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17 retro cake recipes that will never go out of style

Back to basics.

Enjoying a retro cake can bring back fond memories and create a sense of nostalgia for simpler times.

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Ultimately, people like retro cakes because they taste delicious! Whether it’s the rich chocolatey goodness of a mud cake, the fruity sweetness of a pineapple upside-down cake, or the buttery crumble of a tea cake, retro cakes offer a wide range of flavours and textures. 

16 retro cakes that will never go out of style

Pineapple butter cake with mango sauce

pineapple butter cake

This tropical treat, topped with whipped cream and a simple homemade mango sauce, showcases the wonderful flavours of sweet summer fruits. 

3 minute sponge with jam and cream

sponge cake with jam and cream
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It’s hard to beat an old-fashioned sponge cake with jam and cream.

Brown butter almond cake with strawberries three ways

brown butter almond cakes

Make the most of sweet, juicy strawberries!

Hummingbird cake

hummingbird cake
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Hummingbird cake is a fan-favourite, and will be gone in a flash once you finish icing it!

Sticky ginger and pear cake

sticky ginger and pear cake

While not as common as some other retro desserts, this cake offers a unique and delicious combination of warm spices, sweet pears, and sticky caramel sauce.

Upside-down pineapple and cherry cake

upsidedown pineapple and cherry cake
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Quite possibly the greatest cake in the tradition of Aussie campfire baking, this version transfers the action to the oven, but retains the beautiful caramelised top.

Chocolate mousse cake

chocolate mousse heart cake

This mouthwatering triple-chocolate cake is filled with chocolate mousse and can be cooked into a heart shape using a heart-shaped baking pan. 

Plum upside-down cake

plum cake
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While a plum upside-down cake may not be as commonly associated with Australian retro desserts as other options, it’s certainly a classic choice that can evoke a sense of nostalgia for some.

White chocolate sweetheart cake

retro heart cake

With three layers of white chocolate cake separated by a delicious cream cheese icing, there’s no better way to celebrate the one you love.

Madeira cake

madeira cake
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This loaf cake with a dusting of white sugar is the ideal afternoon tea companion. Serve with a cuppa, and your guests will be ecstatic!

Marbled chocolate cake with crunchy top

marble cake

Delightfully chewy topping sets this teatime special apart. Serve with a dollop of double cream!

Chocolate devil’s food cake

devil's chocolate cake
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Reach for a spoon of this enticing chocolate delight.

Chamomile and salted honey layer cake

honey layer cake

A chamomile and salted honey layer cake offers a modern twist on the traditional tea cake concept while evoking nostalgia. While not inherently retro, its use of classic flavours like chamomile and honey adds a timeless quality to the cake.

Orange chiffon cake

orange chiffon cake
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Light as air, this chiffon cake will be an afternoon tea crowd-pleaser. 

Apple and almond teacake

apple and almond tea cake

Tea cakes have been enjoyed for generations in Australian homes and are often associated with traditional afternoon teas and gatherings.

Basic butter cake

basic butter cake
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Butter cake, known for its rich and buttery flavour, has been a staple in Australian baking for generations. It’s a simple yet delicious cake made with basic ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and milk.

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A super-simple way to impress when you’re stressed.
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