15 Retro Desserts from the 1960s You Need to Try

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Take a step back in time to the vibrant 1960s—a decade filled with iconic music, bold fashion, and of course, unforgettable sweets! This selection of 15 retro desserts serves up a slice of nostalgia, with treats that graced dinner parties, family picnics, and everything in between. From the creamy layers of banana pudding to the zesty charm of grasshopper pie and the elegance of cherries jubilee, these recipes embody the whimsy and charm of the era. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or tasting them for the first time, these classic desserts are the perfect way to sweeten your day while celebrating the timeless flavors of the ’60s.

Black Forest Cake

Black Forest Cake on a wood slice cake standPhoto credit: Sally’s Baking Recipes

This deliciously moist Black Forest Cake is a cut above the rest with homemade whipped cream, rich chocolate ganache, and sweet spiked cherries.
Get the Recipe: Black Forest Cake

Peaches And Cream

a white bowl of warn peaches and cream.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Peaches and Cream recipe is a celebration of fresh, seasonal peaches. Simple and delightful, it’s the perfect way to enjoy their peak flavor.

Get The Recipe: Peaches and Cream

Upside Down Cake

A golden brown upside-down cake with neatly arranged slices of caramelized apples on top. The glossy finish indicates a sugary glaze, making it an appealing and tempting dessert. Ideal for those exploring new dessert recipes, the cake appears moist and is likely freshly baked.Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This tasty Apple Upside Down Cake recipe makes a perfect holiday centerpiece. It’s a fruity cake with a hint of cinnamon—such an indulgent treat!

Get The Recipe: Apple Upside Down Cake

Strawberry Shortcake

A close up image of a biscuit filled with whipped cream and sliced strawberries.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This easy recipe for Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits is made completely from scratch. Once you try it you’ll never have store bought again!

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

Coconut Cream Pie

A slice of coconut cream pie on a plate with the pie in the background.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Creamy Coconut Custard Pie is a taste of vacation made easy! Rich custard meets the delightful flavor of coconut in a creamy filling, all topped with whipped cream. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make.

Get The Recipe: Coconut Cream Pie

Icebox Cake

slice of berry icebox cake with vanilla whipped cream between the layers on white plate.Photo credit: Sally’s Baking Recipes

Learn how to whip up a homemade whipped cream berry icebox cake that’s perfect for summer! No baking required, and it comes together in just minutes—easy, refreshing, and absolutely delicious!

Get the Recipe: Easy Berry Icebox Cake

Banana Pudding

Banana Pudding with spoon foodiecrush.comPhoto credit: Foodie Crush

This banana pudding recipe is a game-changer! Made with sweetened condensed milk and homemade vanilla pudding, it’s incredibly rich, irresistibly creamy, and guaranteed to wow any crowd.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding

Chiffon Pie

Top view of a close up image of a pumpkin chiffon pie decorated with swirls of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on a white plate.Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

Up your pumpkin pie game with this Pumpkin Chiffon Pie recipe. It’s light and airy with a silky smooth texture and served with whipped cream!
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

Grasshopper Pie

a partially sliced green mint chocolate pie in a white pie pan.Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Say hello to the ultimate dessert: Grasshopper Pie! Picture this—a smooth, minty filling infused with sweet crème de menthe, perfectly swirled and nestled in a rich, crunchy Oreo cookie crust. Every bite is a burst of creamy, minty, chocolatey perfection!
Get the Recipe: Grasshopper Pie

Classic Ambrosia Salad

closeup of a bowl of ambrosia saladPhoto credit: Salt and Lavender

This deliciously nostalgic ambrosia salad is a one-bowl wonder made with simple, feel-good ingredients! A true American classic, it’s a holiday table favorite that never goes out of style—and for good reason!
Get the Recipe: Classic Ambrosia Salad

Divinity Candy

Old fashioned divinity and pecans on a red and white plate.Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

Treat your loved ones this holiday season with Old Fashioned Divinity Candy! This classic Southern confection is sweet, fluffy, and perfect for sharing festive cheer.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy Recipe

Cherries Jubilee

A glass filled with vanilla ice cream topped with cherries jubilee and orange zest ready to serve.Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

This timeless Cherries Jubilee dessert is made with sweet-tart cherries, sticky sugar, and smoky bourbon and served over creamy vanilla ice cream!
Get the Recipe: Cherries Jubilee

Chocolate Fondue

A platter of chocolate fondue and colorful dippers like fruit and sweets.Photo credit: Culinary Hill

This timeless Chocolate Fondue recipe is effortlessly delicious, irresistibly indulgent, and perfect for any occasion. With just 10 minutes, 4 simple ingredients, and your favorite dippers, you’re ready to dive into a warm, velvety chocolate dream!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Fondue Recipe

Peach Cobbler

serving spoon scooping out peach cobbler.Photo credit: Sally’s Baking Recipes

With its juicy, sweet peaches and golden, buttery biscuit topping, peach cobbler is the perfect slice of summer comfort that brings a taste of home to every bite.
Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler Recipe

Opera Cake

A slice of layered opera cake on a speckled plate captures the essence of timeless desserts. The cake showcases thin sponge layers, coffee cream, and chocolate ganache beneath a glossy glaze, reminiscent of 1960s retro desserts. A fork rests beside the enticing slice.Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

This easy Opera cake has layers of almond sponge cake, coffee buttercream, and silky chocolate ganache. It’s so sophisticated yet SO simple!
Get the Recipe: Opera Cake

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