15 Old-Fashioned Cakes
These old-fashioned cakes have been cherished for generations. From classic hummingbird cake to pineapple upside down cake and wacky cake, these recipes are more than just desserts; they’re slices of nostalgia.
Perfect for family gatherings or a simple treat at home, each one is guaranteed to bring back memories or create new ones.
Whether these cakes remind you of your grandmother’s kitchen or they’re brand new to you, they’re the kind of desserts that always feel like home.
1. Hummingbird Cake
This Southern classic combines crushed pineapple, ripe bananas, and pecans into an impressive layer cake. Homemade vanilla cream cheese frosting brings it all together.
Get the Recipe: Hummingbird Cake
2. Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Cooked in a cast iron skillet, this pineapple upside down recipe has been shared over 400,000 times on Pinterest, so you know it’s good. While you can use a baking pan, making it in a skillet gives it an even richer caramel crust.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake
3. Old-Fashioned Wacky Cake
This Depression-era chocolate cake skips eggs, milk, and butter, making it a budget-friendly recipe (even today). Plus, everything mixes up right in the pan, making cleanup easy.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Wacky Cake
4. Strawberry Icebox Cake
Fresh strawberries and whipped cream are layered with graham crackers for a no-bake cake that chills into something soft and sliceable. It sets up in the fridge overnight and tastes just like the icebox cakes grandma used to make.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Icebox Cake
5. Caramel Cake
Two buttery cake layers get stacked with thick, homemade caramel frosting that’ll have everyone devouring every last bite. If you love caramel, give this Southern old-fashioned cake recipe a try.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Cake
6. Carrot Bundt Cake
This spiced carrot cake is baked in a bundt pan for easy slicing and a crisp edge. The simple cream cheese icing keeps it light instead of heavy. Walnuts are optional, but are a tasty addition.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Bundt Cake
7. Chocolate Oatmeal Cake
Cooked oats and cocoa powder come together to make this vintage cake. Chocolate chips are stirred right into the batter, as well as sprinkled on top.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Oatmeal Cake
8. Zucchini Cake
Shredded zucchini is the star ingredient in this cake, and everyone will be begging for the recipe. It’s topped with a homemade cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Cake
9. Butter Cake
This buttery cake is made with pantry staples, and the addition of sour cream makes it so moist. Grandma always said simple is sometimes best, and this butter cake recipe is proof of that.
Get the Recipe: Butter Cake
10. Chocolate Eclair Cake
This chilled cake layers graham crackers with instant vanilla pudding and whipped topping, then gets topped with chocolate frosting. It needs a full overnight chill to set perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Eclair Cake
11. Italian Cream Cake
Loaded with shredded coconut and chopped pecans, this soft layer cake is coated in thick cream cheese frosting that’s infused with rum extract. The cake batter is made with buttermilk, which makes it soft and fluffy.
Get the Recipe: Italian Cream Cake
12. Angel Food Cake
Whipped egg whites create a cake that’s light as air and perfect for topping with fresh fruit and whipped cream. It’s made with almond and vanilla extract, which adds the perfect flavor.
Get the Recipe: Angel Food Cake
13. Raisin Cake
Boiled raisins bring deep sweetness to this dense, old-school cake, and it’s finished with a dusting of sugar. We love that Caro shared this raisin cake recipe, especially because it was passed down from her mother, and you’re guaranteed to love it too.
Get the Recipe: Raisin Cake
14. Strawberry Charlotte Cake
Homemade ladyfinger lines the edge of this cake filled with fresh strawberries and Bavarian cream. While it may take more time to prep, it’s a showstopping old-school cake that’ll look incredible on any dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Charlotte Cake
15. Vintage Prune Cake
Debi from Quiche My grits shared this spiced prune cake recipe that has been passed down through generations. After the cake is baked, you’ll poke holes in it and pour a warm buttermilk glaze over the top, yum!
Get the Recipe: Vintage Prune Cake
