If You're Throwing an NYE Party, We’ve Got You Covered With These Cake Ideas

These cakes all have different moods. Decide what tone your NYE party will have, how you want the cake to look and feel, and try out the relevant recipe.

The New Year is coming and if you’re one of those people who believes in bringing it in with a bash, might we suggest you bake a cake for the occasion? Whether it’s a house party or a quiet night in, baking a NYE themed cake can be a great way of getting in the spirit and celebrating. For your party, put on a sparkly dress and glittery makeup, serve up some delicious finger foods, pop open your favorite bottle of champagne, and just before midnight, when the night is reaching its crescendo, bring out your cake, making it the showstopper of the night. Whether you opt for an elaborate layered cake or a simple sponge cake, that’s all substance over show, bringing in the new year on a sweet note can only be a good idea. So here are our top ideas for NYE themed cakes.

Lemon Pound Cake

Although lemon seems summery, the citrus is actually a winter delight. Its smarting taste and flavor will greatly combine with the sweetness of the cake to create an interesting balance. Generously top it with some glaze and cut it up into thin slices that you and your guests can enjoy without the hassle of getting your hands messy.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 3 sticks salted butter, softened
• 3 cup granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs
• ¼ tsp salt
• 3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup lemon-lime soda
• 3 tbsp grated lemon zest

For the glaze:

• 2 tbsp grated lemon zest
• 2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp water

Chocolate Raspberry Cake

If you want a cake that impresses and surprises guests, in spirit the exact opposite of the lemon pound cake, then opt for this chocolate raspberry cake. Layers of cake are held together with a rich and creamy frosting and the cake is topped with raspberries, chocolate shavings and pistachios. Its many elements and colorful details make it a cake that people won't forget anytime soon, and one that they’ll eat with their eyes before actually tasting it.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1 ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup milk
• ¾ cup hot water
• ¼ cup raspberry preserves
• 2 containers fresh raspberries
• 2 tbsp finely chopped roasted pistachios
• Shaved shavings

For the chocolate buttercream:

• 1 ½ cup unsalted butter
• 4 ½ cup confectioners' sugar
• ⅔ cup cocoa powder
• ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp kosher salt

Chocolate Lava Cakes

Instead of making one big cake, you can also make a batch of small cakes. Specifically, lava cakes. The soft, fresh cake, with chocolate oozing out of it from the very first bite, is a delectable and indulgent option. It’s an especially fun option for the new year, among the biggest parties of the year. Let people get in the spirit of excitement and positivity for the new year. Remind them that just like the cake with a surprise gooey inside, their new year will also be full of surprises and hidden goodness.

Ingredients:

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 6 oz bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp instant espresso granules
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Gingerbread Cake

This is a winter themed cake, filled with sweet and spices, and among the most festive a cake can get. It's also topped with candied ginger, and the spice of the ginger mixes excellently with the sweet of the cake, creating a unique balance, the type that you just can't stop eating. Carry on the Christmas spirit for your NYE party, encourage people to show up in ugly sweaters, and bring in the new year with some cake and hot chocolate.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 2 ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• 1 cup unsulphured molasses
• 1 cup hot water
• ½ cup butter, melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the frosting:

• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 5 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp grated lemon zest
• Chopped, candied ginger