12 Southern Cakes That Deserve a Standing Ovation

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Got a sweet tooth that won’t quit? We’ve rounded up the ultimate lineup of Southern cakes that’ll make you forget all about dinner. Imagine slicing into a Rum-Soaked Southern Coconut Pecan Cake, rich, boozy, and downright irresistible. Or how about a Caramel Cake, dripping in golden goodness? If you’re feeling a little vintage (and a lot hungry), the Old-Fashioned Hummingbird Cake and Easy Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze are calling your name. And don’t even get us started on the Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Pound Cake—cool weather flavors, no matter the season. Ready to drool? Click through and grab your fork!

Rum Soaked Southern Coconut Pecan Cake

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A slice of moist cake topped with a caramelized nut and coconut glaze, served on a white plate with warm holiday lights in the background.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

 Rum Soaked Southern Coconut Pecan Cake is surprisingly easy to make and delivers incredible flavor! A simple boxed cake mix is transformed into a decadent pecan Bundt cake with the addition of coconut rum.

To learn more: Rum Soaked Southern Coconut Pecan Cake

Caramel Cake

A slice of moist yellow cake with creamy frosting, beside a glass of milk and a jar, on a decorative plate.
Image Credit: I Heart Eating

Caramel Cake is a timeless classic, perfect for any celebration! The moist butter cake and rich caramel frosting create a delicious and unforgettable dessert experience.

To learn more: Caramel Cake

Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake Recipe

Close-up of a cake adorned with creamy frosting and a generous layer of pecans, showcasing rich textures and colors.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake is a surprisingly delicious combination of banana bread and canned pineapple! Its unique flavor profile has made it one of the most popular Southern cakes.

To learn more: Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake Recipe

Easy Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

A sliced bundt cake drizzled with caramel and topped with pecans, surrounded by fresh apples on a white background.
Image Credit: Grits and Gouda

 Easy Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is the perfect dessert—delicious and incredibly easy to make! Fresh apples and pecans (no peeling!), a bundt pan, and a simple caramel glaze create a showstopping treat.

To learn more: Easy Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Pound Cake

A slice of golden-brown cranberry bread, garnished with fresh cranberries, and a golden fork nearby, resting on a delicate plate.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Pound Cake is incredibly moist and boasts a truly unique flavor profile! The combination of pumpkin spice, tart cranberries, warm cinnamon, and cream cheese center creates a delicious and memorable dessert.

To learn more: Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Italian Cream Cake (Coconut and Pecan)

A slice of moist cake with nuts, layered with creamy frosting, served on a white plate.
Image Credit: Well Fed Baker

Italian Cream Cake, despite its name, is a beloved Southern recipe with a unique and delicious flavor profile! The combination of coconut and pecans makes it a cherished family tradition, reminiscent of my Grandma’s birthdays.

To learn more: Italian Cream Cake (Coconut and Pecan)

Vintage Watergate Cake Recipe

a close up picture of the side of a pistachio flavored watergate layer cake with nuts
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Vintage Watergate Cake is both incredibly delicious and easy to make! The combination of moist pistachio cake and creamy whipped frosting makes it a perfect dessert for any occasion.

To learn more: Vintage Watergate Cake Recipe

German Chocolate Cake

A rich chocolate layer cake, topped with coconut pecan frosting, showcases a slice revealing its moist and textured interior.
Image Credit: Jennifer Cooks

German Chocolate Cake is a delicious and deeply personal recipe! The tender chocolate layers and irresistible coconut-pecan frosting bring back cherished memories and the comforting feeling of home.

To learn more: German Chocolate Cake

Easy Rhubarb Dump Cake Recipe

A slice of warm dessert topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a white plate, with a pink cloth and silver forks in the background.
Image Credit: The Fresh Cooky

Rhubarb Dump Cake is incredibly easy to make and delivers a delicious rhubarb flavor! Made without Jello, this simple dessert is perfect for using fresh or frozen rhubarb and is sure to become a favorite.

To learn more: Easy Rhubarb Dump Cake Recipe

Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake

A lemon bundt cake drizzled with icing, garnished with lemon slices, displayed on a wire rack against a light gray background.
Image Credit: Chenee Today

Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake is incredibly moist and delivers a bright, zesty lemon flavor! The buttery lemon icing adds the perfect finishing touch, making it ideal for any celebration.

To learn more: Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake

Raffaello Torte

A slice of layered vanilla cake adorned with almond flakes and coconut balls, displayed on a white plate.
Image Credit: Natasha’s Home

Raffaello Torte offers a richer and more decadent experience than a traditional sponge cake! The combination of delicate almond layers and creamy white chocolate mascarpone cream perfectly recreates the beloved Raffaello taste.

To learn more: Raffaello Torte

Texas Sheet Cake

Three chocolate brownies topped with nuts on a rustic wooden serving board, with one brownie partially eaten.
Image Credit: The Cookin’ Chicks

Texas Sheet Cake is a classic dessert that’s incredibly easy to make and delivers incredible flavor! The rich chocolate cake and decadent fudge frosting are a perfect combination.

To learn more: Texas Sheet Cake

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