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Home » Roundups

24 Retro Sweets That Taste Like Sunday Afternoons at Grandma’s

By: Ksenia Prints · Updated: Apr 13, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links.

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Some desserts bring back memories without trying too hard. These retro sweets are the kind of treats you remember from quiet afternoons at Grandma’s. They’re simple, familiar, and full of the flavors that made homemade dessert feel special. Each one brings back the kind of comfort that doesn’t need updating.

Three square lemon crumb bars are arranged on a dark slate board. The bars have a crumbly topping and a visible lemon layer. The board is placed on a white surface with a pink and purple cloth nearby.
Yellow Plum Crumble Bars. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Blueberry Swirl Pound Cake

A close-up of Grandma's cake on a plate, revealing a swirl of dark filling inside. The cake has a golden-brown crust and is garnished with fresh mint leaves, promising the comforting taste of cherished sweets.
Blueberry Swirl Pound Cake. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Blueberry swirl pound cake takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and includes flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and blueberry preserves. It tastes rich and buttery with a burst of fruit in every slice. The lemon glaze adds a bright finish. It’s the kind of cake that stayed on the table all afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Swirl Pound Cake

Light Israeli Cheesecake With Crumb Topping

Side view of cheesecake slice with raspberries.
Light Israeli Cheesecake With Crumb Topping. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Light Israeli cheesecake with crumb topping takes around 1 hour and is made with soft cheese, sugar, eggs, and a buttery crumble. It tastes creamy and lightly sweet with a tender texture. The topping gives it a nostalgic coffee cake feel. It’s the kind of treat that lingered after lunch on Sundays.
Get the Recipe: Light Israeli Cheesecake With Crumb Topping

Gluten-Free White Chocolate Lava Cake With Raspberries

A spoonful of raspberry bread pudding on a plate.
Gluten-Free White Chocolate Lava Cake With Raspberries. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Gluten-free white chocolate lava cake with raspberries takes about 30 minutes and features white chocolate, butter, almond flour, and fresh berries. It tastes sweet and slightly tangy with a molten center. The berries keep it from being too rich. It’s a dessert that feels fancy but still fits into family time.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free White Chocolate Lava Cake With Raspberries

Gluten-Free Apple Cake

A plate of apple pie with a slice taken out of it.
Gluten-Free Apple Cake. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Gluten-free apple cake takes around 1 hour and uses apples, almond flour, cinnamon, and sugar. It tastes soft, moist, and warm with a mild spice. The apples hold everything together without overpowering. It’s the kind of cake that always showed up when someone brought dessert from home.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Apple Cake

Raw Sweet Lime Bars

Side view of lime bars on a grey plate.
Raw Sweet Lime Bars. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Raw sweet lime bars take about 20 minutes to prepare and use dates, almonds, lime juice, and coconut. They taste zesty, naturally sweet, and slightly chewy. The texture is cool and smooth from the fridge. It’s the kind of snack you remembered only after someone handed you a piece.
Get the Recipe: Raw Sweet Lime Bars

Chocolate Chip Muffins

Chocolate chip muffin halves in muffin tin.
Chocolate Chip Muffins. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Chocolate chip muffins take around 25 minutes and include flour, sugar, eggs, and plenty of chocolate chips. They taste soft, a little crisp on top, and sweet in every bite. They’re just as good cold as they are warm. It’s the kind of recipe that always made it into the weekly rotation.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Muffins

Almond Apple Cake with Apple Roses

A cake with apples on top of a white plate.
Almond Apple Cake with Apple Roses. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Almond apple cake with apple roses takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and uses almond flour, apples, and warm spices. It tastes lightly sweet, nutty, and spiced with a firm crumb. The apple roses make it look special without changing the flavor. It’s the kind of dessert you brought to impress but kept for yourself.
Get the Recipe: Almond Apple Cake with Apple Roses

Soft And Chewy Coconut Macaroon Pyramids

4 Coconut macaroons on baking dish.
Soft And Chewy Coconut Macaroon Pyramids. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Soft and chewy coconut macaroon pyramids take about 30 minutes and use shredded coconut, condensed milk, and egg whites. They taste sweet, dense, and a little sticky with toasted edges. They hold up well on the counter for days. It’s the kind of treat that was always around when you weren’t expecting dessert.
Get the Recipe: Soft And Chewy Coconut Macaroon Pyramids

Almond Tuile Cookies

Almond cookies on a wooden cutting board.
Almond Tuile Cookies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Almond tuile cookies take around 20 minutes and include sliced almonds, egg whites, sugar, and flour. They taste crisp, light, and buttery with just a touch of sweetness. Their thin, curved shape makes them easy to snack on. It’s the kind of cookie that always showed up with coffee.
Get the Recipe: Almond Tuile Cookies

Apple-Granola Baked Bimuelos (Hanukkah Honey Puffs)

A stack of doughnuts on a white plate.
Apple-Granola Baked Bimuelos (Hanukkah Honey Puffs). Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Apple-granola baked bimuelos take about 40 minutes and are made with apples, granola, honey, and flour. They taste warm, soft, and gently sweet with a golden edge. The honey glaze gives them a sticky finish. It’s the kind of bite that was passed around on little napkins after lunch.
Get the Recipe: Apple-Granola Baked Bimuelos (Hanukkah Honey Puffs)

Vegan Lemon Mango Cheesecake

Lemon mango cheesecake slice.
Vegan Lemon Mango Cheesecake. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Vegan lemon mango cheesecake takes around 1 hour plus chilling time and features mango, lemon juice, coconut milk, and nuts for the crust. It tastes tart, creamy, and lightly sweet with a tropical feel. The texture is smooth without being too dense. It’s the kind of slice that stood out at family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Lemon Mango Cheesecake

Argentinian Alfajores Recipe

Alfajores on marble plate with coffee.
Argentinian Alfajores Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Argentinian alfajores take around 45 minutes and are made with cornstarch, flour, butter, and filled with dulce de leche. They taste soft, crumbly, and sweet with a rich center. A dusting of powdered sugar gives them their classic look. It’s the kind of cookie that disappeared fast after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Alfajores Recipe

Cherry Cobbler

side view of slice of cherry cobbler with ice cream.
Cherry Cobbler. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Cherry cobbler takes about 1 hour and uses cherries, sugar, butter, and a simple biscuit topping. It tastes tart, juicy, and slightly crisp on top. The filling bubbles into the crust just enough. It’s the kind of dessert that made you wait while it cooled but was worth it.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cobbler

Gluten Free Pecan Pie With Maple Syrup And Maple Dulce De Leche Cream

Close up of pecan pie with dulce de leche cream.
Gluten Free Pecan Pie With Maple Syrup And Maple Dulce De Leche Cream. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Gluten-free pecan pie with maple syrup takes about 1 hour and uses pecans, maple syrup, almond flour, and a creamy topping. It tastes nutty, rich, and caramel-like without being too heavy. The maple comes through more with each bite. It’s the kind of pie that brought everyone back for a second slice.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Pecan Pie With Maple Syrup And Maple Dulce De Leche Cream

Chocolate Raspberry Tart

Overhead of raspberry chocolate tart.
Chocolate Raspberry Tart. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Chocolate raspberry tart takes around 1 hour and features dark chocolate, raspberries, and a nut-based crust. It tastes bold, rich, and slightly tangy with a firm bite. The fruit cuts through the chocolate just enough. It’s the kind of dessert that made the table go quiet for a second.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Raspberry Tart

Orange And Date Gluten Free Hamantaschen Cookies

A table with tea and pastries on a wooden table.
Orange And Date Gluten Free Hamantaschen Cookies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Orange and date gluten-free hamantaschen take about 1 hour and use almond flour, orange zest, and date filling. They taste fruity, nutty, and slightly chewy with a crisp edge. The filling is sweet without overpowering the dough. It’s the kind of cookie that felt special because it only showed up once a year.
Get the Recipe: Orange And Date Gluten Free Hamantaschen Cookies

Gluten-Free Honey Cake

Overhead view of bread pudding.
Gluten-Free Honey Cake. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Gluten-free honey cake takes around 1 hour and features honey, almond flour, eggs, and warm spices. It tastes moist, earthy, and mellow with a golden crust. The texture holds up well for days. It’s the kind of cake that always made the house smell like Sunday.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Honey Cake

Basil Peach Cobbler

Overhead of peach cobbler on baking sheet.
Basil Peach Cobbler. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Basil peach cobbler takes about 1 hour and uses fresh peaches, basil, sugar, and a biscuit-style topping. It tastes sweet, slightly herbal, and buttery with soft fruit. The basil adds something unexpected but easy to like. It’s the kind of dessert that sat in a warm dish on the stove.
Get the Recipe: Basil Peach Cobbler

No-Bake Chocolate Pistachio Cake

Slices of chocolate pistachio cake.
No-Bake Chocolate Pistachio Cake. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

No-bake chocolate pistachio cake takes around 20 minutes to prepare and includes chocolate, pistachios, crushed cookies, and butter. It tastes rich, crunchy, and slightly salty with a dense texture. It holds together well from the fridge. It’s the kind of dessert that stayed hidden in foil until someone remembered it.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Chocolate Pistachio Cake

Raspberry Crumb Cake

A slice of strawberry crumb cake rests enticingly atop a stack of three black plates, tempting those with a penchant for eating. Nearby, a metal baking dish stands ready, accompanied by a floral cloth and four forks on the light wooden surface—a perfect setting to delight cake-loving boomers.
Raspberry Crumb Cake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Raspberry crumb cake takes about 50 minutes and uses raspberries, flour, sugar, and a crumb topping. It tastes soft, tangy, and buttery with a crunchy layer on top. The fruit keeps the inside moist without being soggy. It’s the kind of cake that got sliced before dinner was even over.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Crumb Cake

Apple Olive Oil Cake

Apple cinnamon bundt cake.
Apple Olive Oil Cake. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Apple olive oil cake takes around 1 hour and includes apples, olive oil, cinnamon, and flour. It tastes moist, mild, and earthy with soft pieces of fruit throughout. The olive oil gives it a smooth texture that lasts. It’s the kind of slice that felt homemade in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Apple Olive Oil Cake

Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe With Guava And Cheese

Baked plantains with cheese and guava wth tablecloth.
Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe With Guava And Cheese. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Colombian baked plantains with guava and cheese take about 40 minutes and use ripe plantains, guava paste, and mild cheese. They taste sweet, creamy, and slightly caramelized from the bake. The guava adds a jam-like finish. It’s the kind of dish that sat between dessert and snack, depending on the day.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe With Guava And Cheese

Mini Hummingbird Cakes

Three square carrot cake bites topped with cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with nuts are arranged on a white rectangular plate. A floral-patterned cloth is partially visible in the background on a light stone surface.
Mini Hummingbird Cakes. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Mini hummingbird cakes take around 35 minutes and are made with bananas, pineapple, pecans, and warm spices. They taste sweet, moist, and spiced with a soft crumb. The nuts give them just enough crunch. It’s the kind of cake that made you feel like someone spent extra time baking.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hummingbird Cakes

Yellow Plum Crumble Bars

Three square lemon crumb bars are arranged on a dark slate board. The bars have a crumbly topping and a visible lemon layer. The board is placed on a white surface with a pink and purple cloth nearby.
Yellow Plum Crumble Bars. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Yellow plum crumble bars take about 50 minutes and include yellow plums, flour, oats, and sugar. They taste tart, buttery, and soft with a golden topping. The base holds together just enough to cut clean. It’s the kind of dessert you ate with your hands while standing in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Plum Crumble Bars

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About Ksenia

Welcome to At The Immigrant's Table! I blend my immigrant roots with modern diets, crafting recipes that take you on a global kitchen adventure. As a food blogger and photographer, I'm dedicated to making international cuisine both healthy and accessible. Let's embark on a culinary journey that bridges cultures and introduces a world of flavors right into your home. Read more...

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