Grandma would approve of at least 28 of these 33 desserts

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If Grandma raised an eyebrow at your shortcut brownies, don’t worry—most of these desserts would still make the cut. From old-school pies to new twists on her favorites, this collection is packed with treats she’d proudly serve (and maybe secretly keep for herself). We can’t promise she’d love all 33—but at least 28 would earn a gold star and a second helping.

A small dish of kiwi sorbet.
Kiwi Sorbet. Photo credit: The Honour System.

No Bake Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake

A small cheesecake topped with chocolate-covered strawberries, with two slices showing a large strawberry inside, placed on a wooden surface with a pink cloth.
No Bake Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Grandma would totally approve of these—no doubt about it! These no-bake chocolate covered strawberry cheesecakes are creamy, chocolatey, and loaded with fresh strawberries, and you don’t even have to turn on the oven. They’re super easy to throw together and somehow taste like you spent way more time on them. Honestly, they might be your new favorite lazy-day dessert.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake

Peanut Butter Pie

A slice of peanut butter pie topped with whipped cream and peanuts, on a white plate with the whole pie in the background.
Peanut Butter Pie. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Forget the store-bought pies—this homemade Peanut Butter Pie is the one you’ll actually want to eat. It’s super easy to make, loaded with creamy peanut butter goodness, and has the best buttery graham cracker crust. If you’re into peanut butter, this one’s a must. It’ll be gone fast… and yeah, you might end up making it again in a few days.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Pie

Old Fashioned Coconut Cream PIe

Slice of coconut cream pie on white plate with pink tablecloth in background.
Old Fashioned Coconut Cream PIe. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

In the mood for something old-school and delicious? This Coconut Cream Pie totally delivers. It’s super simple to throw together, crazy creamy, and full of sweet coconut goodness. Perfect for a lazy day with the fam. Trust me, it won’t stick around long—grab a slice while you can!
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Coconut Cream PIe

Chocolate Mousse

Chocolate mousse in mason jars with whipped cream and chocolate chips.
Chocolate Mousse. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Got a sweet tooth but don’t feel like doing much? This chocolate mousse is your new best friend. Just melt some chocolate, whip up a little cream, and that’s it—dessert’s done. It’s creamy, dreamy, and takes barely any effort. Everyone’s gonna want the recipe, and you’ll look like a total kitchen genius. Honestly, it might be your new go-to when the chocolate cravings hit.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Mousse

No Bake Brownies

Close up side view of three no bake brownies on white plate.
No Bake Brownies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Craving something sweet but not in the mood to bake? These No-Bake Brownies are so good, even Grandma would give ’em a thumbs-up (and maybe ask for the recipe). They’re rich, chocolatey, and ridiculously easy—just stir, chill, and snack away. One bite and you’ll be hooked… good luck stopping at just one!
Get the Recipe: No Bake Brownies

Saltine Toffee

Close-up of toffee pieces topped with chocolate, crushed nuts, and red heart-shaped sprinkles.
Saltine Toffee. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Buttery, crunchy, and the perfect mix of sweet and salty—Saltine toffee is the 5-ingredient snack you didn’t know you needed. Who knew crackers could turn into something this yummy so fast? Seriously, you won’t be able to stop at one bite—you’ll definitely be making a double batch!
Get the Recipe: Saltine Toffee

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Slice of strawberry pretzel dessert with a layer of strawberries in gelatin, cream cheese filling, and crunchy pretzel crust on a white plate.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This Strawberry Pretzel Salad is sweet, salty, and seriously so good. It’s got a buttery pretzel crust, a creamy middle, and that strawberry topping that just works. Everyone goes nuts over it, so take it to your next hangout—you definitely won’t be bringing any home. It’s one of those recipes you’ll end up making all the time.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Strawberry Coffee Cake

A slice of strawberry crumb cake on a white plate, surrounded by fresh strawberries, with more slices on plates in the background.
Strawberry Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Strawberry Coffee Cake is a dense but light-flavored cake that’s not too sweet—perfect to have with your morning coffee or as a dessert later on. The fresh strawberries give it a nice, fresh taste that keeps it from feeling heavy. Honestly, it might even be better than your mom’s recipe! Whether it’s breakfast or snack time, this cake always hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Coffee Cake

Kiwi Sorbet

A small dish of kiwi sorbet.
Kiwi Sorbet. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Grandma would be all over this Kiwi Sorbet—it’s simple, sweet, and just the right amount of tangy. You only need two ingredients, and it comes together in no time. It’s the kind of treat you’ll keep making all summer long. Honestly, it’s so good, you might not want to share.
Get the Recipe: Kiwi Sorbet

Classic Carrrot Cake

A slice of carrot cake with cream cheese frosting on a plate, garnished with walnuts. The whole cake is in the background.
Classic Carrrot Cake. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This carrot cake’s got it all—super moist, spiced just right, and packed with fresh carrots. Slather on that creamy cream cheese frosting, and you’re good to go. If you’re in the mood, toss in some walnuts, but honestly, it’s perfect just as it is. Either way, it’ll be gone before you know it! Perfect for when you need a sweet treat.
Get the Recipe: Classic Carrrot Cake

Apple Pie

A slice of crumb-topped pie on a white decorative plate with a fork next to it. A red and white cloth is partially visible in the corner.
Apple Pie. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This apple pie is crazy easy to make! You’ve probably already got everything you need for the crust, and the topping’s just crushed cornflakes—yep, really. The spiced apple filling is super tasty, and it totally hits the spot when you want something sweet. It looks kinda fancy, but it takes almost no effort. Honestly, it’s even better if you feel like sharing… but no pressure.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie

Mock Apple Pie

Slice of pie with crumb topping on a stack of plates, surrounded by crackers and cinnamon sticks.
Mock Apple Pie. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

No apples? No biggie! This Mock Apple Pie uses Ritz Crackers instead, and it actually works—trust us! It’s super easy, a little quirky, and will totally surprise everyone. You’ll be amazed at how crackers can taste just like apples—who knew? Perfect for when you want a fun twist on classic pie without needing all the usual ingredients. Plus, it’ll definitely be the talk of the table!
Get the Recipe: Mock Apple Pie

Peanut Brittle

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

This homemade peanut brittle is sweet, salty, and crunchy—just how Grandma liked it. It’s super easy to throw together and seriously hard to stop eating. Everyone loves it, and it makes a great little gift… if you don’t eat it all first. Grandma would definitely approve—and probably tell you to stash a few pieces for later. Honestly, I always regret not making a second batch.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Brittle

Cinnamon Roll Pie

A slice of cinnamon roll pie with icing on a white plate, placed on a striped cloth. Cinnamon sticks are nearby.
Cinnamon Roll Pie. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Cinnamon rolls and pie together? Yup, it’s as awesome as it sounds! Soft, cinnamon-swirled dough in a buttery crust, all smothered in creamy frosting. It’s the perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or whenever you want something sweet. Seriously, this Cinnamon Roll Pie won’t last long—everyone will be going back for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Pie

Coconut Cake

A cake with a slice taken out of it.
Coconut Cake. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This Coconut Cake is a total throwback—in the best way. It’s light, fluffy, super coconutty, and always the first thing to disappear. Seriously, everyone grabs a slice and then sneaks back for more. It’s crazy easy to make, no fuss at all. Honestly, you might wanna make two just to be safe.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cake

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

A slice of chocolate bundt cake with walnuts on a white plate, accompanied by a fork. The cake is partially seen on a red plate in the background, with a floral napkin next to it.
Chocolate Zucchini Cake. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Whip up this super moist Chocolate Zucchini Cake It’s got all the rich, chocolatey goodness and a sneaky ingredient—freshly grated zucchini, just like Grandma used to make. Plus, we threw in some walnuts for a little crunch. You’ll be hooked after one bite—perfect for celebrating or when you’re just in the mood for something sweet!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Cheesecake Bars

Close-up of crumbly dessert squares with a cream filling, topped with bits of nuts. A red and white checkered cloth is in the background.
Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These cheesecake bars totally take me back to Grandma’s kitchen—and honestly, they might even be better than mom’s desserts! The buttery crust, creamy filling, and crunchy brown sugar-walnut topping are just so good. Trust me, it’s hard to stop at just one. They’re a crowd favorite, so don’t forget to bring some to your next get-together!
Get the Recipe: Cheesecake Bars

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies

A stack of chocolate and peanut butter brownies on parchment paper, with a spoonful of peanut butter beside them.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These chocolate peanut butter brownies are crazy easy and seriously hard to stop eating. Just grab a box mix, swirl in some peanut butter, and boom—tastes like you made ’em from scratch. They’re soft, fudgy, and packed with chocolatey goodness. Perfect for any get-together, and trust me, they’ll be gone fast!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies

Chocolate Macaroon Pie

A slice of chocolate coconut pie on a plate.
Chocolate Macaroon Pie. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This Chocolate Macaroon Pie is seriously awesome! It’s got gooey chocolate, sweet coconut, and a super easy crust—what’s not to like? You can whip it up in no time, so you’ll probably be making it all the time. Honestly, everyone’s gonna want seconds (and thirds), so don’t say I didn’t warn you. Perfect for when you want something quick but totally delicious!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Macaroon Pie

No Churn Chocolate Ice Cream

A glass bowl filled with scoops of chocolate ice cream topped with colorful sprinkles and a red cherry, placed on a wooden surface.
No Churn Chocolate Ice Cream. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Make this chocolate ice cream for your next gathering—it’s super easy and totally worth it. Just mix cream, chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and half-and-half, stick it in the freezer overnight, and you’re done. No fancy stuff, no stress, just a sweet treat everyone will love. Who knew homemade ice cream could be this chill?
Get the Recipe: No Churn Chocolate Ice Cream

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 ridiculously creamy and packed with gooey marshmallows and melty chocolate chips—Grandma would 100% be on board. It’s stupid easy to make and perfect when you’re craving something sweet without all the fuss. Everyone’s gonna want a piece (or three), so you might as well make extra. Seriously, it’s gone before it even cools. Keep a few squares hidden if you want any for yourself!
Get the Recipe: Fudge

Black Bottom Pie

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

Black Bottom Pie is a total must-make! It’s got a rich chocolate layer, a splash of rum, and it’s seriously hard to stop at just one slice. Sure, it takes a little time, but it’s so worth it. One bite and you’re all in—and so is everyone else. It’s the kind of dessert people ask about before they’ve even finished their plate. Perfect for any get-together!
Get the Recipe: Black Bottom Pie

Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza

A slice of chocolate chip pizza on a plate.
Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Got a sweet tooth? This Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza is straight-up cookie heaven—soft, chewy crust loaded with melty chocolate chips and gooey marshmallows. It’s super easy to throw together and way too fun to eat. Once you take a bite, good luck stopping. You might as well just grab a fork and claim the whole thing.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza

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.

Whip up some divinity candy! It’s super light, melt-in-your-mouth sweet, and totally worth the time it takes. You just need sugar, syrup, and egg whites—easy stuff. Want a little crunch? Toss in some chopped nuts!
Get the Recipe: Divinity Candy

Strawberry Shortcake Fluff

A bowl of dessert with whipped topping, strawberry slices, and crumbled graham crackers, placed on a patterned cloth with wooden spoons beside it.
Strawberry Shortcake Fluff. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Grandma would definitely be on board with this Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad. It’s packed with fresh strawberries, soft chunks of angel food cake, and the creamiest, dreamiest mix ever. Just toss it all together, pop it in the fridge, and it’s ready whenever you need something sweet and easy. Perfect for parties, picnics, or just hanging out on the couch.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Fluff

Old-Fashioned Zucchini Cake

A piece of zucchini cake with white frosting on a white plate, sitting on a striped cloth with more cake in the background.
Old-Fashioned Zucchini Cake. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This super moist zucchini cake is loaded with flavor and slathered in creamy cream cheese frosting—it’s the kind of treat you’ll want to make again and again. It’s perfect for dessert, snack time, or whenever you’ve got a sweet tooth calling.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Zucchini Cake

Classic Banana Pudding

A glass trifle bowl filled with layered banana pudding, whipped cream, and crumb topping, with whole bananas and a plaid cloth in the background.
Classic Banana Pudding. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Banana pudding’s always a crowd-pleaser—especially this one! It’s got sweet bananas, creamy layers, and that classic flavor everyone secretly loves. Super easy to make, and yeah… it might be even better than the one Mom used to make (just don’t tell her). Trust me, it won’t stick around long. You might wanna snag a scoop early before it disappears.
Get the Recipe: Classic Banana Pudding

Tomato Soup Cake

A piece of cake is sitting on a plate next to a can of soup.
Tomato Soup Cake. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

You’ve gotta try this Tomato Soup Cake—it’s super easy to make and feels so cozy! One bite and you’ll be wondering why you didn’t make it sooner (good luck stopping at just one slice). It’s the perfect mix of sweet and comforting, plus it’s a fun twist when you’re in the mood for something different. Seriously, you won’t regret it!
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup Cake

Frosted Lemonade Ice Cream Cake

A piece of cake on a teal plate on a wooden background.
Frosted Lemonade Ice Cream Cake. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Think Chick-Fil-A’s frosted lemonade, but turned into a creamy ice cream cake—and yep, it’s just as awesome as it sounds. It’s sweet, tangy, and super refreshing, especially on a hot day. Crazy easy to make and everyone always wants seconds. Honestly, don’t be surprised if you end up making it on repeat all summer.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Lemonade Ice Cream Cake

Mango Custard

An overhead shot shows two ramekins with mango custard topped with chopped kiwi on a wooden cutting board.
Mango Custard. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This bowl is like a little tropical getaway, with sweet mango puree mixed with creamy custard for a dessert that’s super refreshing and totally delicious. It’s so good, you might wanna forget your diet just this once. Every bite feels like a burst of sunshine and fresh flavor. Perfect for hot days or whenever you need a quick sweet fix. Honestly, it’s an easy way to treat yourself and brighten up your day.
Get the Recipe: Mango Custard

Mini Turtle Cheesecakes

A slice of a mini turtle cheesecake with caramel and pecans on a cupcake liner.
Mini Turtle Cheesecakes. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Grandma would totally be on board with these mini turtle cheesecakes! They’re loaded with creamy cheesecake, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans—all in one bite. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just hanging out at home. Trust me, once you try one, you’ll be reaching for another.
Get the Recipe: Mini Turtle Cheesecakes

Lemon Posset

Lemon posset in red ramekins on a yellow and white towel.
Lemon Posset. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Easy Lemon Ginger Posset with Raspberries is made with just cream, sugar, lemon juice, and a little ginger—it’s crazy simple but feels super fancy. It’s smooth, tangy, and has just the right kick. Top it with some fresh raspberries and you’ve got a no-fuss dessert that’ll totally impress. Honestly, it’s hard to believe something this easy tastes so good.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Posset

Buckeye Brownies

Layered Buckeye Brownies stacked up with more brownies around them.
Buckeye Brownies. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Buckeye Brownies are what happens when fudgy brownies and peanut butter buckeyes team up—and trust me, it’s a match made in dessert heaven. You’ve got that gooey chocolate base, a thick peanut butter layer, and a chocolate topping that pulls it all together. They’re easy to slice, fun to share (or not), and seriously hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Buckeye Brownies

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