6-Ingredient Old-Fashioned Sugar Cake

This old-fashioned sugar cake is the kind of recipe that feels like it’s been passed down on a worn index card tucked in the back of a kitchen drawer. Simple, cozy, and timeless, it tastes like something your grandma might have baked on a quiet Sunday afternoon.

The cake is tender and buttery with a crackly sugar top—no frosting, no fancy equipment, no fuss. Inspired by classic Midwestern church-basement desserts, it’s humble, reliable, and always the first thing to vanish at a potluck. Perfect for busy weeks, last-minute guests, or a sweet treat with your evening coffee, this cake is comfort in its simplest form.

Serve it warm with coffee or tea for an easy dessert, or dress it up with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, and fresh berries. It also makes a lovely brunch addition alongside eggs, bacon, and fruit. For hosting, cut into small squares and serve on a platter with strawberries and a pot of coffee—effortless but thoughtful.

🍰 Old-Fashioned Sugar Cake (6 Ingredients)

📝 Ingredients

🍴 Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch pan or line with parchment.
2. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder (and salt if using). Set aside.
3. Cream butter & sugar: Beat softened butter with 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
4. Add eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla if using.
5. Combine: Add dry ingredients in two parts, alternating with milk. Mix gently—do not overmix.
6. Bake: Spread batter evenly in pan. Sprinkle 2 tbsp sugar over the top for a crackly crust. Bake 25–32 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
7. Cool & serve: Let cool 15–20 minutes in the pan. Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

✨ Result: A tender, buttery cake with a sweet crackly top—simple, nostalgic, and always a crowd-pleaser.