Grandma’s dessert legacy lives on: 17 old-fashioned sweets to cherish

Photo of author

| Published:

Step into the world of nostalgia with these old-fashioned sweets that are sure to evoke fond memories of Grandma’s kitchen. We pay homage to the timeless desserts that have been passed down through generations, preserving Grandma’s sweet legacy for all to enjoy. With 17 cherished recipes, we invite you to indulge in the comforting flavors and heartwarming aromas of these classic treats. Let’s continue to cherish and preserve these time-honored traditions for generations to come!

A plate with a slice of pecan cake and a cup of coffee.
Maple Pecan Pie Bars. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Lemon Cake Pops

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

Rediscover the joy of lemon flavor with these delightful cake pops that promise a taste of nostalgia. Lemon Cake Pops are a sweet twist on a traditional dessert, offering a burst of bright lemon flavor in a fun, portable form. Each pop is a perfect treat for parties or a quick sweet bite. These are especially loved by both kids and adults, making them a versatile choice for family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cake Pops

Turtle Brownies

A piece of Turtle Brownie with ice cream on a plate.
Turtle Brownies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Indulge in Turtle Brownies, where rich chocolate meets caramel and pecans in a decadently layered treat. These brownies are a nod to the beloved turtle candy, offering a gooey, crunchy texture that is utterly irresistible. It’s perfect for when you need a luxurious dessert that feels like a hug from Grandma’s kitchen. Serve these at your next family gathering and watch them disappear as quickly as they are served.
Get the Recipe: Turtle Brownies

Molly Bars

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

This dessert is a blast from the past, perfect for reliving those childhood memories with each chewy bite. Molly Bars are easy to make, even easier to love, and always a hit at school events and family picnics. Each bar is a little piece of nostalgia, perfect for sharing or enjoying alone. Enjoy this classic treat and let the sweet, satisfying flavors take you back to joyful times.
Get the Recipe: Molly Bars

Lemon Goldies

Three square pieces of lemon goldies on a white plate.
Lemon Goldies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Lemon Goldies bring a citrusy zing to the classic dessert bar, making them a refreshing addition to any dessert table. These bars are soft and chewy, with a bright lemon flavor that shines through with every bite. They’re the perfect end to any meal, especially when you’re looking for something sweet but not overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Goldies

Strawberry Upside Down Cake

Strawberry Upside Down Cake with a slice missing.
Strawberry Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This cake is as visually appealing as it is delicious, with strawberries adding a beautiful pop of color and a sweet, tangy flavor. Strawberry Upside Down Cake is an elegant twist on the traditional upside-down cake. It’s perfect for spring and summer celebrations, or whenever you want to bring a bit of flair to your dessert offerings.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Upside Down Cake

Mango Curd

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

Mango Curd is a smooth, rich spread that captures the essence of mangoes in a jar. It’s versatile enough to be used as a filling for cakes, spread on toast, or as a topping for desserts. The bright, tropical flavor of mango curd is a pleasant reminder of warm summer days. This curd is a delightful way to enjoy mangoes year-round, bringing a bit of sunshine to any dish.
Get the Recipe: Mango Curd

Mini Biscoff Cheesecake

A white plate with strawberries and mini biscoff cheesecakes.
Mini Biscoff Cheesecake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

This dessert is a sophisticated way to enjoy the unique flavor of Biscoff in a new and exciting form. Mini Biscoff Cheesecake combines the beloved Biscoff cookies with the creamy richness of cheesecake in a single-serving format. They are ideal for parties, high teas, or as a luxurious treat with your afternoon coffee.
Get the Recipe: Mini Biscoff Cheesecake

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

An apple cinnamon roll on a plate with a spoon.
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Each roll is packed with flavor, reminiscent of grandma’s apple pie, but with the ease and enjoyment of a cinnamon roll. Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls merge the comforting flavors of apple pie with the gooey delight of cinnamon rolls. They make a fantastic treat for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert. Bake a batch of these for a special occasion or a luxurious weekend breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

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.

Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies are a combination of crisp texture and fresh lemon flavor, dotted with poppy seeds for an extra crunch. These cookies are light yet satisfying, making them perfect for tea time or as a sweet snack throughout the day. The bright flavor of lemon makes them a refreshing choice, particularly in the warmer months.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

Maple Pecan Pie Bars

A plate with a slice of pecan cake and a cup of coffee.
Maple Pecan Pie Bars. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Their comforting flavor and satisfying texture make them a favorite for all who try them. Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a perfect reinterpretation of a classic dessert. They capture the essence of a traditional pecan pie with a more convenient and portable twist. These bars are ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet snack during the day.
Get the Recipe: Maple Pecan Pie Bars

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.

Each brookie is packed with a double dose of chocolate, satisfying the cravings of chocolate lovers. Double Chocolate Brookies are where the heartiness of a brownie meets the crunch of a cookie. They are crisp on the outside yet wonderfully gooey on the inside. Ideal for dessert or as a decadent treat, these brookies are sure to delight anyone with a sweet tooth.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Brookies

Raspberry Crumb Cake

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

Raspberry Crumb Cake is a moist cake that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a casual coffee break. It features a layer of fresh raspberries topped with a deliciously buttery crumb topping. The tartness of the raspberries contrasts beautifully with the sweet cake and crumbly topping.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Crumb Cake

Brown Butter Apple Blondies

A black plate with Brown Butter Apple Blondie squares with apples on the left and pumpkins on the right side of the table.
Brown Butter Apple Blondies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Serve them warm for an even more delightful dessert experience. Brown Butter Apple Blondies are a fantastic fall dessert that combines the sweet flavors of apples with the rich, nutty aroma of brown butter. They are perfect for an autumnal treat or a comforting snack on a chilly day. The brown butter adds a depth of flavor that elevates these blondies from simple to extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Cookie Dough Milkshake

Cookie Dough Milkshake with a spoon and syrup in the background.
Cookie Dough Milkshake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cookie Dough Milkshake is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the taste of cookie dough. This milkshake blends rich, creamy ice cream with chunks of chocolate chip cookie dough for a truly decadent drink. It’s like enjoying your favorite part of baking cookies without having to turn on the oven. Perfect as an indulgent dessert or a special treat, this milkshake is both nostalgic and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Dough Milkshake

Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits

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

Enjoy the elegance and simplicity of these parfaits at your next dinner party or as a treat to yourself. Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits are a beautiful and delicious dessert that layers raspberry and cheesecake flavors. These parfaits are easy to assemble and perfect for a sophisticated dessert that won’t keep you in the kitchen all day.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits

Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Chocolate Caramel Cookies.
Chocolate Caramel Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These cookies are a dream come true for dessert lovers and a must-try for anyone who enjoys a sweet and satisfying treat. Chocolate Caramel Cookies are the perfect blend of two favorite flavors in one delicious cookie. They are great for serving at parties or enjoying with a glass of milk. The luxurious taste of chocolate and caramel combined is sure to win over anyone who tries them.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Buttermilk Banana Cake

Banana-Buttermilk Cake on a platter.
Buttermilk Banana Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Buttermilk Banana Cake is a soft, delicious cake that uses the natural sweetness of bananas to create a flavorful dessert. This cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the buttermilk, and has a light, tender crumb. It can be enjoyed on its own or dressed up with frosting for a more festive look. Its comforting flavor and satisfying texture make it a hit in any setting.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Banana Cake

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.