20 Timeless Cake Recipes From Nana’s Recipe Collection
These beloved family cake recipes have been passed down through generations, each one carrying special memories and time-tested techniques.
From simple pound cakes to elaborate layer creations, these grandmother-approved desserts bring comfort and sweetness to any occasion.
01. Easy No-Bake Cream Cheesecake
This simple version uses cream cheese, sour cream, and whipped topping for a creamy texture. No oven required means perfect results every time.
The three-generation family recipe comes together quickly with just six basic ingredients. Everything blends smoothly without any complicated techniques.
Perfect for hot summer days when you want dessert without heating up the kitchen. Ready to serve in just a few hours.
02. Traditional One-Pound Butter Cake
This authentic recipe uses exactly one pound each of butter, flour, eggs, and sugar. The classic proportions create three full-sized loaves with rich flavor.
The tried-and-true method produces dense, buttery texture that slices beautifully. Each loaf stays moist for days when stored properly.
Great for feeding crowds or making multiple gifts at once. Takes time but the impressive results are worth every minute.
03. Bright Lemon Pudding Cake
Store-bought lemon cake mix and pudding mix make this dessert incredibly easy to prepare. The fruity glaze adds extra moisture and sweet citrus flavor.
This method creates sunny yellow color and bright taste without squeezing fresh lemons. The pudding mix keeps everything tender and soft.
Perfect for beginners who want impressive results with minimal effort. Ready in under an hour with common grocery store ingredients.
04. Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
This vintage recipe uses canned pineapple rings and maraschino cherries for authentic retro flavor. Cast iron skillet creates the signature golden crust.
The upside-down technique caramelizes fruit and sugar into a beautiful topping. Flipping reveals the gorgeous presentation that impressed past generations.
This method works best with well-seasoned cast iron for even browning. The old-fashioned approach never goes out of style.
05. Simple Six-Ingredient Butter Cake
Basic pantry staples like butter, sugar, eggs, and self-rising flour create this straightforward cake. Milk and vanilla round out the simple ingredient list.
The uncomplicated method focuses on proper mixing and timing for tender results. No fancy techniques or special equipment needed here.
Great for new bakers learning fundamental cake-making skills. This version teaches basics while delivering delicious homemade taste.
06. Autumn Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese
Spiced pumpkin cake gets rolled around rich cream cheese filling for elegant presentation. The seasonal flavors make perfect fall and winter desserts.
Rolling technique requires gentle handling while the cake is still warm and flexible. Proper cooling prevents cracking during the rolling process.
This impressive dessert looks complicated but follows simple steps. Guests always think you spent hours creating this beautiful treat.
07. Rhubarb Strawberry Coffee Cake
Tart rhubarb and sweet strawberries balance perfectly in this tender coffee cake. The fruit combination creates beautiful color and fresh spring flavor.
This long-lost family recipe was rediscovered tucked inside an old book. The special history makes every bite taste even more meaningful.
Perfect for using up garden rhubarb when it comes into season. The recipe recreates memories that families thought were gone forever.
08. Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cake
Rolled oats and evaporated milk create unique texture in this pantry-staple cake. The oats add hearty substance while keeping everything incredibly moist.
This method lets oats soften completely before baking for smooth, tender crumb. The cake actually improves overnight as flavors develop.
Make this version the day before serving for best results. The old-fashioned approach creates decadently sweet and satisfying dessert.
09. Rich Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake
Decadent chocolate cake gets topped with super-sweet five-ingredient icing while still warm. Optional walnuts or pecans add pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.
The sheet pan method feeds large groups easily without multiple layers. Warm cake absorbs the icing for incredibly moist texture throughout.
Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or family gatherings. This crowd-pleasing dessert disappears quickly wherever you take it.
10. Classic Baked Cheesecake
Sturdy shortbread crust supports rich, creamy cheesecake filling with bright citrus notes. Fresh fruit or chocolate sauce makes elegant finishing touches.
Proper baking technique prevents cracks while creating silky smooth texture. Water bath method keeps temperature gentle and even throughout.
This version takes patience but creates restaurant-quality results at home. The extra effort shows in every perfectly creamy bite.
11. Coffee-Infused Chocolate Layer Cake
Brewed coffee deepens chocolate flavor in both cake layers and buttercream frosting. The coffee adds richness without overwhelming the chocolate taste.
This method creates complex flavor that impresses serious chocolate lovers. The coffee-chocolate combination tastes sophisticated and grown-up.
Takes more steps than simple cakes but delivers amazing results. Each layer builds incredible depth of flavor worth the extra time.
12. Secret Ingredient Chocolate Cake
Pureed prune baby food creates incredibly moist chocolate cake without anyone guessing the secret. Top with chocolate frosting or simple powdered sugar dusting.
The unexpected ingredient adds moisture and subtle sweetness while keeping fat content lower. Nobody believes the secret until you tell them.
Perfect for surprising guests with complex flavor from simple ingredients. This creative method proves great baking comes from unexpected places.
13. Fresh Apple Cake with Nuts
Fresh apples, raisins, and walnuts create cozy fall flavors in this tender cake. The fruit keeps everything moist while spices add warmth.
This method uses up lots of fresh apples when orchards are overflowing. Diced apples distribute evenly throughout each slice.
Great for using seasonal apple harvest or grocery store bargains. The old-fashioned approach brings comfort with every delicious bite.
14. Poppy Seed Coffee Cake
Buttermilk creates tender crumb while poppy seeds add interesting texture and nutty flavor. Sweet cinnamon-sugar filling runs through the middle.
This coffee cake method layers flavors for discovery in every bite. The poppy seeds create beautiful speckled appearance throughout.
Perfect companion to morning coffee or afternoon tea. The elegant presentation makes ordinary moments feel more special and refined.
15. Moist Applesauce Fruitcake
Applesauce keeps this fruitcake incredibly moist while adding natural sweetness and flavor. The secret ingredient changes minds about traditional fruitcake.
This method creates aromatic, flavorful cake without heavy, dry texture. The applesauce makes everything tender and appealing.
Perfect for converting fruitcake skeptics with improved texture and taste. This version proves grandma knew best about ingredient choices.
16. Raspberry Jelly Sheet Cake
Simple yellow sheet cake gets topped with layer of bright raspberry jelly. The combination creates sweet, fruity flavor in every melt-in-your-mouth bite.
This straightforward method keeps preparation easy while delivering impressive results. The jelly layer adds beautiful color and extra sweetness.
Great for using up extra jelly or jam from your pantry. The simple approach creates surprisingly elegant and delicious dessert.
17. Tangy Sour Cream Pound Cake
Sour cream creates incredibly moist, dense texture with subtle tangy flavor. This secret ingredient makes pound cake extra rich and satisfying.
The method produces perfect crumb that slices cleanly without crumbling. Each piece holds together beautifully for elegant presentation.
This version elevates basic pound cake to special occasion status. The tangy twist makes familiar flavors taste new and exciting.
18. Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake
Buttermilk and lemon create moist, dense cake with subtle citrus brightness. Vanilla ice cream makes perfect accompaniment to each sweet slice.
This method balances sweet and tart flavors without overwhelming delicate pound cake texture. The lemon adds freshness without being sharp.
Perfect for serving with fresh berries or simple ice cream. The classic approach never fails to satisfy traditional cake lovers.
19. Traditional Carrot Cake
Fresh carrots, pineapple chunks, coconut flakes, and walnuts create complex texture and flavor. Rich buttermilk buttercream provides perfect finishing touch.
This method incorporates lots of mix-ins without making cake heavy or dense. Everything distributes evenly for balanced flavor throughout.
Takes time to prepare all components but creates impressive celebration cake. The traditional approach satisfies carrot cake lovers completely.
20. Easy Honey Bun Cake
Store-bought yellow cake mix gets enhanced with sour cream for moisture and tanginess. Cinnamon and brown sugar add cozy, comforting flavors.
This simple method transforms basic cake mix into something special and homemade-tasting. The additions make all the difference in final results.
Perfect for busy bakers who want homemade taste with convenience. The deceptively simple approach creates surprisingly delicious dessert.
Final Thoughts
These cherished family recipes prove that the best cakes come from generations of love and testing. Each one carries stories and memories worth preserving.
Whether you choose simple or elaborate versions, these grandmother-approved desserts bring comfort and joy to modern kitchens everywhere.