Throwing a 1970s-themed potluck gathering is a fun way to bring friends together and enjoy some nostalgic dishes. These 20 recipes are perfect for a retro potluck, featuring a mix of sweet and savory favorites that everyone will love. Each dish is simple to make, easy to share, and guaranteed to bring back memories from the past.
Butterscotch Apple Crisp
This Butterscotch Apple Crisp takes about an hour to make and is filled with tart apples and sweet butterscotch. The warm, gooey filling combines with a crunchy oat topping for a comforting dessert. Perfect for a 1970s-themed gathering, it brings together nostalgic flavors in every bite. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its balanced sweet and tangy profile.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Apple Crisp
Spiced Pear Cobbler
The Spiced Pear Cobbler is ready in about an hour and features juicy pears and a blend of warm spices. The buttermilk biscuit topping adds a delightful texture contrast to the tender fruit filling. Each bite is a harmonious mix of sweet, spicy, and buttery goodness. Ideal for evoking 1970s vibes, it’s a dessert that’s both homey and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pear Cobbler
Citrus Dream Tart
The Citrus Dream Tart, taking about 2 hours to prepare, offers a refreshing burst of citrus flavors from lemon and lime. The creamy filling sits atop a crisp, buttery crust, making each bite a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. It’s a vibrant and refreshing choice for your potluck spread. The tartness is tempered with a hint of sweetness, creating a delightful dessert.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Dream Tart
Blackberry Crumble Pie
This Blackberry Crumble Pie is a delicious combination of juicy blackberries and a buttery, crumbly topping. Ready in about 1.5 hours, it brings a nostalgic, homemade touch to your 1970s-themed potluck. The tart berries and sweet crumble create a perfect balance of flavors. It’s an inviting and comforting dessert that guests will love.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Crumble Pie
Blackberry Lime Tart with Edible Flowers
The Blackberry Lime Tart with Edible Flowers, which takes around 2 hours to make, is as visually stunning as it is tasty. The tart features a zesty lime filling and fresh blackberries, topped with delicate edible flowers. This dessert offers a bright, citrusy flavor with a hint of berry sweetness. It’s a showstopper that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Lime Tart with Edible Flowers
Butter Pecan Cookies
Butter Pecan Cookies, ready in about 30 minutes, are filled with crunchy pecans and rich butter flavor. These cookies have a delightful crispiness on the outside and a soft, chewy center. They bring a classic 1970s treat to your potluck with their simple yet satisfying taste. The nutty sweetness makes them an irresistible addition to any dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake takes about 1 hour to make and features fresh strawberries, fluffy biscuits, and whipped cream. This dessert is a delightful blend of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors. Perfect for a nostalgic 1970s-themed event, it’s both refreshing and satisfying. Each bite is a taste of summer and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust
Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust, taking about 45 minutes, offer a bright and tangy treat. The smooth lemon filling sits atop a buttery shortbread base, providing a delightful contrast. This classic dessert is perfect for adding a touch of citrusy freshness to your potluck. The balance of tart and sweet is both refreshing and irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust
Gluten Free Oatmeal Cookies
Gluten Free Oatmeal Cookies, ready in about 30 minutes, are packed with oats and a hint of cinnamon. These cookies are chewy, hearty, and perfect for those with gluten sensitivities. They bring a wholesome, nostalgic flavor to your 1970s-themed gathering. The combination of oats and spices makes them a comforting and satisfying treat.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Oatmeal Cookies
Spiced Shortbread Cookies
Spiced Shortbread Cookies take about 30 minutes to prepare and are infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. These cookies are buttery, crisp, and perfectly spiced. They bring a cozy, nostalgic flavor to any 1970s-themed potluck. The spiced notes make them a delightful and aromatic addition to the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Shortbread Cookies
Homemade Cinnamon Twists
Homemade Cinnamon Twists, which take about 1 hour to make, are filled with cinnamon and sugar. These twists are flaky, buttery, and have a delightful crunch. They are perfect for adding a touch of sweet nostalgia to your potluck. The warm cinnamon flavor makes them a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Twists
Mini Apple Pies
Mini Apple Pies, ready in about 1 hour, feature tender apples wrapped in a flaky crust. These bite-sized treats offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. They bring a classic dessert to your 1970s-themed gathering in a fun, portable form. Each mini pie is a delightful blend of spiced apple filling and buttery pastry.
Get the Recipe: Mini Apple Pies
Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Apple Cinnamon Rolls take about 2 hours to make and combine sweet apples and warm cinnamon in a soft, fluffy roll. These rolls are gooey, fragrant, and perfect for a nostalgic touch. They bring a cozy, homemade feel to your potluck. The combination of apple and cinnamon is a timeless favorite.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Pineapple Ice Cream Cakes
Pineapple Ice Cream Cakes, which take about 3 hours to prepare, feature layers of pineapple and creamy ice cream. These cakes are refreshing and sweet, perfect for a 1970s-themed potluck. They bring a tropical flair to your dessert spread. Each bite is a delightful mix of fruity and creamy textures.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Ice Cream Cakes
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp, ready in about 1 hour, combines tart rhubarb and sweet strawberries under a crunchy oat topping. This dessert offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. It’s a classic choice that brings a touch of nostalgia to your potluck. The crisp topping adds a delightful texture contrast.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread
Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread, taking about 1 hour to make, features tangy cranberries and bright orange zest. This bread is moist, slightly sweet, and dotted with crunchy poppy seeds. It’s perfect for adding a touch of citrusy freshness to your potluck. The combination of flavors makes it a standout dessert.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread
Chewy No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Chewy No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars, ready in about 20 minutes, are packed with peanut butter and oats. These bars are sweet, chewy, and require no baking, making them a quick and easy addition. They bring a wholesome, nostalgic flavor to your 1970s-themed gathering. The peanut butter and oats combination is always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Chewy No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream
Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream, taking about 1.5 hours to make, offers a tart and creamy dessert. The key lime filling is balanced by a sweet coconut whipped cream topping. It brings a tropical twist to your potluck. The refreshing flavors make it a perfect summer treat.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream
Peach Crumble Bars
Peach Crumble Bars, ready in about 1 hour, feature sweet peaches and a buttery crumble topping. These bars are a delightful mix of juicy fruit and crispy crumble. They bring a touch of nostalgia to your 1970s-themed gathering. The combination of peaches and crumble is simply irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Peach Crumble Bars
Lemon Sugar Cookies
Lemon Sugar Cookies, taking about 30 minutes to make, are filled with bright lemon flavor and a crisp sugar coating. These cookies are light, refreshing, and perfect for adding a citrusy touch. They bring a burst of sunshine to your potluck. The balance of sweet and tart is delightful in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Sugar Cookies