Vintage Cake Recipes

Sometimes you just want a slice of cake that feels like a warm hug.

The kind of cake that isn’t fussy or complicated.

Just simple, classic, and SO GOOD.

These are the recipes our grandmas and great-grandmas used—tried-and-true classics that never go out of style.

They often use basic pantry ingredients but deliver AMAZING flavor every single time.

I’ve put together a list of the BEST vintage cake recipes that deserve a comeback.

You’ll find everything from rich, decadent chocolate cakes to simple, buttery pound cakes.

There’s something here for every occasion and every skill level, ready to bring a little nostalgia to your kitchen.

1. Wacky Cake

Wacky Cake

Wacky Cake is a classic vintage chocolate cake that needs no eggs—just pantry staples and a little creativity.

It’s a simple, old-fashioned treat with rich flavor and a fun history from the Depression era.

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2. Whipping Cream Cake

Whipping Cream Cake

Whipping Cream Cake is a luscious, old-school dessert that’s easy to make and always a hit.

With a soft crumb and delicate creaminess, it’s perfect for gatherings and sharing.

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3. Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze

Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze

Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze delivers moist, tender texture and bright citrus flavor.

This old-fashioned recipe is ideal for any occasion and tastes even better the next day.

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4. Southern Peach Cobbler Pound Cake with Cream Cheese

Southern Peach Cobbler Pound Cake with Cream Cheese

Southern Peach Cobbler Pound Cake with Cream Cheese brings together sweet peaches and a buttery crumb topping.

It’s a comforting, homey dessert that captures the taste of peach season.

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5. Blueberry and Lemon Pound Cake Recipe with Glaze

Blueberry and Lemon Pound Cake Recipe with Glaze

Blueberry and Lemon Pound Cake with Glaze is a soft, buttery, and slightly tangy treat that’s easy to bake.

The pop of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon glaze make it a standout for celebrations.

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6. Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting showcases the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter and pecans.

This decadent 6-inch cake is perfect for special moments and sweet cravings.

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7. Jello Cake

Jello Cake

Jello Cake is a nostalgic poke cake with vibrant red strawberry swirls and a fun, fruity kick.

Using a boxed cake mix, it’s quick to make and great for feeding a crowd.

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8. Caramel Pecan Apple Spice Upside Down Cake

Caramel Pecan Apple Spice Upside Down Cake

Caramel Pecan Apple Spice Upside Down Cake combines fall favorites like apples, cinnamon, and pecans.

The gooey caramel topping and warm spices make this a cozy, delicious dessert.

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9. Banana Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is a rich, moist cake that pairs perfectly with gooey caramel and creamy cream cheese frosting.

Each slice is finished with fresh banana slices and a drizzle of caramel for an extra sweet touch.

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10. Buttermilk Cake with Blueberries

Buttermilk Cake with Blueberries

Buttermilk Cake with Blueberries is a light, fluffy lemon cake packed with juicy blueberries.

It’s made even better with a simple blueberry lemon compote and a scoop of ice cream on top.

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11. Honey Bun Cake

Honey Bun Cake

Honey Bun Cake is a soft yellow cake with a warm, sweet cinnamon sugar swirl in the center.

It’s easy to make and brings that cozy, homemade feel to any occasion.

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12. Pistachio Pudding Cake

Pistachio Pudding Cake

Pistachio Pudding Cake is a simple bundt cake made with just a few pantry staples.

It’s naturally sweet with a hint of pistachio, perfect for any celebration or casual dessert.

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13. Coconut Poke Cake

Coconut Poke Cake

Coconut Poke Cake is a tropical treat made with yellow cake, coconut cream pudding, and fluffy Cool Whip.

Loaded with toasted coconut, it’s a creamy, sweet dessert that’s easy to make and hard to resist.

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14. Easy Gooey Butter Cake

Easy Gooey Butter Cake

Easy Gooey Butter Cake has a soft cake base and a rich, melty topping that’s dusted with powdered sugar.

It’s a classic Midwest favorite that’s simple to bake and always a crowd-pleaser.

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15. Pecan Upside Down Cake with a Cake Mix

Pecan Upside Down Cake with a Cake Mix

Pecan Upside Down Cake with a Cake Mix combines a moist vanilla cake with a sweet pecan filling.

It’s a no-fuss dessert that’s both impressive and delicious in every bite.

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16. Easy Gingerbread Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping

Easy Gingerbread Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping

Easy Gingerbread Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is a warm, spiced treat with a buttery crumb layer.

Perfect for breakfast or dessert, it’s a cozy bake that’s ready in no time.

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17. Chiffon Cake

Chiffon Cake

Chiffon Cake is light, airy, and softly sweet—perfect for enjoying with tea or as a cheerful dessert.

This easy chiffon cake recipe uses simple pantry staples and comes out tender every time.

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18. Marble Cake

Marble Cake

Marble Cake is moist, fluffy, and beautifully swirls of vanilla and chocolate throughout.

The homemade chocolate buttercream makes this two-layer cake a standout for any celebration.

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19. Snickerdoodle Cake

Snickerdoodle Cake

Snickerdoodle Cake brings the cozy flavor of cinnamon sugar cookies into a rich, three-layer treat.

With creamy cream cheese frosting and a warm spiced crumb, it’s a sweet twist on the classic.

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20. Cherry Honey Bun Cake Recipe

Cherry Honey Bun Cake Recipe

Cherry Honey Bun Cake combines the best of a honey bun and a dessert cake with cherry pie filling and cinnamon swirls.

A yellow cake base, brown sugar, and almond glaze make this one a sweet surprise.

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21. Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Sour Cream Coffee Cake is moist, mildly sweet, and topped with a buttery streusel and crumb layer.

This homemade coffee cake recipe is ideal for weekend brunch or a cozy afternoon snack.

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22. Yellow Sheet Cake Recipe

Yellow Sheet Cake Recipe

Yellow Sheet Cake is a no-fuss classic made with easy pantry ingredients and great for any event.

Perfect for birthdays or casual gatherings, this homemade yellow cake delivers soft, sweet joy.

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23. Peach Bundt Cake Recipe

Peach Bundt Cake Recipe

Peach Bundt Cake bursts with fresh peach flavor and is made extra moist with Greek yogurt.

Finishing it with a light vanilla glaze makes this summer dessert a sweet favorite.

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24. Chocolate Zucchini Bundt Cake Recipe

Chocolate Zucchini Bundt Cake Recipe

Chocolate Zucchini Bundt Cake is rich, soft, and packed with chocolate goodness from start to finish.

Shredded zucchini adds moisture without changing the taste, and the ganache makes it feel gourmet.

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25. Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake

Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake

Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake delivers rich chocolate flavor in every bite with a warm cake and molten fudge center.

It’s the perfect dessert for chocolate lovers who crave something comforting and easy to make.

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26. Shortcut Mississippi Mud Cake

Shortcut Mississippi Mud Cake

Shortcut Mississippi Mud Cake brings all the deep chocolate and gooey goodness of the classic version with minimal effort.

Loaded with marshmallows, walnuts, and a fudgy texture, it’s a crowd-pleasing treat everyone will ask for.

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27. Cinnamon Streusel Pumpkin Cake

Cinnamon Streusel Pumpkin Cake

Cinnamon Streusel Pumpkin Cake is a cozy fall favorite with spiced pumpkin layers and a sweet, crunchy topping.

The combo of cinnamon and streusel makes each slice feel like a warm hug in dessert form.

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28. Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake

Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake

Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake delivers a sweet, spiced flavor with a soft crumb and beautiful swirls.

It’s simple to whip up and tastes like a special treat made with care.

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29. Best Texas Sheet Cake

Best Texas Sheet Cake

Best Texas Sheet Cake is a no-fuss, delicious dessert that feeds a crowd with its chewy texture and warm chocolate frosting.

Perfect for potlucks, it’s a classic that always turns heads and gets eaten fast.

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30. Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe

Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe

Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe combines a moist pumpkin base with a maple vanilla glaze for a cozy, fall-inspired treat.

Ready in just an hour, it’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.

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31. Cinnamon Coffee Cake Starbucks

Cinnamon Coffee Cake Starbucks

Cinnamon Coffee Cake Starbucks copycat is a tender, fluffy cake with a buttery crumb and bold cinnamon flavor.

Make it ahead and enjoy a slice that tastes like the real thing, even with gluten-free options.

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32. Slow Cooker Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Slow Cooker Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Slow Cooker Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a no-stress dessert with a rich, buttery pineapple topping and soft cake base.

Just set it and forget it—great for busy days and sweet cravings alike.

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