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15 Old Fashioned Easter Recipes That Prove Grandma Really Knew Best

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Dust off your grandma’s recipe box and get ready for a nostalgic Easter feast! Forget the trendy foraged-mushroom quiche and artisanal sourdough stuffing – we’re talkin’ good ol’ fashioned comfort food that won’t leave you googling obscure ingredients at 3 am on Easter morning.

pistachio fluff salad in a bowl with a spoon.
Watergate Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This year, we’re celebrating the classics – the dishes that have stood the test of time. This list features 15 classic Easter recipes that prove your grandma is good at more than just bridge nights and bingo. We’re bringing back the dishes that fueled epic family gatherings.

Blueberry Cobbler

Southern blueberry cobbler in a dish
Blueberry Cobbler. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A Blueberry Cobbler brings a classic touch to the Easter table with its flaky biscuit topping and vibrant berry filling. It’s a traditional dessert that fills the kitchen with a delightful berry fragrance reminiscent of the past.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cobbler

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 combines peanut butter and chocolate in a simple, six-ingredient dessert that recalls the cherished flavors of Easters gone by. It’s a classic favorite that’s easy to assemble for your holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Pie

Amish Cinnamon Bread

Loaf of cinnamon bread sliced to show the ribbon of cinnamon inside.
Amish Cinnamon Bread. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Amish Cinnamon Bread offers a sweet, cinnamon-infused aroma that’s perfect for a nostalgic Easter treat. This comforting and quick-to-make bread is like a warm embrace from grandma, ideal for sharing with loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Amish Cinnamon Bread

Italian Ricotta Cookies

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

Italian Ricotta Cookies are soft, cake-like, and infused with tradition, making them a treasured addition to any Easter celebration. These cookies embody the sweet nostalgia of family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Italian Ricotta Cookies

Blueberry Upside Down Cake

cropped-blueberry-upside-down-cake-6-7130015.jpg
Blueberry Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Blueberry Upside Down Cake is a moist, berry-packed dessert that evokes memories of summer and past Easters. Its simplicity and classic taste make it a timeless choice for your celebration.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Upside Down Cake

Watergate Salad

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

Watergate Salad, with its signature pistachio flavor, is a five-ingredient, easy-to-make classic that’s perfect for preparing ahead of Easter. This dessert is a blast from the past that’s sure to be a hit at your feast.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

Magic Bars

close up of coconut bars
Magic Bars. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Magic Bars layer coconut, chocolate chips, and a buttery base for a dessert that’s a sentimental journey to Easters of the past. They’re effortlessly prepared, making them a favorite for reminiscing and enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Magic Bars

Haystack Cookies

No bake haystack cookies on a white cake stand.
Haystack Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Haystack Cookies blend chocolate and peanut butter in a no-bake, four-ingredient dessert that’s a throwback to grandma’s kitchen. These quick and delightful treats are a perfect nod to the retro Easter sweets we cherish.
Get the Recipe: Haystack Cookies

Apple Galette

A slice of apple galette with ice cream on a plate.
Apple Galette. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

An Apple Galette wraps delicious apples in a flaky pastry for a dessert that’s a tribute to rustic traditions. Paired with ice cream, it’s a comforting, retro dessert that’s fitting for a nostalgic Easter celebration.
Get the Recipe: Apple Galette

Lime Jello Salad

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

Lime Jello Salad is a classic, vibrant dessert that brings a fun and retro flair to your Easter menu. Its refreshing taste is perfect for holiday gatherings or a sunny picnic.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad

Blueberry Peach Crisp

Blueberry peach crisp on a white plate.
Blueberry Peach Crisp. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A Blueberry Peach Crisp combines juicy fruit with a buttery oat topping for a dessert that’s a throwback to summer days and family gatherings. It’s a straightforward, flavorful treat that’s perfect for Easter enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Peach Crisp

Swedish Almond Cake

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

Swedish Almond Cake is an effortless, elegant dessert dusted with powdered sugar, reminiscent of Scandinavian heritage. It’s a superb choice for adding a touch of old-world charm to your Easter dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Almond Cake

Homemade Chocolate Pudding

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

Homemade Chocolate Pudding is a rich, from-scratch dessert that forgoes the instant mix for a deep chocolate flavor. It’s a comforting, retro dessert that’s a genuine treat for Easter, evoking the simple pleasures of childhood.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chocolate Pudding

Frozen Lemonade Pie

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

Frozen Lemonade Pie is a refreshingly simple, no-bake dessert that takes only five minutes and four ingredients to create. It’s a classic, cool dessert to enjoy after Easter dinner, reminiscent of leisurely, sunny afternoons.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Lemonade Pie

Icebox Cake

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

The classic Icebox Cake, with its layers of graham crackers, berries, and whipped cream, is a no-fuss, no-bake dessert. It’s a perfect choice for a sweet, cooling finish to your Easter meal, bringing back the charm of yesteryear.
Get the Recipe: Icebox Cake

Cherry Salad

Cherry fluff salad in blue bowls with whipped cream.
Cherry Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cherry Salad is a cool, creamy dessert that’s been a staple at festive gatherings. With just six ingredients, it’s an effortless, retro dessert to add to your Easter spread, offering a sweet respite from the heat.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad

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A collage of three easter dessert dishes featuring whipped cream-topped fruit jello, a coconut layered cake, and a green pistachio fluff salad, titled "old fashioned easter recipes.
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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