10 Retro Dessert Recipes That Deserve a Comeback

Baked Alaska

“Baked Alaska is a cake topped with ice cream and caramelized meringue. It’s so delicious and a great way to wow your guests! You can use your favorite flavor of ice cream or a combination of flavors.” —shirleyo

Summer Fruit Trifle

Trifles are a layered English desserts dating back to the late 16th and early 17th century. Today, they’re very versatile and can incorporate various cakes, puddings, fruits, and toppings. This easy four-ingredient recipes features angel food cake, yogurt, and fresh blueberries and strawberries.

Grasshopper Pie

“This grasshopper pie is minty, cool, and creamy with a chocolate cookie crust. It’s easy to make with marshmallow fluff instead of gelatin and has a festive color.” —HORVIE

Buttermilk Pie

“This creamy buttermilk pie is a wonderful old-fashioned dessert. I often bake two and freeze one to have on hand for unexpected guests! Delicious served with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.” —Tracy Mulder

Raspberry Icebox Cake

There are many different versions of icebox cake, but this one made with a graham cracker crust, raspberry-flavored Jell-O, frozen raspberries, marshmallows, and cream is what summer dreams are made of. Feel free to substitute the frozen fruit for fresh.

Bananas Foster

Warm, buttery, and just a touch theatrical, this Bananas Foster simmers rich browned butter, rum, and cinnamon into sweet caramelized bananas with chopped walnuts for a decadent finish. All you need is a hot skillet and a scoop of vanilla ice cream to bring this elegant New Orleans–born dessert to your kitchen in under 20 minutes.

Wacky Cake

This super-easy chocolate cake—born during the Depression—delivers rich flavor and tender texture using just pantry staples. No eggs, milk, or butter required. Simply mix everything in one pan (including vinegar and baking soda), bake, and enjoy a moist, deeply chocolatey treat.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

“Pineapple upside-down cake is a gorgeous retro dessert that delights all ages! This easy recipe uses a cast iron skillet to bake the tender sweet cake and perfectly caramelized pineapple and cherries.” —Anne

Blueberry Boy Bait

Blueberry Boy Bait got its name from a young baker who submitted the treats in a baking contest and noted they attracted the attention of young men. “Similar to a blueberry buckle yet has its own unique twist,” says Allrecipes community member Hannah. “The recipe dates back to the 1920s. Fresh, frozen, or canned blueberries may be used, but be sure to drain them first.”

Banoffee Pie

This lush, 50-year-old British dessert layers caramelized dulce de leche, banana slices, and clouds of whipped cream over a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s named for its delicious combo of banana and toffee, and this version includes a hint of ground ginger in the crust for added complexity.

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