18 Grandma’s Favorite Desserts That Are Just as Good Today

Grandma’s classic desserts have this magical quality that brings us right back to simpler times, with every bite brimming with memories and flavors we can’t forget. These recipes have stood the test of time, from buttery pies to melt-in-your-mouth cookies, and they’re still every bit as delicious today as they were back then. Let’s dive into some of Grandma’s best and savor those nostalgic flavors all over again.

Apple Pie

A timeless favorite, apple pie combines a flaky crust with a sweet and tart apple filling. To prepare, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt and 2/3 cup of shortening; add 6 tablespoons of cold water to form the dough. For the filling, toss 6 cups of sliced apples with 3/4 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Roll out the dough, place one half in a pie dish, add the filling, cover with the remaining dough, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 50 minutes. This dessert epitomizes comfort and tradition.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies offer a delightful balance of crispy edges and chewy centers, studded with chocolate chips. Cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup of brown sugar. Beat in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually add 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir in 2 cups of chocolate chips, drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. A classic treat that never goes out of style.

Carrot Cake

Carrot cake is a moist, spiced cake enriched with grated carrots and often topped with cream cheese frosting. Combine 2 cups of sugar, 1 1/2 cups of vegetable oil, and 4 large eggs. Mix in 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Fold in 3 cups of grated carrots and 1 cup of chopped nuts. Pour into a greased pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes. This dessert brings warmth and nostalgia to any gathering.

Lemon Meringue Pie

Lemon meringue pie features a tangy lemon filling topped with fluffy meringue, all encased in a buttery crust. Prepare a pie crust and bake it until golden. For the filling, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 1/3 cup of cornstarch, 1 1/2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt; cook until thickened. Stir in 3 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1/2 cup of lemon juice. Pour into the crust, top with meringue made from the egg whites and 6 tablespoons of sugar, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. A delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors.

Banana Bread

Banana bread is a moist, sweet loaf made with ripe bananas, perfect for breakfast or a snack. Mash 3 ripe bananas and mix with 1/3 cup of melted butter. Stir in 1 teaspoon of baking soda, a pinch of salt, 3/4 cup of sugar, 1 beaten egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and mix until just combined. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60-65 minutes. A comforting treat that evokes memories of home.

Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is a warm dessert featuring sweet peaches topped with a biscuit-like crust. Mix 4 cups of sliced peaches with 1 cup of sugar and set aside. In another bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir in 1 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Pour the batter into a baking dish, spoon the peaches on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes. A classic Southern dessert that remains a favorite.

Rice Pudding

Rice pudding is a creamy dessert made by cooking rice with milk and sugar, often flavored with cinnamon or vanilla. Combine 1/2 cup of uncooked rice, 4 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens, about 45 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon. A comforting dessert that has stood the test of time.

Chocolate Fudge

Chocolate fudge is a rich, dense confection made by cooking sugar, butter, and milk with chocolate. In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of sugar, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1/2 cup of butter; bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of cocoa powder and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it thickens and loses its gloss. Pour into a greased pan, let it set, and cut into squares. A timeless treat that satisfies any sweet tooth.

Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is a dessert made by soaking stale bread in a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and spices, and then baking it until set. Cube 6 cups of day-old bread and place in a greased baking dish. In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk, 4 beaten eggs, 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon. Pour the mixture over the bread, pressing down to soak evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, until golden and set. This dessert makes the most of leftover bread, transforming it into a warm, custardy treat.

Cherry Clafoutis

Cherry clafoutis is a French dessert featuring a light, custard-like batter poured over fresh cherries. Start by greasing a baking dish and adding 2 cups of pitted cherries. In a bowl, whisk 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of flour, 3 eggs, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Pour the batter over the cherries and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, until puffed and golden. This dish is elegant yet comforting, making it perfect for both special occasions and cozy family dinners.

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake is a simple dessert of sweet biscuits layered with juicy strawberries and whipped cream. For the biscuits, combine 2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Cut in 1/2 cup of cold butter, then add 3/4 cup of milk to form a dough; drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes. Split the biscuits, layer with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, and serve. The light, airy biscuit pairs beautifully with the fresh strawberries, giving each bite a taste of summer.

Vanilla Panna Cotta

Vanilla panna cotta is a creamy Italian dessert set with gelatin, often topped with berries or caramel. To prepare, heat 2 cups of cream with 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the sugar dissolves, then add 1 packet of gelatin softened in 1/4 cup of cold water. Pour the mixture into ramekins and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This silky dessert melts in the mouth, offering a delicate sweetness that’s simple yet sophisticated.

Coconut Macaroons

Coconut macaroons are chewy, golden cookies made from sweetened shredded coconut, sugar, and egg whites. Mix 3 cups of shredded coconut with 1 cup of sugar and 3 egg whites until fully combined. Scoop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown. The rich, coconut flavor and chewy texture make these a delightful treat with a tropical flair.

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is a classic fall dessert with a smooth, spiced pumpkin filling in a flaky crust. Prepare a pie crust and set aside. For the filling, whisk together 1 can (15 oz) of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon each of ginger and nutmeg, 2 large eggs, and 1 cup of evaporated milk. Pour into the crust and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F (175°C) for another 40-50 minutes. This dessert embodies the warm, cozy flavors of autumn.

Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a beloved Italian dessert made by layering coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a creamy mascarpone filling. Start by dipping 18-20 ladyfingers in strong coffee and place them in a baking dish. Beat 1 cup of mascarpone with 1/2 cup of sugar and 3 egg yolks until smooth, then fold in whipped cream. Layer the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, dust with cocoa powder, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. The flavors of coffee, cocoa, and cream combine to create an indulgent, sophisticated treat.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This cake features a caramelized layer of pineapple rings and cherries atop a buttery yellow cake. Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a pan and sprinkle with 3/4 cup of brown sugar. Arrange pineapple rings and maraschino cherries in the sugar mixture, then pour prepared cake batter (from 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup butter, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup milk) over the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes and invert to serve. The juicy pineapple and caramelized sugar create a tropical flavor explosion.

Molasses Cookies

Molasses cookies are soft, spiced cookies with a deep molasses flavor and a chewy texture. Cream together 1/2 cup of butter with 1 cup of sugar, then add 1/2 cup of molasses and 1 egg. Mix in 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon each of ginger and cloves. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. These cookies are packed with warm spices, perfect for chilly days.

Pecan Pie

Pecan pie combines a rich, caramel-like filling with crunchy pecans in a buttery crust. For the filling, mix 1 cup of corn syrup, 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of melted butter, 3 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour the mixture over 1 1/2 cups of pecans in a prepared pie crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60-70 minutes, until set. This Southern classic is a holiday favorite with a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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