Treat Dad to a Father's Day cake that's as sweet as he is.
39 of Our Best Father’s Day Cakes
Updated on Nov. 22, 2023
On Father’s Day, it seems like dinner gets all the attention. After all, we want to impress Dad with our grilling skills (or let him show off his). But we’re here to remind you that there’s more to a Father’s Day menu than just burgers and brats.
After spending time next to the grill, everyone—including Pop—is craving something a little sweet. So be sure to complete your celebration with a Father’s day cake. We’ve got plenty of recipes to suit any dad’s tastes.
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Is your dad the type to opt for something decadent after dinner? Then the best Father’s Day cake for him has to be a classic flourless chocolate cake. This dessert is wonderfully rich and always feels like a special occasion.
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Strawberry Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The creamy texture and lovely look of this strawberry cheesecake always get compliments. —L.C. Herschap, Luling, Texas
June is prime strawberry season. Pick your own berries and use them to garnish this Father’s Day cake.
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Banana Pudding Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to make cakes, and my family loves banana pudding. One day while brainstorming in the kitchen, I came up with this banana pudding cake recipe to combine the two. My family and friends can't get enough of it! If you are pressed for time, you may substitute whipped topping for the homemade sweetened whipped cream. —Tiffany Barbee, Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Combine two amazing desserts into one stunning Father’s Day cake. This treat takes the flavors and fuss-free presentation of banana pudding and bakes it into a cake pan. How sweet is that?
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Key Lime Pound Cake
Total Time
1 hour 55 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Key lime pound cake was inspired from a basic pound cake recipe that I like to play around with. It's now the only cake requested at every gathering. The unfrosted cake freezes well. —Pat Stewart, Canton, Georgia
Key limes come into season in June. Snag a bag when you see them and whip up this citrusy cake for Father’s Day.
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Dr. Pepper Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my favorite go-to recipe for any time I have to take food anywhere. Everyone loves it. When it is baked in layers rather than in a single layer, it presentation will make people say wow. It is a crowd-pleaser! —Shannon Parum, Vernon, Texas
Dr. Pepper is the not-so-secret ingredient in this layer cake. It adds sweetness and depth of flavor to a basic chocolate cake mix. We think dads will appreciate this quirky twist on a classic chocolate dessert.
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Pineapple Pudding Cake
Total Time
40 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother used to love making this easy pineapple sunshine cake in the summertime. It's so cool and refreshing that it never lasts very long! —Kathleen Worden, North Andover, Massachusetts
This vibrant pineapple cake tastes like pure sunshine. Serve it up on a sunny Father’s Day to make the occasion extra special. Don’t forget to garnish with a cherry!
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Almond Joy Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a fantastic Almond Joy cake recipe—tastes just like the candy bar. —Daria Burcar, Rochester, Michigan
If your dad’s tastes typically favor the candy aisle vs. the dessert case, this is the ideal Father’s Day cake. This recipe has all the flavor and crunch of an Almond Joy, but it’s delivered in a stunning layer cake form.
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Honey Berry Sheet Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I adapted a traditional honey cake recipe for this dessert. I wanted something that would show off all our amazing local honey as well as tasty summer berries. This also works perfectly as a Fourth of July cake, with the blueberries in the top corner and the raspberries in stripes—you wouldn't need as many blueberries, but you would need more raspberries. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
There’s no better time to make this sheet cake than in the middle of a bustling June berry season. Try it with your favorite berry blend (you can use frozen if it’s not quite peak berry-picking weather by you). And don’t forget to invest in a good bottle of honey to add sweetness.
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Harvey Wallbanger Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is from my Aunt Martha, who passed away recently at the age of 94. She found ways to substitute the water in almost any cake recipe with vodka or rum. She left this recipe for Harvey Wallbanger Cake taped to her kitchen cabinet. —Lynda Szczepanik, Highland Park, Illinois
A Harvey Wallbanger is a twist on the classic screwdriver. It gets depth of flavor thanks to a splash of Galliano, an Italian herbal liqueur. This cake gets the same. We think Dad will appreciate this as a Father’s Day dessert.
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Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cakes
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These individual pineapple upside-down cakes are an eye-catching addition to my holiday dessert table. A boxed cake mix makes them easy to bake anytime. —Cindy Colley, Othello, Washington
11/39
Jelly Donut Cake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cake. Doughnuts. Now you don't have to choose between the two. Impress your family with this easy jelly-filled cake. Try your best to center the jelly in the middle of the half-filled Bundt pan so that it will not leak out the edges of the cake.—Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
If your pops enjoys coffee and doughnuts on a Sunday morning, upgrade his sweet treat to this doughnut-inspired Bundt cake. And if Dad needs a new gadget for Father’s Day, check out our pros’ favorite coffee makers.
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Million Dollar Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pineapple and mandarin oranges give this easy cake a refreshing, tropical twist. With cake mix and pudding mix as ingredients, it is a breeze to put together when you're short on prep time. Plus, it needs to chill before serving, so it's a perfect make-ahead dessert for potlucks and parties! —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
This cake gets its name because it tastes like a million bucks! With tropical fruits inside, it’s a great dessert to serve up on a June afternoon. And be sure to check out more million-dollar recipes from our library.
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Homemade Boston Cream Pie
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This elegant-looking Boston cream pie is so easy to prepare. Our dinner guests always seem to enjoy it. —Jane Uphoff, Cunningham, Kansas
We know that some dads just like to stick to the classics. We think this iconic American dessert fits the bill for a Father’s Day cake.
14/39
Blueberry Lemon Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always set aside some of my fresh-picked blueberries to make this quick and easy dessert. Lemon flavor sparks the fruit layer and the tender cake. —Leona Luecking, West Burlington, Iowa
Not all Father’s Day cake recipes need to be a towering layered treat. This humble 8×8 cake is just right for smaller families. And don’t worry: It has big-time flavor. It’s a must during berry season!
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Moist Chocolate Cake
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This moist chocolate cake recipe with coffee reminds me of my grandmother because it was one of her specialties. I bake it often for family parties, and it always brings back fond memories. The cake is light and airy with a delicious chocolate taste. This recipe is a keeper! —Patricia Kreitz, Richland, Pennsylvania
This cake appeared in the first-ever issue of Taste Recipes back in 1993. Since then, it’s been a go-to among our readers and staff. So why not share this all-time favorite cake with Dad this Father’s Day?
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Oreo Mousse Cake
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Oreo mousse cake is so simple to put together, but it tastes as decadent as fancy restaurant desserts. Have fun garnishing it as you'd like, using crushed or whole Oreos, additional whipped cream rosettes or chocolate shavings. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
This Oreo mousse cake is so simple to put together, but it tastes as decadent as a fancy restaurant dessert. Garnish with crushed or whole Oreos, additional whipped cream rosettes or chocolate curls. This one is a must for chocolate-loving dads.
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Cherry Chocolate Marble Cake
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cherries and chocolate are natural partners that make desserts such as this simply scrumptious! The marbled effect is easily achieved by layering the two contrasting batters. —Sandra Campbell, Chase Mills, New York
Upgrade a classic marble cake by adding plenty of cherries. These also make a great garnish for some of Dad’s favorite classic cocktails.
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Lemon Chiffon Cake
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This moist, airy chiffon cake was my dad's favorite. Mom revamped the original recipe to include lemons. I'm not much of a baker, but whenever I make this dessert my family is thrilled! —Trisha Kammers, Clarkston, Washington
19/39
Banana Cake with Chocolate Frosting
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always requested banana cake with fudge frosting for my birthday. Mom’s recipe is attached to my fridge—and my heart. It’s funny how many memories live on in a stained handwritten recipe card. On a more practical note: It's important to make sure the whipped cream cheese is truly at room temperature before you use it. If not, it chills the softened butter and makes for lumpy frosting. —Jeanne Ambrose, Des Moines, Iowa
Is your pops a banana bread fanatic? Try this cake, which takes all the homey flavors of a good loaf of banana bread and adds a decadent fudge frosting.
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Orange Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A delightful orange frosting is the secret to this cake from Kathleen Gingras of Thorold, Ontario. "It is great with a scoop of ice cream," she suggests.
21/39
New York Cheesecake with Shortbread Crust
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Light, creamy and smooth, this traditional New York cheesecake will melt in your mouth. It is made with a shortbread crust and topped with a triple berry sauce. The recipe takes time but is not hard. It is well worth the effort. —Karen Nielson, St. George, Utah
For dads that like the classics, you can’t go wrong with a New York-style cheesecake. This one has a crisp shortbread crust and gets topped with plenty of fresh berries. You could also try it drizzled with caramel sauce or hot fudge.
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Chocolate Guinness Cake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One bite and everyone will propose a toast to this silky-smooth chocolate Guinness cake. The cream cheese frosting reminds me of the foamy head on a perfectly poured pint. —Marjorie Hennig, Seymour, Indiana
Father’s Day is the perfect occasion for cracking open a beer or two. That’s why we think this Guinness cake is just the right dessert to make for Dad’s big day. The stout here is a great supporting player for this dark cocoa cake.
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Rhubarb Custard Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rhubarb thrives in my northern garden and is one of the few crops the pesky moose don't bother! Of all the desserts I've tried, this rhubarb custard cake is my first choice. It has old-fashioned appeal but is so simple to prepare. —Evelyn Gebhardt, Kasilof, Alaska
Pick the last of your rhubarb and make this old-fashioned cake for Dad this Father’s Day. It’s great served with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
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Neapolitan Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this easy Neapolitan cake recipe from a friend. It's a pretty cake for birthday parties. I like to add some strawberry extract to the pink portion of the batter. —Marianne Waldman, Brimfield, Illinois
If Dad can’t decide on a single flavor for his Father’s Day cake, try this triple-flavored Neapolitan cake. Layered in a Bundt pan, this cake looks stunning without a lot of decoration. That’ allows the multicolor inside to shine once sliced.
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Pineapple Coconut Upside-Down Cake
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is one of my favorites! The tropical flavors remind me of being on vacation with my family in the Caribbean—I have so many fun memories. —Stephanie Pichelli, Toronto, Ontario
Upside-down cakes are always a delightful topsy-turvy treat. Instead of using traditional pecans or maraschino cherries, this recipe fully embraces tropical flavors with shredded coconut and a splash of rum.
26/39
Texas Sheet Cake
Total Time
40 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chocolaty delight was one of my favorites growing up. The Texas sheet cake is so moist and the icing so sweet that everyone who samples it wants a copy of the recipe. —Susan Ormond, Jamestown, North Carolina
Having a big crew over to celebrate Dad? This Texas-sized Father’s Day cake makes 15 servings. That’s plenty for a big shindig and for Pop to have a leftover slice in the morning with his cup of coffee.
27/39
Upside-Down Strawberry Shortcake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a tasty twist, this special shortcake has a berry layer on the bottom. The tempting strawberry upside-down cake is a sweet that our family has savored for years. —Debra Falkiner, St. Charles, Missouri
Pull out your 13×9 pan! This recipe makes it easy to serve shortcake to a crowd or out on the deck for Father’s Day.
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Brown Sugar & Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Searching for a dessert superstar? This chocolate swirl cheesecake is the one that people ask for again and again. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Searching for a dessert superstar? This chocolate swirl cheesecake is the one that people (including papas) ask for again and again.
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Hummingbird Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This impressive hummingbird cake is my dad’s favorite, so I always make it for his birthday. It makes a memorable dessert for any celebration and is lovely with a summer meal. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Hummingbird cake is a classic southern cake. This dessert is made with bananas, pineapple and walnuts. The result is moist and scrumptious with just a bit of crunch. We think dads will love it!
End your Father’s Day celebration on a high note with a classic carrot cake. No one, not even a stern poppa, can resist the charms of cream cheese frosting.
31/39
Best Vanilla Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There's a reason this vanilla cake recipe is the best. Adding creamy vanilla bean paste into the moist, rich cake batter creates a power-packed vanilla flavor that can't be bought in stores. Try spreading vanilla buttercream frosting on top to finish it off. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Is your dad a man of simple delights? Then treat him to a classic vanilla cake. This dessert was formulated by our Test Kitchen’s Maggie Knoebel, and it’s packed with flavor thanks to real vanilla beans.
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Lemon Berry Dump Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
15 servings (3 cups lemon topping)
From the Recipe Creator:
This sweet-tart cake recipe is so much fun to make with my grandkids. They love just "dumping it all in" and watching it magically become a pretty, delicious dessert. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
When it comes to no-fuss desserts, you can’t beat a dump cake. Just add all your ingredients to a pan and bake. We like this version because it blends two wonderfully summer flavors: lemon and blueberry. And be sure to check out more dump cakes.
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Coconut Chiffon Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Toasted coconut adds visual appeal to this tall and impressive cake. With an airy texture and heavenly coconut-ginger flavor,it's a lovely end to meals throughout the year.
Old-fashioned chiffon cakes are known for their light and airy texture. Don’t forget to toast the coconut before serving this up to Dad!
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Upside-Down Peach Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks have been flipping over this peach upside-down cake for generations. This dessert is very popular with my family and guests. —Terri Kirschner, Carlisle, Indiana
Did you know you can make an upside-down cake with almost any fruit? This recipe swaps out the classic canned pineapple and uses fresh peaches. Get bonus points from Dad when you serve this cake with a dollop of bourbon whipped cream.
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Coffee Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Coffee lovers will line up for this rich coffee cheesecake. It's creamy and just mildly sweet, which allows the coffee flavor to shine through. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Dads who love coffee will adore this velvety cheesecake. If it’s a warm day, serve it with a cup of cold brew for maximum coffee impact.
36/39
Red Velvet Pound Cake
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious red velvet pound cake is the perfect combination of flavors. Make sure the cake has cooled before icing it; for extra crunch sprinkle some roasted pecans on top. —Robin Smith, Old Fort, North Carolina
Transform a classic red velvet cake into a satisfying pound cake. It has the same subtle cocoa flavor and gets topped with plenty of cream cheese icing. This could become Dad’s new favorite dessert.
37/39
Chocolate Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you'll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe and won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania
38/39
Cherry Pudding Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A cross between a cake and a cobbler, this cherry dessert is awesome. Add it to your list of trusty potluck recipes, because this one is sure to go fast. —Brenda Parker, Kalamazoo, Michigan
This Father’s Day dessert is a cross between a cake and a cobbler. Whatever you call it, it’s delicious. Don’t forget to serve it with ice cream!
39/39
Margarita Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This margarita cake is perfect for a picnic on a warm day. You'll be surprised at how closely it tastes like the real thing. These other <a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/margarita-dessert-recipes/">margarita dessert recipes</a> are delicious, too. ?—Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
If you’re planning on making a bevy of tacos or barbacoa for Father’s Day, make a dessert to match. This margarita cake starts with a bottle of mix so you’re sure to get the same flavors as the classic cocktail.
