20 Old-Fashioned Cakes Like Grandma Used To Make

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Published on August 4, 2024

Wacky Cake slices on blue plates — Photo: Will Dickey; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee

Whether you spent time in the kitchen with Grandma helping her bake cakes or just enjoyed talking with her while enjoying a slice, we're sure every bite of cake was always delicious when it was whipped up in her kitchen. From sheet cakes to layer cakes to bundt cakes and more, these classic cake recipes are just like the ones Grandma used to whip up. Whether Grandma was baking a cake for a special occasion or to enjoy after Sunday supper, they were always made with plenty of love.

01 of 20

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake — Alison Miksch; Prop styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food styling: Mary-Claire Britton

Grandma knew that mayonnaise is the secret ingredient to moist chocolate cake.

02 of 20

Homemade Yellow Cake

Homemade Yellow Cake — Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Ana Kelly Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

If Grandma always made her yellow cakes from scratch rather that reaching for a boxed mix, this simple recipe will replicate the taste of her homemade slices.

03 of 20

Tomato Soup Cake

Southern Living Tomato Soup Cake on a cake plate with a slice cut on a plate beside — Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Grandma knew soup wasn't just for lunch and dinner. Baking soda cuts the flavor of canned tomato soup, but the soup still adds sweetness and moisture to this layer cake. It might be unusual, but grandma knew this recipe was good. Soon you will too.

04 of 20

Classic Coconut Cake

Southern Living Classic Coconut Cake — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This classic coconut cake has coconut extract, flaked coconut, and coconut shavings on the ingredient list, so there's not shortage of flavor.

05 of 20

Hummingbird Cake

Hummingbird Cake — Southern Living

This layer cake is a classic Southern recipe that's sure to be passed down for generations to come.

06 of 20

Angel Food Cake

Southern Living Angel Food Cake cut to serve with sliced strawberries and whipped cream — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Grandma probably knew that the trick to getting Angel Food Cake to come out of the pan easily is to let it cool upside down.

07 of 20

Mississippi Mud Cake

Mississippi Mud Cake — Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Ana Kelly Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

This cake that's made in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish proves that cakes don't have to be made in layers to be delicious.

08 of 20

Classic Red Velvet Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

Classic Red Velvet Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting — Molly Bolton/Southern Living

Cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with homemade red velvet cake layers.

09 of 20

Wacky Cake

Wacky Cake slices on blue plates — Will Dickey; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee

Grandma probably always had the ingredients on hand to make this cake without having to make a trip to the store.

10 of 20

Old-Fashioned Pound Cake

Old Fashioned Pound Cake — Jennifer Davick

Whether served plain or with fresh berries and homemade whipped cream, you can't go wrong with old-fashioned pound cake just like Grandma used to make.

11 of 20

Strawberry Poke Cake

Strawberry Poke Cake — Photographer: Alison Miksch / Food Stylist: Melissa Gray / Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Grandma knew that the secret ingredient to pretty (and delicious) poke cakes is gelatin mix, such as Jell-O.

12 of 20

Sock It To Me Cake

Sock It To Me Cake — Hannah Zimmerman / Southern Living

Turn pantry staples into this seemingly simple Bundt cake that gets plenty of flavor from a vanilla icing being drizzled on top with a ribbon in the middle that's made with a mixture of brown sugar, pecans, and cinnamon.

13 of 20

German Chocolate Cake

German Chocolate Cake with Coconut-Pecan Frosting — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

This decadent cake is worth spending a few hours in the kitchen to pull together.

14 of 20

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake — Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Ana Kelly Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

The true wow-factor comes when it's time to flip this upside-down cake over after it comes out of the oven.

15 of 20

Fresh Apple Cake

Fresh Apple Cake — Hannah Zimmerman

Grandma knew that a homemade cake is the best way to enjoy fresh, in-season apples.

16 of 20

1234 Cake with Chocolate Frosting

1234 Cake — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner

This cake is so easy to make, you may never reach for a boxed mix again.

17 of 20

The Ultimate Carrot Cake

Ultimate Carrot Cake — Alison Miksch

Carrot cake is elegant enough to be the centerpiece of a holiday meal, but delicious enough to be made without needing a special occasion.

18 of 20

Caramel Cake

Caramel Cake — Jennifer Davick

Homemade caramel frosting is sandwiched between caramel cake layers in perhaps one of the most classic cakes found at Southern gatherings and this no-fuss recipe will take you right back to grandma's kitchen.

19 of 20

The Lane Cake

The Lane Cake — Hector Sanchez

Featured in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, The Lane Cake has remained popular ever since.

20 of 20

Chocolate-Zucchini Cake

Chocolate-Zucchini Cake slice on a plate - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

We highly encourage you start adding zucchini to cake recipes. Just as it shines in casseroles, the veggie creates moist and tender texture to this favorite.

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