8 Classic and International Cake Recipes
Cake baking is one of those skills that never goes out of style, and exploring cakes from different traditions is one of the best ways to keep your baking exciting. Some of these recipes are beloved American classics, while others come from traditions most home bakers have never tried.
These 8 recipes take you around the world of cake baking, from a rich chocolate coconut classic to a delicate layered German cake to a fun celebration cake shaped like a ball. Whatever occasion you’re baking for, there’s a cake here worth trying.
1. German Chocolate Cake
Prep + Bake Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes | Difficulty: Medium
Rich chocolate layers filled with a sweet, gooey coconut pecan frosting make this one of the most beloved cakes in American baking. This recipe gets every layer right, from the moist cake to the perfectly caramelized filling.
Get the German Chocolate Cake recipe →
2. Atomic Cake
Prep + Bake Time: ~2 hours | Difficulty: Medium
A striking layered cake with a bold, retro flair, atomic cake is as fun to look at as it is to eat. This recipe walks you through building the layers and finishing touches that make this cake such a showstopper.
3. Black Velvet Cake
Prep + Bake Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes | Difficulty: Medium
A dramatic twist on the classic red velvet, this cake swaps in a deep black color while keeping that same soft, tender crumb and tangy cream cheese frosting. A striking choice for any celebration.
Get the Black Velvet Cake recipe →
4. Black Walnut Cake
Prep + Bake Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes | Difficulty: Medium
Nutty, rich, and slightly old-fashioned in the best way, this cake uses black walnuts to bring a deep, earthy flavor that’s completely different from a regular walnut cake. A great choice for anyone who wants something a little more unique.
Get the Black Walnut Cake recipe →
5. Ball Cake
Prep + Bake Time: ~2 hours (plus decorating) | Difficulty: Hard
A fun, spherical cake perfect for birthdays and celebrations. This recipe shows you the technique for shaping and assembling a cake into a ball form, along with tips for smooth frosting and a clean finish.
6. Baumkuchen
Prep + Bake Time: ~3 hours | Difficulty: Hard
A traditional German layered cake made by baking thin layers one at a time to create a distinctive ring pattern when sliced. This recipe is a labor of love, since each layer bakes individually, but the results are unlike any other cake on this list.
7. Bizcocho
Prep + Bake Time: ~50 minutes | Difficulty: Easy
A traditional Latin sponge cake that’s light, moist, and simple to make. Often served plain or with a light glaze, this cake proves that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying.
8. Chimney Cake
Prep + Cook Time: ~1 hour | Difficulty: Hard
A popular Central European street food dessert, chimney cake is a hollow, cylindrical pastry with a caramelized sugar coating and a soft, chewy interior. It’s a bit different from the batter-based cakes on this list, since it’s traditionally cooked over an open flame, but this recipe brings that same charm into your home kitchen.
Final Thoughts
Cake baking opens the door to so many different traditions and techniques, and these 8 recipes are proof of just how varied and exciting it can be. Pick one that catches your eye and bring a little bit of the world into your kitchen.
