Grandma Approved Summer Desserts

Old-fashioned summer dessert recipes that put fresh, seasonal fruits front and center with homey flavors and comforting textures!

old fashioned summer desserts are the best!

I don’t know about you, but this summer feels really special, and I’m trying hard to make the most of it. I’m leaning in to seasonal produce (I’ve been harvesting rhubarb and picking strawberries like mad!) to make all my favorite vintage recipes ~ grandma would definitely approve 🙂

RHUBARB SHORTCAKE

Shortcakes take a plain biscuit and turn it into a memorable summer dessert. That enduring combination of fruit, cream, and buttery baked goods gets upgraded with a bright rhubarb compote. Even better if you’ve got some growing in your garden!

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LEMON ICEBOX PIE

When a recipe has “icebox” in its name, you know it’s been around the block a few times. These chill cakes are usually no-bake, and easy to make ~ perfect for taking the edge off a hot night.

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PEACH BUCKLE

This peach buckle is so easy to throw together and a delicious way to use those random pieces of ripe fruit on your counter. Plus you can make it in grandma’s prized cast iron skillet (she’d love that.)

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BLACKBERRY SLAB PIE BARS

Whether you’ve got your own blackberry patch, some berries from the produce aisle, or even some great homemade jam, you’ve got to make these pie bars this summer. They’re endlessly customizable depending on what you’ve got.

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RHUBARB ICE CREAM

Grandma might not have had an ice cream machine, but that didn’t keep her from making frosty treats in the summer. This straight from the garden flavor is uniquely delish.

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SWEET CHERRY ALMOND BARS

Cherry season has always been sweet but fleeting, and every generation knows to take advantage of it when you can! These easy to throw together dessert bars pair cherries and almonds for an amazing flavor combo in a simple, portable, treat.

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HOMEMADE BUTTERSCOTCH PUDDING

Grandma’s was the last generation to make homemade pudding and it’s such a shame. This old time recipe might take a few more minutes to make than pudding from a box, but it’s SO worth it.

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OLD FASHIONED ZUCCHINI CAKE

This one might have been the standout favorite at the church supper. The recipe’s been copied and passed around for so long nobody know’s who’s it is, and nobody really cares!

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PEANUT BUTTER SHEET CAKE

Simple snack cakes always remind me of the kind of comforting desserts I ate as a kid. This one has amazing peanut flavor, is incredibly moist, and there’s plenty for everyone.

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LEMON CRUNCH CAKE

“Lemon Crunch Cake.” Doesn’t it just sound like it’s going to be good? I can vouch for the fact that it tastes as good as it sounds, and is a cinch to throw together!