Best Old Fashioned Baked Goods

Nostalgic desserts bring us back to a simpler time.

Recipes passed from one generation to the next preserve a slice of culture and family history. From pies and custards, to crisps and cookies, these classic treats will bring you back to afternoons licking the spoon in Grandma’s kitchen.

Try these best old fashioned baked goods and see for yourself.

10. Pecan fruit cake

To make a brandied fruitcake the traditional way, you want to get it going a month before you plan on eating it. That’s right. A month! Few people plan dessert that far ahead, but oh is it worth it. This decadent fruit and nut cake is a perfect gift and most delicious way to welcome guests.

9. Crumbles

Cozy, comforting and surprisingly easy to make to perfection, baked crumbles remain popular for many reasons. Once you have a crumble mix you’re happy with, use it yea-round with your favorite fruits and berries. The sweet, buttery topping with just the right amount of cinnamon is a delicious contrast to sweet berries, juicy apples, pears, peaches, cherries and bananas. Throw in raisins or nuts if you feel like experimenting.

8. Hummingbird cake

Of all the best old fashioned baked goods, Hummingbird Cake is the one you’re least likely to have tried. Signature flavors feature cream cheese frosting (homemade), banana and fresh pineapple. This moist, rich cake is perfect for special occasions that call for a unique treat that makes a lasting impression.

7. Apple pie

When it’s down home comfort you crave, apple pie is always the answer. Learning to make a perfectly golden, flakey crust can take a few practices, but the effort pays off. Whether you prefer yours with a slice of cheddar or ice cream, this classic American pie is a fantastic picnic food.

6. Custard

Traditional custard is one of the most satisfying comfort treats. When it’s cold outside and you long for something warm and creamy to complete a hearty meal, custard is the way to go. Six ingredients and a few custard cups are all you need. Bake until the top is golden and the scent of vanilla fills your kitchen.

5. Peach cobbler

Family peach cobbler recipes often go back several generations. This simple dish tastes like summer on a plate. Enjoy it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or chilled. Bring it to backyard barbeques, potlucks and housewarmings. Juicy peaches bursting through flaky lattice crust is always a welcome addition.

4. Brownies

With only a few ingredients, brownies are super quick, easy to make and one of the very best old fashioned baked goods. No need to frost and no technical skills required. Simply bake to perfection and cut out a square or two. Fresh-baked brownies are fudgy, soft and magical when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

3. Blueberry muffins

Old-fashioned muffins look nothing like the gigantic cupcake-style muffins you see in fancy cafes today. The traditional style is modest in size, pure in flavor, and the calorie count won’t toss your diet out the window. The fresh blueberries burst in your mouth – it’s all about fresh flavor. Good for breakfast on the go or with a light lunch.

2. Cookies

If only it were cookie time all the time! It’s impossible to forget the joy of biting into a lumpy, imperfect looking cookie with a slightly crisp outside and soft, chewy inside. Everyone has a favorite classic cookie – chocolate chip, sugar, snickerdoodles, inside out, gingerbread and plump pumpkin cookies. All are best enjoyed with hot cocoa or a glass of milk.

1. Bread pudding

People who love bread pudding often have some stories to tell. Like many of the best foods, this was born from necessity during tough economic times. It’s still a great way to make use of stale bread. Recipes for this one vary widely, but the warm soothing results are like a hug for your taste buds.