13 Winter Cakes to Warm Your Heart

Winter is the perfect time to indulge in comforting, flavorful cakes that warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply treating yourself to a sweet treat, these 13 must-try winter cakes are quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion.

From spiced flavors to rich textures, these cakes are sure to become new favorites in your kitchen.

Get ready to enjoy a blend of family-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and irresistibly delicious winter cake recipes!

1. Spiced Apple Cinnamon Cake

A warm and comforting apple cinnamon cake with a tender crumb and a touch of spice. The perfect winter dessert for any gathering!

Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup peeled and grated apples
• ½ cup sour cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, and mix well.
5. Stir in the grated apples and sour cream.
6. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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2. Gingerbread Cake

This classic gingerbread cake is spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, giving it a deep flavor that’s perfect for the winter season.

Servings: 10-12

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup molasses
• 1 cup hot water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the molasses.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the hot water, until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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3. Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

A decadent chocolate cake with a rich hazelnut flavor, this cake is a winter treat that combines two beloved flavors for a luxurious dessert.

Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup hazelnut spread

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, and beat well.
5. Add the dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the hazelnut spread.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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4. Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A moist, spiced carrot cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting—a winter favorite that is always a hit at any gathering.

Servings: 12

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, and eggs.
4. Stir in the grated carrots and walnuts (if using).
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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5. Eggnog Pound Cake

A festive twist on a classic pound cake, this eggnog-flavored dessert is rich, moist, and perfect for the holiday season.

Servings: 10

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup eggnog
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract and nutmeg.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the eggnog, until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
8. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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6. Cranberry Orange Cake

This vibrant cranberry orange cake combines the tartness of cranberries with the freshness of orange, creating a delightful winter treat.

Servings: 10-12

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 cup orange juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the orange zest and orange juice.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
7. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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7. Peppermint Mocha Cake

A festive combination of coffee and peppermint, this cake has layers of mocha flavor topped with a refreshing peppermint frosting.

Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp ground coffee (instant)
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground coffee, and cocoa powder.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in the vanilla and peppermint extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until just combined.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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8. Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake

This moist and decadent chocolate bundt cake is paired with a citrusy orange glaze for a delicious combination of flavors.

Servings: 10-12

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup orange juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, until just combined.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange juice.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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9. Cranberry Pecan Coffee Cake

A delicious coffee cake with sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans that makes for the perfect breakfast or dessert during the winter months.

Servings: 10

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• ½ cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the sour cream until smooth.
6. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
7. Gently fold in the cranberries and chopped pecans.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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10. Eggnog Bundt Cake

A rich, buttery eggnog cake with a hint of nutmeg, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter nights.

Servings: 10-12

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup eggnog
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the eggnog and vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
8. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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11. Tiramisu Cake

This elegant tiramisu cake captures all the flavors of the classic dessert, with layers of coffee-soaked cake and mascarpone frosting.

Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in the brewed coffee and vanilla extract.
6. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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12. Hazelnut Coffee Cake

This buttery coffee cake with a crunchy hazelnut topping is perfect for a winter brunch or a cozy afternoon snack with tea.

Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped hazelnuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
7. Gently fold in the chopped hazelnuts.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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13. Pear Almond Cake

A delightful, light cake featuring tender pears and a subtle almond flavor, perfect for a light winter dessert.

Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 cup chopped pears (peeled)
• ¼ cup sliced almonds

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the almond extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
7. Gently fold in the chopped pears and sliced almonds.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

These 13 must-try winter cakes are sure to bring warmth and sweetness to your winter days.

Whether you’re in the mood for something spiced, chocolatey, or fruity, these recipes have you covered.

Each one is easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Which cake will you try first?

Let us know in the comments below!