Blast from the Past: 15 Retro 1970s Desserts Making a Comeback

Here’s a nostalgic and delicious roundup of 15 retro 1970s desserts that are making a sweet comeback. These treats—some quirky, some comforting—captured the spirit of the era and are once again winning hearts with their simplicity, charm, and throwback flavor.

1. Watergate Salad

Imagine diving into a bowl of nostalgia—Watergate Salad, a quirky concoction from the 1970s, is back to delight your taste buds. This fluffy salad, with its minty-sweet pistachio pudding base, is dotted with juicy pineapple chunks and soft marshmallows that melt in your mouth. It’s a dessert that knows how to play with texture and flavor. In the era of bell-bottoms and disco, this salad was a party staple, and today, it still manages to bring smiles with its refreshing simplicity. Why not bring a bit of this whimsical past to your next gathering?

2. Jell-O Mold Desserts

With its vibrant colors and wobbly charm, the Jell-O Mold Dessert is a retro classic making a vibrant comeback. Once the centerpiece of many a 1970s gathering, these gelatinous delights are filled with surprises—often fruit or even shredded vegetables. Whether it’s a rainbow layered mold or a simple fruit-studded ring, Jell-O molds offer a visual and flavorful treat. Their playful jiggle is accompanied by flavors that burst with nostalgia. Perfect for themed parties or adding a splash of color to your dessert table, Jell-O molds are as much a visual delight as they are a tasty treat.

3. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a timeless classic that continues to captivate with its caramelized charm. Picture golden rings of pineapple and bright maraschino cherries nestled in a rich, buttery cake. As it bakes, a syrupy caramel forms, infusing the cake with a moist, rich flavor. It’s a showstopper that looks as good as it tastes. The cake’s presentation is a nod to its retro roots, making it both a delicious dessert and a nostalgic centerpiece. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a festive occasion, this cake never fails to impress with its enduring appeal.

4. Ambrosia

Sweet, creamy, and delightfully fruity, Ambrosia is a dessert that brings a taste of the tropics. This 1970s classic features a chilled blend of mandarin oranges, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows, all enveloped in sour cream or a whipped topping. The result is a refreshing treat that balances sweetness with a hint of tang. Ambrosia is easy to prepare, making it a popular choice for gatherings. It’s a dish that embodies the era’s love for convenience and flavor. Perfect for summer picnics or holiday feasts, Ambrosia is a delicious reminder of simpler times.

5. Grasshopper Pie

Grasshopper Pie is a mint-chocolate lover’s dream, with its creamy, cool filling and crunchy chocolate cookie crust. The vibrant green hue comes from crème de menthe, adding a refreshing minty flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate base. This no-bake dessert was a sensation in the 1970s, embodying the era’s flair for colorful, fun dishes. Topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, each slice offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Whether for St. Patrick’s Day or a retro-themed party, this pie adds a splash of whimsy to any table.

6. Tunnel of Fudge Cake

The Tunnel of Fudge Cake is a chocolatey masterpiece with a surprise inside. Imagine slicing into a rich, dense bundt cake to reveal a gooey fudge center—pure 1970s magic. Originally a Pillsbury Bake-Off sensation, this cake combines the best of both worlds: a firm, moist exterior and a decadent, molten core. It’s a treat that keeps the nostalgia alive with every bite. Perfect for chocoholics and those looking to impress guests, the Tunnel of Fudge Cake is both an indulgence and a testament to the creativity of past culinary innovations.

7. No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake

No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake is the epitome of simplicity and flavor. With its buttery graham cracker crust, creamy whipped cream cheese filling, and bright cherry topping, this dessert is both easy to make and hard to resist. A staple in 1970s kitchens, it’s perfect for those seeking a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing treat. The contrast between the tart cherries and rich, smooth cheesecake is a match made in dessert heaven. Serve it chilled for a refreshing finish to any meal. Whether for a summer party or a cozy night in, this cheesecake brings a touch of retro charm to the table.

8. Bavarian Cream

Bavarian Cream is an elegant dessert that never goes out of style. This airy blend of whipped cream and gelatin creates a smooth, silky texture that’s often layered with fruit or set into a mold. In the 1970s, it was the dessert of choice for those seeking sophistication. Its delicate flavor and light consistency make it a versatile dish, perfect for both casual gatherings and formal events. Whether served in individual cups or as part of a layered trifle, Bavarian Cream remains a delightful treat that harks back to a time of culinary elegance.

9. Chocolate Fondue

Chocolate Fondue turns dessert into an interactive experience, perfect for gatherings. A pot of luscious, melted chocolate invites you to dip an array of treats—cubes of cake, fresh fruit, marshmallows—creating a personalized dessert adventure. This fun, social dessert was all the rage in the 1970s, adding a touch of groovy to any party. As the chocolate coats each morsel with its silky sweetness, it transforms the ordinary into extraordinary. Whether for a romantic dinner or a lively get-together, Chocolate Fondue remains a delightful way to share and indulge.

10. Icebox Cake

Icebox Cake is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. Layers of crispy chocolate wafers or graham crackers are softened by luscious whipped cream, creating a cake that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Popular in the 1970s, this no-bake dessert was a go-to for busy hosts looking for something sweet and satisfying. As it chills in the refrigerator, the flavors meld, resulting in a cake that’s soft, creamy, and full of nostalgia. Perfect for any occasion, Icebox Cake is a delightful throwback to simpler times, when desserts were both effortless and elegant.

11. Baked Alaska

Baked Alaska is a dessert that turns heads with its dramatic presentation. Imagine ice cream and cake enveloped in a fluffy meringue, then browned to perfection. As you slice through the meringue shell, you reveal a contrast of textures and temperatures: warm, toasty meringue and cold, creamy ice cream. This classic dessert, popular in the 1970s, remains a spectacular centerpiece for any occasion. Its theatrical nature and delicious layers make it a memorable experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging, Baked Alaska is a dessert that promises to impress.

12. Oatmeal Scotchies

Oatmeal Scotchies are a comforting treat that combines the wholesome texture of oatmeal with the sweet allure of butterscotch. These cookies, beloved in the 1970s, are chewy, buttery, and generously studded with butterscotch chips. Each bite offers a nostalgic journey back to kitchens filled with the scent of freshly baked cookies. Their warm, golden hues make them an inviting snack for any time of day. Perfect for cookie jars or holiday platters, Oatmeal Scotchies are a timeless favorite that continues to warm hearts and evoke cherished memories of baking days gone by.

13. Banana Flip Cake

Banana Flip Cake is a playful nod to the snack cakes of the past. This delightful dessert features a fluffy banana-flavored sponge cake that’s folded over a sweet whipped filling. The combination of light cake and creamy filling creates a delightful texture contrast that’s hard to resist. Popular in the 1970s, Banana Flip Cake is both nostalgic and refreshing, invoking memories of simpler times and carefree days. Whether enjoyed as a sweet afternoon treat or a charming dessert, this cake brings a touch of whimsy and joy to any table.

14. Jell-O Poke Cake

Jell-O Poke Cake is a vibrant dessert that brings color and fun to the table. A simple white or yellow cake is poked and filled with flavored gelatin, creating a rainbow of colors that’s topped with a light whipped topping and sprinkles. This cake, a favorite in the 1970s, is both visually striking and deliciously moist. The combination of cake and gelatin creates a unique texture that’s both playful and satisfying. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, Jell-O Poke Cake is a cheerful treat that celebrates the joy of dessert and the spirit of the era.

15. Cream Horns

Cream Horns are a classic treat that combines flaky pastry with a rich, creamy filling. Popular in the 1970s, these delightful pastries were often store-bought but are now making a homemade return. Each horn is a spiral of crispy pastry filled with whipped cream or custard, creating a delightful contrast of textures. Their elegant appearance makes them perfect for any occasion, from casual teas to formal celebrations. Cream Horns offer a taste of nostalgia with every bite, reminding us of a time when desserts were as much about appearance as they were about flavor.