Nanna’s 21 desserts that cured everything (according to her)

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Rumor has it, Nanna’s dessert recipes have mended everything from heartbreak to a stubbed toe. These 21 sweet creations aren’t just about a sugar fix; they’re her life’s work in edible problem-solving. Got a bad day? Well, Nanna’s desserts are here to turn that frown into pure joy because, according to her, there’s not a thing in life that a good dessert can’t fix. Every bite comes with a dash of magic and a whole lot of charm.

A white rectangular plate with pieces of pumpkin blondies.
Pumpkin Blondies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pecan Pie Brownies

A close-up of two pecan brownies on a slate surface, showing the rich, chocolatey interior and a topping of chopped pecans.
Pecan Pie Brownies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

When you need something sweet and fulfilling, look no further. Imagine biting into a rich chocolate brownie that suddenly surprises you with the crunchy, nutty goodness of pecans. Pecan Pie Brownies are that perfect blend, making you wonder why you haven’t tried mixing these two classics before. It’s like getting the best of both worlds in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Brownies

Molly Bars

Four pieces of molly bars on a white plate.
Molly Bars. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

On days when you’re feeling a little down, there’s nothing quite like a treat that lifts your spirits. That’s where Molly Bars come in, with their unique texture and flavor that stand out from the usual desserts. They’re the kind of snack you look forward to all day, a little ‘pick me up’ that never fails to bring a smile. Plus, they’re just fun to eat.
Get the Recipe: Molly Bars

Lemon Cake Pops

Lemon cake pops on a white plate.
Lemon Cake Pops. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Ever need a burst of sunshine on a dull day? Lemon Cake Pops pack that vibrant, citrusy punch in a fun, bite-sized form that’s impossible to resist. They’re the perfect mix of tangy and sweet, bringing a little light to any moment. And because they’re on a stick, they’re mess-free, making them the ideal grab-and-go dessert.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cake Pops

Turkey Brownie Cupcakes

Pieces of Turkey brownies served on a white plate beside a bowl of M&Ms.
Turkey Brownie Cupcakes. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Have you ever seen a dessert that made you do a double take? Turkey Brownie Cupcakes are exactly that, blending the rich, chocolatey depth of brownies with a whimsical, fun design that surprises everyone. They’re not just a treat, they’re a conversation starter, perfect for parties or when you want to bring a little joy into someone’s day. Each one is a mini delight, offering a combination of flavors and a playful look.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Brownie Cupcakes

Skeleton Oreo Cookie Balls

Four pieces of Skeleton Oreo Cookie Balls on a rack.
Skeleton Oreo Cookie Balls. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Halloween or not, who doesn’t love a dessert with a dash of spookiness? Skeleton Oreo Cookie Balls deliver that with flair, taking a beloved cookie and transforming it into something creatively creepy. They’re the go-to when you want to serve something that gets both a laugh and a “yum.” Plus, they’re incredibly poppable, making it hard to stop at just one.
Get the Recipe: Skeleton Oreo Cookie Balls

Two-layer Pumpkin Brownies

Three pieces of pumpkin brownies on a slate plate.
Two-layer Pumpkin Brownies. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

There’s something about autumn that just screams for pumpkin-flavored everything, right? Two-layer Pumpkin Brownies fit right into that craving, combining the beloved fall flavor with the decadent chocolatiness of brownies. It’s like enjoying the essence of the season in every slice. As if fall had a flavor, it would surely taste like this delicious treat.
Get the Recipe: Two-layer Pumpkin Brownies

Grandma’s Buttermilk Cake

Two small Bundt Grandma's Buttermilk Cake with a smooth white glaze sit on a rectangular white plate.
Grandma’s Buttermilk Cake. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Sometimes, you just need the comfort of a classic, something that tastes like childhood and simpler times. Grandma’s Buttermilk Cake does just that, with its moist, tender crumb and subtly sweet flavor that feels like a warm hug. It’s the kind of cake that makes you want to sit down with a cup of tea and savor every bite. Without a doubt, it’s a timeless recipe that charms with each slice.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Buttermilk Cake

Hot Chocolate Cookies

A white square plate with a stack of chocolate cookies featuring white chocolate chips.
Hot Chocolate Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Imagine the best part of winter, cozying up with a hot mug of chocolate, now in cookie form. Hot Chocolate Cookies manage to capture that comforting warmth, blending the rich taste of your favorite winter beverage with the chewy delight of cookies. They’re a hit with both kids and adults, perfect for when you need a little warmth from the inside out. Having one feels like a cozy blanket in dessert form.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Cookies

Cranberry and Pistachio Shortbread

A plate of Cranberry and Pistachio Shortbread.
Cranberry and Pistachio Shortbread. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

When you’re looking for a dessert that’s a bit out of the ordinary but totally delicious, Cranberry and Pistachio Shortbread steps up. This treat marries the tartness of cranberries with the earthy crunch of pistachios, all held together in buttery shortbread. It’s a festive combination, sure to catch the eye and please the palate, making it a standout during the holidays or any day.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Pistachio Shortbread

Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

A top-down shot of Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies on a white plate.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Not all cookies have to be about chocolate and nuts. Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies offer a refreshing change, with their light, tangy flavor balanced by the slight crunch of poppy seeds. They’re the perfect afternoon pick-me-up, especially with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s a subtle twist on the classic cookie, proving that sometimes, simple flavors speak the loudest.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

Dutch Apple Pie Squares

Three pieces of Dutch Apple Pie Squares on a black slate plate.
Dutch Apple Pie Squares. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

For those who love the idea of apple pie but not the fuss of making one, Dutch Apple Pie Squares are a dream come true. They capture all the cozy, comforting flavors of your grandma’s apple pie, but in a form that’s easy to share and enjoy. Each square is a wonderful mix of sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples and crumbly, buttery crust, basically autumn in a bite. It’s a creative take on a beloved classic, making it a hit at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Apple Pie Squares

Ginger Spice Cookies

A plate of Spiced Ginger Cookies and a cup of tea.
Ginger Spice Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re a fan of flavors that kick, Ginger Spice Cookies are your go-to treat. They bring a warm, spicy bite that’s just right, not too overpowering but definitely present. Perfect for dipping in milk or with a hot cup of tea, they’re the cookie that comforts and excites all at once. It’s the kind of snack that reminds you of holidays and happy times, warming from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Spice Cookies

Mango Curd

A jar of mango curd next to a mango and a mint leaf.
Mango Curd. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes, you crave something sweet but not in the form of a cake or cookie. Mango Curd is that lush, creamy dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth in a more refined way. It’s smooth, tangy, and utterly irresistible, perfect for spreading on toast, filling cakes, or just enjoying by the spoonful. It brings a bit of tropical sunshine to your plate, no matter the weather outside.
Get the Recipe: Mango Curd

Double Chocolate Brookies

A plate of chocolate cookies with walnuts and chocolate pieces on the side.
Double Chocolate Brookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Why choose between cookies and brownies when you can have both? Double Chocolate Brookies offer the perfect compromise, with the gooey, chocolatey goodness of brownies and the crunchy edges of cookies. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream, proving that when it comes to dessert, more is indeed merrier. Bite into one, and let the rich flavors do all the talking.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Brookies

Yellow Plum Crumble Bars

Yellow plum crumble bars on a black slate plate.
Yellow Plum Crumble Bars. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Every now and then, a dessert comes along that’s both elegant and easy, like Yellow Plum Crumble Bars. They combine the tart sweetness of yellow plums with the rustic, comforting texture of crumble topping. Perfect for an afternoon snack or a casual dessert, they somehow manage to be both refreshing and indulgent. It’s a unique take on fruit desserts, one that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Plum Crumble Bars

Smoked Peaches with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream

Smoked peaches topped with spiced rum whipped cream on a platter.
Smoked Peaches with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a dessert that’s truly different, Smoked Peaches with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream upgrades fruit to a whole new level. The smoky sweetness of the peaches, enriched with the boldness of spiced rum whipped cream, creates an unforgettable flavor experience. It’s sophisticated yet simple, an ideal choice for ending a special meal on a high note. This dish proves that sometimes, the most unusual combinations are the most memorable.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Peaches with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream

Raspberry Crumb Cake

A piece of raspberry crumb cake on a plate.
Raspberry Crumb Cake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

There’s just something about the combination of tangy raspberries and sweet, buttery cake that feels so right. Raspberry Crumb Cake brings these two together in harmony, topped with a crumbly, golden topping that’s utterly addictive. It works as a breakfast treat, a snack, or a dessert, making it a versatile favorite. It’s the kind of cake that disappears quickly whenever it’s served, loved by all who try it.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Crumb Cake

Fall Brownie Cupcake

Fall brownie cupcakes with whipped cream on a plate.
Fall Brownie Cupcake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

As the leaves start to change color, it’s time to bring out a dessert that matches the season’s vibe. Fall Brownie Cupcake does just that, blending rich cocoa flavors with seasonal spices for a treat that tastes like autumn. Ideal for cozy nights in, these cupcakes are like a warm blanket in dessert form, comforting and deeply fulfilling. Each one is a mini celebration of fall, making them a perfect treat for the season.
Get the Recipe: Fall Brownie Cupcake

Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits

Four glasses of raspberry cheesecake parfait.
Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

When you want elegance without all the effort, Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits are the answer. They layer creamy cheesecake filling with fresh, tart raspberries, resulting in a striking dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Each spoonful is a wonderful contrast of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion that calls for something special. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a dessert that impresses.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits

Blueberry Grunt

Blueberry Grunt on a blue plate with ice cream.
Blueberry Grunt. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re in the mood for something truly traditional, Blueberry Grunt is a dessert that harkens back to simpler times. This dish combines plump, juicy blueberries with a soft, dumpling-like topping, creating a comforting, homey dessert. It’s a bit of nostalgia in every bite, reminding you of family gatherings and homemade meals. Simple, fulfilling, and delicious, it’s a classic that never fails to please.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Grunt

Pumpkin Blondies

A white rectangular plate with pieces of pumpkin blondies.
Pumpkin Blondies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When pumpkin season rolls around, it’s time to break out Pumpkin Blondies, a dessert that’s got all the spice and everything nice. They strike a wonderful balance between the moistness of pumpkin and the chewy texture of blondies, making them a fall favorite. Whether you’re carving pumpkins or just craving something seasonal, these blondies are sure to hit the spot. It’s like enjoying a slice of autumn, much to everyone’s delight.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Blondies

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