8 Wedding Cake Recipes for the Perfect Celebration
There’s something magical about a wedding cake — the centerpiece of celebration, joy, and love. From elegant tiers of vanilla sponge to rich chocolate layers and fruity fillings, wedding cakes reflect not only the couple’s taste but also the spirit of the day.
If you’re planning your big day or baking for someone special, this list of 8 wedding cake recipes will inspire you with flavors, designs, and techniques perfect for every style and season.
Whether you want a classic buttercream finish, a floral masterpiece, or a unique naked cake with rustic charm, these recipes are sure to impress.
1. Classic Vanilla Wedding Cake
A timeless favorite, the classic vanilla wedding cake is elegant, soft, and perfectly sweet. This cake pairs beautifully with almost any filling or frosting, making it a versatile base for creativity.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk until smooth.
- Pour into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden.
- Cool completely before frosting with vanilla buttercream.
Pro Tip: Add a touch of almond extract for a hint of luxury flavor.
2. Chocolate Raspberry Wedding Cake
If you love rich flavor combinations, this chocolate raspberry wedding cake is irresistible. It’s romantic, decadent, and stunning when layered with glossy ganache and fresh berries.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup hot coffee
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup raspberry preserves
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk and coffee.
- Divide batter into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Once cool, layer with raspberry preserves and ganache.
Decoration Tip: Garnish the cake with fresh raspberries and edible gold dust for a luxurious finish.
3. Lemon Elderflower Wedding Cake
Inspired by royal weddings, this lemon elderflower cake is light, fragrant, and sophisticated — a spring or summer favorite.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cake flour
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- ¼ cup elderflower cordial
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and elderflower cordial.
- Alternate adding flour and milk mixture.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Cool and frost with lemon-elderflower buttercream.
Serving Idea: Decorate with white roses and sugared lemon slices for a dreamy garden wedding aesthetic.
4. Red Velvet Wedding Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Few cakes say romance quite like red velvet. With its signature deep red hue and velvety crumb, this cake is both dramatic and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2½ cups flour
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1½ cups sugar
- 1½ cups vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tsp vinegar
- Red food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup butter
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix dry ingredients together.
- In another bowl, whisk oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and food coloring.
- Combine with dry mixture, adding buttermilk gradually.
- Stir in vinegar and bake for 30 minutes.
- Frost with smooth cream cheese frosting once cooled.
Styling Tip: Add red rose petals or gold leaf between layers for an extra touch of elegance.
5. Almond Wedding Cake with Raspberry Filling
A delicate almond-flavored cake with a tart raspberry center is a crowd-pleaser for any wedding. The combination of nutty and fruity flavors feels both rich and refreshing.
Ingredients:
- 2½ cups flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1½ tsp almond extract
- 1 cup milk
- ¾ cup raspberry jam
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and almond extract, then mix in dry ingredients.
- Bake 30 minutes and let cool.
- Spread raspberry jam between layers and top with almond buttercream.
Decoration Idea: Add slivered almonds on top and garnish with a few fresh raspberries for a simple, rustic finish.
6. Coconut Lime Wedding Cake
For tropical-loving couples, this coconut lime cake brings a burst of flavor that’s perfect for beach or destination weddings.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup sugar
- ¾ cup coconut oil
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix flour, baking soda, and coconut.
- Whisk sugar, oil, eggs, and coconut milk together.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures.
- Pour into pans and bake for 35 minutes.
- Frost with lime-infused coconut buttercream.
Pro Tip: Top with toasted coconut flakes and lime zest for a fragrant, tropical finish.
7. Carrot and Walnut Wedding Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
This carrot and walnut cake brings a rustic, homey feel to weddings, especially in autumn. It’s moist, spiced, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ cups sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups grated carrots
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Whisk sugar, oil, and eggs, then add grated carrots.
- Stir in walnuts and combine.
- Pour into pans and bake for 35 minutes.
- Frost with classic cream cheese icing.
Serving Suggestion: Add edible flowers and a sprinkle of crushed nuts for an earthy, romantic finish.
8. Naked Wedding Cake with Berries and Whipped Cream
A naked cake is ideal for modern weddings with a minimalist or rustic vibe. With visible layers, fresh fruit, and a light whipped cream finish, it’s effortlessly elegant.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup butter
- 1½ cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- Fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries
- Whipped cream or mascarpone filling
Instructions:
- Bake sponge cakes and let them cool completely.
- Spread whipped cream and berries between layers.
- Leave the sides unfrosted for a “naked” look.
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar.
Decoration Idea: Garnish with rosemary sprigs or edible flowers for a stunning natural finish.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Wedding Cake
- Plan Ahead: Always bake and frost in stages to avoid stress.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh butter, real vanilla, and pure extracts make a huge difference.
- Level Your Layers: Trim cake tops for smooth stacking.
- Chill Before Decorating: Cold cakes are easier to frost and handle.
- Add a Personal Touch: Incorporate flavors or flowers that mean something special to the couple.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect wedding cake is more than just dessert—it’s a statement of love and creativity. Whether you opt for a classic vanilla, romantic red velvet, or modern naked cake, these 8 wedding cake recipes offer something beautiful for every couple and every season.
So preheat your oven, grab your mixer, and start creating a centerpiece that’s as sweet as your love story.
