10 Unconventional Cakes to Make for Any Occasion

What defines a celebration? In our opinion, it can be anything from a birthday to a wedding to the season finale of The Bachelor—as long as it involves some cake. Here, ten unconventional cake recipes that will make any night special.

Unicorn Cakes do Exist and They're Whimsical and Adorable


Chocolate Bread Pudding Cake

The classic dessert gets a pretty—and tasty—makeover.


Pumpkin Spice Icebox Cake

Why bother turning on the oven?

Chocolate Skillet Cake

Crispy on the edges. Gooey and rich on the inside.

Gluten-free, Vegan Lemon Cake

Featuring a very unexpected secret ingredient: cauliflower.

ice cream cake
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

No baking required here. All you have to do is assemble this frozen masterpiece.

Get the recipe

cinnamon roll cake
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

Cinnamon-roll Cake

Dessert for breakfast? Don't mind if we do.

Get the recipe

Brownie Layer Cake

As if a single sheet of brownies weren't decadent enough...

Mini Carrot Cakes

Think of this as your daily serving of vegetables.

Lemon-blueberry Poke Cake

Take advantage of peak citrus season.


Hannah Loewentheil

Hannah Loewentheil

Contributing Editor

I got my start at PureWow where I wrote about all things lifestyle and after that I was a senior writer at BuzzFeed. I received my bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Brown University. I’ve also interned in book publishing and have taken several wine education courses in NYC.