Have yourself a retro little Christmas with these classic Christmas desserts from the 1950s.
28 Christmas Desserts Straight from the ’50s
Updated on Oct. 11, 2023
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
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
