19 Old Fashioned Recipes That Bring Back the Best Memories

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There’s something magical about old-fashioned recipes. They’re more than just food; they’re like edible time machines, taking you back to family dinners, holiday celebrations, and cozy kitchens filled with the smell of something delicious baking. These 19 recipes bring back all the warm, fuzzy feelings of the past through classic flavors and traditional techniques. Think creamy banana pie, old-school glazed donuts, and rich, chocolatey fudge just the way grandma used to make. Get ready to indulge in a nostalgic feast that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Let’s get cooking like it’s the good old days!

Salisbury Steak

Delight your family with this amazing Salisbury Steak recipe, ready in just 30 minutes! Transform your weeknights into a delicious culinary experience that everyone will love!

Get The Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Old Fashioned Glazed Donuts

A close up of a pile of glazed cake donuts — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Indulge in the timeless perfection of an Old Fashioned Glazed Donut. With its golden, tender cake base and a sweet, glossy glaze that melts in your mouth, every bite is pure nostalgia and joy.

Get The Recipe: Old Fashioned Glazed Donuts

Coconut Cream Pie

This Creamy Coconut Custard Pie is a slice of paradise on your plate! Picture this: velvety custard infused with the irresistible flavor of coconut, nestled in a luscious creamy filling, and crowned with clouds of fluffy whipped cream. It’s a dessert that’s guaranteed to wow your guests—and the best part? It’s incredibly simple to make!

Get The Recipe: Coconut Cream Pie

Easy Baked Glazed Chocolate Donuts

two piles of baked glazed chocolate donuts — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

These Easy Baked Glazed Chocolate Donuts offer a delicious and healthier alternative. They’re light and fluffy cake donuts generously glazed for a satisfying yet guilt-free treat.

Get The Recipe: Easy Baked Glazed Chocolate Donuts

Old Fashioned Chocolate Cream Pie.

This Old Fashioned Chocolate Cream Pie is a chocolate lover’s dream! Featuring a chocolate cookie crust and double the sweet chocolate filling, it’s rich, creamy, and utterly decadent. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any time you crave a chocolatey treat.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Chocolate Cream Pie.

Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake – Old Fashioned Recipe!

A round bundt cake with a thick, light brown crust and white icing drizzle on top, resting on a wooden surface. — Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake recipe is an old-fashioned dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion. This cake is incredibly moist and delicious, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make and always a hit!
Get the Recipe: Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake – Old Fashioned Recipe!

Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake Recipe

A layered banana cake coated with creamy white frosting and topped with pecan nuts. A slice is cut out, revealing the moist inside. The cake sits on a white pedestal, surrounded by sprigs of flowers and herbs on a wooden surface. — Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake recipe is a Southern classic that’s a delightful mix of banana bread and pineapple flavors. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and pecans, it’s perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake Recipe

Chicken Dumpling Soup

A creamy chicken and dumpling soup with chunks of chicken, carrots, celery, and herbs visible. A wooden-handled ladle scoops some of the thick soup, highlighting the tender dumplings and vibrant vegetables. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Enjoy a cozy, flavorful meal with Chicken Dumpling Soup! Tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and hearty veggies come together in a rich, comforting broth. Easy to make and perfect for warming up on any day!

Get The Recipe: Chicken Dumpling Soup

Old Fashioned Apple Spice Pie

A close-up of a slice of peach pie, showcasing golden-brown lattice crust and juicy peach filling, served on a white plate with a gold-colored fork. — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Old Fashioned Apple Spice Pie recipe creates a caramel sauce in the filling with a mix of light and dark brown sugar, vanilla, and butter. The addition of spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice brings warmth and depth to this classic dessert. It’s the perfect sweet treat for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Apple Spice Pie

Glazed Old Fashioned Donut Cake Recipe

overhead view of glazed buttermilk donut cake on cooling rack with knife — Photo credit: Heather Mubarak creator of Browned Butter Blondie

This oversized, glazed old fashioned donut cake is baked to a golden brown in a bundt pan. Perfectly moist and tender, this cake is topped with a sweet vanilla drizzle that makes it a guaranteed hit at your next brunch.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Old Fashioned Donut Cake Recipe

Strawberry Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

strawberry frosted cookies made with oatmeal — Photo credit: Heather Mubarak creator of Browned Butter Blondie

These Strawberry Iced Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful update to the classic treat. These cookies have soft centers, chewy edges and a sweet strawberry icing that makes them irresistible. They’re sure to impress your friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Coconut Lovers Dream Cake

If you’re a fan of coconut, you won’t be able to resist this deliciously moist cake that’s generously loaded with shredded coconut and infused with rich coconut flavor! Topped with a creamy coconut frosting and sprinkled with toasted coconut flakes, this cake is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.

Get The Recipe: Coconut Lovers Dream Cake

Best Chocolate Fudge

Square of chocolate fudge with a bite out of it on marble board. Showing creamy interior. — Photo credit: Sugar Spun Run

This classic chocolate fudge recipe uses simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry! Skip the sweetened condensed milk and follow this easy recipe for a delicious old-fashioned candy. It’s perfect for gifting or enjoying a sweet treat yourself.
Get the Recipe: Best Chocolate Fudge

Spicy Chai Molasses Cookies

These Spicy Chai Molasses Cookies are the perfect treat for the holidays or any time you crave a warm, comforting dessert. Soft and chewy on the inside with crispy edges, they’re infused with chai spices that elevate the classic molasses cookie to a whole new level of deliciousness. These cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the taste of chai and the warmth of molasses.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chai Molasses Cookies

Peanut Brittle Recipe

Overhead view of a bowl of peanut candy pieces. — Photo credit: Sugar Spun Run

This homemade peanut brittle recipe will bring a delightful crunch to your day! With tips for flawless candy making, you’ll create a snappy, old-fashioned treat right in your own kitchen. Perfect for gifting or enjoying a sweet, nutty snack!
Get the Recipe: Peanut Brittle Recipe

Old Fashioned Easter Egg Candy

Old fashioned easter candy eggs — Photo credit: Sugar Spun Run

These Old Fashioned Easter Egg Candies are a unique treat that you might not have tried before! Made with a base of mashed potatoes, these candies are surprisingly sweet and delicious. Dipped in chocolate, they’re a perfect addition to your Easter candy traditions.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Easter Egg Candy

Old Fashioned Warm Apple Cake

Apple cake with a caramel sauce served on a white plate that's decorated with apples and cinnamon sticks. — Photo credit: Cooking Classy

This warm apple cake is the perfect dessert to welcome fall! The buttery, spiced batter is filled with fresh apple pieces and topped with a sweet and sticky sauce. It’s an old-fashioned cake that’s sure to please!
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Warm Apple Cake

Old Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe

A close-up of a banana cream pie topped with whipped cream and banana slices, showing the creamy yellow filling and flaky pie crust. — Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

This old-fashioned banana cream pie recipe has a secret ingredient: a microwave! The filling is made in the microwave, making it a quick and easy dessert. Top with whipped cream and ripe bananas for a truly decadent treat.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe

Red Velvet Bundt Cake

Craving a show-stopping cake that’s easier than you think? Look no further! This recipe brings you a vibrant red velvet cake with a perfectly moist crumb, topped with rich, creamy cheese icing that will leave everyone wanting more. It’s the ideal centerpiece for birthdays, dinner parties, or simply a sweet weekend indulgence! Get ready to impress!

Get The Recipe: Red Velvet Bundt Cake