There’s something special about a traditional old-fashioned cake that evokes memories of grandma’s kitchen and family gatherings. The aroma of sweet spices, the moist texture, and the rich flavors all combine to create a truly unforgettable baking experience. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 18 classic old-fashioned cake recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds and bring back memories of simpler times.
From Grandma’s Old Fashioned Pound Cake to Classic Old Fashioned Carrot Cake, each recipe is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional baking methods. Whether you’re looking for a special occasion dessert or just a treat to brighten up your day, these old-fashioned cake recipes are sure to please.
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Pound Cake
This classic pound cake recipe has been a family favorite for generations. With its moist and buttery texture, it’s the perfect dessert to serve at any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by milk.
4. Gradually add flour mixture, beating until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack for 10 minutes before transferring to a plate.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Traditional Old Fashioned Applesauce Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is a classic American dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations. With its subtle sweetness and hint of spice, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup applesauce
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 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 and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, butter, eggs, applesauce, 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 in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Old Fashioned Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This comforting cake is infused with the warmth of traditional spices, perfectly balanced by a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting (see below).
Frosting:
1. Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated.
Classic Old Fashioned Carrot Cake
This moist and flavorful carrot cake recipe is a timeless favorite, perfect for special occasions or everyday treats. With its blend of grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and warm spices, it’s sure to become a family tradition.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 cups grated carrots
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
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, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in carrots, walnuts, and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture, beating 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 Hummingbird Cake
Moist and flavorful, this classic cake is a staple of American baking. With its rich aroma and sweet spices, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°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 bowl, combine butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, whisking until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts, if using.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Old Fashioned Red Velvet Cake
Classic Red Velvet Cake: A timeless dessert with a rich, velvety texture and subtle cocoa flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons red food coloring
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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, egg, red food coloring, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 12
Old Fashioned Chocolate Fudge Cake
Get ready to sink your teeth into a rich, moist, and decadent chocolate cake that’s reminiscent of grandma’s baking secrets.
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, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat the 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, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments. Allow the chocolate to cool slightly before folding it into the cake batter.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Old Fashioned Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe
Bring warmth and nostalgia to your gatherings with this old-fashioned pineapple upside-down cake recipe. The sweet caramelized pineapple rings and cherry-studded brown sugar crust are the perfect complement to the moist, buttery cake.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh pineapple
– 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
3. Add flour, baking powder, and salt; mix until just combined.
4. Fold in pineapple juice, chopped pineapple, and cherries.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Arrange pineapple rings on top of cake, leaving a 1-inch border.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before flipping onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Old Fashioned Banana Cake with Brown Butter Frosting
Classic Banana Cake with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe
This moist and flavorful cake is a perfect blend of old-fashioned comfort food, elevated by the rich and nutty flavor of brown butter frosting. With its tender crumb and sweet, ripe banana flavor, this cake is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in mashed bananas 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 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Brown Butter Frosting:
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar, to taste
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and nutty-smelling (about 5 minutes). Let cool before whisking in heavy cream and vanilla extract. Add powdered sugar to taste.
Old Fashioned Coconut Cake
This classic dessert is a staple of any special occasion, with its moist coconut-infused cake and creamy frosting. A timeless treat that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 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, coconut, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir 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 cakes cool before frosting with whipped cream or sweetened condensed milk.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Old Fashioned Devil’s Food Cake
This classic dessert has been a crowd-pleaser for generations. A moist and rich chocolate cake, topped with a velvety frosting, is the perfect treat to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– For the frosting: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
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, and vanilla extract.
4. Add cocoa powder to the wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
5. Combine dry and wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Old Fashioned Jam Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is a timeless favorite, perfect for special occasions or everyday treats. With the sweetness of jam and the warmth of spices, it’s sure to become a new family tradition.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup jam (raspberry or strawberry)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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.
3. In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add jam, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the wet ingredients. Mix well.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating just until combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Old Fashioned Molasses Cake
Old Fashioned Molasses Cake Recipe
Moist and flavorful, this traditional cake is perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup molasses
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons 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, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine molasses, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Old Fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Moist and buttery coffee cake filled with sweet and tangy flavors, this classic recipe is a perfect treat for any time of day. Perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Old Fashioned Marble Cake
A classic dessert that combines the simplicity of a vanilla cake with the elegance of a swirled marble design, this Old Fashioned Marble Cake is a timeless treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add milk and flour mixture. Beat just until combined.
6. Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Swirl in melted chocolate (1/2 cup) to create a marbled effect. Top with remaining batter.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cake
Warm up with a slice of Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cake, reminiscent of childhood memories and cozy gatherings. This moist and flavorful cake is infused with the spicy warmth of ginger and the sweetness of brown sugar.
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, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
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 and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating 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
Old Fashioned Black Walnut Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is a classic Southern dessert that combines the rich flavor of black walnuts with the warmth of spices, perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 cup chopped black walnuts
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until light and fluffy. Add softened butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg; mix well.
4. Stir in chopped black walnuts.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Old Fashioned Lane Cake
Classic lane cakes are a staple of Southern baking, and this recipe delivers on its promise of being rich, moist, and utterly delicious. With a tender crumb and a sweet, caramel-like flavor from the brown sugar and buttermilk, this cake is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, buttermilk, and eggs 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 inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in some deliciously nostalgic treats with these 18 classic old-fashioned cake recipes! From Grandma’s Pound Cake to Old Fashioned Red Velvet Cake, and from Hummingbird Cake to Black Walnut Cake, this collection has it all. Each recipe is a timeless favorite that’s sure to transport you back to a simpler era of home-baked goodness. Whether you’re looking for a moist pound cake, a spicy gingerbread, or a decadent chocolate fudge cake, there’s something here for everyone. So go ahead, take a step back in time, and get baking with these beloved old-fashioned cakes!