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Home » Recipe Collections

17 retro desserts from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s worth reviving

Published: Aug 23, 2026 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Dessert looked a little different in the mid-20th century, but plenty of those sweet creations still sound tempting today. These retro treats showcase the flavors, textures and techniques that were popular across the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. Some are wonderfully nostalgic, while others may feel like entirely new discoveries. Either way, they’re ready for another turn in the dessert rotation.

Blackberry Cobbler with Pie Crust

An image blackberry cobbler with pie crust in a baking dish.
Blackberry Cobbler with Pie Crust. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Juicy blackberries combined with a ready-made crust make this cobbler quick to assemble. It’s a practical choice for a vintage dessert when you need something baked in minimal time.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Cobbler with Pie Crust

Bisquick Apple Cobbler

An overhead image of bisquick apple cobbler in a skillet pan topped with vanilla ice cream.
Bisquick Apple Cobbler. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Bisquick apple cobbler comes together with tart apples and cinnamon, baking in under an hour. It works well as a vintage dessert that doesn’t require much effort.
Get the Recipe: Bisquick Apple Cobbler

Lemon Icebox Pie

An mage of a slice of pie on a plate.
Lemon Icebox Pie. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This lemon icebox pie uses just a few ingredients and sets in the fridge without baking. It’s a strong pick for a vintage dessert, especially during hot months.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Icebox Pie

Peach Cobbler with Pie Crust

An image of peach cobbler in a baking dish with a portion of it missing.
Peach Cobbler with Pie Crust. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Fresh peaches paired with a simple crust make this cobbler fast to prepare. It has remained a trusted vintage dessert during peach season for generations.
Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler with Pie Crust

Upside-Down Mandarin Cake (with Caramel)

Close up of Mandarin Cake showing the perfect caramelization.
Upside-Down Mandarin Cake (with Caramel). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This mandarin cake features a caramel layer over a soft cocoa base and bakes until just set. It fits naturally into the lineup of vintage desserts enjoyed each summer.
Get the Recipe: Upside-Down Mandarin Cake (with Caramel)

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

A slice of Strawberry Pretzel Salad on a plate with a spoon and some slices of fresh strawberries.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad layers jello, fruit, and a creamy filling on a salty base. It’s a type of vintage dessert that continues to appear at events year after year.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Mississippi Mud Pie

A slice of Mississippi mud pie on a plate.
Mississippi Mud Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mississippi Mud Pie combines cookie crust, brownie, pudding, and cream in layers. It is frequently chosen as a vintage dessert that brings added richness.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie

Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie

Overhead view of apple pie with apples.
Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

This lattice apple pie has a spiced filling and a golden crust, baked until bubbly. It has stayed in rotation as a well-loved vintage dessert through generations.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie

Baked Alaska

An image of Baked Alaska.
Baked Alaska. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Baked Alaska combines cake, ice cream, and meringue into one dish. It remains a vintage dessert that makes a memorable impression and recalls recipes from the past.
Get the Recipe: Baked Alaska

Mixed Berry Jello Dessert

Stack of mixed berry jello on a wooden board.
Mixed Berry Jello Dessert. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Mixed berry jello dessert has a crumb crust with a soft fruit center. It has long been a no-bake vintage dessert for casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Berry Jello Dessert

Old Fashioned Peach Crumble

A plate of Old Fashioned Peach Crumble.
Old Fashioned Peach Crumble. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This peach crumble works with either fresh or canned fruit and bakes up with a golden topping. It has consistently been a vintage dessert for casual cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Peach Crumble

No Bake Icebox Cake

No Bake Icebox Cake slice on a plate.
No Bake Icebox Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This no-bake icebox cake layers crackers, cream, and berries for a cold treat. It has remained a staple vintage dessert for hot days without using the oven.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Icebox Cake

Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake

Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake top view.
Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This pineapple upside-down bundt cake uses canned fruit and finishes with a glossy top. It is a solid choice for a vintage dessert that looks polished with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake

Banoffee Pie

Top view of Banoffee Pie.
Banoffee Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Banoffee Pie combines bananas, caramel, and cream on a graham base. It comes together quickly and continues to be remembered as a vintage dessert.
Get the Recipe: Banoffee Pie

Lemon Chiffon Cake

Lemon Chiffon Cake on a circular wooden board.
Lemon Chiffon Cake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Lemon chiffon cake is airy, topped with a citrus glaze, and baked until light and set. It works smoothly as a fresh take on a vintage dessert.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chiffon Cake

Homemade Angel Food Cake

A slice of Strawberry Jello Pie on a stack of two plates.
Homemade Angel Food Cake. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Angel food cake uses six ingredients to bake into a light, spongy texture. It has remained a favorite vintage dessert that pairs easily with fruit in summer.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Angel Food Cake

Strawberry Jello Pie

Strawberry Jello Pie. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Strawberry jello pie comes together with just a few ingredients and minimal prep. It continues to be a fridge-set vintage dessert that stays popular.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Jello Pie

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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