11 Types of Cake Everyone Should Know

MARK DERSE FOR TASTE OF HOME

Published on Apr. 16, 2025

Enhance your baking expertise! Learn about the various types of cakes, understanding how their ingredients and methods contribute to their distinct appearances.

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The world of cakes is vast, and it’s not just about the taste! Cakes differ greatly in terms of the techniques applied in their creation, as well as the ingredients, ratios, and presentation. This article will explore American and European cakes, beginning with the fundamental contrast: butter cakes versus sponge cakes. From there, we will delve into the specific types of cakes produced using these methods. We’ve also included numerous cake recipes to inspire you to get baking!

Butter Cake vs. Sponge Cake

The cakes discussed in this article, which encompass European and American varieties, can be categorized into two groups: butter cake and sponge cake. While they share similar ingredients, they employ entirely different techniques to achieve their distinct textures and appearances. Let’s break it down.

Butter cakes begin with butter (or oil), followed by sugar. Eggs are then incorporated for binding, followed by the addition of flour along with baking powder and/or baking soda. Leavening agents are crucial to ensure that butter cakes rise properly. Milk is typically added alternately with the dry ingredients to create a sturdy yet tender butter cake.

Sponge cakes, also known as foam cakes, involve a more intricate process. While the primary ingredient in butter cakes is fat, sponge cakes rely on eggs. Unlike butter cakes that utilize leavening agents, sponge cakes achieve their characteristic rise through the manipulation of eggs, either by making meringue or reaching the ribbon stage (whipping whole eggs or yolks with sugar), sometimes both. Additionally, sponge cakes contain minimal to no fat, resulting in a more delicate texture.

Get inspired to bake with these cake recipes and expand your baking skills!

Butter Cake

Butter cakes are the most versatile and beginner-friendly of all cake types. They are simple to prepare, often requiring just one bowl and no extended creaming process. Oil cakes, in particular, produce exceptionally tender cakes due to oil’s ability to keep the crumb moist over time.

Pound Cake

Pound cakes are named after the equal proportions of butter, flour, sugar, and eggs traditionally used in their preparation. These cakes are dense and moist, making them ideal for everyday baking. Pound cake recipes often incorporate a combination of fats, such as butter and cream cheese, to enhance flavor and texture.

Genoise Cake

Genoise cake is a classic European sponge cake known for its spongey texture and versatility in layer cake and cake roll preparations. This cake relies on the ribbon stage technique and is typically finished with a light brush of simple syrup for added moisture and flavor.

Hot Milk Sponge Cake

Hot milk sponge cake combines the richness of butter cake with the lightness of sponge cake. This unique cake incorporates a mixture of whipped eggs, dry ingredients, and a warm milk-butter blend to create a lofty, tender crumb.

Angel Food Cake

Angel food cake is a delicate sponge cake made with a meringue base, resulting in a light and airy texture. Properly whipping the egg whites is crucial for achieving the cake’s signature height and fluffiness.

Chiffon Cake

Chiffon cake combines the best of both butter and sponge cakes by incorporating whipped egg whites and yolks for structure and richness. This tall sponge cake is often adorned with whipped cream, berries, or jams for a simple finishing touch.

Biscuit Cake

Biscuit cake is a lesser-known type of sponge cake that involves whipping egg whites and yolks separately before folding them together with cake flour or cocoa powder. This cake is commonly served with jam or curd for a delightful teatime treat.

Cheesecake

Cheesecake, a baked custard dessert made with cream cheese, eggs, and sugar, is a popular choice for celebrations and special occasions. This decadent cake is often served with a graham cracker crust and a variety of flavor options.

Ice Cream Cake and Icebox Cake

Ice cream cakes feature layers of ice cream in place of traditional cake layers, while icebox cakes consist of chocolate wafers and whipped cream for a light and refreshing dessert option.

A Thousand Crepe Cake

A Thousand Crepe Cake is a unique birthday cake made up of layers of crepes with frosting in between. This elegant cake is perfect for those who prefer a lighter frosting option.

Expand your baking repertoire with these diverse cake recipes and techniques!

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