Old-fashioned desserts I’ve been making for over 10 years

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For over a decade, I’ve been perfecting a collection of old-fashioned desserts that remind us of simpler times. These recipes stand the test of time, offering both comfort and a dash of nostalgia with every bite. They’re easy to make and even easier to love, perfect for any gathering or a quiet evening at home.

Spiced Pear Cobbler. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Blackberry Lime Tart with Edible Flowers

Overhead shot of a blackberry lime tart on a white plate surrounded by edible flowers.
Blackberry Lime Tart with Edible Flowers. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This tart blends tart blackberries and zesty lime in a crisp pastry shell, taking about 45 minutes to prepare. Edible flowers add a decorative touch, while the main ingredients, including fresh lime zest and blackberries, ensure a balance of sweet and tangy flavors. It’s a perfect example of a classic dessert I’ve been making for over a decade. Each bite offers a refreshing taste, ideal for spring and summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Lime Tart with Edible Flowers

Citrus Dream Tart

A plate with Citrus Dream Tart next to slices of grapefruit and blood orange.
Citrus Dream Tart. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

A vibrant mix of citrus fruits forms the heart of the Citrus Dream Tart, ready in about 50 minutes. Using lemons, limes, and oranges, this tart provides a refreshing citrus burst, complemented by a buttery crust. Over ten years, its zesty taste has become a staple in my dessert repertoire. The creamy citrus filling is both bright and satisfying, a favorite for any citrus lover.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Dream Tart

Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

A stack of three lemon bars on a plate with more lemon bars in the background.
Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Lemon bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust are a simple delight, taking roughly 55 minutes to make. Main ingredients like fresh lemon zest and juice offer a tangy sharpness, softened by the sweet, crumbly crust. I’ve been perfecting this recipe for more than a decade. The contrast in textures and flavors makes these bars a perennial favorite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

Easy Pavlova Recipe

A pavlova topped with berries and figs.
Easy Pavlova Recipe. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This Pavlova recipe, which takes about 75 minutes, creates a meringue with a crisp shell and marshmallow-like center. Topped with fresh cream and berries, its main components highlight simplicity and elegance. For over ten years, this dessert has been a showstopper at many celebrations. The natural sweetness of the berries complements the smooth texture of the meringue beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pavlova Recipe

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

A bowl of strawberry crumble dessert on a striped tablecloth.
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Combining the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of strawberries, this crisp is ready in about 50 minutes. The crunchy oat topping contrasts perfectly with the soft, juicy fruit underneath. A decade of making this crisp has made it a much-loved tradition in my family. It tastes like a warm, nostalgic hug in dessert form.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

Homemade Cinnamon Twists

Freshly homemade cinnamon twists in a white cup with more on a cooling rack in the background.
Homemade Cinnamon Twists. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These Cinnamon Twists take about 30 minutes to prepare and are a delightful treat with a spicy-sweet flavor. Made with a yeasted dough and a generous helping of cinnamon sugar, they’ve been a favorite recipe of mine for years. The aroma while baking is irresistible, and the finished twists are perfect for a cozy evening. Each twist offers a soft, chewy texture that pulls apart deliciously.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Twists

Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream

Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Key lime pie, topped with coconut whipped cream, is an indulgent dessert ready in about 40 minutes. The tangy lime custard filled in a graham cracker crust is a classic I’ve been perfecting for years. Coconut adds a tropical twist, making it a refreshing end to any meal. This pie’s creamy texture and vibrant flavor encapsulate its timeless appeal.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream

Lemon Crème Brûlée

Lemon Crème Brûlée. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Taking about 45 minutes, Lemon Crème Brûlée is a sophisticated twist on the traditional French dessert. Infused with lemon for a light citrus note, it’s been a staple in my baking repertoire for over ten years. The crack of its caramelized sugar top contrasts beautifully with the creamy custard beneath. This dessert is a refined yet simple pleasure.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Crème Brûlée

Lemon Sugar Cookies

A stack of three lemon sugar cookies with one cookie leaning against the stack, in front of jars of milk.
Lemon Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These Lemon Sugar Cookies are a zesty treat, ready in about 35 minutes. With main ingredients like fresh lemon zest and juice, they offer a bright, refreshing taste. I’ve been baking these cookies for over a decade, perfecting their crisp edges and chewy centers. They’re a delightful snack for any season, providing a burst of lemon flavor in each bite.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Sugar Cookies

Meyer Lemon Curd

A glass of lemon curd on a wooden board next to sliced lemons and a spoon, with a gray cloth in the background.
Meyer Lemon Curd. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This Meyer Lemon Curd takes about 20 minutes to prepare and features a rich, tangy flavor. Meyer lemons give it a unique sweetness compared to regular lemons. Having made this curd for more than ten years, it’s become a versatile favorite, excellent in tarts or as a spread. Its smooth, thick consistency is perfect for adding a luxurious touch to various desserts.
Get the Recipe: Meyer Lemon Curd

Pineapple Ice Cream Cakes

Pineapple Ice Cream Cake on a white plate next to a pool of sauce.
Pineapple Ice Cream Cakes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These Pineapple Ice Cream Cakes, ready in about 60 minutes, are a refreshing treat with tropical flair. The combination of creamy ice cream and juicy pineapple chunks makes them irresistible. I’ve enjoyed making these cakes for over a decade, and they’re always a hit at summer parties. The cold, sweet pineapple pairs wonderfully with the rich ice cream base.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Ice Cream Cakes

Salted Bourbon Caramel Shortbread Cookies

One Salted Bourbon Caramel Shortbread Cookies cookie on a white plate next to a bottle of milk.
Salted Bourbon Caramel Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Salted Bourbon Caramel Shortbread Cookies are decadent, taking about 40 minutes to prepare. The rich caramel and subtle hint of bourbon set these apart from typical shortbread. Over the years, they have become a refined addition to my collection of old-fashioned recipes. The balance of salty and sweet flavors makes them a sophisticated treat for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Salted Bourbon Caramel Shortbread Cookies

Spiced Pear Cobbler

Spiced Pear Cobbler. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This Spiced Pear Cobbler, which takes about 50 minutes to make, brings the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg together with tender pears. The buttermilk biscuit topping adds a comforting, rustic touch. A favorite for over a decade, this cobbler tastes like autumn in every spoonful. It’s a hearty dessert that pairs perfectly with a dollop of whipped cream.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pear Cobbler

Spiced Shortbread Cookies

A white plate of a line of Spiced Shortbread Cookies lined up.
Spiced Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Ready in 35 minutes, these Spiced Shortbread Cookies combine classic shortbread with a hint of winter spices. Ingredients like cinnamon and nutmeg offer a warm, inviting aroma and flavor. These cookies have been a comforting treat in my kitchen for over ten years. They are perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of tea on a chilly day.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Shortbread Cookies

Strawberry Crème Brûlée

Close up of strawberry crème brûlée next to a glass of champagne.
Strawberry Crème Brûlée. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Strawberry Crème Brûlée takes about 45 minutes to prepare and is a delightful fusion of creamy custard and fresh strawberries. This dessert has been a part of my dessert lineup for over ten years, offering a seasonal twist on the classic crème brûlée. The strawberries add a light, fruity freshness that complements the rich custard. The crisp, caramelized topping provides a satisfying crunch with each bite.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Crème Brûlée

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