Take a delicious trip down memory lane with these 13 old-fashioned recipes that stand the test of time. From hearty salads to classic desserts, these dishes bring the nostalgia of homemade meals and timeless flavors right into your kitchen. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, these recipes prove that sometimes the traditional ways are the best ways.

Old-fashioned Banana Bread

A loaf of banana bread with two slices cut, placed on a wooden board next to bananas, a striped cloth, and a dish of butter—a cozy nod to classic recipes.
Old-fashioned Banana Bread. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A moist and tender loaf packed with ripe banana flavor, this classic banana bread is an all-time favorite. With its golden crust and soft center, it’s simple, satisfying, and always delicious.
Get the Recipe: Old-fashioned Banana Bread

Old-fashioned Lemon Pie with Sweetened Condensed Milk

A cheesecake inspired by classic recipes, topped with sliced lemons, strawberries, blueberries, edible flowers, and mint leaves, served on a white plate with fruit and flowers scattered around.
Old-fashioned Lemon Pie with Sweetened Condensed Milk. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This creamy, tangy pie features a silky lemon filling nestled in a buttery crust. Sweetened condensed milk gives it a luscious texture that melts in your mouth.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Lemon Pie with Sweetened Condensed Milk

Old-fashioned Ginger Cookies

A stack of five round cookies sits in front of a pile of similar cookies on a white surface, with a blue cloth in the corner—evoking the charm of old-fashioned recipes.
Old-fashioned Ginger Cookies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Crisp edges, tender centers, and the perfect balance of molasses and warming spices make these ginger cookies unforgettable. They’re the kind of treat that just feels like a warm hug.
Get the Recipe: Old-fashioned Ginger Cookies

Old-fashioned Three-Bean Salad

A bowl of three bean salad featuring green beans, kidney beans, yellow wax beans, chopped red onion, and green bell pepper—a true favorite among vintage recipes.
Old-fashioned Three Bean Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This colorful mix of green beans, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans is a true classic. Tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, it’s a refreshing dish that’s both simple and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Old-fashioned Three Bean Salad

Pear Salad – An Old-fashioned Southern Favorite

Pear Salad – An Old-fashioned Southern Favorite. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A true Southern staple, this salad combines juicy pear halves, a dollop of creamy mayonnaise, grated cheddar cheese, and a maraschino cherry. It’s a sweet and savory combination that’s stood the test of time.
Get the Recipe: Pear Salad – An Old-fashioned Southern Favorite

Old Fashioned Chinese Chive Pocket Recipe (韭菜盒子)

A basket filled with Chinese chive pockets with chives, glass noodles and egg filling.
Old Fashioned Chinese Chive Pocket Recipe (韭菜盒子). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Crisp on the outside and bursting with fragrant chives and eggs on the inside, these savory pockets are a delight. They’re made from scratch and pan-fried until golden brown.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Chinese Chive Pocket Recipe (韭菜盒子)

Old Fashioned Coconut Cake

Old Fashioned Coconut Cake. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Fluffy layers of vanilla cake topped with silky frosting and shredded coconut? Yes, please! This soft-and-sweet cake is a showstopper that’s as delightful to eat as it is to make.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Coconut Cake

Old Fashioned Lemon Bars

Sliced lemon bars sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Old Fashioned Lemon Bars. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Bright, zesty lemon filling nestled atop a buttery shortbread crust makes these bars irresistible. They’re the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a sweet-tart combo.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Lemon Bars

Old Fashioned Pecan Pie Recipe (no corn syrup!)

A bite of pecan pie on a fork.
Old Fashioned Pecan Pie Recipe (no corn syrup!). Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This old-fashioned pecan pie skips the corn syrup but keeps all the gooey, nutty goodness you love. A flaky, golden crust ties the whole dessert together beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Pecan Pie Recipe (no corn syrup!)

Old-fashioned Blueberry Muffins

Old-fashioned Blueberry Muffins. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Bursting with juicy blueberries, these muffins are soft, tender, and lightly golden on top. They’re a simple pleasure and ideal for breakfast or a midday treat.
Get the Recipe: Old-fashioned Blueberry Muffins

Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie

Overhead view of apple pie with apples.
Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

There’s nothing more classic than an apple pie with a gorgeous lattice crust. Filled with cinnamon-spiced apples, this dessert smells heavenly and tastes even better.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie

Old-Fashioned Sandwich Bread

Homemade sandwich bread cooling in a loaf pan.
Old-Fashioned Sandwich Bread. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Soft, fluffy, and lightly golden on the outside, this homemade sandwich bread is a game-changer. Perfect for toast, sandwiches, or just enjoying with a pat of butter.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Sandwich Bread

Old-Fashioned Sourdough Pretzels Recipe

Three sourdough pretzels served on a white plate next to a blue napkin.
Old-Fashioned Sourdough Pretzels Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life..

These chewy, golden-brown pretzels with that classic sourdough tang are a labor of love. Twist them up, sprinkle with coarse salt, and enjoy them fresh from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Sourdough Pretzels Recipe

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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