10 Recipes Inspired by Classic Novels

Updated: Feb. 27, 2024

Eat your way through the library.

1 / 10

Inspired by: Romeo and Juliet

“A cookie by any other name would taste as sweet.” Or at least that’s what we’d imagine Juliet would say about these rose-shaped meringue beauties. (And yes, we know R+J is technically a play, but we just had to include it in this list). Psst! These recipes are perfect for book club.

Get Our Recipe for Strawberry Meringue Roses

2 / 10

Inspired by: Little Women

When Jo visits her ill neighbor, Laurie, she brings along a blancmange (made by Meg, of course). This citrusy ring is equally tasty.

If you’re not a cooking pro like Meg, try these genius tricks for cooking with gelatin.

3 / 10

Inspired by: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Imagine you’re at the Mad Tea-Party with these delightful cucumber sandwiches. Just be prepared to answer a few riddles while you eat!

Find more dainty tea party recipes.

4 / 10

Inspired by: To Kill a Mockingbird

Near the end of the novel, Scout dresses up as a ham for the Maycomb County Halloween pageant. Pay homage to the greatest costume of all time with this sweet and savory main course.

Learn to bake like Miss Maudie Atkinson with these Southern cake recipes.

5 / 10

Inspired by: The Great Gatsby

For a dish worthy of one of Gatsby’s parties, try these Oysters Rockefeller. They pair perfectly with champagne.

These vintage recipes from the roaring ’20s are worth trying today.

6 / 10

Inspired by: Great Expectations

Abandoned at the altar, Miss Havisham spent her life surrounded by reminders of the could-have-been ceremony—including a wedding cake. While Miss Havisham’s version is well past its prime, you can enjoy the simplicity of this vintage jam cake.
7 / 10

Inspired by: A Christmas Carol

Mrs. Cratchit knew a thing or two about making Christmas pudding. And this plum version is Tiny Tim-approved.
8 / 10

Inspired by: The Catcher in the Rye

There’s nothing phony about this old-world rye bread. For the true Holden experience, try it as part of a Swiss cheese sandwich served with malted milk.
9 / 10

Inspired by: Frankenstein

The only creature we want to confront is this one made from chunky guacamole. Pass the chips, please!
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Inspired by: The Hobbit

Hobbits eat up to seven meals a day, but Bilbo’s favorite was tea-time. We can almost picture him baking these cute little tea cakes in The Shire.