13 Old-School Desserts That Make Summer Feel Like It Used To

Summer memories often come with the flavors that never went out of style. These 13 old-school desserts bring back the kind of sweetness that made gatherings special and afternoons stretch a little longer. Each one has the familiar comfort of a recipe that has stood the test of time. As you scroll, you’ll find treats that bring both nostalgia and the simple joy of a homemade summer dessert.

A spoonful of oatmeal with diced apples hovers above a white bowl filled with creamy oatmeal. A green pear and a cinnamon stick tempt in the background, hinting at cheat day desserts that delight without breaking rules. — Spiced Pear Cobbler. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Strawberry Shortcake with Brown Sugar Biscuits

Strawberry shortcake is made by baking brown sugar biscuits until golden in about 15 minutes. Fresh strawberries are mixed with sugar until they release their juices, then spooned over the biscuits. A topping of whipped cream adds a smooth, cool finish. It’s a dessert that feels right at home after a sunny afternoon meal.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake with Brown Sugar Biscuits

Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

A stack of three lemon bars on a plate with more lemon bars in the background. — Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Easy lemon bars start with a baked shortbread crust, topped with a lemon mixture, and baked again until set. Cooling before cutting keeps the edges neat. The bright flavor makes them a good pick for warm weather. They’re easy to stack on a plate for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

Ann’s Snickerdoodle Recipe

Overhead shot of a plate with three cookies next to a wire rack filled with cooling cookies. — Ann’s Snickerdoodle Recipe. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Ann’s snickerdoodles are baked in under 12 minutes, with dough rolled in cinnamon sugar before hitting the oven. The result is a crisp edge with a soft, chewy middle. Their simple mix of pantry ingredients makes them easy to prepare anytime. They’re the kind of cookie that pairs well with a cold glass of milk on a summer evening.
Get the Recipe: Ann’s Snickerdoodle Recipe

Blueberry Ice Cream

Blueberry ice cream begins with simmering fresh berries before folding them into a churned mix of cream, milk, and sugar. After a few hours in the freezer, it’s ready to serve. The color and flavor both come naturally from the fruit. Each spoonful cools you down on the hottest days.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Ice Cream

Butterscotch Apple Crisp

A butterscotch apple crumble in a cast iron skillet on a wooden cutting board. — Butterscotch Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Butterscotch apple crisp combines sliced apples tossed in sauce with a streusel topping, baked until the edges are bubbling. The topping bakes into a crunchy layer over tender fruit. It’s a straightforward recipe that fills the kitchen with a sweet aroma. Serve it in bowls so every spoonful gets both topping and fruit.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Apple Crisp

Butterscotch Peach Crisp with Fresh Peaches

Bourbon‑peach crisp topped with juicy peaches. — Butterscotch Peach Crisp with Fresh Peaches. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Butterscotch peach crisp is baked in about 30 minutes, with peaches topped in an oatmeal crumble and drizzled with butterscotch. The topping turns golden while the fruit softens underneath. It’s simple to put together and easy to share. Warm servings pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Peach Crisp with Fresh Peaches

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

Strawberry rhubarb crisp bakes in about 35 minutes, with sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb under a crumbly topping. The fruit bubbles through as the topping turns golden. It’s a simple way to make the most of seasonal produce. A scoop of ice cream melts quickly over each warm serving.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

Mini Apple Pies

A group of baked mini lattice‑topped apple pies arranged on a baking tin and a plate. — Mini Apple Pies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Mini apple pies are made by filling small pastry shells with a mix of apples, sugar, and spices, then baking until the crust is golden. The filling softens while the spices deepen in flavor. Their small size makes them easy to serve without cutting. They’re perfect for passing around at a casual summer get-together.
Get the Recipe: Mini Apple Pies

Blackberry Crumble Pie

Blackberry crumble pie is made with a bottom crust, a blackberry filling, and a crumb topping, baked until bubbling in under an hour. The crust stays crisp while the berries soften and release their juices. It’s an easy way to use ripe fruit at its peak. Slices are best served slightly warm with a scoop of ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Crumble Pie

Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream

Key lime pie with a graham cracker crust, topped with coconut whipped cream and garnished with lime slices. — Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Key lime pie is made with a graham cracker crust, lime filling, and coconut whipped cream topping. It chills in the refrigerator until set, ready to slice. The tart filling balances the creamy topping. Cold slices are especially good on a hot day.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Apple cinnamon rolls start with dough spread with butter, sugar, and chopped apples before being rolled up and baked in about 25 minutes. A layer of cream cheese frosting melts over the warm rolls. They bring together sweet fruit and soft bread in a way that feels homemade. Serving them fresh from the oven makes any morning feel unhurried.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade Cinnamon Twists

Twisted pastries in a white pitcher with more delicious snacks on a cooling rack and plate in the background. The pitcher is placed on a red fabric, making these kids' treats even more inviting. — Homemade Cinnamon Twists. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Homemade cinnamon twists are made by rolling dough with cinnamon sugar, twisting, and baking for about 20 minutes. They puff up in the oven while the sugar turns slightly crisp. They work well as a small dessert or snack. A light glaze or dusting of sugar can finish them off before serving.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Twists

Spiced Pear Cobbler

Spiced pear cobbler is baked with layers of pears and biscuit topping until the fruit is tender and the top is lightly browned. The baking fills the air with a gentle spice aroma. It comes together with basic ingredients and steady oven time. Spoon it into bowls so the fruit and biscuit mix in each bite.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pear Cobbler