Layered, Glazed, and Slightly Overdramatic – These Vintage Cakes Don’t Come from a Box

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Grab your apron, butter your pans, and brace yourself for a sugar high with a side of nostalgia. These Vintage Cake Recipes are here to prove that grandma wasn’t just baking—she was making magic. From the sweet, sticky layers of Caramel Cake to the unapologetically nutty charm of a Hickory Nut or Walnut Cake (1887), these classics have stood the test of time (and several bake sales). You’ll want a second slice of the Copycat Entenmann’s Crumb Coffee Cake, and don’t even try to act casual around Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake—it demands attention. Feeling fancy? Italian Cream Cake and Victoria Sponge Cake have you covered. And when you’re craving something that tastes like comfort in a bundt pan, Kentucky Butter Pound Cake is ready to do the heavy lifting. Go ahead—your cake plate’s not going to fill itself.

Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake

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A slice of layered cake topped with frosting and dried pineapple sits on a decorative plate. A fork is nearby, surrounded by small flowers and pineapple leaves.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

A Southern classic with serious charm, Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake brings together mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, and a hint of cinnamon in every bite. This rich, nutty, and perfectly spiced cake has been stealing hearts at Sunday suppers for decades. If vintage cakes had a hall of fame, this one would be front and center.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake

Almond Torte Recipe

Presenting a delicious Almond Torte Recipe
Photo credit: Two Peas and Their Pod

On Friday, I spent the afternoon in the kitchen with one of my good friends, Becky, of Vintage Mixer. Fridays are my day off and I always try to cook and bake, but I usually do it alone. It was nice having some company in the kitchen. We made a couple of recipes, but my…
Get the Recipe: Almond Torte Recipe

Copycat Entenmann’s Crumb Coffee Cake

A slice of New York style crumb coffee cake.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Thick, buttery crumbs and a rich vanilla base make Copycat Entenmann’s Crumb Coffee Cake the ultimate throwback treat. That signature brown sugar streusel is piled high, giving every bite a perfect balance of crunch and tenderness. Whether paired with morning coffee or eaten straight from the pan, this cake is an undeniable classic.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Entenmann’s Crumb Coffee Cake

Vintage Watergate Cake

The image features a cake with pale green frosting and topped with chopped nuts. A pink cloth is partially visible in the background.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This retro classic is a pistachio lover’s dream! Vintage Watergate Cake gets its signature green hue from instant pudding and its incredible moisture from club soda. Topped with fluffy whipped frosting and crunchy nuts, it’s a prime example of why vintage cakes never go out of style.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Watergate Cake

Oatmeal Cake

Oatmeal Cake in 9 by 9-inch pan
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

A soft and amazingly moist oatmeal-based cake that tastes just like what grandma would have made! It has a delicious, spiced flavor and it’s finished with a super easy, sweet coconut topping.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Cake

Vintage Cherry Cake

Vintage Cherry Chip Layer Cake topped with long stem cherries and a slice is slightly removed
Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

Homemade Vintage Cherry Cake from scratch is bursting with sweet maraschino cherry flavor and tinted the perfect shade of pink!
Get the Recipe: Vintage Cherry Cake

Caramel Cake

The image features a slice of cake with two soft, golden layers and light-colored frosting on a plate next to a glass of milk.
Photo credit: I Heart Eating

If buttery layers and thick caramel frosting sound like a dream, then Caramel Cake is your reality. This Southern staple has been gracing tables for generations, with its glossy, cooked caramel icing that firms up just enough to create the perfect bite. It’s the kind of cake that disappears long before anyone thinks to ask for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Cake

Italian Cream Cake

A slice of cake with white frosting and a sprinkle of nuts on top sits on a white plate.
Photo credit: Well Fed Baker

Coconut, pecans, and a dreamy cream cheese frosting make Italian Cream Cake a Southern showstopper. Despite its name, there’s nothing remotely Italian about this rich, nutty confection—it’s all about old-school charm and indulgence. If you like your cake with a little crunch and a lot of history, this is the one to try.
Get the Recipe: Italian Cream Cake

Kentucky Butter Pound Cake

A spiral-shaped bundt cake decorated with white flowers on a white plate, placed on a pink cloth.
Photo credit: The Fresh Cooky

Kentucky Butter Pound Cake is a buttery, vanilla-kissed masterpiece that gets even better as it sits. A rich glaze seeps into every crumb, creating an irresistibly moist texture with a delicate sugar crunch on the edges. If you’re looking for a dessert that stands the test of time, this one is it.
Get the Recipe: Kentucky Butter Pound Cake

The Best Carrot Cake

The image shows sliced cake pieces with a creamy frosting, each adorned with small icing carrots and orange dots.
Photo credit: Spend With Pennies

Packed with shredded carrots, warm spices, and just the right amount of sweetness, The Best Carrot Cake is the definition of a crowd-pleaser. A thick layer of cream cheese frosting takes it over the top, creating a balance of tangy and rich flavors. If classic cakes are your thing, this one belongs in your lineup.
Get the Recipe: The Best Carrot Cake

Coffee Cake Pound Cake

A Bundt cake with white icing drizzled on top is placed on a white cake stand. Red flowers are visible in the background.
Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl

When two classics collide, you get Coffee Cake Pound Cake—a rich, buttery cake with a thick swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar. It’s got the dense, melt-in-your-mouth texture of a pound cake with all the cozy flavors of a breakfast favorite. Basically, it’s the best of both worlds in one irresistible loaf.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Cake Pound Cake

Angel Food Cake

A round cake with halved strawberries and whipped cream on top, placed on a dark plate. A fork and knife sit on a nearby saucer, and additional strawberries are scattered around the table.
Photo credit: I Heart Eating

Light as a feather and just the right amount of sweet, Angel Food Cake is the definition of a vintage cake done right. Whipped egg whites create an airy texture that feels almost too delicate to be real, yet one bite proves otherwise. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh berries is all it takes to make this classic shine.
Get the Recipe: Angel Food Cake

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

A slice of cream cheese pound cake on a porcelain plate with fresh strawberries and blueberries.
Photo credit: Baking a Moment

Velvety cream cheese pound cake recipe: This bakes up a dream! Moist & dense yet so tender & buttery, with a fine, even crumb. Easy recipe.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Hot Milk Cake

fork scooping a bite from a slice of bundt cake topped with fudgy chocolate frosting
Photo credit: Sugar Spun Run

My old-fashioned Hot Milk Cake recipe makes a dense yellow cake topped with a thick layer of chocolate fudge frosting. It’s so simple!
Get the Recipe: Hot Milk Cake

Victoria Sponge Cake

A slice of strawberry shortcake with cream and strawberry layers, topped with whipped cream and a strawberry slice, sits on a white plate. Fresh strawberries surround the plate along with a bowl of strawberry jam.
Photo credit: Tessie’s Table

There’s a reason Victoria Sponge Cake has been gracing tables for generations—it’s simple, elegant, and downright delicious. Fluffy sponge layers sandwich a generous spread of jam and whipped cream, making it a textbook example of a vintage cake done right. A few fresh berries on top, and it’s ready to steal the show at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Victoria Sponge Cake

Daffodil Cake

The image features an orange cake with white icing, sliced and adorned with yellow daffodils, placed on a white platter. A purple cloth is nearby.
Photo credit: The Cozy Plum

Light, fluffy, and speckled with sunshine-colored swirls, Daffodil Cake is a true vintage gem. The clever use of egg yolks and whites creates two contrasting batters, making every slice look as good as it tastes. With its delicate texture and airy sweetness, it’s the kind of cake that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Daffodil Cake

Hickory Nut or Walnut Cake (1887)

A round white frosted cake with a slice removed, topped with cranberries and mint. It is surrounded by green herbs, with two slices of cake on the side, against a dark background.
Photo credit: The 1800’s Housewife

Straight from the pages of an 1800s cookbook, Hickory Nut or Walnut Cake is a true taste of history. The warm spice blend, heavy-handed nutty goodness, and old-fashioned mace seasoning give it a deep, nostalgic flavor. If you love a cake with a story, this one is worth every bite.
Get the Recipe: Hickory Nut or Walnut Cake (1887)

Coffee Cake (1877)

A sliced loaf of cake with white icing, placed on a round wooden board, surrounded by scattered coffee beans.
Photo credit: The 1800’s Housewife

Nothing beats the cozy charm of Coffee Cake (1877), a recipe that’s been delighting breakfast tables for well over a century. With a tender crumb, just the right amount of sweetness, and a hint of spice, it pairs perfectly with a strong cup of coffee. If you ever wondered what cake tasted like in the 1800s, now’s your chance to find out.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Cake (1877)

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Moist triple-layer red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberries.
Photo credit: Baking a Moment

Make this classic moist red velvet cake for your next celebration! Easy to make, with less than half the food coloring of other recipes.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Double Chocolate Cake

A chocolate cake with dark frosting and chocolate sprinkles, topped with decorative swirls, is placed on a white cake stand. Surrounding it are plates and pieces of chocolate.
Photo credit: Tessie’s Table

If rich, fudgy layers covered in glossy ganache don’t scream perfection, Double Chocolate Cake is here to prove otherwise. This vintage cake isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a full-on chocolate experience that never goes out of style. Whether for birthdays or random Tuesday cravings, this classic never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Cake

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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