19 Retro Desserts to Make Today – Straight from Grandma’s Recipe Box

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Take a sweet trip down memory lane with these 19 retro desserts that will transport you back to Grandma’s kitchen! These timeless treats are sure to bring feelings of nostalgia and comfort.

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

Watergate Salad

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

Watergate Salad, also known as Pistachio Fluff, is a creamy, dreamy dessert that grandma would whip up with minimal effort. This convenient and tasty addition to any summer menu requires only five ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

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 summer dessert that grandma would whip up in just five minutes. With its zesty and sweet flavors, it’s the perfect way to cool down and unwind during the summer’s heat.
Get the Recipe: Lemonade Pie

Haystack Cookies

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

Haystack Cookies are a delightful throwback to the simple summer treats grandma used to make. These no-bake cookies, requiring only four ingredients and a bit of your time, unite chocolate and peanut butter in a nostalgic dessert.
Get the Recipe: Haystack 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 grandma would love to serve. It pairs the natural tartness of blueberries with a moist, sweet cake, capturing the essence of summer fruit harvests in a simple yet rewarding dessert.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Upside Down Cake

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 summer desserts that grandma used to make. It’s a laid-back treat that brings the sweetness of summer to your table with minimal effort, allowing peaches in any form to shine.
Get the Recipe: Lazy Peach Cobbler

Chocolate Lush

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

Chocolate Lush is a layered no-bake wonder that combines classic American flavors, reminiscent of the desserts grandma used to make in the summer. This four-layer dessert, with its Oreo cookie crust, peanut butter cheesecake, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream, is a tribute to nostalgic treats.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Lush

Amish Apple Fritter Bread

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

Amish Apple Fritter Bread is a comforting summer treat that wraps you in the warmth of cinnamon and apples, just like grandma used to make. Each slice, topped with a luscious glaze, is a reminder of the simple pleasures that traditional recipes provide.
Get the Recipe: Amish Apple Fritter Bread

Blueberry Cobbler

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

This Southern Blueberry Cobbler is a summer dessert that captures the essence of grandma’s baking. The burst of berry juices and the flaky crust create a symphony of flavors that honors the simplicity and richness of the fruit.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cobbler

Homemade Chocolate Pudding

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

Dive into the richness of Homemade Chocolate Pudding, a creamy summer dessert that brings you the authentic taste of chocolate, just like grandma used to make. Forget the instant mixes and treat yourself to the genuine article with this straightforward recipe.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chocolate Pudding

Peach Crostata

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

This Peach Crostata, with its rustic charm and simple preparation, is a summer dessert that grandma would be proud to serve. The natural sweetness of peaches shines through in this effortless treat, reminiscent of carefree summer days.
Get the Recipe: Peach Crostata

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 summer dessert that grandma would love for its combination of peanut butter and chocolate. With just six simple ingredients, it’s an easy way to whip up a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter 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 summer meal, just like the ones grandma used to make. Its tangy and sweet flavor is a timeless classic that brings back fond memories of family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad

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 and a classic summer dessert that grandma would be proud to serve. This easy treat, with its buttery base, chewy texture, and a sprinkle of chocolate, is a delightful mix of sweet flavors.
Get the Recipe: Magic Bars

Icebox Cake

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

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

Cool Whip Cookies

Cool whip cookies on parchment with powdered sugar.
Cool Whip Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cool Whip Cookies are a simple summer treat that grandma would appreciate for their delightfully chewy and lemony flavor. Using just a handful of ingredients, these cookies are a quick and easy way to bring a touch of sweetness to any day.
Get the Recipe: Cool Whip Cookies

Apricot Upside Down Cake

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

Bask in sweet nostalgia with an Apricot Upside Down Cake, a summer dessert that grandma would be proud to serve. Featuring caramelized apricots atop a tender, buttery base, this cake brings back warm, comforting memories of baking in grandma’s kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Upside Down Cake

Church Window Cookies

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

Church Window Cookies are a quaint, no-bake summer treat that grandma would love for their combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts. These colorful cookies are a homage to simpler times and nostalgic desserts.
Get the Recipe: Church Window Cookies

Cherry Salad

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

Cherry Salad, also known as Pink Fluff, is a cool, creamy summer dessert that grandma would often serve at festive gatherings. With just six ingredients and five minutes of prep, it’s a breeze to whip up this nostalgic treat.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad

Ricotta Cookies

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

Ricotta Cookies, with their tender, cake-like texture, are a summer treat that grandma would appreciate for their nod to traditional Italian baking. These cookies, a staple during the holidays, are versatile enough to bring a touch of sweetness to any day.
Get the Recipe: Ricotta Cookies

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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