12+ Classic Dessert Recipes to Relive Your Childhood

Let’s talk about some old-school desserts that are pure comfort food.

I’m talking about creamy pudding pies, quirky dessert salads, and cakes that are total classics.

Some of these might remind you of your childhood—maybe your grandma made them!

Others might be totally new to you, or maybe they were popular before your time.

A few of these retro treats are still around today, while others have kind of faded into the background.

But here’s the thing: whether these desserts spark nostalgia or are brand new to you, they’re all worth trying.

Next time you’re craving something sweet and timeless, give one of these recipes a go.

Trust me, they’re like a delicious hug from the past!

15. Molasses Cookies

The taste of molasses takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen.

These cookies are packed with molasses, sour cream, brown sugar, raisins, and a mix of spices for a rich, nostalgic flavor.

Molasses Cookies

14. Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler

This cobbler is all about fresh peaches and a buttery biscuit topping.

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and it’s pure perfection.

Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler

13. Florentine Cookies

Florentines are more like caramel candy than cookies.

They’re made by baking homemade caramel until it’s thin and bubbly.

A drizzle of melted chocolate makes them an indulgent treat for any occasion.

Florentine Cookies

12. Million Dollar Pie

If you haven’t tried this yet, you’re missing out.

It’s a mix of cream cheese, pineapple, and pecans in a graham cracker crust.

Simple, yet absolutely delicious.

Million Dollar Pie

11. Ice Cream Bread

This retro dessert uses melted ice cream for sweetness and flavor.

I love making it with Nutty Butter bars and Nutty Bars ice cream for a chocolate-peanut butter twist.

Feel free to use your favorite ice cream flavor, though!

Ice Cream Bread

10. Watergate Salad

This green dessert has been a hit since the 70s.

It’s a mix of pistachio flavor, pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped topping.

It’s super easy to make, and you can tweak it to fit your dietary needs.

Watergate Salad

9. Banana Pudding

Banana pudding is a classic that never goes out of style.

This version layers homemade vanilla pudding with Nilla Wafers and fresh bananas.

Pro tip: Let it sit overnight for the best results.

Banana Pudding

8. Wacky Cake

This cake got its name during the Great Depression when eggs were scarce.

It’s mixed right in the pan and uses vinegar, oil, and water for a fluffy texture.

It’s a quirky but delicious chocolate cake.

Wacky Cake

7. Classic Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia salad brings back memories of potlucks and family gatherings.

It’s a simple mix of canned fruit, marshmallows, coconut, pecans, and Cool Whip.

The flavors get better the longer it sits.

Classic Ambrosia Salad

6. Old-Fashioned Caramel Cake

This cake is moist and buttery with a caramel frosting that’s almost like fudge.

It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy with a cup of coffee.

Old-Fashioned Caramel Cake

5. Grandma’s Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Yes, mayonnaise is in this cake!

It adds moisture and a subtle tang that makes it incredibly tasty.

Trust me, it’s way better than it sounds.

Grandma’s Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

4. Grandma’s Caramel Sticky Buns

Move over, cinnamon rolls—these caramel sticky buns are the real deal.

They’re made with a sweet yeast dough, cinnamon sugar, and a sticky caramel pecan topping.

They’re finger-licking good!

Grandma’s Caramel Sticky Buns

3. Sour Cream Pound Cake

Sour cream is the key to this dense and moist pound cake.

It’s delicious on its own or topped with fresh berries and whipped cream.

Sour Cream Pound Cake

2. 7UP Pound Cake

This cake has been a favorite since the 50s.

The lemon-lime soda gives it a light, fluffy texture.

The glaze also includes soda for an extra zing.

7UP Pound Cake

1. Southern Buttermilk Pie

Buttermilk pie is a custard pie with a hint of lemon.

It’s a timeless classic that deserves more attention.

Perfect for any occasion!

Southern Buttermilk Pie