cakes to fruit-filled pound cakes and smoky desserts made right on the Traeger, this collection has something for every kind of sweet tooth. You’ll find bakery-style favorites like lemon cream cake and strawberry cupcakes alongside comfort classics like banana coffee cake and Cracker Barrel’s famous carrot cake. Simple to make yet full of flavor, these desserts prove you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy a slice of something homemade.
Chocolate Pumpkin Bundt Cake
The Chocolate Pumpkin Bundt Cake is a moist and flavorful fall dessert that blends rich cocoa with the warm earthiness of pumpkin. Its simple icing lets the bold seasonal flavors shine through, making it a standout for autumn gatherings or cozy nights in. Perfect with a cup of coffee or as a festive holiday treat.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pumpkin Bundt Cake
Olive Garden Lemon Cream Cake
The Olive Garden Lemon Cream Cake brings restaurant-quality indulgence home with layers of soft lemon cake, a creamy mascarpone filling, and a buttery crumb topping. Light, citrusy, and decadent, it’s the kind of dessert that feels elegant without being fussy. Ideal for spring celebrations or whenever you’re craving something bright and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Lemon Cream Cake
Apple Cinnamon Sugar Cake
Apple Cinnamon Sugar Cake is a lighter twist on a comfort classic, blending sweet apples and warm cinnamon into a soft, satisfying bite. This easy-to-make cake leans on simple flavors for a result that’s both wholesome and delicious. Great for afternoon snacking or a cozy fall breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Sugar Cake
Sock It To Me Cake (From-Scratch!)
Sock It To Me Cake is a retro Southern favorite that layers buttery cake with a sweet swirl of cinnamon and pecans. This from-scratch version keeps things simple while delivering rich flavor and a tender crumb, thanks to the addition of sour cream. It’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert that works for brunch, potlucks, or any weekend baking session.
Get the Recipe: Sock It To Me Cake (From-Scratch!)
Strawberry Pound Cake
Strawberry Pound Cake is a dense, buttery dessert brightened with bursts of fresh strawberries and topped with a sweet, simple glaze. Its rich texture and natural fruit flavor make it a lovely choice for spring and summer get-togethers. A beautiful loaf that slices perfectly and tastes even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pound Cake
Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
This Fresh Strawberry Cake delivers a double dose of berry flavor with a moist crumb and luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. It’s vibrant, fruity, and visually stunning — a classic Southern dessert that’s made to impress. Serve it at showers, birthdays, or anytime fresh flavor is in season.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Chocolate Black Bottom Cupcakes with Cream Cheese
Chocolate Black Bottom Cupcakes are part cupcake, part cheesecake — combining rich cocoa cake with a gooey cream cheese center. They’re decadent without being over-the-top and perfect for both snacking and casual entertaining. Moist, chocolatey, and always a hit with guests.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Black Bottom Cupcakes with Cream Cheese
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cake
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cake is a celebration-worthy dessert loaded with peanut butter flavor and topped with a rich peanut butter chocolate frosting. With its tender crumb and familiar candy-inspired taste, it’s a guaranteed hit for birthdays or any peanut butter lover in your life. Easy to make, but full of wow-factor.
Get the Recipe: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cake
Chocolate Bundt Cake
Chocolate Bundt Cake is a foolproof crowd-pleaser made even easier with the help of cake mix and pudding. The result is moist, dense, and deeply chocolatey, finished with a glossy glaze that makes it look bakery-level. Perfect for when you need a dessert that’s both quick and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Bundt Cake
Cracker Barrel Carrot Cake
This Cracker Barrel-inspired Carrot Cake captures all the comfort of the restaurant classic, packed with pineapple, coconut, and chopped nuts. It’s moist, flavorful, and finished with a creamy frosting for just the right amount of sweetness. A nostalgic dessert that brings home-style goodness to any table.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Carrot Cake
Moist and Fluffy Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
These Lemon Cupcakes are soft, zesty, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that balances sweetness with citrus bite. Light, airy, and full of sunshine flavor, they’re ideal for spring parties, bridal showers, or brightening up any day. Easy to bake and even easier to love.
Get the Recipe: Moist and Fluffy Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Strawberry Jam Cake with Strawberry Frosting
Strawberry Jam Cake (also known as strawberry poke cake) is a moist, nostalgic dessert filled with sweet strawberry flavor and topped with a layer of frosting or whipped cream. It’s simple, soft, and sure to please any crowd with its vibrant color and classic charm. Great for potlucks or summer barbecues.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Jam Cake with Strawberry Frosting
Queen of Sheba Cake
Queen of Sheba Cake is a rich, flourless-style dessert made with almond meal for a texture that’s tender and luxurious. Its deep chocolate flavor and elegant presentation make it perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. A sophisticated treat for those who love decadent, European-style cakes.
Get the Recipe: Queen of Sheba Cake
Raspberry Fudge Pudding Cake
Raspberry Fudge Pudding Cake is a warm, gooey dessert that blends tart berries with rich chocolate for an irresistible pairing. As it bakes, it creates its own fudge sauce, making every bite a little indulgent. A cozy and comforting treat that’s simple to whip up any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Fudge Pudding Cake
Blueberry Cottage Cheese Cake
Blueberry Cottage Cheese Cake offers a unique twist on traditional fruit bakes, delivering a moist, slightly tangy cake that’s studded with juicy blueberries. It’s easy to make and surprisingly light, making it a great fit for brunch or weeknight desserts. A hidden gem with a soft, satisfying texture.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cottage Cheese Cake
Traeger Banana Cake
Traeger Banana Cake brings a subtle smoky flavor to a moist, classic banana cake — adding a whole new depth of taste. Finished with a cream cheese frosting, it’s sweet, soft, and just a little unexpected. A great dessert for grill lovers looking to try something new.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Banana Cake
Banana Coffee Cake
Banana Coffee Cake blends the best of banana bread and streusel-topped coffee cake in one cozy bake. Moist and warmly spiced, it’s the perfect choice for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you want something sweet and comforting. Pair it with a hot drink for maximum satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Banana Coffee Cake
Traeger Apple Cake
Traeger Apple Cake infuses classic apple cake with a gentle smokiness from the grill, making it a standout dessert for fall or backyard gatherings. Moist and spiced just right, it’s a rustic treat that tastes as homey as it looks. Ideal for serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Apple Cake