28 Christmas Desserts Straight from the ’50s

Updated on Oct. 11, 2023

Have yourself a retro little Christmas with these classic Christmas desserts from the 1950s.

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Rum Balls

Rum flavor comes through nicely in these traditional, no-bake rum balls. I like to make a few dozen at a time and give them to my neighbors for Christmas—Audrey Larson, Bloomington, Minnesota

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1/28
2/28

Spiced Rum Fruitcake

Total Time 1 hour 40 min
Servings 1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator: This fruitcake not only can be made weeks ahead, it tastes better that way! You can substitute Brazil nuts, pecans and hazelnuts for the walnuts—or use a combination of nuts. —Jason Boor, Manchester, New York
3/28

Eggnog Pie

Total Time 40 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Even better than holiday eggnog in a glass is eggnog on a plate! This creamy pie delivers all that rich, wonderful flavor. It’s pretty, too, with a sprinkling of nutmeg on top. —Florence Shaw, East Wenatchee, Washington. Planning to host a party? Check out our collection of easy Christmas desserts for the crowd.
4/28

Holiday Almond Tassies

Total Time 45 min
Servings 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I make so many of these fancy tassies, I use up a 7-pound container of almond paste every year! They’re one of my family’s holiday favorites. —Donna Westhouse, Dorr, Michigan
5/28

Mocha Yule Log

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This eye-catching dessert is guaranteed to delight holiday dinner guests. Chocolate lovers will lick their lips over the yummy cocoa cake, mocha filling and frosting. For a festive touch, I garnish the log with marzipan holly leaves and berries. —Jenny Hughson, Mitchell, Nebraska

Also check out this vintage Yule log is a no-bake, one-bowl treat that’s sure to impress during the holidays.

6/28

Rum Balls

Total Time 30 min
Servings about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I make these rum balls for special occasions with my wonderful family and friends. The treats are so easy to make and pack a festive punch. — Diane Duschanek, Council Bluffs, Iowa
7/28

Peppermint S’more Tassies

Total Time 35 min
Servings 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Graham cracker cookie cups brim with a luscious peppermint-milk chocolate filling, sweet marshmallow creme and crushed peppermint candies. Santa (and his elves) will look forward to these! —Edwina Gadsby, Hayden, Idaho
8/28

Shortcut Coconut-Pecan Chocolate Tassies

Total Time 35 min
Servings about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: You can garnish these cookies with pecan halves or a couple of chocolate chips before baking, or drizzle with a little melted chocolate after taking them out of the oven. —Deb Villenauve, Krakow, Wisconsin

9/28

Gingerbread Roll Cake

Total Time 40 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This nicely seasoned gingerbread holds a sweet, creamy filling. This gingerbread yule log is surprisingly light, so it's easy to indulge in a generous slice after a hearty meal. —Bernadette Colvin, Lexington, Kentucky

10/28

Plum Pudding

Total Time 2 hours 30 min
Servings 12 servings (1-1/2 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator: In A Christmas Carol, everyone claps for plum pudding. Our family has made this pudding our own tradition, and it really is something to clap for. —Ruthanne Karel, Hudsonville, Michigan
11/28

Pecan Tassies

Total Time 45 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These pecan tassies are very good for parties and special occasions. You'll probably want to double the recipe, because they'll disappear in a hurry! —Joy Corie, Ruston, Louisiana
12/28

Candy Cane Pie

Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When my college roommate first made this pie, I couldn't get enough! Using a store-bought crust helps save time when you're in the midst of the holidays. —Charlotte Stewart, Mesa, Arizona
13/28

Cranberry-Eggnog Gelatin Salad

Total Time 35 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Refreshing and bursting with flavor, this festive Jello salad is a standout choice for a holiday potluck or make-ahead Thanksgiving side. The sweet pineapple-eggnog layer contrasts nicely with the cool and tangy gelatin on top. Since it has to chill overnight, it’s a good pick for a dish to prepare a day ahead. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
14/28

Divinity Candy

Total Time 45 min
Servings 60 pieces (1-1/2 pounds)
From the Recipe Creator: Every Christmas my grandmother and I made divinity candy, just the two of us. I still make it every year. —Anne Clayborne, Walland, Tennessee
15/28

Chocolate Chiffon Cake

Total Time 1 hour 25 min
Servings 20 servings
From the Recipe Creator: If you want to offer family and friends a dessert that really stands out from the rest, this is the cake to make. The beautiful high, rich sponge cake is drizzled with a succulent chocolate glaze. —Erma Fox, Memphis, Missouri
16/28

Butterscotch Pie

Total Time 45 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This pie's filling is like creamy pudding and is crowned with golden peaks of meringue. —Cary Letsche, Brandenton, Florida
17/28

Baked Alaska

Total Time 50 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Can you believe it? This stunning dessert is completely make ahead, including the meringue. All you need to do is bake it for a few minutes in the oven before serving. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
18/28

Orange-Pistachio Divinity

Total Time 35 min
Servings about 4 dozen (1-1/3 pounds)
From the Recipe Creator: Old-fashioned divinity candy is even yummier with a hint of refreshing orange zest and bits of crunchy pistachios. Store-bought versions just can’t compare! —Lorri Reinhardt, Big Bend, Wisconsin
19/28

Eggnog Fruit Bread

Total Time 1 hour 25 min
Servings 2 loaves (16 slices each)
From the Recipe Creator: Presents from the pantry are a tradition in my family, and this moist, fruity quick bread is a favorite. I wrap loaves in cellophane and garnish with stickers and curly ribbons. —Margo Stich, Rochester, Minnesota

20/28

Rice Pudding

Total Time 55 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My sisters and I always loved the recipe for rice pudding our grandma made. After she passed away, I took it upon myself to try and find the secret to her rice pudding. It took quite a bit of experimentation, but I finally got it right! And I'm glad to share this easy recipe here. —Margaret DeChant, Newberry, Michigan

21/28

Ribbon Fantasy Fudge

Total Time 20 min
Servings 49 pieces
From the Recipe Creator: I developed this recipe especially for my husband, who likes anything that has chocolate and peanut butter together!
22/28

Snowy Raspberry Gelatin Mold

Total Time 30 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This mold is always on our holiday table. The raspberry layer makes an attractive base for the creamy cream cheese layer. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

23/28

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Total Time 50 min
Servings 9 servings
From the Recipe Creator: A classic recipe like this 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

24/28

Spumoni Baked Alaska

Total Time 55 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: For a dazzling yet refreshing end to a rich holiday meal, try this freezer finale. It's bound to garner oohs and aahs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
25/28

Apple-Spice Angel Food Cake

Total Time 45 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I dressed up an angel food cake mix with some nuts, spice and applesauce to make an easy and light dessert. I serve it with a dollop of whipped topping mixed with a half cup of sour cream. —Joan Buehnerkemper, Teutopolis, Illinois
26/28

Holiday Eggnog Pie

Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I created this holiday pie one day when trying to use up a few things I had on hand. Everyone loved it! With pumpkin pie spice and eggnog, this creamy, dreamy pie has fantastic flavor. —Shirley Darger, Colorado City, Arizona

27/28

Plum Poppy Seed Cake

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 15 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe uses plums and poppy seeds for the most traditional Polish version of this dessert, but you can also use nectarines or even apricots. One tip: Do not push the plums into the batter. Just let them sit on top. They will sink in a bit as they bake. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, WI

28/28

Swedish Rice Ring

Total Time 35 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe, which originated in Sweden, is famous at church suppers with our Minnesota neighbors. It's a delicious addition at family gatherings and parties, too. I usually make a double batch because it's so good! —Lori Jeane Schlecht, Wimbledon, North Dakota