Remember the humble, unassuming Christmas desserts of yesteryear? The ones that brought back warm memories of grandma’s kitchen, where the scent of hot cocoa wafted through the air as she sang along to festive tunes. This holiday season, those classic recipes are making a comeback in all their nostalgic glory. If you’re looking for inspiration for your Christmas celebrations, be sure to check out our best Christmas appetizer and casserole recipes.
For now, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of our favorite vintage Christmas desserts that are sure to bring joy to your holiday gatherings.
DAINTY LOG BUTTER COOKIES WITH CHOCOLATE CHIPS
A nostalgic look at vintage cookbooks reveals a treasure trove of timeless treats that still delight our taste buds today. Take, for instance, the Dainty Log Butter Cookies with Chocolate Chips – a simple yet scrumptious recipe that’s sure to impress your holiday guests. By adding a layer of melted chocolate chips and your preferred nuts, these shortbread logs transcend their humble origins to become a crowd-pleasing centerpiece at any festive gathering.
VINTAGE CHRISTMAS TRIFLE
A timeless Christmas dessert, the vintage trifle has been delighting palates for generations. This classic treat combines moist cake, creamy custard, sweet fruit, and fruity jelly in a symphony of flavors. What sets it apart is the freedom to get creative with layering and decoration, making it an ideal showcase for baking enthusiasts looking to flaunt their culinary skills.
VINTAGE PEPPERMINT FLUFF RECIPE
In the mid-century era, Jello-based recipes experienced a surge in popularity, driven by some intriguing historical factors. Prior to this period, gelatin molds were largely reserved for the affluent due to their production process being time-consuming and expensive. Gelatin itself was a labor-intensive and costly commodity, making it inaccessible to many households.
PEPPERMINT DIVINITY
A sweet Southern tradition, divinity has seen its popularity wane in recent years, relegated to the realm of forgotten festive treats. Yet, this treasured Christmas dessert remains an heirloom worthy of preservation for the benefit of future generations. The reason for its decline? Its irresistible combination of pecans and ease of preparation with just a few ingredients make it a hard treat to put down.
SLOW COOKER PUMPKIN PIE PUDDING
Imagine having a scrumptious holiday dessert that requires minimal effort and prep time. This Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding fits the bill perfectly. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a crustless pumpkin pie in your slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients, let it cook, and top with whipped cream for a delightful treat.
CANDY CANE COOKIES
Indulge in the festive spirit with these scrumptious Christmas sugar cookies, infused with the invigorating essence of peppermint bits. Perfect for snacking on-the-go, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit at any holiday soiree or family celebration. The vintage twist of baking them into merry shapes adds an extra layer of charm, making them a must-have addition to your holiday spread.
VINTAGE CHRISTMAS TREE CAKE
Imagine walking into a kitchen that’s reminiscent of Christmases past, where vintage charm and modern delight collide. In Katrina’s Kitchen, we’re celebrating the nostalgic spirit of a bygone era with a show-stopping dessert that will transport you back to a time when Christmas trees came in ceramic form.
OLD-FASHIONED CHERRY WINKS
Step back into nostalgia with these classic treats, harking back to a bygone era. The Cherry Winks recipe, featuring Kellogg’s cornflakes as its star ingredient, is a mouthwatering reminder of simpler times.
CORNFLAKE WREATHS CHRISTMAS COOKIES
Indulge the kiddos in a delightful Christmas activity without breaking a sweat or dirtying up the kitchen. No-bake wreath cookies are the perfect treat for the holiday season, and the best part is that they can be whipped up by the mini-me’s all on their own! With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, these bite-sized wonders will have everyone singing ‘Jingle Bells’ in no time.
OLD-FASHIONED POTATO CANDY
Indulge in the comforting flavors of traditional potato candy with minimal fuss – this 4-ingredient recipe requires no baking, making it an ideal treat for those short on time or with a sweet tooth.
CHRISTMAS TRUFFLES
Indulge in the sweet and simple charm of Princess Pinky Girl’s Peanut Butter Christmas Truffles, a delightful holiday treat that can be prepared with just four essential ingredients. Perfect for busy celebrations, these truffles are quick to make and pack a delicious punch.
GRANDMA’S SOUR CREAM COFFEE CAKE
Vintage cookbooks hold a special place in the hearts of many home cooks. One such treasured recipe is Grandma’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake, a classic pound cake that has been passed down through generations. This moist and flavorful coffee cake is made even more delightful by its crunchy granulated sugar topping. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as a sweet treat after dinner, this Bundt pan masterpiece is best paired with a warm cup of coffee.
The nostalgia surrounding these old-fashioned recipes only adds to their charm, making them a staple in many family kitchens.
CHOCOLATE PECAN SLICE AND BAKE COOKIES
Indulge in the warmth of the holiday season with a classic twist on traditional cookies. This tried-and-true recipe for Chocolate Pecan Slice and Bake Cookies is sure to become a new family favorite, courtesy of a beloved grandma’s timeless tradition.
FRENCH BUTTERCREAM COOKIES
French buttercream cookies, with their delicate texture and rich flavor, are an ideal treat to spread some festive joy. To give them a pop of color, simply infuse the dough with vibrant hues or sprinkle edible glitter on top – making them a delightful choice for gifting or sharing with friends and family this holiday season.
OLD-FASHIONED GINGERBREAD
Embracing the quintessential Yuletide tradition, crafting a gingerbread house is the ultimate way to usher in the festive season. The tantalizing aroma of warm spices and sweet baked goods wafting through your home will instantly evoke a sense of holiday cheer. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the world of gingerbread construction, this beloved activity is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.
OLD-FASHIONED PECAN PRALINES
Immersive indulgence awaits with these Pecan Pralines, a vintage Southern delight that defies categorization. The harmonious blend of textures – crunchy pecans, silky butterscotch, velvety caramel, and sweet sugar – converges to create an unparalleled treat that’s as nostalgic as it is tantalizing.
CORNFLAKE CANDY
Indulge in the simplicity of Pear Tree Kitchen’s no-bake Cornflake Candy recipe, where the union of peanut butter and cornflakes yields a satisfyingly crunchy and delicious treat. What sets this sweet indulgence apart is its effortless preparation – requiring only one pan and a handful of basic ingredients – making it an ideal solution for those seeking a quick yet indulgent snack to curb their sweet cravings.
PISTACHIO COFFEE CAKE
Stepping into the world of vintage cooking, our family has fallen head over heels in love with this classic Pistachio Coffee Cake recipe. Its airy texture and vibrant green pistachio filling make it a stunning addition to any breakfast table. What’s more, its simplicity and speed make it an ideal choice for busy mornings or special occasions alike.
TRADITIONAL BRITISH CHRISTMAS PUDDING
Indulge in the quintessential British Christmas delight, as this traditional pudding recipe boasts a harmonious balance of rich, velvety sweetness and warm spices, subtly elevated by the addition of a decadent hint of chocolate. A festive treat that’s sure to bring joy to any family gathering.
1940s SUGAR COOKIE RECIPE
The origins of this scrumptious sugar cookie recipe date back to the author’s grandmother, who lovingly preserved a clipping from a 1940s newspaper. She transcribed it onto a piece of paper, which remains a treasured keepsake to this day, complete with its original stains and creases.
SLICED SWEET POTATO PIE
While it may appear unassuming at first glance, this sweet potato pie is a true delight. The layered sweet potato slices are elevated by a sweet and spicy glaze that strikes the ideal balance of flavors. As the seasons transition into autumn, this sweet treat becomes an even more compelling alternative to traditional pumpkin pie, its unique charm making it a standout dessert for any fall gathering.
RED HOT FLUFF
These vintage cookbooks are a treasure trove of unique recipes that blend classic ingredients in unexpected ways. One such dish is Red Hot Fluff, which combines the warmth of cinnamon with crushed pineapple, Cool Whip, and mini marshmallows to create a sweet and fluffy concoction. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the strong cinnamon flavor, while the marshmallows add a light and airy texture that’s elevated by the whipped topping.
MARTHA WASHINGTON CANDY
Indulge in the sweet treats of Martha Washington Candy, where rich flavors meet delightful twists. The classic confection boasts creamy sweetened coconut and pecan centers smothered in chocolate, making it a decadent delight. Savor each bite in its traditional form or elevate it with chopped maraschino cherries for a fruity spin. Whichever way you choose to indulge, this beloved candy is sure to win over even the most discerning palates.
TRADITIONAL EGGNOG
Indulge in the rich flavors of homemade eggnog by following our straightforward recipe. By ditching store-bought versions with their unnecessary additives, you’ll be left with a creamy, sweet, and spicy beverage that’s perfect for the holiday season. For an added twist, spike it with your preferred liquor or keep it family-friendly by skipping the booze altogether.
OLD-FASHIONED DATE PUDDING
Timeless treats await in the pages of these old cookbooks, where classic desserts like Old Fashioned Date Pudding take center stage. This indulgent delight pairs a moist date cake with a rich caramel sauce that pools at the bottom, much like Grandma used to lovingly prepare it. Serve warm and enjoy the gooey sauce oozing out as you top it with whipped cream – a match made in heaven.
CHRISTMAS SNOW SALAD
A timeless Southern classic that never goes out of style, this vintage Christmas dessert has been a staple in many households since its introduction in 1982. The red-and-green congealed salad, with its sweet, soft, and festive nature, is the perfect treat to warm up your holiday gatherings.
OLD-FASHIONED TEA CAKE CHRISTMAS COOKIES
As the festive season approaches, there’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than baking up a batch of Old Fashioned Tea Cakes. These delicate, sugar-coated treats are a staple of Christmas celebrations, offering just the right balance of sweetness and simplicity. A classic recipe that’s sure to become a new family tradition.
SUGARED MIXED NUTS
While Luci’s Morsels may stray from traditional sugared nut recipes, its unique charm is undeniable. This sweet treat boasts a classic preparation method that yields an undeniably divine result, making it well worth the departure from familiarity.
CHRISTMAS CRANBERRY CAKE
Indulge in the stress-free joy of a Cranberry Cake this Christmas season. Not only does this delightful dessert impress with its effortless preparation, but it also makes for an ideal treat on Christmas Eve. With its ease of making and impressive presentation, your guests will be none the wiser to its simplicity.
VINTAGE PINEAPPLE PRETZEL SALAD
The charm of old cookbooks lies in their simplicity and reliability. Take for instance the Pretzel Pineapple Salad, which owes its success to the delightful interplay between sweet and buttery pretzel crumbles. This delectable side dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients: Cool Whip, crushed pineapple, and cream cheese. The resulting combination is nothing short of foolproof. It’s no wonder that this classic recipe has been enjoyed by families for generations.
LIGHT FRUITCAKE
When it comes to the iconic Southern dish, Southern Living, even the most hardened non-believers can’t help but be won over by the delightfully bourbon-infused fruitcake that’s been passed down through generations from Cassandra King’s mother. This beloved recipe has undergone a subtle yet significant transformation, yielding a fresh take on a classic childhood treat that’s sure to please.
AUNTIE’S APPLE CAKE
This classic apple cake recipe is a Southern Living staple, featuring tender apples, a crunchy pecan-infused batter, and a heavenly praline-flavored frosting. It’s a versatile dessert that shines as a sweet treat for any occasion – from afternoon tea to holiday gatherings. The warm spices and comforting flavors evoke memories of cozy family traditions and nostalgic celebrations.
If you’re looking to add some vintage charm to your holiday spread, consider pairing this cake with other classic treats like fruitcake or yule log cakes. Alternatively, try mince pies or plum pudding for a delightful old-fashioned Christmas dinner. As you bake up these timeless recipes, get ready to bring back cherished memories and create new ones with loved ones.
Related POSTS
Kick off the holiday season with these delightful treats! For a sweet celebration, try whipping up one (or all) of our top-rated Christmas dessert recipes. But if you’re short on time or prefer something easy and effortless, don’t miss out on our collection of no-bake Christmas recipes that are just as scrumptious. And for the candy lovers out there, we’ve got an array of festive treats to satisfy your sweet tooth.
SOME CHRISTMAS DESSERT COOKBOOKS THAT YOU CAN BUY:
Discover the perfect recipe books to bring joy and sweetness to your holiday gatherings. For those who love baking, ‘The Vintage Baker’ is a must-have collection of over 50 recipes that range from classic treats like butterscotch pecan curls to creative twists on traditional favorites like sour cream jumbles. This beautifully designed mid-century cookbook is the perfect gift for bakers and Americana enthusiasts alike.
For beginners looking to get into the holiday spirit, ‘Christmas Cookies Cookbook for Beginners’ offers a whopping 100+ easy-to-follow recipes, complete with expert tips on frosting and decorating. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be whipping up festive treats in no time. And if you’re looking for inspiration to take your baking to the next level, ‘Baking for the Holidays’ is the perfect resource.
This stunning hardcover book features over 50 show-stopping recipes that are sure to impress friends and family at your holiday gatherings.
