If you’re a cake lover, you’re about to rethink your entire baking life goals. Wine cakes are a delightful way to bring the richness of wine into your baking adventures. They’re moist, flavorful, and perfect for celebrations or a cozy evening at home. In this post, I’ll share five wine cake recipes that are easy to make and insanely delicious. Whether you prefer red, white, or sparkling wine, there’s a wine cake recipe here you’re sure to love.

Classic Red Wine Chocolate Cake

If you’re a chocolate lover, this one’s for you. Red wine and chocolate are a match made in heaven, and this cake brings the two together in a moist, rich dessert.

Ingredients:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon work well)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and the red wine to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool completely before serving, and dust with powdered sugar or top with chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.

White Wine Lemon Bundt Cake

This white wine lemon cake is light, zesty, and perfect for springtime or summer gatherings. The lemon adds brightness, while the wine keeps the cake tender and moist.

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 2 lemons
½ cup dry white wine (Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc works well)
½ cup buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and lemon zest.
4. Combine the white wine and buttermilk in a small bowl. Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and the wine mixture to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice for extra flavor.

Rosé Wine Strawberry Cake

Rosé adds a subtle fruitiness to this pink-hued cake, making it perfect for bridal showers, birthdays, or any festive occasion. Paired with fresh strawberries, it’s a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup rosé wine
½ cup milk
1 ½ cups finely chopped fresh strawberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. Combine the rosé and milk in a small bowl. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the rosé mixture to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Fold in the chopped strawberries.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting with your favorite vanilla or cream cheese frosting. Decorate with additional strawberries for a beautiful finish.

Champagne Vanilla Sheet Cake

This elegant sheet cake is light, fluffy, and perfect for special occasions. Champagne adds a touch of sophistication to the classic vanilla flavor.

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups cake flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large egg whites
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup Champagne or sparkling wine
½ cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy. Add the egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine the Champagne and milk in a small bowl. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the Champagne mixture to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool completely before frosting with whipped cream or a light buttercream. Decorate with edible gold glitter or fresh berries for a festive touch.

Spiced Red Wine Pear Cake

This spiced cake is cozy and aromatic, perfect for cooler months. The red wine adds depth, while the pears provide a natural sweetness.

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup red wine (go for a bold, fruity wine like Zinfandel)
2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the red wine. Fold in the diced pears.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream.

Wine cakes are a wonderful way to bring a little sophistication to your desserts. Each recipe offers something unique, from the richness of red wine chocolate cake to the light elegance of Champagne vanilla cake. I hope you’ll give one (or all!) of these recipes a try. Let me know which one is your favorite or if you have a wine cake recipe of your own to share! Happy baking!