20 vintage dessert recipes for an old-fashioned ladies lunch

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Hosting a ladies’ lunch calls for special touches, and what better way to round off the meal than with a selection of vintage dessert recipes? These 20 desserts hark back to an era of classic charm and simplicity, offering a sweet nod to the past. From the richness of chocolate to the freshness of fruit, each recipe has been chosen for its timeless appeal and ability to complement any luncheon. These old-fashioned treats are sure to bring a sense of nostalgia and satisfaction to your table without overwhelming the modern palate.

A plate of apple pie with a slice taken out of it.
Gluten-free apple cake. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Gluten free pecan pie with maple syrup and maple dulce de leche cream

Close up of pecan pie with dulce de leche cream.
Gluten free pecan pie with maple syrup and maple dulce de leche cream. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

The Gluten Free Pecan Pie with Maple Syrup and Maple Dulce de Leche Cream combines the nutty crunch of pecans with the sweetness of maple. This dessert, taking about an hour to prepare, is a testament to traditional flavors with a gluten-free twist. Main ingredients include pecans, maple syrup, and a sumptuous maple-infused dulce de leche cream. Its rich and caramel-like taste makes it a delightful finish to any luncheon.
Get the Recipe: Gluten free pecan pie with maple syrup and maple dulce de leche cream

Chocolate Raspberry Tart

Overhead of raspberry chocolate tart.
Chocolate Raspberry Tart. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

A Chocolate Raspberry Tart is a decadent blend of rich chocolate and tart raspberries. Ready in about 45 minutes, this dessert features a smooth chocolate ganache and fresh raspberries atop a crisp tart shell. The main ingredients are chocolate, raspberries, and a buttery tart base. Its contrasting flavors offer a sophisticated and memorable dessert experience.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Raspberry Tart

No-bake chocolate pistachio cake

Slices of chocolate pistachio cake.
No-bake chocolate pistachio cake. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

The No-Bake Chocolate Pistachio Cake is a convenient and indulgent treat that requires no oven time. With a chilling time of about 4 hours, this cake’s main ingredients include chocolate, pistachios, and cream. Its smooth texture and the combination of nutty pistachios with chocolate create a delightful taste. This dessert is perfect for a summer luncheon where the oven is best left off.
Get the Recipe: No-bake chocolate pistachio cake

Gluten free cherry cobbler

side view of slice of cherry cobbler with ice cream.
Gluten free cherry cobbler. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Gluten Free Cherry Cobbler brings the classic cobbler to the table with a focus on dietary inclusivity. This dessert takes about 1 hour to prepare and features sweet cherries and a gluten-free biscuit topping. The main ingredients are cherries, gluten-free flour, and sugar. It offers a warm, comforting taste that pairs well with a dollop of whipped cream.
Get the Recipe: Gluten free cherry cobbler

Chocolate gluten-free rugelach

Chocolate croissants on a plate with a cup of coffee.
Chocolate gluten-free rugelach. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chocolate Gluten-Free Rugelach is a twist on the traditional Jewish pastry, made accessible for those with gluten sensitivities. It takes approximately 2 hours to make, with chocolate and cream cheese being the star ingredients. The pastry is known for its tender texture and the chocolate adds a rich, indulgent flavor. It’s a delightful bite-sized treat that adds elegance to any luncheon.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate gluten-free rugelach

Gluten-free pouding chomeur with homemade date syrup

A bowl of ice cream and oranges on a blue tablecloth.
Gluten-free pouding chomeur with homemade date syrup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Gluten-Free Pouding Chomeur with Homemade Date Syrup is a Canadian dessert with a gluten-free makeover. Taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish, it features a soft cake soaked in a sweet date syrup. The main ingredients include gluten-free flour, cream, and dates. Its taste is a comforting blend of caramel and vanilla, perfect for a cozy gathering.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-free pouding chomeur with homemade date syrup

Raspberry Coeur a la Creme

A heart-shaped cheesecake topped with raspberries on a red sauce, with a hand holding a spoon on a pink background.
Raspberry Coeur a la Creme. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Raspberry Coeur a la Creme is a French dessert that presents beautifully and tastes divine. In just about 2 hours, including chilling time, you can have this dessert ready with main ingredients like cream cheese, raspberries, and heavy cream. It has a creamy texture with a burst of fresh raspberry flavor. This heart-shaped dessert is sure to charm guests at a ladies lunch.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Coeur a la Creme

Raspberry mini pavlovas

A few raspberry pavlovas on a baking sheet.
Raspberry mini pavlovas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Raspberry Mini Pavlovas are light, meringue-based treats that take about 2 hours to create. They feature a crisp exterior and soft interior, topped with fresh raspberries and cream. The main ingredients are egg whites, sugar, and raspberries. Their sweet, airy taste makes them a delightful and elegant addition to any dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry mini pavlovas

Pistachio Hamantaschen Cookies

Slices of pistachio cake with a drizzle of green syrup, served on a round black plate, accompanied by whole pistachios.
Pistachio Hamantaschen Cookies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pistachio Hamantaschen Cookies are a traditional Jewish pastry with a nutty pistachio filling. They require about 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare and are made with pistachios, flour, and sugar. These cookies have a tender crust with a rich, savory-sweet center. They are a unique and flavorful choice for a themed luncheon.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Hamantaschen Cookies

Gluten-Free Triple Chocolate Muffins Recipe

Close-up of a chocolate muffin sprinkled with cocoa powder on a textured surface.
Gluten-Free Triple Chocolate Muffins Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Gluten-Free Triple Chocolate Muffins offer a triple dose of chocolate in a convenient, portable form. With a baking time of around 30 minutes, these muffins are made with cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and a gluten-free flour blend. Their moist texture and deep chocolate flavor make them irresistible. They’re a perfect grab-and-go option for a casual ladies lunch.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Triple Chocolate Muffins Recipe

French Chocolate orange tart

A chocolate tart with orange slices and rosemary.
French Chocolate orange tart. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

The French Chocolate Orange Tart is a sophisticated dessert that marries the zest of oranges with the depth of chocolate. It takes about 1 hour to prepare and features ingredients like orange zest, chocolate, and butter. The taste is a balance of citrusy brightness and velvety chocolate. This tart is a chic addition to any dessert spread.
Get the Recipe: French Chocolate orange tart

Argentinian alfajores recipe

Alfajores on marble plate with coffee.
Argentinian alfajores recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Argentinian Alfajores are cookie sandwiches filled with dulce de leche and rolled in coconut. Preparation time is about 1 hour and they feature cornstarch, dulce de leche, and coconut as main ingredients. Their taste is a delightful combination of buttery cookies and sweet, creamy filling. These treats bring a touch of South American flair to the table.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian alfajores recipe

Gluten-free apple cake

A plate of apple pie with a slice taken out of it.
Gluten-free apple cake. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Gluten-Free Apple Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that doesn’t compromise on taste despite being gluten-free. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to bake and includes apples, cinnamon, and a gluten-free flour mix. The taste is reminiscent of classic apple pie, with a tender crumb. It’s a comforting end to any meal, especially when served with a scoop of ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-free apple cake

Heavenly chocolate tart with almonds

Chocolate tart sliced into pieces.
Heavenly chocolate tart with almonds. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Heavenly Chocolate Tart with Almonds is a rich, gluten-free dessert option. Ready in about 45 minutes, it combines almonds, dark chocolate, and a hint of almond extract. The taste is a luxurious blend of nutty and chocolatey notes. This tart is a sumptuous treat that’s bound to impress.
Get the Recipe: Heavenly chocolate tart with almonds

Baked cranberry cheesecake

A slice of cheesecake with cranberry sauce on top.
Baked cranberry cheesecake. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Baked Cranberry Cheesecake offers a vibrant twist on the classic cheesecake with its tart cranberry topping. With a total time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, it features cream cheese, cranberries, and a gluten-free crust. Its taste is a harmonious mix of creamy and tangy. This cheesecake is a festive and colorful addition to any luncheon.
Get the Recipe: Baked cranberry cheesecake

Almond apple cake with apple roses

A cake with apples on top of a white plate.
Almond apple cake with apple roses. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Almond Apple Cake with Apple Roses is both a visual and flavorful delight. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to create, with main ingredients like apples, almond flour, and honey. The taste is a sweet blend of apples and almonds, with a touch of honey. This cake is as beautiful as it is delicious, perfect for a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Almond apple cake with apple roses

White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Overhead view of cookies.
White Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

White Chocolate Chip Cookies are a sweet twist on the classic cookie. They take about 25 minutes to bake and feature white chocolate chips, butter, and flour. Their taste is a creamy, sweet indulgence with a soft, chewy texture. These cookies are a simple yet delightful treat for any dessert table.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin Pecan Pie

Overhead view of pumpin pecan pie.
Pumpkin Pecan Pie. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pumpkin Pecan Pie combines the flavors of fall with the richness of pecans in one dish. Taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes to prepare, it includes pumpkin puree, pecans, and spices. Its taste is a warm, spiced blend that encapsulates the essence of autumn. This pie is a comforting addition to a seasonal ladies lunch.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Pie

Soft and Chewy Coconut Macaroon Pyramids

4 Coconut macaroons on baking dish.
Soft and Chewy Coconut Macaroon Pyramids. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Soft and Chewy Coconut Macaroon Pyramids are a playful take on the traditional macaroon. They require about 30 minutes to make and consist of shredded coconut, egg whites, and sugar. Their taste is a sweet, coconutty treat with a soft, chewy texture. These pyramid-shaped delights are a fun and tasty conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Soft and Chewy Coconut Macaroon Pyramids

Vanilla cake with yogurt crema, roasted figs and hazelnuts

Vanilla cake with yogurt crema, roasted figs and hazelnuts. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Vanilla Cake with Yogurt Crema, Roasted Figs, and Hazelnuts is a refined dessert that offers a blend of textures and flavors. It requires about 1 hour to prepare, featuring vanilla cake, tangy yogurt crema, and the natural sweetness of figs. The main ingredients are almond flour, yogurt, and fresh figs, resulting in a taste that’s both fresh and indulgent. This dessert is an elegant finale to any ladies lunch, especially when presentation counts.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla cake with yogurt crema, roasted figs and hazelnuts

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