RD.COM Food Food Tips
ByGrace Mannon
Updated: Dec. 23, 2022
You might be a Bananas Foster baby—or were you born in the year of Hummingbird Cake? Take a look back at 60 marvelous years of dessert trends. They're our birthday gift to you!
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1940: Bread Pudding
When I really want to impress guests, I serve this decadent bread pudding. With just a few staple ingredients—bread, eggs, sugar, and chocolate—I’m able to turn out this masterpiece in no time! —Erin Chilcoat, Smithtown, New York
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1941: Pecan Pie
I absolutely love pecans. I combine them with maple and vanilla to create the ultimate tart, made even richer with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. —Redawna Kalynchuk, Barrhead, Alberta
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1942: Gingerbread
I asked my mother-in-law for this recipe once I learned it’s my husband’s favorite. Now I bake it whenever he needs an extra-special treat. Spice cake topped with lemony sauce makes us both smile. —Kristen Oak, Pocatello, Idaho. Check out the beautiful dessert that’s been pinned more than 270,000 times.
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1943: Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
This pineapple upside-down cake is a classic recipe that never goes out of style! It’s delicious with the traditional pineapple, but try it with peaches or a combination of cranberries and orange. —Bernardine Melton, Paola, Kansas.
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1944: Mincemeat Pie
My daughter won the grand champion title at the Alaska State Fair with these bars when she was 10. The topping is delicious but a bit crumbly—for neatly edged cookies, freeze before cutting. —Mary Bohanan, Sparks, Nevada
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1945: Lazy Daisy Cake
We always called this Mama’s “never fail” recipe. I guess the same holds true for me since I’ve entered this cake in contests and won with it. This tasty dessert is popular in our family, and it always brings back fond memories of Mama. —Carrie Bartlett, Gallatin, Tennessee. Find out the surprising birthplace of your favorite foods and drinks.
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1946: Brown Betty
If I had to define the “Betty” of Apple Brown Betty, she’d be a smart and thrifty Southern gal with a knack for creating simple, soul-comforting desserts. In this sweet dish, spiced apples are slow-cooked between layers of cinnamon-raisin bread cubes for a wonderful twist on the traditional oven-baked classic. —Heather Demeritte, Scottsdale, Arizona
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1947: Molasses Cookies
My family always requests these soft molasses cookies. These chewy molasses cookies are also great for shipping as holiday gifts or to troops overseas. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York
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1948: Chiffon Cake
This moist, airy chiffon cake was my dad’s favorite. Mom revamped the original recipe to include lemons. I’m not much of a baker, but whenever I make this dessert my family is thrilled! —Trisha Kammers, Clarkston, Washington. Find out the fried chicken recipe that has been viewed more than 200,000 times.
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1949: Jell-O Salad
Here’s an eye-catching salad that my mother makes for Christmas dinner each year. You can choose different flavors to make other color combinations for specific holidays or other gatherings. —Jan Hemness, Stockton, Missouri
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1950: Rice Cream
This recipe, which originated in Sweden, is famous at church suppers with our Minnesota neighbors. It’s a delicious addition at family gatherings and parties, too. I usually make a double batch because it’s so good! —Lori Jeane Schlecht, Wimbledon, North Dakota
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1951: Bananas Foster
The flavors of caramel, rum and walnut naturally complement fresh bananas in this classic dessert made easy! —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
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1952: Baked Alaska
Surprise—there’s ice cream inside these tiny showstoppers! Dinner guests will be thrilled with the pretty presentation. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen.
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1953: Peach Cobbler
My mother received this peach cobbler recipe from a friend of hers many years ago, and fortunately, she shared it with me. Boise is situated right between two large fruit-producing areas in our state, so peaches are plentiful in the summer. —Ruby Ewart, Boise, Idaho
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1954: Marshmallow Creme Fudge
My sister shared the recipe for this unbelievably easy peanut butter fudge with marshmallow creme. I prefer using creamy peanut butter for this mouthwatering dessert, but the chunky style works just as well. —Mary Jane Rummel, Linglestown, Pennsylvania
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1955: Banana Pudding
I didn’t see my son, Lance Corporal Eric Harris, for more than two years after he enlisted in the Marines after high school. And when I first saw him at the airport last fall, I just grabbed hold of him and busted out crying. Back home, the first thing he ate was two bowls of my easy banana pudding recipe. He’s a true Southern boy! It’s a dessert, but you can have it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. —Stephanie Harris, Montpelier, Virginia
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1956: Baked Apples
My baked apple recipe is very old-fashioned yet tried and true. It’s definitely a comfort food. —Rachel Hamilton, Greenville, Pennsylvania
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1957: Angel Food Cake
Angel food cake is everyone’s favorite blank slate for making awesome desserts. Serve it with a simple glaze or pile on fresh fruit, chocolate sauce or nutty sprinkles. —Leah Rekau, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Find out why you should never wash eggs before cooking them.
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1958: Rice Pudding
Sweet and simple, this creamy arroz con leche recipe is real comfort food in any language. You’ll love the warm raisin and cinnamon flavors. It’s great served cold, too. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
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1959: Chocolate Cake
Years ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you’ll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania
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1960: Lane Cake
I just love this southern-style dessert, and so do dinner guests. With pecans, cherries, and raisins in the filling and topping, this version reminds me of a fruitcake—only so much better! —Mabel Parvi, Ridgefield, Washington
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1961: Butterscotch Crunchies
My grandmother made these haystack cookies and gave them to my cousin Vonnie and me when our parents didn’t want us to have any more sweets. —Christine Schwester, Divide, Colorado. Find out the difference between air frying and baking.
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1962: Apple Pie
I remember coming home sullen one day because we’d lost a softball game. Grandma, in her wisdom, suggested, “Maybe a slice of my homemade apple pie will make you feel better.” One bite and Grandma was right. If you want to learn how to make homemade apple pie filling, this is really the only recipe you need. —Maggie Greene, Granite Falls, Washington
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1963: Tomato Soup Cake
Canned tomato soup replaces some of the oil in this spice cake, decreasing the fat, boosting the color and (surprise!) enhancing the taste. —Hannah Thompson, Scotts Valley, California
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1964: Banana Split
This lovely and delightful dessert has the classic flavor of a banana split. It’s a cool, creamy treat with no last-minute fuss since you just pull it from the freezer. It always solicits praise from our big family. —Marye Franzen, Gothenburg, Nebraska.
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1965: Cranberry Mallow Pie
Talk about scrumptious summer desserts – this one is colorful, cool and sweet. Fresh raspberries are my favorite fruit, and pie’s my favorite dessert…so this is the perfect combination for me! I think you’ll enjoy it, too. —Deanna Richter, Elmore, Minnesota
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1966: Tiramisu
This variation of the popular Italian dessert is so easy to assemble. It’s convenient, too, since you can make it the day before your dinner party or potluck. —Linda Finn, Louisville, Mississippi
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1967: Floating Islands
My family has passed down this elegant dessert generation by generation. It started with my Russian great-grandmother, who traveled to America more than 100 years ago. I love continuing the tradition with her recipe. —Tonya Burkhard, Palm Coast, Florida
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1968: Frozen Lemon Pie
Crushed lemon sandwich cookies give this creamy pie extra flavor. It’s a wonderful dessert to store in the freezer for nights when you need a low-sugar treat in a hurry. —Emma Overby, East Prairie, Mississippi
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1969: Jell-O Mold
This gelatin is enjoyed by everyone because you just can’t go wrong with fresh berries. —Nicole Nemeth, Komoka, Ontario
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1970: Fondue
This dessert is fast yet fancy. Keep the ingredients on hand for last-minute entertaining. —Christopher Bingham, Grand Rapids, Michigan. In this spirit, check out Mark Bittman’s tips on ways to cook everything faster.
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1971: Grasshopper Brownies
One of the best things about this recipe is that these mint chocolate brownies get moister if you leave them in the refrigerator for a day or two. The problem at our house is no one can leave them alone for that long! —Helen Baines, Elkton, Maryland
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1972: Ambrosia Salad
My mom’s ambrosia salad, with its tasty combination of fresh fruits and creamy yogurt, is a family favorite, and a great addition to a backyard barbecue. —Colleen Belbey, Warwick, Rhode Island
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1973: Apple Swirl Cake
I bake my family-favorite fall cake to usher in this abundant season. It looks so luscious that eating one piece is nearly impossible. —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia. Then, check out the origins of the birthday cake.
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1974: Watergate Salad
I received this recipe from a cousin-in-law at a family reunion. Since then, I’ve brought it to many gatherings myself. We also like to eat it as a dessert.—Kelli Giffen, Barrie, Ontario
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1975: Carrot Cake
A pleasingly moist cake, this treat is the one I requested that my mom make each year for my birthday. It’s dotted with sweet carrots and a hint of cinnamon. The fluffy buttery frosting is scrumptious with chopped walnuts stirred in. One piece of this cake is never enough—better than all the other carrot cakes I’ve tried!—Kim Orr, West Grove, Pennsylvania
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1976: Peanut Butter Cookies
It is amazing how much flavor these simple peanut butter cookies have. I make them very often because I always have the ingredients on hand. —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
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1977: 7-UP Cake
My grandmother gave me this 7UP pound cake recipe. On top of being delicious, this 7UP cake represents family tradition, connection, and love. —Marsha Davis, Desert Hot Springs, California. Don’t miss these 15 mistakes you’re making with your pancakes.
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1978: Caramel Apples
When caramel apple season arrives, we roll apples in salted pecans and drizzle them with homemade fudge. For a different crunch factor, use honey-roasted peanuts. —Cori Cooper, Flagstaff, Arizona
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1979: Hummingbird Cake
This impressive hummingbird cake is my dad’s favorite, so I always make it for his birthday. It also makes a great Easter dessert and is lovely with a summer meal. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
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1980: Oatmeal Scotchies
With a cookie-loving husband and seven kids, one batch of cookies doesn’t last long here! When I make this colossal recipe, I divide it into thirds and make three different types to please everyone. One with chocolate chips and nuts, another with raisins and one with butterscotch chips. Everyone is happy! —Lisa Cooper, Paris, Texas
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1981: Mud Pie
Here’s one of those “looks like you fussed” desserts that is so easy it’s become a standard for me. I love the mocha version, but pure chocolate lovers may prefer using chocolate chip ice cream. The cookie crust is a snap to make. —Debbie Terenzini-Wilkerson, Lusby, Maryland.
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1982: Poke Cake
A sweet treat in the summer, this patriotic poke cake with dazzling red and blue stripes is a fun one to make with the kids. —Elisabeth Schulz, Blossvale, New York.
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1983: Snickerdoodles
The history of this whimsically named treat is widely disputed, but the popularity of this classic cinnamon-sugar-coated cookie is undeniable! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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1984: Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie does not have to be difficult to make. This recipe has a wonderful taste and will be a hit at your holiday meal. —Marty Rummel, Trout Lake, Washington
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1985: Trifle
This rich, tempting trifle feeds a crowd and features the ever-popular combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Try this dessert for your next get-together. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
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1986: Pineapple Dream Dessert
Creamy Pineapple Pie is a light and refreshing dessert that’s quick to make and impressive to serve. This is one of our favorite ways to complete a summer meal. —Sharon Bickett, Chester, South Carolina.
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1987: Coconut Custard Pie
This soft custard pie has a mild coconut flavor. Who wouldn’t love a hearty slice topped with a dollop of whipped cream? —Betty Swain, Bear, Delaware
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1988: Jell-O Jigglers
Kids love this sweet, wiggly gelatin and whipped topping dessert. Use different flavors of gelatin to make color versions that are as wild as your imagination. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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1989: Red Velvet Cake
In our family, no one thinks it’s Christmas without this Red Velvet Cake recipe. I baked the first one for Christmas in 1963 when I found the recipe in the newspaper and my Mother kept the tradition going into the ’80s. It’s different than other Red Velvet Cakes I’ve tasted over the years since this one tastes only mildly chocolate and the icing is as light as snow. —Kathryn H. Davison, Charlotte, North Carolina.Here are35 recipes you should know before you turn 35.
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1990: Peanut Butter Blossoms
Baking cookies to share doesn’t get much easier than this. Stir together four ingredients. Bake. Top with a Kiss. —Dee Davis, Sun City, Arizona
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1991: Molten Lava Cake
I doctored up a recipe I found in the newspaper years ago. When you see the gooey chocolate dripping out, you know you’re in for an awesome dessert. —Genise Krause, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
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1992: Mini Cheesecakes
These little cheesecakes make a fun dessert that’s just right for cooks who don’t have a lot of time for fussy recipes. Plus, you get to eat the whole thing yourself! —Kay Keller, Morenci, Michigan.
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1993: Sticky Toffee Pudding
This rich dessert is not pudding in the American sense of the word. The moist, spiced cake is loaded with mincemeat and toasted walnuts, drizzled with warm buttery toffee sauce. We like our sticky toffee pudding steaming or at room temperature. —Denise Nyland, Panama City, Florida
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1994: Gingerbread Men Cookies
No holiday treat platter would be complete without gingerbread man cookies! This is a tried-and-true recipe I’m happy to share with you. —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland
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1995: Eclair Cake
I love eclairs, but making the actual pastry is difficult. So I came up with this recipe as a substitute. It still satisfies my cravings with the same wonderful flavors. —Thelma Beam, Esbon, Kansas.
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1996: Frogurt
You could also use boysenberries, raspberries, or strawberries for this delicious dessert. — Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
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1997: Coca-Cola Cake
We live in Coca-Cola country, where everyone loves a chocolaty, moist sheet cake made with the iconic soft drink. Our rich version does the tradition proud. —Heidi Jobe, Carrollton, Georgia
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1998: Rice Krispies Treats
My aunt always brought s’mores-style bars to our family’s summer cottage. Plain or frosted, they’re perfect for eating on the run. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
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1999: Funfetti Cake
When we were young, Mom made birthday cakes with a small toy on top, chosen just for us. Now that I’m a parent, I go with jimmies. —Becky Herges, Fargo, North Dakota
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2000: Crème Brûlée
Inspired by a favorite ice cream flavor, I created this make-ahead recipe to free up some time in the kitchen. You can also serve this as a custard if you choose to not caramelize the top. —Eleanor Froehlich, Rochester, Michigan.
Originally Published: June 17, 2019
Author
Grace Mannon
Grace is a full-time mom with a Master's degree in Food Science. She loves to experiment in the kitchen and writes about her hits (and misses) on her blog, A Southern Grace.
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Originally Published on Taste of Home
