The Best It's-Almost-Spring-Let's-Celebrate-with-Cake Recipes

Spring is just around the corner, and what better way to kick off the season than with a slice of decadent cake?

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Strawberry Poke Cake

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

We've nearly made it to spring, and after the treacherous winter seen from coast to coast this year, it's about time to celebrate with a piece — or two? — of cake. While springtime cakes surely are indulgent, they’re not heavy like the meaty chilis and casseroles of winter, and each is packed with refreshing colors and flavors. Go ahead, treat yourself to a weekend of dessert decadence with these best-ever takes on cake from Ina Garten, The Pioneer Woman and more of your favorite Food Network chefs.

Strawberry Poke Cake — True to its name, this buttermilk-laced cake (pictured above) boasts plenty of poked holes in the top so the ruby-red strawberry gelatin can gently seep into it. After chilling the cake in the refrigerator, "let it sit out to warm up a bit while you whip the cream for the topping," explain the chefs in our Food Network Kitchen.

Coconut Cake

FN_Coconut_Cake

Coconut Cake — A combination of vanilla and almond extracts promises full flavor in Ina's two-layer coconut-studded cake. She achieves a golden crumb thanks to a whopping five eggs in the batter.

Spring Celebration Cake

Spring Celebration Carrot Cake — Ideal for Easter Sunday gatherings as well as casual get-togethers at home, our Food Network Kitchen's towering carrot cake is sandwiched with tangy cream cheese icing and plenty of fresh pineapple for a seasonal pastel finish.

Lemon Cake

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Lemon Cake — Sure, lemons are technically a winter fruit, but that doesn’t stop us from craving the refreshing scent and taste of the juicy citrus this time of year. Baked with both lemon zest and juice in the batter and glazed with a simple lemony drizzle, Ina's impressive loaf cakes turn out moist every time.

Angel Food Cake

MelissadArabian_AngelFoodCake_H

Photo by: Renee Comet ©Renee Comet

Renee Comet, Renee Comet

Angel Food Cake — Airy and delicate, Melissa d'Arabian's crowd-pleasing cake is best finished with toasted coconut and bright orange segments. Click the play button on the video below to watch her make it.

Melissa's Heavenly Angel Cake
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