There’s something special about a classic old-fashioned cake. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia that comes with biting into a moist, flavorful slice that reminds you of grandma’s kitchen or family gatherings of years past. Whatever the reason, these timeless desserts have stood the test of time and remain just as beloved today as they were decades ago. In this article, we’ll be revisiting 18 classic old-fashioned cake recipes that are sure to transport your taste buds back in time. From traditional pound cakes to vintage spice cakes, and from decadent chocolate treats to fruity delights, these tried-and-true recipes are sure to become new favorites.
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Pound Cake
A classic dessert that never goes out of style, this moist and buttery pound cake is a staple at family gatherings and holiday feasts. With its rich flavor and tender crumb, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound (450g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups (210g) granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups (285g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Traditional Southern Lane Cake
Lane cake is a classic Southern dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This moist and flavorful cake is made with simple ingredients and is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine butter and sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Gradually add heavy cream and mix until smooth.
7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Vintage Applesauce Spice Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is a nostalgic treat that combines the warmth of spices with the sweetness of applesauce. Perfect for a cozy afternoon or as a special dessert, this vintage-inspired recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup applesauce
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add applesauce and eggs; beat until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake
Classic Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake Recipe
This beloved Southern dessert has been a family favorite for generations! Moist and flavorful, this hummingbird cake is perfect for special occasions or everyday treats.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1 cup crushed bananas (about 2-3 ripe bananas)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, pineapple juice, crushed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This beloved dessert is a staple of any celebration, featuring the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Moist carrot cake, topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups grated carrots
– 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine softened butter and eggs. Stir in grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using).
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until combined. Use to frost cooled cake.
Homemade Red Velvet Cake
This iconic cake is a staple of American baking, with its distinctive red color and subtle cocoa flavor. This homemade recipe yields a moist and flavorful cake that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
– 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, eggs, red food coloring, and cocoa powder. Beat until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Old School Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
This classic dessert brings back memories of warm summer days and family gatherings. Moist pineapple rings and crunchy brown sugar topping create a sweet and tangy combination that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup (120g) pineapple rings, drained
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Arrange pineapple rings in the prepared baking dish.
6. Pour batter over pineapple, spreading evenly to cover the fruit.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Depression-Era Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
This iconic cake recipe emerged during the Great Depression as a creative way to use readily available ingredients. The result is a moist, chocolatey masterpiece that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pans before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Classic Devil’s Food Cake
This iconic dessert is a chocolate lover’s dream come true – a moist, rich, and decadent cake that will satisfy any sweet tooth. With its deep brown color and velvety texture, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Old Fashioned Banana Nut Cake
This moist and flavorful cake combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the warmth of nutmeg and the crunch of chopped walnuts, perfect for a comforting dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in chopped walnuts.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool on wire rack.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Vintage Coconut Layer Cake
This show-stopping cake is a nostalgic nod to the classic desserts of yesteryear. With its tender coconut-infused sponge, creamy frosting, and toasted pecans, it’s sure to transport you back in time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Toasted pecans, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together coconut, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add milk and whisk until smooth. Gradually add dry ingredients and whisk until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Allow cakes to cool in pans before assembling with cream cheese frosting and topping with toasted pecans.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Traditional German Chocolate Cake
A classic German chocolate cake recipe that yields a moist and decadent dessert, perfect for special occasions or everyday treats.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup (6 ounces) German’s chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugars, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined.
6. Pour in melted chocolate and whisk until smooth.
7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Old Fashioned Molasses Spice Cake
Warm up with a slice of this classic cake, packed with the comforting flavors of molasses and spices.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup dark molasses
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and eggs one at a time.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with vanilla extract, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Classic Lemon Drizzle Cake
This refreshing cake is a perfect blend of moist lemon sponge and tangy drizzle, ideal for springtime celebrations or as a pick-me-up any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 225g unsalted butter, softened
– 225g granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 170°C (335°F). Grease and line a 20cm (8 inch) round cake pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in lemon zest and juice.
4. Gradually add flour and baking powder, alternating with buttermilk (or regular milk), ending with flour.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool.
Drizzle:
1. Mix 100g powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice in a bowl until smooth.
2. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Cooking Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Homemade Angel Food Cake
Experience the classic sweetness of angel food cake, made fresh from scratch with just a few simple ingredients. This recipe yields a tender, fluffy cake that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday treats.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour, sifted
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Sift the flour and sugar together in a medium bowl.
2. In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy.
3. Gradually add the sifted flour mixture and cold water to the egg mixture, beating until stiff peaks form.
4. Pour the batter into an ungreased angel food cake pan (10 inches/25cm tall).
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and springs back when touched.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Old School Jam Cake
A classic dessert that never goes out of style, this jam cake is a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup jam (such as strawberry or raspberry)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and jam until smooth.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Grandma’s Gingerbread Cake
Grandma’s Gingerbread Cake: A Warm and Inviting Treat
This classic gingerbread cake recipe has been passed down through generations of my family, and is sure to become a new favorite in yours. With its perfect balance of sweet and spicy, this moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Stir in buttermilk until smooth.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Classic Marble Cake with Vanilla Glaze
A timeless favorite, this marble cake is a delightful combination of rich chocolate and sweet vanilla, perfectly balanced by a tangy glaze. This recipe yields a moist and flavorful cake that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/4 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup (60g) melted butter
For the glaze:
– 1 cup (200g) powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons whole milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, cocoa powder, and melted butter.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients; beat until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
8. To make glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
9. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes per cake
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet nostalgia of classic old-fashioned cakes! This collection of timeless recipes brings back memories of grandma’s kitchen and great-aunt’s bake sales. From traditional pound cake to vintage applesauce spice cake, these 18 mouthwatering treats are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With a range of flavors and textures, from moist carrot cake to rich red velvet, there’s something for everyone in this deliciously nostalgic lineup. Dive in and rediscover the joy of baking with these tried-and-true recipes that never go out of style.
