10 Nostalgic Desserts from Childhood You’ll Want to Make Again

There’s something about childhood desserts that brings a wave of nostalgia and warmth. Whether it’s the simple sweetness of homemade rice pudding or the gooey indulgence of chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven, these treats take us back to simpler times. Rediscovering these classic recipes is a delicious way to relive memories, and the best part is they’re easy to make at home with ingredients you likely have on hand.

Rice Pudding

A cozy bowl of rice pudding is the perfect comfort dessert. To make this, combine 1 cup of white rice, 4 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, and a dash of salt in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently. Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the rice is soft and creamy. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor and stir in a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Serve warm or chilled, and enjoy this creamy, sweet treat that’s as comforting as it is simple.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Few things compare to the delight of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Cream together 1 cup of softened butter with 1 cup of white sugar and 1 cup of brown sugar until smooth. Beat in 2 eggs, then add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, mix 3 cups of flour with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, then slowly add to the butter mixture. Fold in 2 cups of chocolate chips, spoon onto a baking sheet, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. The result? Warm, gooey cookies that taste like childhood.

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

This vanilla ice cream brings back the fun of summer days. Combine 2 cups of heavy cream, 2 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl, whisking until the sugar dissolves. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until thick and creamy. For those without an ice cream maker, place the mixture in a shallow dish, freeze, and stir every 30 minutes until smooth. This ice cream is creamy, rich, and filled with a pure vanilla flavor you’ll love.

Fudgy Brownies

Classic fudgy brownies are a chocolate lover’s dream. Melt 1/2 cup of butter with 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until combined. Remove from heat and add 2 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in 1/3 cup of cocoa powder, 1/2 cup of flour, and a pinch of salt, then pour into a greased baking pan. Bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes. These brownies are chewy, rich, and perfect for a sweet indulgence.

Fruit Popsicles

Homemade fruit popsicles are a fun, refreshing dessert that kids and adults both enjoy. Puree 2 cups of fresh or frozen berries, 1 cup of yogurt, and a tablespoon of honey in a blender until smooth. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, insert sticks, and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight. These popsicles are not only tasty but also a healthier option, filled with natural fruit sweetness.

Rice Krispies Treats

Rice Krispies treats are a childhood classic that’s quick and easy to make. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over low heat, then add a 10-ounce bag of marshmallows, stirring until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and quickly fold in 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated. Press the mixture into a greased pan, let it cool, and cut into squares. The result is a gooey, crunchy treat that’s always a hit.

Banana Bread

Banana bread is a nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for using up ripe bananas. Mash 3 overripe bananas in a bowl and mix with 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 beaten egg. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, a pinch of salt, and 1 1/2 cups of flour, stirring until combined. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for about 60 minutes. This bread is moist, sweet, and perfect for a comforting snack.

Apple Pie

Apple pie is a classic dessert filled with warm, spiced apples and a flaky crust. Peel and slice 6 apples, then toss them with 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of flour. Pour the mixture into a prepared pie crust, dot with butter, and top with another crust. Bake at 375°F for 45-50 minutes until golden brown. This pie is best served warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Jello Mold

This retro Jello dessert is a colorful blast from the past. Dissolve a 3-ounce package of flavored gelatin in 1 cup of hot water, then add 1 cup of cold water. Pour the mixture into a mold and add your choice of fruits, like pineapple chunks or mandarin oranges. Refrigerate until set, then unmold onto a plate. This fun, wobbly treat is a refreshing dessert that’s sure to bring back memories.

Chocolate Pudding

Chocolate pudding is a creamy, comforting dessert that’s easy to make from scratch. In a saucepan, whisk together 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and let it cool slightly before serving. This pudding is smooth, chocolatey, and perfect for satisfying a sweet craving.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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