Our Top 20 Timeless Dessert Recipes

Classic Wacky Cake VIII

Wacky Cake wasn’t the only dessert born out of the Great Depression, but it remains one of the most unforgettable. These simple sweets were crafted with just a few ingredients, often skipping milk, eggs, butter, or sometimes even all three.

Lemon Chiffon Pie

Created in 1926, chiffon pie has continued to capture hearts almost a century later. The name perfectly describes its light, airy texture that melts in your mouth. The key to its cloud-like feel? Unflavored gelatin. This gives the pie a delicate base to carry the bright flavors of lemon zest and juice.

Cherry Angel Food Cake

While versions of this light and fluffy cake date back as far as 1871, the name ‘angel cake’ first appeared in the 1884 edition of the 'Boston Cooking-School Cook Book', evolving into ‘angel food cake’ in the 1896 edition. This timeless cake rises thanks to cream of tartar and whipped egg whites, making it the perfect way to use up any leftover egg whites from other recipes.

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake I

Another invention born from the Great Depression, chocolate mayonnaise cake was a creative solution to ingredient shortages and remains a favorite today. Mayonnaise, which contains eggs and fat, was a vital substitute during those tough times. Simply mix it with flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and leavening, and you have a rich, moist cake.

Broken Window Glass

Once refrigeration became common in homes, Jell-O became a must-have in every dessert. This colorful treat is incredibly simple to prepare — the only tricky part is allowing the gelatin enough time to set. You can even swap in sugar-free gelatin to make a lighter, diabetes-friendly version.

The Palmer House Brownie

According to legend, the brownie was first created at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago in 1893. These decadent, melt-in-your-mouth brownies may just become your go-to treat. Community member Lisa D suggests using the rich frosting as a topping or filling for other cakes and desserts as well.

Grama's Corn Flake Peanut Butter Cookies

If you take a look through a vintage cookbook, you'll notice many desserts featuring cereal. At the time, cereals like Corn Flakes, which debuted in 1906, were a new and exciting ingredient. These corn flake peanut butter cookies have a fudgy texture and are incredibly easy to make, as they require no baking.

Country Apple Dumplings

While boiled apple dumplings have been enjoyed for centuries, the baked version we recognize today first emerged in the mid-1800s. Particularly popular in the northeastern United States, apple dumplings are a beloved dish in Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine.

Whoopie Pies I

Whoopie pies, also called gob cakes or black moons, are believed to have originated in the Lancaster County Amish community in Pennsylvania, where leftover cake batter was used to create these treats. By the 1920s, bakeries across the northeast began selling them.

Chocolate Eclair Cake

Eclairs were first created in France in the early 1900s and became a hit in the U.S. by the end of the century. This beloved icebox dessert works beautifully with low-fat and low-sugar alternatives, leaving no reason not to try it. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill overnight, but the result will be a much smoother and softer treat.

Judy's Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Thanks to the magic of gelatin, strawberry pretzel salad made its debut in the 1960 cookbook 'The Joys of Jell-O.' This dessert strikes the perfect balance of sweetness from the fruit, creaminess and tang from the cream cheese, and a satisfying crunch with salty notes from the pretzel crust. If you can get fresh strawberries or butter gold pretzels, it will take your dessert to the next level.

Banana Pudding IV

Wafer cookies, a staple in no-bake desserts like banana pudding, were invented in 1898 on Staten Island. Community member DazzlinDarlene shares, 'I've been making this recipe for over two years for family gatherings and large parties, and there's NEVER any leftovers. People get upset if I don't bring it!'

Old Fashioned Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This pineapple upside-down cake is fluffy, buttery, and just the right amount of sweetness — a beloved dessert on our site. Pineapple desserts soared in popularity during the 1950s and 1960s, thanks to the widespread availability of canned pineapple. For an extra-moist cake, try adding sour cream, evaporated milk, and pineapple juice to the batter.

Baked Alaska

Once upon a time, if you wanted to impress your dinner guests, baked Alaska was the way to go. Created in 1867, this show-stopping dessert had a revival after Alaska became a state in 1959. Even today, baked Alaska continues to be a dessert that wows. For an extra indulgent twist, try making it with a brownie base.

Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake

Poke cake recipes first gained popularity through Jell-O advertisements around 1970. There's a reason this dessert has stood the test of time: the method is simple, yet it creates an explosion of flavor. For extra moisture, try using a thicker tool than a fork to poke the cake, like a wooden chopstick.

Seven-Layer Gelatin Salad

During World War II, Jell-O became a popular substitute for sugar due to rationing. For many years after, gelatin and dessert salads became virtually synonymous.

Buckeye Balls II

Named after their Ohio roots, Buckeye Balls were created by Gail Tabor in the 1960s, according to legend. Perfect for peanut butter lovers, these chocolate-dipped bites are a sweet treat. To avoid a dry mixture, make sure to measure the ingredients carefully and add the powdered sugar slowly.

My Grandma's Shoo-Fly Pie

Shoofly pie originated in Pennsylvania Dutch country, with its name derived from a popular molasses brand in the late 1800s. The dessert first appeared in 1876 as a crustless molasses cake, created to celebrate the centennial of Pennsylvania's signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Tiramisu II

The origins of tiramisu are debated: some claim it was created in the 1960s or 1970s, while others trace its roots back to the late 17th century. Making tiramisu at home can be tricky, but this recipe's numerous five-star reviews show it's worth the effort. Allowing the tiramisu to chill for 24 hours is essential for the flavors to properly meld and create an authentic tiramisu.

Lemon Lush

Cool Whip was introduced in 1966, and shortly after, printed lemon lush recipes started to appear. While this cool, creamy dessert is perfect for summer, it's delicious year-round. To achieve a more natural flavor for the lemon pudding, try incorporating fresh lemon juice and zest.

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