5 Easy Cakes Anyone Can Make

The Berry Cake You Can't Mess Up

Even if your dessert approach is more "buy it" than "bake it," there are a few cakes out there that people have been making (without stressing out) for years. Here, we highlight five of them, all from the new book Vintage Cakes by Julie Richardson. There are no layers, ganache or fondant—just proven, retro recipes that'll work for any occasion. This berry cake is a perfect example: It first appeared in a Betty Crocker ad in 1945 and is as simple as pouring batter into a pan, laying sugared fruit over it and scattering both with a crumb topping. It's equally delicious for breakfast as it is for dessert.

Get the recipe: Berry Long Cake with Ginger Crumb