My grandma Ethel just celebrated her century milestone, and boy, does she know what she wants!
When planning her 100th birthday bash, she handed me a list of cakes that brought her joy throughout her long life.
‘None of that fancy-schmancy stuff with weird flavors,’ she declared, waving her cane for emphasis. Here are the ten delectable cakes that earned Grandma’s seal of approval for her once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
1. Classic Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
Lord have mercy, nothing beats a moist carrot cake! ‘Reminds me of victory gardens during the war,’ Grandma often reminisces while savoring each bite.
Packed with freshly grated carrots, crunchy walnuts, and that heavenly cream cheese frosting, this treat takes her back to simpler times. ‘They don’t make ’em like this anymore,’ she insists.
2. Lemon Chiffon Cloud Cake
Fluffy as a dream and light as air! Grandma stamps her foot with delight whenever this citrusy wonder appears. ‘Back in my day, getting lemons was a special occasion!’
Zesty lemon flavor infuses every ethereal bite of this cloud-like creation. The delicate yellow cake practically floats off the plate, bringing sunshine to even her cloudiest days.
3. Old-Fashioned Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Hoo-boy! This sticky-sweet masterpiece sends Grandma straight to cloud nine! ‘First had this when pineapples were exotic,’ she boasts, eyes twinkling with mischief.
Caramelized brown sugar creates that signature gooey topping while maraschino cherries add a pop of nostalgia. Grandma always fights for the center piece with the perfect pineapple ring.
4. German Chocolate Layer Cake
Whoever invented this cake deserves a medal! Grandma pounds her cane enthusiastically whenever she spots those coconut-pecan layers. ‘Reminds me of my first date with your grandpa!’
Rich chocolate layers embrace that distinctive coconut-pecan frosting like an old friend. Though her dentures sometimes struggle with the nuts, Grandma insists it’s worth every careful chew.
5. Strawberry Shortcake With Fresh Berries
Fiddlesticks! Nothing makes Grandma giggle like watching everyone’s faces when this beauty arrives at the table. ‘In my day, we picked our own berries and had scratches to prove it!’
Tender buttermilk biscuits cradle juicy strawberries and clouds of fresh whipped cream. Grandma always sneaks extra berries when she thinks nobody’s looking.
6. Red Velvet Cake With Heritage Recipe
Great day in the morning! This crimson beauty makes Grandma slap her knee with joy. ‘Been making this since before they put it in fancy restaurants,’ she proudly declares.
Velvety cocoa-tinged layers hide beneath traditional ermine frosting—none of that cream cheese nonsense! The subtle flavor transports her to church socials and family gatherings where her cake always disappeared first.
7. Rum-Soaked Banana Foster Bundt Cake
Heavens to Betsy! Grandma’s eyes light up like the Fourth of July when this spirited creation enters the room. ‘A little nip of rum never hurt nobody at my age!’
Caramelized bananas and brown sugar create a moist, decadent base while the rum glaze adds grown-up flair. Even with her strict Methodist upbringing, Grandma always requests a double helping.
8. Hummingbird Cake From The Deep South
Land sakes alive! Grandma is reminded of her early years in Georgia by this Southern belle dessert. ‘Sweet as a summer day and twice as pretty!’
Tropical pineapple and banana mingle with warm spices and crunchy pecans. Slathered with cream cheese frosting, each bite reminds her of porch swings and Spanish moss.
9. Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake From Depression Era
For crying out loud! Nothing gets Grandma more excited than this resourceful chocolate delight. ‘Learned to make this when times were lean—mayo was our secret weapon!’
Impossibly moist chocolate crumb defies logic thanks to that unlikely ingredient. Grandma loves telling youngsters about this cake’s history while they wrinkle their noses at the mention of mayonnaise.
10. Apple Spice Cake With Brown Sugar Glaze
Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat! Grandma’s dentures start chattering with anticipation whenever this aromatic wonder appears. ‘Smells like autumn in heaven,’ she declares with absolute authority.
Chunks of tart apples nestle among warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The brown sugar glaze forms a crackly top that Grandma picks off first when she thinks no one’s watching.