For many of us, nothing beats the taste and nostalgia of a classic old-fashioned cake. These timeless treats have been delighting families for generations, and their enduring popularity is a testament to their simplicity, flavor, and versatility. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to serve at a family gathering or just want to indulge in a little slice of history, these 20 classic old-fashioned cakes are sure to hit the spot.
From moist pound cakes to tender spice cakes, rich chocolate cakes to luscious fruit-based treats, this collection has something for every palate. And with many of these recipes tracing their roots back to grandma’s kitchen, you can’t help but feel a sense of connection to the past as you bake and enjoy them.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 classic old-fashioned cake recipes that are sure to become new favorites in your household. From traditional Southern specialties to vintage Depression-era treats, each recipe has been carefully selected for its flavor, texture, and nostalgic appeal. So sit back, get ready to be transported to a bygone era, and let’s start baking!
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Pound Cake Recipe
This classic pound cake recipe has been a family favorite for generations, with its rich buttery flavor and tender crumb. It’s the perfect dessert to serve at your next gathering or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound (450g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, room temperature
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 3/4 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
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 add flour, beating until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Traditional Southern Lane Cake
A classic Southern dessert, Lane Cake is a moist and flavorful pound cake filled with raisins and pecans. This recipe has been passed down through generations and remains a beloved family tradition.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup raisins
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
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 sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Add flour, baking powder, and salt; mix until just combined.
4. Stir in raisins and pecans.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Homemade Applesauce Spice Cake
Warm up with a slice of Homemade Applesauce Spice Cake, perfect for any time of year. This moist and flavorful cake combines the sweetness of applesauce with the warmth of spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup applesauce
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, applesauce, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Beat until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Vintage Black Walnut Cake
A classic dessert from a bygone era, this moist and flavorful cake is infused with the rich, earthy taste of black walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup chopped black walnuts
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar; beat until combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in black walnuts and vanilla extract.
5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
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.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Old Fashioned Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step back in time with this classic carrot cake recipe, made with love and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– Cream cheese frosting ingredients below
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. In another bowl, combine sugar, eggs, carrots, walnuts (if using), and butter. Beat until smooth.
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 comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before frosting with Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe below).
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat until smooth and creamy. Spread or pipe onto cooled cake.
Classic Hummingbird Cake
Classic Hummingbird Cake Recipe
This moist and flavorful cake is a Southern tradition, packed with pineapple, banana, and spices. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1 cup mashed ripe banana
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in pineapple juice, mashed banana, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add flour mixture; mix until just combined.
5. Stir in chopped pecans, if using.
6. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Depression Era Wacky Cake
During the Great Depression, baking became a way to bring people together and provide comfort during hard times. This wacky cake recipe is a simple yet satisfying treat that requires no eggs, milk, or butter – just the essentials you needed to make do with what you had.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch square cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add vegetable oil and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Old Timey Jam Cake
A classic dessert from a bygone era, this Old Timey Jam Cake is a sweet and satisfying treat that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup strawberry jam
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
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, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until just combined.
5. Stir in the strawberry jam until well combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Southern Red Velvet Cake
This classic Southern dessert is a staple of any gathering, with its rich, velvety texture and subtle cocoa flavor. Moist and flavorful, this cake is the perfect treat for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add red food coloring and cocoa powder; beat until combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Grandma’s Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
A moist and decadent chocolate cake recipe that’s a family favorite for generations! This unique mayonnaise-based cake is surprisingly easy to make and will satisfy any chocolate craving.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, cocoa powder, and mayonnaise. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture, beating until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Old Fashioned Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Bring a taste of nostalgia to your table with this beloved Old Fashioned Pineapple Upside-Down Cake recipe. A moist and flavorful sponge cake is topped with caramelized pineapple rings and cherries, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1 cup pineapple rings, drained
– 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add pineapple juice and mix until combined.
5. Arrange pineapple rings and cherries on top of the batter in the prepared dish.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool for 10 minutes before flipping onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Classic German Chocolate Cake
A rich and mocha-flavored cake filled with a velvety chocolate frosting and topped with toasted pecans, this classic German Chocolate Cake is a beloved treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup chopped pecans
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, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine butter and sugar; beat until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. With the mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
6. Melt chocolate chips; let cool slightly. Fold into batter.
7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Vintage Coconut Cake with Seven-Minute Frosting
Transport yourself back to a bygone era with this classic coconut cake, smothered in a creamy Seven-Minute Frosting.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the frosting:
– 7 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
– 1/2 tsp 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, coconut, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely.
Seven-Minute Frosting:
1. Beat butter and powdered sugar together until smooth.
2. Add condensed milk and vanilla extract, beating until combined.
3. Use immediately, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Old Fashioned Molasses Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich flavor of molasses is balanced by the warmth of spices, making it a cozy treat to enjoy with family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and mix until well combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Traditional Devil’s Food Cake
A classic dessert that never goes out of style, this traditional devil’s food cake is a staple of American baking. With its deep, dark chocolate flavor and velvety texture, it’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 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. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, eggs, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, whisking until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Homemade Angel Food Cake
Experience the tender crumb and sweet flavor of this classic dessert with our simple recipe. Perfect for special occasions or everyday treats, homemade angel food cake is a delightful alternative to store-bought options.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour, sifted
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) egg whites (about 6 large eggs)
– 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to egg mixture, gently folding until no streaks remain.
5. Pour batter into an ungreased angel food cake pan or a 9-inch (23cm) tube pan.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until top is golden brown and cake springs back when touched.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Grandma’s Applesauce Raisin Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is a classic family favorite, perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet applesauce and plump raisins creates a deliciously tender crumb that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup applesauce
– 1 cup raisins
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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, applesauce, raisins, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. 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 Timey Gingerbread Cake
Step back in time with this traditional gingerbread cake recipe, perfect for special occasions or a cozy evening treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup molasses
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine molasses, brown sugar, and butter. Beat until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Enjoy your warm and spicy Old Timey Gingerbread Cake!
Classic Marble Cake
Elevate your baking game with this timeless classic marble cake recipe, featuring a beautiful swirl of chocolate and vanilla batter.
Ingredients:
– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 1 cup semi-sweet 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, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
6. Melt chocolate chips and fold into batter to create the marbled effect.
7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Southern Tea Cake Cookies
Get ready to savor the sweet and buttery goodness of these classic Southern Tea Cake Cookies! These tender and crumbly treats are perfect for dunking in your favorite hot tea or coffee.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
– Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet nostalgia of classic old-fashioned cakes! This collection of timeless recipes features 20 mouthwatering treats that have been delighting generations. From moist pound cake and rich red velvet to decadent chocolate mayonnaise and spicy gingerbread, these tried-and-true recipes are sure to become new favorites. With a mix of traditional Southern and vintage Depression-era desserts, there’s something for everyone in this collection of classic cakes. So go ahead, take a trip down memory lane with these retro recipes and treat yourself to a taste of the past.
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