The Most Popular Dessert the Year You Were Born
1940: Best-Ever Bread Pudding
The secret to incredible bread pudding with a soft middle and crisp edges starts with leftover dinner rolls. I picked up the rich brown sugar sauce recipe from my friend Kathryn Gartmann. A big drizzle of it takes this dessert over the top and really makes it the best bread pudding ever. —Maria Petrella, Taste of Home Prep Cook
1941: Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
31 Reviews
Total Time:50 min
Servings:9
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This pineapple upside-down cake is a classic recipe that never goes out of style! It's delicious with the traditional pineapple, but try it with peaches or a combination of cranberries and orange. —Bernardine Melton, Paola, Kansas
Lemon Chiffon Cake
66 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:1 hour 20 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This moist, airy chiffon cake was my dad's favorite. Mom revamped the original recipe to include lemons. I'm not much of a baker, but whenever I make this dessert my family is thrilled! —Trisha Kammers, Clarkston, Washington
1943: Lemon Frosted Fruit Bars
I found the Lemon-Frosted Fruit Bars in a 1943 Betty Crocker cookbook titled Your Share: How To Prepare Appetizing, Healthful Meals with Foods Available Today . The recipe book was printed when the U.S. government began rationing foods like sugar and butter during World War II. Inside there are tips for saving sugar, with recipes like these bars that used dried fruit and molasses to add sweetness instead. You don't even miss the sugar! — Nancy Mock , Burlington, Vermont
1944: Shoofly Pie
8 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 25 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My grandmother made the best shoofly pie in the tradition of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Shoofly pie is to the Pennsylvania Dutch as pecan pie is to a Southerner. —Mark Morgan, Waterford, Wisconsin
1945: Moist Lazy Daisy Cake
49 Reviews
Total Time:45 min
Servings:9
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: We always called this Mama's never-fail recipe. I guess the same holds true for me since I've won contests with this lazy daisy cake. The tasty dessert always brings back fond memories of Mama. —Carrie Bartlett, Gallatin, Tennessee
1946: Carrot Sheet Cake
19 Reviews
Total Time:55 min
Servings:30
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: We sold pieces of this to-die-for carrot cake at an art show. Before long, we sold out of all the 10 cakes we had made! —Dottie Cosgrove, South El Monte, California
1947: Giant Molasses Cookies
116 Reviews
Total Time:45 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My family always requests these soft molasses cookies. These chewy cookies are also great for shipping as holiday gifts or to troops overseas. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York
Old-Fashioned Whoopie Pies
39 Reviews
Total Time:45 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Who can resist soft chocolate sandwich cookies filled with a layer of fluffy white frosting? Mom has made these for years. They're a treat that never lasts very long with my two brothers and me around. —Maria Costello, Monroe, North Carolina
1949: Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie
45 Reviews
Total Time:10 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This old-fashioned banana cream pie recipe is full of flavor. Because it uses instant pudding, this no-bake dessert is ready in just minutes. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington
1950: Homemade Chocolate Pudding
126 Reviews
Total Time:10 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This delightful chocolate pudding is always a treat and easy to whip up. I usually top the pudding with M&M's. My husband likes whipped topping on his and our daughter loves to dip fresh strawberries in hers. —Carrina Cooper, McAlpin, Florida
1951: Hummingbird Cake
19 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:14
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This impressive hummingbird cake is my dad's favorite, so I always make it for his birthday. It makes a memorable dessert for any celebration and is lovely with a summer meal. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
1952: Rich Rum Cake
3 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:1 hour
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: We like a touch of rum for the holidays, and this orangy rum cake is decadent alone or with big swoops of whipped cream. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
1953: World's Best Lemon Pie
14 Reviews
Total Time:40 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Mother's pies were always so memorable, with tender, flaky crusts. In summer the order of the day was lemon meringue! —Phyllis Kirsling, Junction City, Wisconsin
1954: Icebox Cake
20 Reviews
Total Time:15 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: You don't have to bake to serve a wonderful dessert! This icebox cake is made from chocolate wafers and whipping cream. It is so delicious.—Cindy Hawkins, New York, New York
1955: Layered Strawberry Jell-O Mold
6 Reviews
Total Time:10 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This refreshing treat has two layers: a pretty pink bottom that includes sour cream, and a ruby red top with strawberries and pineapple. For years, Mom has included this salad in meals she prepares for our family. —Gloria Grant, Sterling, Illinois
1956: Coconut Chiffon Cake
Total Time:1 hour
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Toasted coconut adds visual appeal to this tall and impressive cake. With an airy texture and heavenly coconut-ginger flavor,it's a lovely end to meals throughout the year.
1957: Madeira Cake
1 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This classic British Madeira cake is often served with Madeira wine, which is how it got its name. Similar to a pound cake, it is commonly flavored with lemon and can also be served with tea or other sweet liqueurs. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
1958: Cherry Chocolate Marble Cake
4 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 35 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Cherries and chocolate are natural partners that make desserts such as this simply scrumptious! The marbled effect is easily achieved by layering the two contrasting batters. —Sandra Campbell, Chase Mills, New York
1959: Baked Alaska
1 Reviews
Total Time:55 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: For a refreshing end to a rich meal, try this freezer finale. Its intriguing interior and pretty color scheme are bound to garner oohs and aahs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
1960: Cherry Cream Cheese Pie
6 Reviews
Total Time:50 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My mom is known for her scrumptious desserts. This cherry cream cheese pie is one she's served often. It's one of my favorite desserts anytime of year. I love the combination of cream cheese and cherry pie filling. —Cindy Kufeldt, Orlando, Florida
1961: Ambrosia
46 Reviews
Total Time:10 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Because it's so simple to make, this tropical fruit medley is great as a last-minute menu addition. Plus, this ambrosia salad requires just five ingredients. —Judi Bringegar, Liberty, North Carolina
1962: Million Dollar Cake
2 Reviews
Total Time:45 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Pineapple and mandarin oranges give this easy cake a refreshing, tropical twist. With cake mix and pudding mix as ingredients, it is a breeze to put together when you're short on prep time. Plus, it needs to chill before serving, so it's a perfect make-ahead dessert for potlucks and parties! —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
1963: Stained Glass Gelatin
5 Reviews
Total Time:25 min
Servings:15
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Kids love this sweet, wiggly gelatin and whipped topping dessert. Use different flavors of gelatin to make color versions that are as wild as your imagination. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chocolate Fudge Cake
22 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 15 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe won several blue ribbons at our state fair. The made-from-scratch chocolate layer cake topped with a fudgy homemade frosting is truly a can't-miss dessert. —Donna Carman, Tulsa, Oklahoma
1965: Frozen Grasshopper Torte
7 Reviews
Total Time:25 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I first made this minty cool torte for a ladies' meeting at our church. I'm still making it, and the compliments keep coming. —Elma Penner, Oak Bluff, Manitoba
1966: Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
43 Reviews
Total Time:55 min
Servings:18
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: As a mother of three sons, I always have sweets in my kitchen! I buy lots of ripe bananas on sale and freeze them with this cake in mind. I'm often asked to bring it to family picnics and dinners.—Bonnie Krause, Irvona, Pennsylvania
1967: Hello Dolly Bars
21 Reviews
Total Time:45 min
Servings:16 bars
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These rich bar cookies will melt in your mouth! They're ideal to have on hand for a snack. —Pauline Schrag, Theresa, New York
1968: Key Lime Pie
3 Reviews
Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: We created this refreshing mini pie with a homemade crumb crust and a pudding-like lime filling. If you can't find Key lime juice, regular lime juice works just fine. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
1969: Orange Chocolate Fondue
3 Reviews
Total Time:15 min
Servings:1-1/3 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: "Invite you family and friends to dip cubes of cake and pieces of fruit into this rich, luscious fondue for a special treat during the holiday season," writes Mary Jean DeVries from her home in Grandville, Michigan.
1970: Creamy Pina Colada Pie
1 Reviews
Total Time:15 min
Servings:2 pies (8 each)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is a family favorite and super easy to make. Some like the consistency of this pina colada pie right out of the freezer and others prefer a softer pie—either way it's delicious! —Jenny Hales, Arcadia, Oklahoma
1971: Julia Child's Chocolate Mousse
Let me tell you why Julia Child's chocolate mousse recipe from Mastering the Art of French Cooking is one you'll use for life: Aside from the technique of using both the egg whites and egg yolks, I love how she adds an ample amount of brewed coffee in addition to orange liqueur . Those two ingredients combined with quality chocolate and just enough sugar to balance the flavors is a true work of art. — Lauren Grant , New York City, New York
1972: No-Bake Pudding Cheesecake
The 1972 print ad for the Jell-O No-Bake Cheesecake with Pudding says this recipe is "a perfect summer dessert, because you don't have to bake it." Now that I've tried it myself, I have to agree, with one caveat: it'd be a welcome dessert any time of the year. —Nancy Mock, Burlington, Vermont
1973: Sock-It-to-Me Cake
I like to think that when a baker asked someone if they wanted a piece of this buttery cake, the answer was "sock it to me!"—which is how this cake got its name. Duncan Hines published the "Sock It to Me Cake" recipe on the back of its boxed mix in the 1970s, and the rest is history. —Vallery Lomas, New York City, New York
1974: Watergate Salad
35 Reviews
Total Time:10 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This fluffy pistachio salad is a real treat since it's creamy but not overly sweet. It's easy to mix up, and the flavor gets better the longer it stands. It's perfect for St. Patrick's Day, served in a green bowl. —Pattie Ann Forssberg, Logan, Kansas
1975: Berry Trifle
37 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:25 min
Servings:14
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This Berry Trifle is a delicious salute to summer! I usually serve it during the summer when fresh berries are bountiful, but you can also prepare it with frozen cherries and light cherry pie filling during cooler months. —Brenda Paine, North Syracuse, New York
1976: Easy Banana Pudding
7 Reviews
Total Time:15 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I blend cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping into instant pudding then layer it with vanilla wafers and sliced bananas. Served in a pretty glass bowl, this banana pudding with cream cheese makes for a fancy yet fuss-free dessert. —Edna Perry, Rice, Texas
1977: Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie
69 Reviews
Total Time:35 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: For my mother's birthday, I made this strawberry pie recipe instead of a cake. Since it was mid-May in Oklahoma, the berries were absolutely perfect. It was a memorable occasion for the whole family. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama
1978: Black Forest Chocolate Torte
6 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 15 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: If you're thinking about pulling out all the stops for a dessert that says wow, look no further. This cherry-crowned beauty—stacked layers of chocolate cake and cream filling—will have everyone talking. —Doris Grotz, York, Nebraska
1979: New York Cheesecake
3 Reviews
Total Time:2 hours 20 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Light, creamy and smooth, this traditional New York cheesecake will melt in your mouth. It is made with a shortbread crust and topped with a triple berry sauce. The recipe takes time but is not hard. It is well worth the effort. —Karen Nielson, St. George, Utah
1980: Lemon Pudding Dessert
41 Reviews
Total Time:40 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: After a big meal, folks really go for this light lemon treat. The shortbread crust is the perfect base for the fluffy top layers. I've prepared this sunny dessert for church suppers for years and I always get recipe requests.—Muriel DeWitt, Maynard, Massachusetts
1981: Mud Pie
2 Reviews
Total Time:40 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Here's one of those "looks like you fussed" desserts that is so easy it's become a standard for me. I love the mocha version, but pure chocolate lovers may prefer using chocolate chip ice cream. The cookie crust is a snap to make. —Debbie Terenzini-Wilkerson, Lusby, Maryland
1982: Strawberry Poke Cake
45 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:50 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: That classic spring treat—strawberry shortcake—takes on a wonderful new twist with this strawberry poke cake recipe. Strawberry gelatin and strawberries liven up each pretty slice of this lovely layered cake that's made from a convenient boxed mix. —Mary Jo Griggs, West Bend, Wisconsin
1983: French Silk Pie
49 Reviews
Total Time:50 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I first made French silk pie when I was in high school. Years later, I tinkered with the recipe until I was happy with it. Now it's one of my husband's favorites. —Lisa Francis, Elba, Alabama
1984: Red Velvet Cake
33 Reviews
Total Time:50 min
Servings:14
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: It's just not Christmas at our house until this festive cake appears. This is different from other red velvet cake recipes I've had; the icing is as light as snow. —Kathryn Davison, Charlotte, North Carolina
1985: Frozen Yogurt
5 Reviews
Total Time:30 min
Servings:2-1/2 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: It's so simple and easy to make your own frozen Greek yogurt, you might even want to get the kids in on the fun. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
1986: Easy Four-Layer Chocolate Dessert
38 Reviews
Total Time:35 min
Servings:15
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Out of all the easy chocolate desserts I make, these nutty, chocolaty layered treats have become my family's favorite. I make sure to whip up my mom her very own batch, since she loves this chocolate delight so much! —Kristen Stecklein, Waukesha, Wisconsin
1987: Pecan Pumpkin Bars
17 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 15 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I always make this treat for Thanksgiving. A friend gave me the recipe, and I've since shared it with many others. —Sue Williams, Mount Holly, North Carolina
1988: Lava Chocolate Cakes
41 Reviews
Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: True decadence at its best, these chocolate lava cakes created by the Taste of Home Cooking School feature a warm, gooey chocolate center that oozes out onto the dessert plate. Whether you enjoy it garnished with a dollop of whipped cream or sprinkled with confectioners' sugar, you'll want to lick the plate clean!
1989: Tiramisu
16 Reviews
Total Time:20 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: No one can resist this quick and easy tiramisu recipe. Make it ahead for added mealtime convenience. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Lemon Bars
76 Reviews
Total Time:55 min
Servings:9
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This delightful lemon bar recipe is from my mother's file. I've been serving it for many years. They has a wonderful tangy flavor, and they're always a hit. The color and shape make them a nice addition to a platter of cookies. —Etta Soucy, Mesa, Arizona
1991: Mudslide Cheesecake
6 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 30 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Change up cheesecakes with different liqueur flavorings. This "mudslide" version with coffee and Irish cream is my husband's favorite. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
1993: Rocky Road Ice Cream
2 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:35 min
Servings:about 4-1/2 quarts
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My daughters always want to put this rocky road ice cream in cones just like the ice cream shops do. We especially like the marshmallows, chocolate chips and chopped pecans. Sometimes we even add extra chips on top…and whipped cream, too.
-Dale Langford
Atwater, California
1993: Flourless Chocolate Torte
10 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Here's the perfect dessert for chocoholics—like me! I bake this melt-in-your-mouth torte all the time for special occasions. For an elegant finish, dust it with confectioners' sugar. —Kayla Albrecht, Freeport, Illinois
1994: Puppy Chow
2 Reviews
Total Time:15 min
Servings:13 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This easy puppy chow recipe uses a whole package of cereal, so there's less messy measuring. And it makes enough to feed a hungry crowd. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
1995: Cookie Cake
4 Reviews
Total Time:35 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This oversized cookie cake recipe is so easy and quick that I just might make it instead of traditional cookies from now on. I don't miss portioning out dough or shuffling pans in and out of the oven. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Dirt Cake
26 Reviews
Total Time:30 min
Servings:20
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My mom used to serve this yummy dessert, and I just loved it. It's so fun to eat and a snap to make. Add some gummy worms on top for the kids if you'd like. —Kristi Linton, Bay City, Michigan
Coca-Cola Cake
77 Reviews
Total Time:50 min
Servings:15
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: We live in Coca-Cola country, where everyone loves a chocolaty, moist sheet cake made with the iconic soft drink. Our rich version does the tradition proud. —Heidi Jobe, Carrollton, Georgia
1998: Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
23 Reviews
Total Time:30 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These chewy bars are the perfect no-fuss contribution to a potluck or bake sale. I've discovered the trick is to get them into the refrigerator so the chocolate can set before they disappear! —Lorri Speer, Centralia, Washington
1999: Confetti Cake
14 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is a moist and fluffy vanilla cake with lots of sprinkles and a whipped vanilla buttercream. It's almost impossible not to feel happy when you see the fun pop of rainbow confetti! —Courtney Rich, Highland, UT
2000: Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
10 Reviews
Total Time:50 min
Servings:1-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My son loves these vanilla bean cupcakes! Flecks of vanilla bean in the moist, tender cupcakes give them special-occasion status. —Alysha Braun, St. Catharines, Ontario
