24+ Favorite Ways to Make an Ugly Cake That Everyone Will Love
Ever looked at a cake and thought, “What happened here?” The beauty of baking is that even the most awkward-looking creations can taste absolutely divine. Get ready to explore some delightful, quirky cake recipes that may not win any beauty contests but will definitely steal the show when it comes to flavor!
This cake is a chocolate lover’s dream! It’s rich, gooey, and packed with layers of chocolate goodness that will make your taste buds dance. The secret lies in its decadent ganache and chocolate chunks mixed into the batter.
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
This cake is special because the messy, drippy ganache on top gives it an “ugly” yet mouth-watering appearance. The combination of chocolate chunks in the batter and the creamy ganache creates a texture that’s simply irresistible. You won’t worry about how it looks—just wait until you taste it!
Who needs perfection when you can have a rainbow? This cake is not only colorful but also incredibly fun to make. The swirls of vibrant colors make every slice a surprise, and the flavors can be adjusted to your liking!
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon baking powder
Food coloring (various colors)
1 cup frosting (for decoration)
This cake is a hit because it’s a visual feast, and the flavor can be anything from vanilla to lemon or even chocolate! Each slice reveals a delightful surprise, making it perfect for parties or celebrations. Plus, you can let your creativity shine with the colors and frosting toppings!
Rating: 3.8. Ingredients: Yellow cake mix, cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, egg Total Time: 40 min.
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Don’t let the name fool you; this is not your average carrot cake! With chunks of pineapple and a hint of coconut, this cake is a tropical delight that will leave everyone guessing what makes it so special. It’s a moist, flavorful treat that you’ll want to make again and again.
2 cups grated carrots
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup shredded coconut
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup walnuts (optional)
This cake is adored for its moist texture and delightful combination of flavors. The hidden pineapple and coconut add a tropical twist that makes each bite an adventure. It might look a little rustic, but the taste is what really counts!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 3 h 10 min Total Time: 3 h 10 min.
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Who doesn’t love a bit of color and fun? This cake is packed with colorful sprinkles throughout, and the surprise frosting inside will make anyone smile! It’s a party in every slice!
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sprinkles (plus more for decoration)
1 cup frosting (for the surprise inside)
This cake is popular because it brings that nostalgic birthday party vibe to any occasion. The colorful sprinkles make it look cheerful and fun, while the hidden frosting surprise keeps everyone guessing. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
If you’re a fan of peanut butter, this cake is going to be your new best friend! With a rich peanut butter flavor and chunks of chocolate, it’s a match made in dessert heaven. The “ugly” part comes from the generous drizzles of peanut butter and chocolate on top!
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream (for drizzling)
This cake is loved for its rich flavor and gooey texture, with the messy drizzles making it look as indulgent as it tastes. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a classic that never goes out of style. Plus, it’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Creamy peanut butter, peanut butter cookies, heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, egg Total Time: 1 hr 15 min.
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Why not turn your favorite banana bread into a cake? This recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic favorite, creating a moist, flavorful cake that is perfect for any occasion. The rustic appearance just adds to its charm!
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
This cake is unique because it combines the dense, comforting texture of banana bread with the fun of a cake. The natural sweetness from the bananas makes it a delightful treat without being overly sugary. It may not be the prettiest cake, but the flavor will make it a hit!
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Cream cheese, dark chocolate, powdered sugar, eggs, all purpose flour Total Time: 50 min.
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Imagine combining two of your favorite desserts into one glorious creation! This cheesecake brownie cake is rich, fudgy, and creamy, offering a fantastic blend of textures and flavors. The messy top gives it an endearing, homemade look that everyone will love.
1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients needed)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
This cake has a special place in many hearts because of its perfect fusion of brownie and cheesecake. The creamy cheesecake layer swirled into the fudgy brownie creates a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist. It might be a bit messy, but that just adds to its homemade charm!
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Brown sugar, apples, cinnamon, eggs, baking powder Total Time: 50 min.
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Warm spices and sweet apples make this cake feel like a cozy hug! The crumble topping adds a delightful crunch, making each bite deliciously satisfying. It’s an “ugly” cake that tastes like autumn on a plate!
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
3 large apples, peeled and chopped
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup oats (for crumble topping)
1/2 cup brown sugar (for crumble topping)
This cake is adored for its comforting flavors of cinnamon and apple, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. The crunchy topping contrasts beautifully with the soft cake and juicy apples. It’s a rustic beauty that tastes like a slice of home!
