Southern Living readers love to bake, and cakes are a big part of our celebrations. Cakes make every occasion feel special. Baking them is a long-standing tradition among our readers. Every December, we feature a white cake on the cover of our magazine. Our Facebook Cooking Group also takes on a fun challenge, baking a different cake each month. There are countless cakes to try, but layer cakes have their own unique charm. They are a favorite of many bakers. These cakes stand out in taste, style, and tradition. Whether stacked high with frosting or filled with delicious flavors, they’re a true classic.
German Chocolate Cake
This five-star cake was mentioned a lot in the comments as a family favorite. One person wrote, “Everyone loved this cake! My mother-in-law, who loves icing, asked if I could add more next time. It might have been the best part.” The cake was clearly a hit, and the idea of adding extra frosting was popular. Many people said it’s a great treat that everyone will enjoy. The comments showed how special this cake is to so many families. It’s definitely a go-to choice for a tasty dessert everyone will love.
Hummingbird Cake
The Hummingbird cake might be our most popular cake, with readers making it for years. One reader said, “This is a wonderful cake, and I never change anything it comes out perfect every time! Our family and friends love it and look forward to me bringing it.” This cake is a favorite for many people, loved by both family and friends. It always turns out great, without needing any changes. Every time it’s made, it’s a hit with everyone. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting a delicious dessert that everyone will enjoy.
Best Carrot Cake
Readers often tell us that when they bring this Carrot Cake somewhere, it’s the only dessert people ask for again and again. We love hearing that! This three-layer cake gets its “best” title from three key ingredients: canned crushed pineapple, flaked coconut, and chopped nuts. These ingredients make the cake moist and full of flavor. It’s always a hit at parties, with people wanting more. The mix of pineapple, coconut, and nuts gives it a unique taste that everyone loves. It’s a cake that never lets anyone down and always gets noticed.
Classic Red Velvet Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
When you slice this cake, everyone loves the red and white layers. It looks amazing and tastes delicious. The cake is soft and rich, and the cream cheese frosting is creamy and perfect. The colors make it stand out, and the taste makes people want more. It’s a cake that’s both pretty and tasty. Whether it’s for a special day or just because, this cake will impress. It’s a favorite for anyone who loves good taste and a nice look.
Italian Cream Cake
This cake is another favorite among Southern Living readers. One reader shared that it was the biggest hit at her Church auction: “I made this cake for a Church cake auction, won best tasting cake, and it sold for $2,000! The money went to the youth group for a mission trip… it made my heart jump for joy!” It’s clear this cake is not only delicious but also a winner at events. The story behind it shows how much it can mean to people. The combination of great taste and a good cause makes it even more special. It’s a cake that brings joy in more ways than one.
Coconut Chiffon Cake
“Excellent!” “Showstopper!” These are the words people often use to describe this cake, and we agree. It’s rich, creamy, and looks absolutely stunning. One reader said, “This is my new Easter cake. It was so rich and creamy. I’m not a fan of coconut, but in this cake, I didn’t mind. A showstopper!” The cake is not only delicious but also makes a beautiful centerpiece at any event. Its creamy texture and amazing flavor make it a favorite among many. Even people who usually don’t like coconut end up loving it. The combination of its great taste and gorgeous appearance is what makes this cake so special. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any celebration or gathering. This cake will impress everyone, making it a great choice for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or simple gathering, it’s sure to be a hit.
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
This is our most talked-about cake because of its secret pantry ingredient. It’s a recipe that brings back so many fond memories for our readers, and we love hearing their stories. One reader shared: “What a memory! My great-grandmother always made the best chocolate cakes, and my great-grandfather loved them. But he hated mayo. One day, he came home early and saw Grandma making a cake with mayo. He refused to eat it after that and never took another bite! (More for us!)” This story, like many others, makes the cake even more special. The secret ingredient gives it a unique flavor that people can’t forget. It’s a cake that’s tied to family memories and traditions. Every time it’s made, it’s not just about the cake—it’s about the moments shared with loved ones. It’s a dessert that keeps bringing people back, and that’s why it’s so beloved.
Cranberry-Orange Cake With Orange Buttercream
We love when our readers make our recipes for special occasions, but it’s even more meaningful when our cakes become part of your memories. One reader shared: “Twenty-one years ago this April, my mom made my wedding cake from a recipe in a Southern Living wedding magazine. It was an orange layer cake sweetened with orange juice and honey, I believe. I think I still have the recipe (and the magazine!). It was a spectacular cake, mostly because my mom makes everything great, but also because it came from Southern Living!” It’s moments like these that make our recipes so special.
Mahogany Cake
We always get a mix of feedback, both good and not-so-good, when we share a new recipe. But this cake received nothing but praise from our readers. Many shared their excitement, saying, “It’s excellent!” “This cake knocked it out of the park!” and “I brought this to the potluck, and it disappeared in minutes!” The Mahogany cake, with its perfect Ermine frosting, is a real crowd-pleaser. It’s moist, soft, and fluffy with just the right amount of mild chocolate flavor. The cake is a hit every time, leaving everyone wanting more. It’s the kind of dessert that people can’t get enough of.
Little Layer Chocolate Cake
How many layers is too many? We believe there’s no such thing, especially when a cake tastes this good. Our Senior Lifestyle Editor, Ivy Odom, shared this cake with us, saying it was her birthday request every year growing up in Georgia. The cake also brought back memories for readers: “I grew up eating this cake at my Grandma’s home, just west of Moultrie in Colquitt County, GA. Whenever we visited Grandma for Sunday dinner, which was most Sundays, this cake was always on her ‘freezer locker’ dessert bar. I’ve never seen it served anywhere else but South Georgia.” It’s a cake full of tradition and great memories.