Desserts have a way of transporting us back to our fondest memories, whether it’s grandma’s homemade apple pie or the ice cream sundaes we shared with friends on summer evenings. In this post, we’ve curated a collection of 17 classic desserts that are sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia and bring a smile to your face.
Amish Cinnamon Bread
The smell of cinnamon from this bread brings memories flooding back. Many remember this simple recipe from visits to grandmother’s house.
Get the Recipe: Amish Cinnamon Bread
Blackberry Cobbler
This Lazy Blackberry Cobbler pairs fresh berries with an easy cake-like crust. The recipe comes straight from old community cookbooks and brings back memories of summer desserts.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Cobbler
Pistachio Fluff Salad
Also known as Watergate salad, this 5-ingredient mix brings back memories of family gatherings. The green color and light texture remind many of holiday celebrations past.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Fluff Salad
Blueberry Cobbler
This Southern classic pairs a crisp biscuit topping with juicy berries. The way the fruit bubbles through the crust takes you back to summer days in your family kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cobbler
Lunch Lady Brownies
These classic cafeteria-style brownies take you right back to school days. The familiar chocolate flavor and texture remind many of childhood lunch breaks.
Get the Recipe: Lunch Lady Brownies
Peanut Butter Pie
Six basic ingredients make up this no-bake pie that’s been passed down through generations. The creamy peanut butter filling reminds many of family celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Pie
Cherry Salad
This classic Pink Fluff takes just 6 ingredients to make and reminds many of childhood potlucks. The simple mix comes together in minutes and brings back memories of family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad
Strawberry Roll Cake
Fresh strawberries and whipped cream roll into soft sponge cake in this remembered recipe. This take on strawberry shortcake brings back memories of spring celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Roll Cake
Blueberry Upside Down Cake
This vintage cake pairs fresh blueberries with a soft cake base. The way the berries create a beautiful pattern on top reminds many of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Upside Down Cake
Chocolate Lush
Oreos, peanut butter cheesecake, chocolate pudding and Cool Whip stack up in this remembered dessert. The four layers remind many of church potlucks and family reunions.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Lush
Homemade Chocolate Pudding
Skip the box and make this rich chocolate pudding just like grandma did. The smooth texture and real chocolate flavor bring back memories of after-school snacks.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chocolate Pudding
Orange Fluff Salad
This creamsicle-inspired mix of oranges, cottage cheese, Jello and Cool Whip takes you right back to family cookouts. The bright orange color and creamy texture remind many of childhood summers.
Get the Recipe: Orange Fluff Salad
Frozen Lemonade Pie
Four basic ingredients come together in this no-bake pie that reminds many of backyard parties. The bright, citrus flavor brings back memories of summer afternoons.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Lemonade Pie
Amish Apple Fritter Bread
Apples and cinnamon come together in this bread that brings back memories of fall baking. The sweet glaze reminds many of breakfast at grandmother’s house.
Get the Recipe: Amish Apple Fritter Bread
Mandarin Orange Pie
This no-bake pie brings back sweet memories with its fresh mandarin oranges and whipped cream. The light, airy layers make it a go-to dessert that’s stood the test of time.
Get the Recipe: Mandarin Orange Pie
Banoffee Pie
This British classic pairs bananas and toffee in a way that’s remembered fondly across generations. The combination brings back memories of special family celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Banoffee Pie
Icebox Cake
The combination of graham crackers, berries and whipped cream make this no-bake cake a childhood favorite. Each bite takes you back to summer afternoons spent making desserts with family.
Get the Recipe: Icebox Cake