Home cooks from the 1950s created some delicious treats, and many are still around today (or they should be). These classic desserts deserve some attention!
49 Classic Desserts from the ’50s Worthy of a Comeback
Updated on Sep. 19, 2024
1/49
Peach Bavarian
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fruit molds are my specialty. This one, with its refreshing peach taste, makes a colorful salad or dessert. —Adeline Piscitelli, Sayreville, New Jersey
2/49
Chocolate Chiffon Cake
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you want to offer family and friends a dessert that really stands out from the rest, this is the cake to make. The beautiful high, rich sponge cake is drizzled with a succulent chocolate glaze. —Erma Fox, Memphis, Missouri
3/49
Irresistible Coconut Cream Pie
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I grow 500 acres of wheat on the farm his family homesteaded in 1889. I grind my own flour and love to use it in this recipe. The easy pat-in crust has a rich grain flavor. It’s irresistible filled with old-fashioned coconut cream and topped with a fluffy meringue. —Roberta Foster, Kingfisher, Oklahoma
4/49
Spumoni Baked Alaska
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a dazzling yet refreshing end to a rich holiday meal, try this freezer finale. It's bound to garner oohs and aahs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Also, check what is baked Alaska. We fill you in on the history of this dessert plus tips for making it at home.
5/49
Stained Glass Gelatin
Total Time
25 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids love this sweet, wiggly gelatin and whipped topping dessert. Use different flavors of gelatin to make color versions that are as wild as your imagination. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
6/49
Chocolate Bavarian Torte
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever I take this eye-catching torte to a potluck, I get so many requests for the recipe. —Edith Holmstrom, Madison, Wisconsin
7/49
Maraschino Cherry Rice Pudding
Total Time
45 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a grandmother, I've been cooking for many years and love to share my recipes. This pretty pastel dessert is a fun choice when you need something sweet for a special occasion. —Sharon Crider, Junction City, Kansas
8/49
Strawberries & Cream Torte
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This festive strawberries and cream summer treat is one of my mom's favorites. It wows guests every time yet is simple to make. —Cathy Branciaroli, Wilmington, Delaware
9/49
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A classic recipe like this never goes out of style! It’s delicious with the traditional pineapple, but try it with peaches or a combination of cranberries and orange. —Bernardine Melton, Paola, Kansas
10/49
Strawberry Shakes
Total Time
5 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Full of summer fruit, these thick berry blends are the perfect way to savor hot days. "I serve tall glasses with strawberry garnishes," says Ruby Williams of Bogalusa, Louisiana.
11/49
Banana Cream Pie with Pudding
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This old-fashioned banana cream pie recipe is full of flavor. Because it uses instant pudding, the no-bake dessert is ready in just minutes. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington
13/49
Chocolate Chess Pie
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my mother's go-to recipes. It's a yummy spin on the classic chocolate chess pie. — Ann Dickens, Nixa, Missouri
14/49
Coconut Chiffon Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Toasted coconut adds visual appeal to this tall and impressive cake. With an airy texture and heavenly coconut-ginger flavor,it's a lovely end to meals throughout the year.
15/49
Meringue Shells with Lemon Curd
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love a dazzling dessert of meringue shells filled with sunny lemon curd. It’s sweet and tart, crunchy and fluffy. Top this lemon curd dessert with whipped cream and berries. —Kris Brill, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
16/49
Icebox Cake
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You don't have to bake to serve a wonderful dessert! This icebox cake is made from chocolate wafers and whipping cream. It is so delicious.—Cindy Hawkins, New York, New York
17/49
Orange Dream Angel Food Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A basic angel food cake becomes a heavenly indulgence, thanks to a hint of orange flavor swirled into every bite. The orange color makes slices of the cake look so pretty when arranged on individual dessert plates.—Lauren Osborne, Holtwood, Pennsylvania
18/49
Banana Cream Eclairs
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To surprise my banana-loving family, I made this dessert for a reunion, where it stood out among the usual fare. These special treats are something to look at and mouthwateringly delicious. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
19/49
Butterscotch Pie
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pie's filling is like creamy pudding and is crowned with golden peaks of meringue. —Cary Letsche, Brandenton, Florida
20/49
Fancy Fuss-Free Torte
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Thanks to frozen pound cake and a can of pie filling, this torte is easy to make. If layers slide, keep them in place with toothpicks around the edges as you build. Just remove them before serving. —Joan Causey, Greenwood, Arkansas
21/49
Apple Brown Betty Recipe
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This apple brown betty can be whipped up in hardly any time. It costs little to prepare, but it's big on flavor. —Florence Palmer, Marshall, Illinois
22/49
Lime Gelatin Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a festive dish to light up the buffet? This pretty green gelatin salad is eye-catching and has a delightful, tangy flavor. —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa
23/49
Banana Skillet Upside-Down Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother gave me my first cast iron skillet, and I've been cooking and baking with it ever since. Sometimes I add drained maraschino cherries to this banana skillet dessert and serve it with a ice cream. —Terri Merritts, Nashville, Tennessee
24/49
Cherry Almond Mousse Pie
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Treat your loved ones to a luscious pie with chocolate, cherries and nuts in a creamy vanilla mousse. It's a sweet yet refreshing dessert. —Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas
25/49
Creme de Menthe Cream Puff Tree
Total Time
1 hour 55 min
Servings
60 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A tower of creme de menthe-flavored puffs makes a spectacular centerpiece for your dessert table. Guests will have this sumptuous pyramid deconstructed in no time at all! —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
26/49
Banana Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a mother of three sons, I always have sweets in my kitchen! I buy lots of ripe bananas on sale and freeze them with this cake in mind. I’m often asked to bring it to family picnics and dinners.—Bonnie Krause, Irvona, Pennsylvania
27/49
Moist Lemon Angel Cake Roll
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tart and delicious, this pretty cake roll will tickle any lemon lover's fancy. Its feathery, angel food texture enhances its guilt-free goodness. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
28/49
Macaroon Cherry Pie
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I use homegrown cherries in this bountiful pie with its unique crunchy coconut topping. But I've found that purchased tart cherries yield a dessert that's nearly as delicious. I always bake this pie around Presidents Day or Valentine's Day, but it's popular with my family in any season. —Lori Daniels, Beverly, West Virginia
29/49
Contest-Winning Chocolate Angel Food Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I take this different kind of angel food cake to church bake sales, it goes before I can get it on the table!—Mary Ann Iverson, Woodville, Wisconsin
30/49
Peach Cobbler Recipe
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother received this peach cobbler recipe from a friend of hers many years ago, and fortunately she shared it with me. Boise is situated right between two large fruit-producing areas in our state, so peaches are plentiful in the summer. —Ruby Ewart, Boise, Idaho
31/49
Pineapple Pie
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy pineapple pie is a light and refreshing dessert that's quick to make and impressive to serve. This is one of our favorite ways to complete a summer meal. —Sharon Bickett, Chester, South Carolina
32/49
Banana Split
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
In 1904, the first banana split recipe was made here in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, by David Strickler, an apprentice pharmacist at a local drugstore. We still use his original formula when we make banana splits in our restaurants. —Melissa Blystone, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
33/49
Hot Milk Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple, old-fashioned milk cake tastes so good it will surprise you! As I remember my mom's delicious meals, this dessert was always the perfect ending. Mom always used "a dash of this and dab of that" to come up with what we thought was "the best." —Rosemary Pryor, Pasadena, Maryland
34/49
Banana Pudding Cups
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy and rich, this homemade banana pudding recipe is so easy. Layer it in a trifle bowl for a pretty presentation. —Ruth Kizer, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
35/49
Apple-Spice Angel Food Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I dressed up an angel food cake mix with some nuts, spice and applesauce to make an easy and light dessert. I serve it with a dollop of whipped topping mixed with a half cup of sour cream. —Joan Buehnerkemper, Teutopolis, Illinois
36/49
Lemon Lush
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After a big meal, folks really go for this light lemon treat. The shortbread crust is the perfect base for the fluffy top layers. I've prepared this sunny dessert for church suppers for years and I always get recipe requests.
—Muriel DeWitt, Maynard, Massachusetts
37/49
Frozen Grasshopper Torte
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first made this minty cool torte for a ladies' meeting at our church. I’m still making it, and the compliments keep coming. —Elma Penner, Oak Bluff, Manitoba
38/49
Ribbon Fantasy Fudge
Total Time
20 min
Servings
49 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
I developed this recipe especially for my husband, who likes anything that has chocolate and peanut butter together!
39/49
Favorite Coconut Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I need an impressive dessert for a special occasion, this is the recipe I turn to. My guests are glad I do! —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
40/49
Grapefruit Alaska
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Easily impress your guests with this quick dessert. You'll receive rave reviews! —Peg Atzen, Hackensack, Minnesota
41/49
Candy Cane Pie
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my college roommate first made this pie, I couldn't get enough! Using a store-bought crust helps save time when you're in the midst of the holidays. —Charlotte Stewart, Mesa, Arizona
42/49
Bread Pudding with Nutmeg
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always make this bread pudding recipe for my dad on his birthday and holidays. He says it tastes exactly like the bread pudding he enjoyed as a child. —Donna Powell, Montgomery City, Missouri
43/49
7UP Pound Cake
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother gave me my first cake recipe—a pound cake using 7UP—which her grandmother had given to her. On top of being delicious, this cake represents family tradition, connection and love. —Marsha Davis, Desert Hot Springs, California
44/49
Sacher Torte
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests will be surprised to hear that this Sacher torte recipe starts with a convenient cake mix. Each bite features chocolate, almonds and apricots. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
45/49
Fluffy Key Lime Pie
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a taste of paradise, try this no-bake Key lime pie recipe. It's low in fat, sugar and fuss. It truly is the best Key lime pie recipe ever! —Frances VanFossan, Warren, Michigan
46/49
Old-Fashioned Honey Baked Apples
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My baked apple recipe is very old-fashioned yet tried and true. It's definitely a comfort food. —Rachel Hamilton, Greenville, Pennsylvania
47/49
Coconut Pound Cake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
“This cake is easy to make and is always a big hit,” writes Lisa Varner from Charleston, South Carolina. “I like to serve it with ice cream for a double-dose treat!”
48/49
Tropical Rainbow Dessert
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Classic ribbon gelatin salad gets an up-to-date makeover with this tropical treatment. Cream of coconut creates the creamy layers in these showstopping parfaits. I like to surprise my nieces and nephews with this Jell-O mold done in neon colors. —Dan Kelmenson, West Bloomfield, Michigan
49/49
Rice Pudding
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sisters and I always loved the recipe for rice pudding our grandma made. After she passed away, I took it upon myself to try and find the secret to her rice pudding. It took quite a bit of experimentation, but I finally got it right! And I'm glad to share this easy recipe here. —Margaret DeChant, Newberry, Michigan
