15 old-fashioned recipes that no one remembers anymore

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Many old recipes aren’t as common as they used to be, with new food trends taking over. We’ve put together a list of 15 old recipes that people don’t really remember anymore. These dishes bring back the easy, satisfying cooking that was once everyday fare in kitchens everywhere.

Low angle shot of rugelach cookies filled with chocolate and pecans.
Chocolate Rugelach. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Grandma’s Cornbread

Overhead shot of cornbread in a cast iron skillet with a single slice cut out.
Grandma’s Cornbread. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

A relic from the past, Grandma’s Cornbread is a humble yet delicious side dish ready in 25 minutes. This old-fashioned recipe uses cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, resulting in a perfect blend of moisture and a golden crust. The taste is a comforting mix of sweet and buttery, often forgotten in today’s fast-paced culinary world. It’s a testament to the timeless appeal of simple, satisfying food.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Cornbread

Mini Apple Pies

Miniature pies with lattice crusts on a plate.
Mini Apple Pies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Mini Apple Pies are a quaint, old-fashioned dessert that encapsulates the essence of a full-sized pie in a 30-minute treat. With a flaky crust and a filling of spiced apple chunks, these pies are a nod to a bygone era. The cinnamon and apple-filled bites are reminiscent of a time when desserts were handcrafted with care. They bring a touch of nostalgia to any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Mini Apple Pies

Apple Bacon Beer Bread

A sliced loaf of apple bacon beer bread on a cutting board with a knife next to an apple.
Apple Bacon Beer Bread. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Apple Bacon Beer Bread is a rustic, old-fashioned recipe that’s ready in about an hour. It weaves together the flavors of savory bacon, sweet apples, and hearty beer. This dense, chewy bread offers a taste that’s been overshadowed by more modern fare. It’s a hearty throwback to a time when each ingredient was savored.
Get the Recipe: Apple Bacon Beer Bread

Banana Bread Muffins

A muffin sitting on a napkin next to a glass of milk.
Banana Bread Muffins. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Banana Bread Muffins are a classic recipe from yesteryear, ready in 25 minutes and perfect for using up overripe bananas. These old-fashioned muffins are moist, often studded with walnuts or chocolate chips, and embody a taste that many have forgotten. They’re a sweet reminder of the days when homemade treats were a regular indulgence. The recipe brings a piece of the past into today’s kitchens.
Get the Recipe: Banana Bread Muffins

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake

Two servings of strawberry shortcake on a blue background.
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The Homemade Strawberry Shortcake, ready in 30 minutes, harks back to a simpler time when desserts were as fresh as the ingredients themselves. This old-fashioned delight layers flaky biscuits with sweetened strawberries and whipped cream. Its taste evokes memories of family picnics and summertime joy, a flavor that has become rare in contemporary cooking. It’s a classic recipe that deserves a revival.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Strawberry Shortcake

Drop Biscuits with Orange Honey Butter

Freshly baked biscuits cooling on a wire rack with a ramekin of honey butter.
Drop Biscuits with Orange Honey Butter. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Drop Biscuits with Orange Honey Butter, ready in 20 minutes, are an effortless throwback to traditional baking. The old-fashioned biscuits are light and buttery, with the orange honey butter adding a forgotten twist of sweetness. This recipe revives the art of simple baking, where the rich biscuit meets a hint of citrus. It’s a taste of history in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Drop Biscuits with Orange Honey Butter

Citrus Dream Tart

A plate with Citrus Dream Tart next to slices of grapefruit and blood orange.
Citrus Dream Tart. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Citrus Dream Tart, with its vibrant flavors, is an old-fashioned recipe that takes about 40 minutes to make. Once a staple at gatherings, its combination of tangy citrus curd and sweet pastry crust is rarely found on modern tables. The tart is a refreshing dessert, with a taste that balances zesty oranges and lemons against a creamy, buttery backdrop. It’s a classic dessert that’s ripe for rediscovery.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Dream Tart

Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread

A loaf of cranberry orange poppy seed bread on a cutting board.
Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread is a forgotten gem that takes about 60 minutes to bake. This old-school recipe marries tart cranberries with zesty orange and the subtle crunch of poppy seeds. The bread has a unique flavor profile that’s both tangy and sweet, often overlooked in today’s pastry scene. It’s a reminder of the diversity found in traditional baking.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread

Easy Pavlova Recipe

A pavlova topped with berries and figs.
Easy Pavlova Recipe. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The Easy Pavlova Recipe is an old-fashioned dessert that takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to create. This delicate meringue-based treat, once a showstopper at dinner parties, features a crisp crust with a soft, light inside, topped with fresh fruit. The taste is a sublime combination of sweetness and the tartness of the fruit. It’s a classic dessert that’s waiting to be rediscovered by a new generation.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pavlova Recipe

English Muffin Bread

A loaf of bread is sitting on a cutting board.
English Muffin Bread. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

English Muffin Bread, ready in about 35 minutes, revives the comforting texture and taste of traditional English muffins in a convenient loaf form. This old-fashioned bread is perfect for toasting and has the characteristic nooks and crannies that hold butter and jam so well. The taste is reminiscent of a time when homemade bread was a daily staple. It’s a simple pleasure that has been overshadowed by pre-packaged alternatives.
Get the Recipe: English Muffin Bread

Almond Crescent Cookies

Almond Crescent Cookies on a parchment paper with one piece missing.
Almond Crescent Cookies. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Almond Crescent Cookies, taking about 40 minutes to make, are a nostalgic recipe often associated with holidays and family traditions. These old-fashioned cookies are buttery and nutty, with a shape that’s distinctive and elegant. The taste of almonds and vanilla is a throwback to a time when cookies were made with care and patience. They’re a sweet reminder of the past, perfect for a quiet moment with tea or coffee.
Get the Recipe: Almond Crescent Cookies

Best Gluten Free Bundt Cake

A bundt cake with a slice taken out of it.
Best Gluten Free Bundt Cake. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Best Gluten Free Bundt Cake, ready in about 60 minutes, is an old-fashioned recipe that has been adapted for modern dietary needs. This cake offers the same rich, moist texture that made the classic Bundt cake a staple in the past. Its taste is a satisfying blend of vanilla and a hint of citrus, often lost in contemporary gluten-free desserts. It’s a nod to the past, suitable for today’s health-conscious dessert lovers.
Get the Recipe: Best Gluten Free Bundt Cake

No Bake Brownies

Close up side view of three no bake brownies on white plate.
No Bake Brownies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

No Bake Brownies are a quick, old-fashioned treat that can be prepared in about 15 minutes. This recipe captures the essence of classic brownies without the need for an oven, a technique often forgotten in the age of convenience baking. The result is a rich, fudgy square with a dense texture and deep chocolate flavor. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of past bakers and a delight for chocolate aficionados.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Brownies

Chewy Molasses Cookies

A hand holds a chewy molasses cookie facing the camera with more cookies on a baking sheet in the background.
Chewy Molasses Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chewy Molasses Cookies, taking about 20 minutes to make, are a traditional recipe that many have forgotten. These old-fashioned cookies are soft and chewy with a rich molasses flavor, complemented by spices like ginger and cinnamon. The taste is a warm, comforting spice blend that harkens back to a slower time of baking. They’re a holiday favorite that deserves a place in the year-round cookie jar.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Molasses Cookies

Chocolate Rugelach

Low angle shot of rugelach cookies filled with chocolate and pecans.
Chocolate Rugelach. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chocolate Rugelach, with a prep time of about 30 minutes, is a classic pastry that has its roots in Eastern European baking traditions. This old-fashioned recipe features a flaky dough rolled with chocolate filling, creating a rich and decadent treat. The taste is a perfect balance of sweet chocolate and buttery pastry, often overshadowed by more modern sweets. It’s a cultural delicacy that’s ready for a comeback.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Rugelach

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