Retro Desserts That Made the 80s Extra Sweet

This site runs ads and generates income from affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

The 1980s weren’t just about big hair, neon leg warmers, and mixtapes—they also brought some seriously sweet dessert moments! We’re dishing up 16 retro treats that totally defined the desserts of the decade. Whether it’s the light and airy tiramisu or the fizzy twist of a 7-Up Cake, these classics are as delicious now as they were back then. Dust off your vintage recipe cards, because it’s time to relive the sweet glory days of the 80s in your own kitchen!

Tiramisu

Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Tiramisu is a coffee-lover’s dream come true! This iconic Italian dessert blends coffee-soaked ladyfingers with velvety layers of whipped mascarpone, creating a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth experience with every heavenly bite.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu

Marble Cake

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Marble Cake is a symphony of classic flavors! Swirls of melted chocolate and vanilla bean specks create a beautiful and delicious cake. Topped with a crunchy glaze, it’s a delightful treat that will satisfy every taste bud.

Get The Recipe: Marble Cake

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Don’t let the name fool you – this Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is full of rich chocolate flavor! It’s also the most moist cake we’ve ever made, which is why it remains a fan favorite!

Get The Recipe: Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

7-Up Cake

Photo credit: Culinary Hill

Brighten up your desserts with the zesty lemon-lime flavor of this easy 7-Up Bundt Cake! Not only is it absolutely delicious with its unique, refreshing taste, but it’s also a breeze to whip up. Get ready to impress with this show-stopping, flavorful treat!
Get the Recipe: 7-Up Bundt Cake

Red Velvet Cake

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Craving a stunning cake that’s surprisingly simple? This recipe delivers a vibrant red velvet cake with a moist crumb, all crowned with a luscious cream cheese icing. Perfect for birthdays, dinner parties, or just a delightful weekend treat!

Get The Recipe: Red Velvet Bundt Cake

Swiss Roll

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Pumpkin Swiss Roll is the ultimate treat with its cozy spices and fluffy, creamy filling. The cream cheese whipped cream adds a tangy sweetness that goes perfectly with the spiced cake—just right for fall!

Get The Recipe: Pumpkin Swiss Roll

Profiteroles

Photo credit: Cooking Classy

Profiteroles (Cream Puffs) are an all-time favorite dessert! They’re absolutely impossible to resist. That perfect combo of light, airy pastry and luscious, creamy filling is pure magic in every bite!
Get the Recipe: Profiteroles

Upside Down Cake

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

Jello Salad

Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

Orange Jello Salad is a delightful throwback dessert that combines a burst of zesty citrus flavor with a luscious, creamy pudding topping. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and nostalgic charm, guaranteed to brighten up any table!

Black Forest Cake

Photo credit: Sally’s Baking Recipes

Indulge in the ultimate Black Forest Cake—deliciously moist layers filled with fluffy homemade whipped cream, decadent chocolate ganache, and cherries soaked in a sweet, boozy twist. A dessert that’s guaranteed to impress!
Get the Recipe: Black Forest Cake

Spice Cake

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

One glance at this recipe is all it takes to know you’re in for a treat. The moist banana cake bursting with warm spices and topped with rich chocolate fudge frosting is a flavor combination that simply won’t last long!

Get The Recipe: Spice Cake

Watergate Salad

Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Watergate Salad is a retro side dish or dessert that features canned fruits, pistachio pudding mix, whipped cream, and crushed pistachios.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Image Credit: Allie Roomberg/Baking A Moment

Get ready to be wowed by this stunning Pineapple Upside-Down Cake! Made from scratch, it boasts a vibrant display of juicy pineapple and cherries glazed in a rich brown sugar sauce. All this sits atop a luxuriously moist butter cake, creating a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Get The Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Baked Alaska

Photo credit: Baking A Moment

Indulge in Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Oreo Baked Alaskas—a modern twist on a classic dessert featuring chocolate cake, peanut butter Oreo filling, chocolate ice cream, and toasted meringue.
Get the Recipe: Baked Alaska

Strawberry Crepes

Photo credit: Culinary Hill

This restaurant-quality recipe is guaranteed to wow your taste buds and become a new family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Crepes

Icebox Cake

Photo credit: Sally’s Baking Recipes

Make a delicious S’mores Icebox Cake at home with layers of graham crackers, chocolate ganache, and marshmallow fluff—no oven needed! Toast the top for a golden, gooey finish.
Get the Recipe: Icebox Cake