New Year Cake: 29 Recipes to Start the Year Sweet

The calendar has flipped and the celebrations aren’t quite over until a fresh-baked cake appears on the table. Below you’ll find twenty-nine delicious ideas—some classic, some adventurous—to make every gathering feel festive. Each recipe can be tackled in a home kitchen with grocery-store ingredients, yet every slice tastes worthy of a special occasion. Pick one that suits your mood, cue up the oven, and greet the year with something sweet.

1. Sparkling Champagne Layer Cake

This elegant white cake uses reduced sparkling wine in both the batter and the buttercream for a subtle, celebratory flavor. The crumb stays tender thanks to whipped egg whites folded in at the end. Finish with edible gold or silver sprinkles to echo midnight toasts. Serve slightly chilled so the champagne notes shine.

2. Classic Vanilla Bean Bundt

Nothing beats the aroma of a true vanilla bean baked into a buttery bundt. Sour cream in the batter adds moisture while keeping the crumb tight and sliceable. Drizzle with a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and heavy cream for extra gloss. It’s the kind of cake that disappears quickly with coffee or tea.

3. Dark Chocolate Espresso Cake

Cocoa powder and melted dark chocolate team up with a shot of brewed espresso for deep flavor. The coffee amplifies the chocolate without making the cake taste like a latte. A silky espresso-infused buttercream keeps each bite balanced and not overly sweet. Finish with a thin pour of ganache for bakery-style shine.

4. Matcha Swirl Pound Cake

This marble pound cake relies on high-quality Japanese matcha for earthy color and flavor. Half the batter is whisked with the tea powder and then spooned alternately into the pan for a distinct swirl. The dense crumb slices cleanly, making it perfect for gifting. Dust the top with a whisper of powdered sugar before serving.

5. Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake

Extra-virgin olive oil keeps this Mediterranean-inspired cake moist for days. Blood orange zest perfumes the batter while thin rounds of the fruit candy on top as it bakes. The flavor is bright yet mellow, marrying citrus with a gentle peppery note from the oil. Serve unadorned or with a dollop of whipped ricotta.

6. Gingerbread Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Molasses, ginger, and warm spices give this cake a rich holiday vibe that carries right into January. Baking it in two pans speeds up oven time and creates more surface for frosting. A tangy cream cheese filling keeps the sweetness in check. Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper to the spice mix for extra depth.

7. Pistachio Rosewater Semolina Cake

Middle Eastern flavors shine in this syrup-soaked cake. Coarse semolina lends a pleasantly crumbly texture that contrasts with the crunchy nuts. A rosewater-scented syrup is poured on while the cake is still warm, locking in moisture. Serve small pieces alongside strong coffee for a sweet finish to a winter meal.

8. Salted Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake

Thin apple slices bake beneath a blanket of homemade salted caramel, then reveal themselves when the pan is flipped. The base is a simple vanilla batter that absorbs the caramel and fruit juices. A touch of sea salt prevents the dessert from leaning too sugary. Best served slightly warm with vanilla ice cream.

9. Red Velvet Celebration Cake

Classic buttermilk and cocoa powder give this cake its trademark flavor, while gel coloring ensures a dramatic hue. The crumb is tender yet sturdy enough for stacked layers. Smooth cream cheese frosting provides tang and richness in equal measure. Decorate the sides with toasted cake crumbs for a polished finish.

10. Lemon Poppy Seed Sheet Cake

Bright, tart lemon juice and zest wake up this easy one-pan cake. Poppy seeds add gentle crunch without overwhelming the flavor. A quick whisked glaze pours over the warm cake, soaking into every corner. Cut into neat squares for lunchbox treats or casual coffee gatherings.

11. Coconut Lime Tres Leches

This tropical spin on the Latin American classic swaps one of the milks for coconut milk. The sponge is poked with holes, then drenched until luxuriously moist. Lightly sweet whipped cream crowns the surface, accented with fresh lime zest. Chill the cake overnight for best flavor and texture.

12. Tiramisu Icebox Cake

No baking necessary—just layer espresso-dipped ladyfingers with airy mascarpone whipped cream. As the cake chills, the cookies soften into a sliceable texture reminiscent of the classic Italian dessert. A final dusting of cocoa powder ties everything together. Ideal for hosts who’d rather relax than monitor an oven timer.

13. Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Cake

Creamy ricotta adds moisture without heaviness, allowing fresh blueberries to stay suspended in the batter. Bright lemon zest balances the dairy richness. A thin lemon-sugar syrup brushed on post-bake gives the crust a slight sheen. Enjoy slightly warm or chilled—the cake stays tender either way.

14. Honey Walnut Baklava Cheesecake

This fusion dessert pairs creamy cheesecake filling with a crisp phyllo and walnut base inspired by baklava. A spiced honey syrup adds floral sweetness without making the slice soggy. Chill completely before cutting for neat edges. Each bite offers crunch, creaminess, and fragrant spice in harmony.

15. Carrot Cake with Citrus Frosting

Classic carrot cake gets a winter twist with orange and lemon zest mixed into the batter. Crushed pineapple keeps the crumb extra moist while chopped walnuts add texture. The frosting carries a whisper of citrus to echo the cake. Decorate with candied carrot curls for an eye-catching finish.

16. Black Forest Gateau

Layers of cocoa sponge are brushed with cherry brandy for authentic Black Forest flavor. Sweet-tart cherries and lightly sweetened whipped cream form the filling. The cake is finished with a halo of shaved chocolate for dramatic flair. Chill briefly to let flavors meld before serving.

17. Mango Coconut Chiffon Cake

Light as air, this chiffon cake relies on whipped egg whites for lift. Coconut milk enriches the batter while keeping it dairy-free. A layer of bright mango puree sneaks between the sponges for color and tropical sweetness. Toasted coconut flakes add crunch on top.

18. Almond Raspberry Frangipane Tart

Though technically a tart, the tender frangipane filling bakes up cake-like, earning its spot here. Sweet raspberries sink slightly into the almond mixture, creating jammy pockets. A crisp shortcrust shell adds buttery contrast. Serve in thin slices dusted with confectioners’ sugar.

19. Sticky Toffee Date Cake

Chopped dates lend natural sweetness and moisture to this British favorite. After baking, a buttery brown-sugar sauce is poured over the hot cake so it soaks in. The result is rich, gooey, and thoroughly comforting. Vanilla ice cream on the side is optional but highly encouraged.

20. Strawberry Shortcake Roll

A flexible sponge is rolled while still warm to prevent cracking, then cooled and filled with sweetened cream. Fresh strawberries provide bright flavor and striking color in every swirl. The cake’s light texture keeps the dessert from feeling heavy after a big meal. Chill for at least an hour so slices stay tidy.

21. Hazelnut Mocha Mousse Cake

Hazelnut meal in the sponge layers offers nutty depth without added oil. Silky mocha mousse fills the layers and firms up in the fridge. A mirror-like chocolate glaze seals in freshness and adds shine. Serve chilled to highlight the contrast between airy mousse and tender cake.

22. Sesame Yuzu Pound Cake

Nutty black sesame seeds add crunch and a hint of savory sophistication. Yuzu juice and zest brighten the buttery batter with fragrant citrus notes. A thin glaze intensifies the aroma without overpowering the sesame. This cake makes a refined accompaniment to green tea.

23. Plum Cardamom Crumble Cake

Juicy plums bake into the batter, softening into fruity pockets. Cardamom lends gentle warmth that complements the fruit’s tartness. A buttery crumble topping adds texture and visual appeal. Serve lukewarm so the plums remain luscious.

24. Peanut Butter Chocolate Marble Cake

This crowd-pleaser swirls rich cocoa batter with creamy peanut butter batter for a striking pattern. Sour cream keeps each slice moist for days. A quick drizzle of melted chocolate on top enhances flavor without heavy frosting. Great for lunchboxes or casual snacking.

25. Maple Pecan Layer Cake

Pure maple syrup sweetens both the batter and the buttercream, lending unmistakable flavor. Toasted pecans scattered through the cake add crunch and a buttery finish. A pinch of salt in the frosting sharpens the maple’s sweetness. Serve with a drizzle of extra syrup for true maple devotees.

26. White Chocolate Cranberry Cake

Sweet white chocolate offsets the tart pop of whole cranberries baked into the batter. Buttermilk keeps the cake tender and slightly tangy. A thin white chocolate ganache adds shine without overwhelming sweetness. Ideal for those who prefer lighter chocolate flavors.

27. Banana Rum Bundt with Brown Butter Icing

Overripe bananas and a splash of dark rum join forces for a grown-up take on banana bread. Browning the butter for the glaze introduces nutty depth that pairs perfectly with the fruit. The bundt pan creates a crisp exterior that contrasts the moist interior. Serve at room temperature for the best rum aroma.

28. Passion Fruit Pavlova Cake

Crisp meringue layers sandwich softly whipped cream for a textural delight. Tart passion-fruit pulp cuts through the sweetness and adds tropical flair. Assemble just before serving to keep the meringue crisp. The result is light yet indulgent, perfect after a rich meal.

29. Saffron Pistachio Sponge Cake

A pinch of saffron blooms in warm milk, infusing the sponge with sunny color and subtle floral notes. Ground cardamom enhances the aromatic profile without dominating. Chopped pistachios add gentle crunch and vibrant green contrast. Pair slices with lightly sweetened black tea for an elegant finish.