21 all-time favorite recipes that will never let you down

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Prepare to indulge in the ultimate collection of desserts, appetizers, candies, and cookies that are guaranteed to impress every time! With a mix of timeless flavors and fan-favorite treats, these 21 recipes are perfect for any occasion, from sweet bites to savory snacks. And with one unbeatable bread and sauce to round it out, you’ll never be disappointed by these classics.

A white plate filled with pieces of peanut brittle on a wooden table.
Peanut Brittle. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Sherbet Punch

Bowl and glasses of rainbow sherbet punch with vibrant foam on a yellow plaid tablecloth.
Sherbet Punch. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This sherbet punch is always a hit! Just throw some sherbet in a punch bowl, pour in lemon-lime soda, and let it fizz. It’s bubbly, creamy, and perfect for any party. Plus, it’s super easy to make and vanishes fast! You can’t go wrong with this one!
Get the Recipe: Sherbet Punch

Divinity Candy

A glass bowl containing white candy with nuts, placed on a red and white plaid cloth.
Divinity Candy. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Divinity candy is a timeless favorite made with sugar, syrup, and egg whites. Toss in some nuts, and you’ve got yourself a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s pure candy bliss! It’s perfect for sharing (or not)!
Get the Recipe: Divinity Candy

Traditional Rum Balls

Rum balls stacked on red plate with red glass in background.
Traditional Rum Balls. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These Traditional Rum Balls are super easy to make with just 5 ingredients, and they’re always a hit. They’re perfect for any party or as a fun homemade gift. You can’t go wrong with these! Plus, they’re the perfect balance of sweet and boozy.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Rum Balls

Chocolate Milkshake

Chocolate milkshake in clear mug with whipped cream and Oreo cookie on top.
Chocolate Milkshake. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Our Grandma’s Chocolate Milkshake is a reader favorite you won’t want to miss! This old-school recipe is super easy to make and packs that rich, creamy chocolate flavor that’s perfect for when you’re craving something simple and delicious. You’ll be hooked after just one sip!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Milkshake

Alabama Fire Crackers

A white bowl filled with seasoned square crackers is placed on a wooden surface, with a red and white checkered cloth in the background.
Alabama Fire Crackers. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Alabama Fire Crackers are super easy and always a hit! Just toss some crackers in a ziplock with a spicy oil mix, let them chill overnight, and bam—you’ve got a snack with some serious flavor. Perfect when you’re craving something bold and tasty!
Get the Recipe: Alabama Fire Crackers

Toffee Cookies

Two toffee cookies on white plate with bowl of chocolate chips in background.
Toffee Cookies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Craving that classic toffee flavor? These cookies are a reader favorite and total comfort food! Crispy, chewy, and super addictive—perfect for a laid-back hangout. Your friends and family will snack on them in no time!
Get the Recipe: Toffee Cookies

Fudge

A plate of chocolate fudge squares is stacked into a pyramid, with another plate of fudge squares in the background.
Fudge . Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This fudge is a total classic! With melted chocolate chips and gooey marshmallows, every bite is like a little piece of heaven. The best part? It’s super easy to throw together whenever you’re craving something sweet. Trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Get the Recipe: Fudge

Soft Pumpkin Cookies

A white plate holds a stack of pumpkin cookies on a wooden table, surrounded by a yellow cloth and autumn leaves.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These pumpkin cookies are a total win! Soft, packed with pumpkin flavor, and loaded with cozy spices, they’re super easy to make. Perfect for sharing or enjoying at home!
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Peanut Brittle

A white plate filled with pieces of peanut brittle on a wooden table.
Peanut Brittle. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Get ready for some peanut brittle that’s sweet, salty, and super crunchy! It’s super easy to make and perfect for snacking anytime—whether you share or keep it all to yourself. Just a heads up, it goes quick, so maybe make a double batch!
Get the Recipe: Peanut Brittle

White Sauce

A plate of tortellini covered in a creamy white sauce, garnished with black pepper, next to a fork and a small bowl.
White Sauce. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Whip up a creamy white sauce with just a few simple ingredients! It’s awesome on pasta, veggies, or even as a base for all your favorite meals. Super easy and totally customizable for whatever you’re craving.
Get the Recipe: White Sauce

Mashed Potato Cookies

Mashed potato cookies on round marble plate.
Mashed Potato Cookies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Who would’ve thought mashed potatoes could make cookies this good? This reader favorite mixes up creamy mashed potatoes with spices, nuts, and raisins for a fun twist. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with flavor—you’ve gotta try ’em! Plus, they’re perfect for a sweet snack or a fun treat.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Cookies

Homemade Gumdrops

Homemade gumdrops in clear dish.
Homemade Gumdrops. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Homemade gumdrops are super easy to make in any flavor, shape, and color you want! This recipe comes from my grandma’s 1940s cookbook and only needs five ingredients. They’re perfect for any occasion, or just a fun treat to snack on!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Gumdrops

Cream Cheese Pickle Wraps

Overhead view of cream cheese pickle wraps on white plate.
Cream Cheese Pickle Wraps. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Need a super simple appetizer that’s always a hit? Cream Cheese Pickle Wraps are your answer. They’re ridiculously easy to throw together and everyone loves them. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion, from casual hangouts to big parties.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Pickle Wraps

Melting Moments Cookies

Melting moments cookies on white plate with snowman mug in background.
Melting Moments Cookies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These Melting Moments cookies are seriously addictive! They’re made with almond extract and melt in your mouth. They’re the perfect bite-sized treat, and you can easily customize them with sprinkles or candies for a fun and colorful touch. Get ready to devour these little gems!
Get the Recipe: Melting Moments Cookies

Coconut Buttercream Frosting

A glass jar filled with a white creamy substance topped with shredded coconut sits on a wooden surface. A pink cloth is in the background.
Coconut Buttercream Frosting. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Looking for a taste of the tropics? This Coconut Buttercream Frosting is your answer. It’s creamy, dreamy, and packed with coconut flavor thanks to the butter, vanilla, and shredded coconut combo. It’s so smooth and delicious, it’ll take any cake from “meh” to “OMG.” Plus, it’s a total breeze to make.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Buttercream Frosting

Rocky Road Cookies

A close-up of a chocolate cookie topped with marshmallows, chopped nuts, and drizzled with chocolate. Background includes other cookies and scattered marshmallows.
Rocky Road Cookies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These Rocky Road Cookies are packed with chocolatey goodness, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy walnuts, and topped with homemade chocolate frosting. They’re the perfect sweet treat.
Get the Recipe: Rocky Road Cookies

Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs

Meatballs in a white bowl on a wooden table.
Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Need a super easy appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser? Try Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs! They’re crazy tasty and so simple to make. Your guests will be asking for more in no time! Plus, they’re perfect for any party or get-together.
Get the Recipe: Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs

Black Bottom Pie

A slice of chocolate cream pie on a plate.
Black Bottom Pie. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Grandma’s Black Bottom Pie is a chocolate lover’s dream. It’s got rich dark chocolate and a boozy custard, plus whipped cream. It’s a reader favorite for a reason. Seriously, it’s so good you’ll want seconds.
Get the Recipe: Black Bottom Pie

Hot Chipped Beef Dip

A bowl of dip with carrots and celery.
Hot Chipped Beef Dip. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This Hot Chipped Beef Dip is a total crowd-pleaser! It’s creamy, savory, and perfect for dipping all your favorite snacks. Whip it up for game day or any hangout, and it’ll be gone before you know it! Everyone will be asking for the recipe—if there’s any left to share!
Get the Recipe: Hot Chipped Beef Dip

No Bake Lemon Cheesecake

Slice of lemon cheesecake on red, white, and blue plate.
No Bake Lemon Cheesecake. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Forget the oven! This no-bake lemon cheesecake is a total crowd-pleaser. It’s seriously easy – just mix up the creamy filling, pour it into a store-bought crust, and chill. Trust me, it’s like fancy pudding, but way less effort.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Lemon Cheesecake

Applesauce Bread

A loaf of applesauce bread with three slices cut, two apples, a bowl of applesauce, and a red and white checkered cloth on a wooden cutting board.
Applesauce Bread. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This applesauce bread is totally loaded with cozy spices and nuts, and it’s super moist and easy to bake. It’s the perfect snack for a chilly day, and it’s great with a cup of coffee or tea.
Get the Recipe: Applesauce Bread

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