The 1950s was a decade known for its vintage charm, glamour and elegant parties. The culinary arts were not left behind, and baking was one of the highlights of the era. From classic fruit cakes to stunning chocolate cakes, the 1950s was a time when baking was an art form and every recipe was a masterpiece.
The 1950s vintage cakes were iconic for their elegant designs, sophisticated flavors and use of classic ingredients. Unlike other eras, the 1950s placed an emphasis on presentation and attention to detail, making each cake a true work of art. The cakes were often decorated with intricate piping, fresh fruit and other embellishments, showcasing the skills of the baker and the sophistication of the era.
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The flavors of 1950s cakes were also unique, with a focus on classic ingredients such as coconut, cherries, and lemon, creating a timeless taste that has withstood the test of time. The 1950s was a time when baking was elevated to an art form, and each vintage cake was a true masterpiece, making them truly iconic and memorable.
In this article, we will be highlighting some top vintage recipes for 1950s cakes, each with its unique flavor and design:
Old Fashioned Sugar Cake
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A light and fluffy cake made with oil, eggs, sugar, and flour. It's perfect for any occasion, especially for those with a sweet tooth. Get the full recipe here.
Angel Food Cake
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A delicate cake made with egg whites and sugar, it's airy texture and sweet flavor make it a popular choice for dessert. You can upgrade your angel food cake with fruity toppings, as shown above. Get the recipe here.
Granny Cake
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If you’ve never tried Granny cake, you are in for a sweet surprise. This recipe is a throw-back to your grandma’s day, but it’s still every bit as delicious. It’s an old-fashioned dump cake flavored with canned pineapples and peaches. Top it with a quick coconut frosting, and you’ve got a truly irresistible dessert. Get the full recipe here.
Southern Preacher Cake
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Few cakes are as decadent and easy as this preacher cake. How did this cake get its name? The original preacher cake was designed to be made from ingredients already in your pantry. Get the full recipe here.
Chocolate Cake
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Sure, there are lots of people who claim they have the key to a super moist chocolate cake. But this recipe is it. One bite of this luxurious chocolate cake topped with rich, chocolate buttercream frosting, and you’ll agree. This is THE super moist chocolate cake recipe and the only recipe for chocolate cake you’ll ever need. Get the full recipe here.
Lemon Cake
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A tangy and sweet cake, made with lemon juice, this cake is perfect for a summertime dessert. Get the full recipe here.
Carrot Cake
A moist cake made with grated carrots and spices, this cake is a healthier alternative for those looking for a sweet treat. Get the recipe here.
Pound Cake
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A dense and buttery cake, made with sugar, eggs, flour and butter, this cake is perfect for those who love their sweets rich. The following pound recipe has just 5 ingredients. Get the full recipe here.
Fruitcake
A classic cake made with dried fruit, nuts and spices, this cake is perfect for holidays and special occasions. The recipe for this is below:
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup brandy or rum
1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, candied citrus peel, etc.)
1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
2 tbsp candied cherries, for decoration
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup brandy or rum
1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, candied citrus peel, etc.)
1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
2 tbsp candied cherries, for decoration
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the brandy or rum, and mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the dried fruit and chopped nuts.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
8. Decorate with candied cherries.
9. Bake for 2-2 1/2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and let cool completely on a wire rack.
11. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in a cool, dry place for at least a week before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
12. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a glass of brandy, if desired.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the brandy or rum, and mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the dried fruit and chopped nuts.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
8. Decorate with candied cherries.
9. Bake for 2-2 1/2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and let cool completely on a wire rack.
11. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in a cool, dry place for at least a week before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
12. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a glass of brandy, if desired.
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From classic fruit cakes to stunning chocolate cakes, the 1950s was a time when baking was an art form and every recipe was a masterpiece. These top 10 vintage recipes for 1950s cakes showcase the elegance and sophistication of the era, with each recipe offering its unique flavor and design. Whether you're a fan of rich and buttery cakes or light and airy cakes, there's something for everyone on this list. So go ahead, pick your favorite and whip up a classic 1950s cake today!