25 Throwback Desserts That Are Too Good Not to Revive

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These 25 nostalgic desserts deserve a major revival. Rediscover the made of these classic sweet treats, perfect for sharing with your kids, friends, or simply indulging in a sentimental treat.

Closeup of blueberry cobbler with a few pieces gone and a spoon with berry filling.
Cherry Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Amish Apple Fritter Bread

A slice of apple cinnamon bread on a cutting board.
Amish Apple Fritter Bread. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the comfort of Amish Apple Fritter Bread, a treat that wraps you in the warmth of cinnamon and apples, topped with a sweet glaze. Each slice is a reminder of the simple pleasures that traditional recipes provide.
Get the Recipe: Amish Apple Fritter Bread

Lazy Peach Cobbler

Plate with peach cobbler and a blue napkin.
Lazy Peach Cobbler. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Lazy Peach Cobbler is a testament to the ease of classic desserts, allowing peaches in any form to shine. It’s a laid-back dessert that brings the sweetness of summer to your table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Lazy Peach Cobbler

Swedish Almond Cake

Slices of Swedish almond cake dusted with powdered sugar and topped with almonds.
Swedish Almond Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Swedish Almond Cake is a celebration of almond flavor in a dessert that’s both simple and sophisticated. A dusting of powdered sugar adds the final touch to this timeless Scandinavian delight.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Almond Cake

Concord Grape Pie

close up of grape pie on a plate
Concord Grape Pie. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the taste of fall with a traditional Concord Grape Pie, where the rich flavor of Concord grapes fills a flaky, buttery crust. This pie is a slice of upstate New York’s heritage, perfect for autumn gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Concord Grape Pie

Lime Jello Salad

Piece of lime jello salad topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
Lime Jello Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Lime Jello Salad is a whimsical, bright green addition to any meal, harking back to the days when jello salads were the highlight of the dinner table. Its tangy and sweet flavor makes it a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad

Blueberry Cobbler

Closeup of blueberry cobbler with a few pieces gone and a spoon with berry filling.
Blueberry Cobbler. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Indulge in a Southern blueberry cobbler, where the burst of berry juices and the flaky crust create a delicious combo of flavors. The simplicity and richness of the blueberries shine through.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cobbler

Cherry Salad

bowls of pink fluff on a table
Cherry Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cherry Salad is a cool, creamy dessert that’s a staple at any cookout. With just six ingredients and five minutes of prep, it’s simple to whip up and serve.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad

Icebox Cake

Icebox cake with raspberries, blueberries and strawberries on a pink plate.
Icebox Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The old-fashioned Icebox Cake offers layers of graham crackers, sweet berries, and whipped cream, coming together in a chilled, no-bake dessert. It’s a classic treat that’s as enjoyable to assemble as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Icebox Cake

Church Window Cookies

Church window cookies with colored marshmallows and coconut.
Church Window Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Church Window Cookies are a quaint, no-bake treat combining chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts for a dessert that’s as visually striking as it is nostalgic. They’re a colorful homage to simpler times.
Get the Recipe: Church Window Cookies

Apricot Upside Down Cake

A Apricot Upside Down Cake on a white plate.
Apricot Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bask in the sweet nostalgia with an Apricot Upside Down Cake, featuring caramelized apricots atop a tender, buttery base. This dessert brings back the warm, comforting memories of baking in grandma’s kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Upside Down Cake

Cool Whip Cookies

baked cool whip cookie
Cool Whip Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With Cool Whip Cookies, simplicity meets flavor in a cookie that’s delightfully chewy and lemony. Using just a handful of ingredients, these treats are a quick and easy way to bring a touch of sweetness to any day.
Get the Recipe: Cool Whip Cookies

Apple Cobbler

Apple cobbler in a white dish on a wooden table.
Apple Cobbler. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Apple Cobbler is the ultimate old-fashioned dessert, offering up spiced apples under a layer of homestyle biscuit topping. It’s a heartwarming dish that evokes the feel of a cozy kitchen and family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cobbler

Homemade Chocolate Pudding

Homemade chocolate pudding in a bowl with whipped cream.
Homemade Chocolate Pudding. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the richness of Homemade Chocolate Pudding, a creamy creation that brings you the authentic taste of chocolate in a comforting, old-style dessert. Forget the instant mixes and treat yourself to the genuine article with this straightforward recipe.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chocolate Pudding

Chow Mein Cookies

top view of haystack cookies.
Chow Mein Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chow Mein Cookies are a delightful throwback to simple treats, requiring only four ingredients and a bit of your time. Chocolate and peanut butter unite in these no-bake cookies that are as enjoyable to make as they are to eat.
Get the Recipe: Chow Mein Cookies

Lemonade Pie

Slice of lemonade pie on a plate with lemonade in the background.
Lemonade Pie. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Lemonade Pie is a refreshingly simple, no-bake dessert that comes together in just five minutes with four ingredients. It’s the perfect way to cool down and unwind with its zesty and sweet flavors.
Get the Recipe: Lemonade Pie

Peanut Brittle

Red plate with peanut brittle on a red and white checked table cloth.
Peanut Brittle. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Making Peanut Brittle at home is a nod to classic candy, offering a crunchy, sweet treat that’s perfect for sharing. This easy-to-make recipe is an excellent choice for gifting or simply as a nostalgic snack.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Brittle

Ricotta Cookies

closeup of ricotta cookies with colorful sprinkles
Ricotta Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Ricotta Cookies have the tender, cake-like texture that’s characteristic of traditional Italian baking. These cookies are a staple during the holidays but are versatile enough to bring a touch of sweetness to any day.
Get the Recipe: Ricotta Cookies

Blueberry Upside Down Cake

Blueberry upside down cake on a white plate before slicing.
Blueberry Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Blueberry Upside Down Cake is a summery delight that pairs the natural tartness of blueberries with a moist, sweet cake. It’s a simple yet rewarding dessert that captures the essence of summer fruit harvests.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Upside Down Cake

Watergate Salad

Pistachio salad topped with nuts and cherries.
Watergate Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Watergate Salad is a creamy, dreamy dessert that takes minimal effort to create. With only five ingredients, this dish is a convenient and tasty addition any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

Chocolate Lush

side view of piece of chocolate lasagna
Chocolate Lush. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chocolate Lush is a layered no-bake wonder combining the crunch of Oreo cookies with the smoothness of peanut butter cheesecake and chocolate pudding, all topped with a pillowy layer of whipped cream. This four-layer dessert is a tribute to classic American flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Lush

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate crinkle cookies on a baking rack cooling.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies have the best qualities of a brownie, from their soft, chewy texture to their rich, fudgy centers. These delicious cookies are a timeless treat that chocolate lovers will cherish.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Peach Crostata

Slice of peach crostata topped with ice cream.
Peach Crostata. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Peach Crostata, with its rustic charm and simple preparation, showcases the natural sweetness of peaches in a dessert that’s not overly sweet yet full of caramelized fruit flavor. It’s an effortless way to enjoy the bounty of summer.
Get the Recipe: Peach Crostata

Half Moon Cookies

Half moon cookies on a wooden cutting board with ice with half vanilla and half chocolate frosting.
Half Moon Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Half Moon Cookies, a favorite in upstate New York, feature a soft, cake-like base topped with a duo of vanilla and chocolate buttercream. Their distinctive frosting sets them apart, making them a regional classic.
Get the Recipe: Half Moon Cookies

Peanut Butter Pie

Side view of a slice of peanut butter pie topped with whipped cream on a plate.
Peanut Butter Pie. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This no-bake Peanut Butter Pie is a creamy, decadent dessert that combines peanut butter and chocolate in a way that’s sure to quell any cravings. With just six simple ingredients, it’s an easy way to whip up a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Pie

Magic Bars

close up of coconut bars on a wooden cutting board
Magic Bars. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Magic Bars are a coconut lover’s dream, with a buttery base, chewy texture, and a sprinkle of chocolate. This easy dessert is a delightful mix of sweet coconut and rich chocolate chips, perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Magic Bars

anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

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