16 Old-Fashioned Cakes That Taste Just Like Grandma Made

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There’s nothing quite like an old-fashioned cake. They’re cozy, familiar, and full of the flavors so many of us grew up loving. This collection brings together the classic cakes Grandma might have baked on a Sunday afternoon: tender Bundts, rich chocolate layers, buttery pound cakes, and nostalgic treats like Hostess-style cupcakes. These recipes are simple, satisfying, and perfect for anyone craving a comforting slice of the past.

Glazed Lemon Bundt Cake

A glazed bundt cake with a golden interior sits on a glass cake stand. A gold knife is partially inserted, lifting two thick slices from the cake. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This glazed lemon bundt cake is a citrus lover’s dream! It’s soft, vibrant, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor in every bite. Topped with a thick, donut-style glaze that delicately cracks as you slice in, it’s as satisfying to cut as it is to eat. Made with fresh lemon juice, zest, and the perfect balance of oil and butter, it delivers an irresistibly moist texture. Simple to make yet stunning to serve, this cake is a showstopper for any occasion!

Get The Recipe: Glazed Lemon Bundt Cake

Cinnamon Bun Cake

A close-up of a sliced coffee cake with a cinnamon swirl and white icing drizzled on top, displayed on parchment paper. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

A rich, buttery vanilla cake swirled with ribbons of brown sugar and cinnamon, baked to perfection—thick, fluffy, and irresistible. As if that’s not enough, it’s crowned with a luscious cream cheese glaze that seeps into every crack and swirl. Imagine if a cinnamon roll and coffee cake joined forces to create the ultimate breakfast indulgence. Pure magic on a plate!

Get The Recipe: Cinnamon Bun Cake

Crumb Coffee Cake

Hey, cinnamon fans! You’re going to love this Crumb Cake recipe. Imagine a moist, tender cake topped with a thick layer of sweet, cinnamon-y crumble. It’s cozy, delicious, and guaranteed to hit the spot.

Get The Recipe: Crumb Coffee Cake

Boston Cream Pie Cake

A close up of a vanilla cake filled with custard and covered in chocolate glaze. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Boston Cream Pie Cake is everything we love about classic American desserts! Think moist cake layers, a creamy vanilla filling, and a rich chocolate glaze on top. It’s the kind of nostalgic treat that never disappoints—and always hits the spot.

Get The Recipe: Boston Cream Pie Cake

Chocolate Fudge Cake

a chocolate fudge sheet cake with a slice cut out of it — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Got a packed schedule but still craving something sweet? This easy sheet cake is here to save the day! It’s quick to whip up and topped with a rich, glossy chocolate frosting. The perfect no-fuss treat to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Get The Recipe: Chocolate Fudge Cake

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Brownies

A woman's hand holding a fudgy brownie over a tray of Chocolate Chip Brownies. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Hey chocolate lovers! These brownies are next-level—super fudgy and packed with extra chocolate chips for the ultimate double-chocolate treat. You’re going to be obsessed!

Get The Recipe: Brownies

Lemon Pound Cake

This lemon pound cake is bursting with citrusy goodness! Made with fresh lemon juice and zest, it’s super moist, buttery, and packed with sunny flavor in every bite. And the best part? That tangy lemon glaze on top—it’s the perfect finishing touch!

Get The Recipe: Lemon Pound Cake

Sock It to Me Cake

A close-up of a bundt cake with a cinnamon swirl inside, topped with thick white icing. A slice is being lifted, revealing its moist, golden interior—a delicious twist on classic fruit desserts. The cake sits on a white plate. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Ready to bake a cake that’s pure comfort? Our Sock It To Me Cake recipe is the perfect blend of buttery, sweet, and spiced perfection. This easy-to-make Bundt cake is so cozy and delicious, it’s like getting a warm hug with every bite.

Get The Recipe: Sock It to Me Cake

Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Close-up of a Bundt cake drizzled with glossy caramel sauce, the dessert glistening enticingly. One slice is partially removed, revealing the rich, moist texture of the cake. The indulgent treat rests elegantly on a metal surface. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

You’ve got to try this Pumpkin Bundt Cake! It’s topped with a creamy dulce de leche icing and is absolutely perfect for cozy fall get-togethers.

Get The Recipe: Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Devil’s Food Cake

A slice of rich chocolate cake with smooth frosting sits on a white plate, reminiscent of old-fashioned cakes. A fork rests to the side, ready to enjoy the dessert. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the cake's tempting texture and layers. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Warning: This Devil’s Food Cake is sinfully delicious! Its rich, fudgy texture and intense chocolate flavor are practically irresistible. Slice at your own peril – it might vanish before you know it!

Get The Recipe: Devil’s Food Cake

Coconut Lovers Dream Cake

If you love coconut, this moist cake is a must-try! Packed with shredded coconut and rich coconut flavor, it’s topped with creamy frosting and toasted coconut flakes—a treat for both your taste buds and your eyes.

Get The Recipe: Coconut Lovers Dream Cake

Red Velvet Bundt Cake

Craving an easy show-stopping cake? This red velvet cake is perfectly moist and topped with creamy cheese icing that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for birthdays, dinner parties, or a weekend treat. Get ready to impress!

Get The Recipe: Red Velvet Bundt Cake

Homemade Yellow Cake

A close up image of a slice of yellow cake with chocolate frosting.

Soft, buttery, and oh-so-moist, this classic yellow cake is made from scratch and tastes way better than any box mix out there!

Get The Recipe: Homemade Yellow Cake

Orange Cake

An orange Bundt cake on a glass cake stand. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Ultimate Orange Cake is packed with citrusy goodness! It’s made with fresh orange juice and zest for loads of flavor, and the crunchy orange glaze on top gives it an extra zesty kick in every bite.

Get The Recipe: Orange Cake Recipe

Eggnog Cake

an eggnog bundt cake topped with glaze and holiday sprinkles — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Who says eggnog is just for the holidays? This Eggnog Pound Cake is packed with cozy spices and creamy eggnog flavor, all topped with a festive eggnog glaze. It’s like a slice of holiday cheer whenever you’re in the mood!

Get The Recipe: Eggnog Cake

Copycat Hostess Cupcakes

A chocolate cupcake sliced in half reveals a creamy white filling reminiscent of old-fashioned cakes. It's topped with glossy chocolate icing and a small white decorative swirl that keeps everyone coming back for more. It sits on an unwrapped paper liner, inviting indulgence. — Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Take charge of your snack game with these Copycat Hostess Cupcakes! They’re so much better than anything you’ll grab at the store, and the best part? They’re super easy to make. Go on, give it a try!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Hostess Cupcakes