The Most Popular Dessert the Year You Were Born

Updated on Sep. 12, 2024

You might be a Bananas Foster baby—or were you born in the year of Hummingbird Cake? Take a look back at 60 marvelous years of dessert trends. They're our birthday gift to you!

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1940: Best-Ever Bread Pudding

The secret to incredible bread pudding with a soft middle and crisp edges starts with leftover dinner rolls. I picked up the rich brown sugar sauce recipe from my friend Kathryn Gartmann. A big drizzle of it takes this dessert over the top and really makes it the best bread pudding ever. —Maria Petrella, Taste of Home Prep Cook

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1/61
2/61

1941: Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Total Time 50 min
Servings 9 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This pineapple upside-down cake is a classic recipe that 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
3/61

Lemon Chiffon Cake

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This moist, airy chiffon cake was my dad's favorite. Mom revamped the original recipe to include lemons. I'm not much of a baker, but whenever I make this dessert my family is thrilled! —Trisha Kammers, Clarkston, Washington

1943: Lemon Frosted Fruit Bars

I found the Lemon-Frosted Fruit Bars in a 1943 Betty Crocker cookbook titled Your Share: How To Prepare Appetizing, Healthful Meals with Foods Available Today. The recipe book was printed when the U.S. government began rationing foods like sugar and butter during World War II.  Inside there are tips for saving sugar, with recipes like these bars that used dried fruit and molasses to add sweetness instead. You don’t even miss the sugar! —Nancy Mock, Burlington, Vermont

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4/61
5/61

1944: Shoofly Pie

Total Time 1 hour 25 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My grandmother made the best shoofly pie in the tradition of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Shoofly pie is to the Pennsylvania Dutch as pecan pie is to a Southerner. —Mark Morgan, Waterford, Wisconsin
6/61

1945: Moist Lazy Daisy Cake

Total Time 45 min
Servings 9 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We always called this Mama’s never-fail recipe. I guess the same holds true for me since I’ve won contests with this lazy daisy cake. The tasty dessert always brings back fond memories of Mama. —Carrie Bartlett, Gallatin, Tennessee
7/61

1946: Carrot Sheet Cake

Total Time 55 min
Servings 30 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We sold pieces of this to-die-for carrot cake at an art show. Before long, we sold out of all the 10 cakes we had made! —Dottie Cosgrove, South El Monte, California
8/61

1947: Giant Molasses Cookies

Total Time 45 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: My family always requests these soft molasses cookies. These chewy cookies are also great for shipping as holiday gifts or to troops overseas. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York
9/61

Old-Fashioned Whoopie Pies

Total Time 45 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Who can resist soft chocolate sandwich cookies filled with a layer of fluffy white frosting? Mom has made these for years. They're a treat that never lasts very long with my two brothers and me around. —Maria Costello, Monroe, North Carolina
10/61

1949: Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie

Total Time 10 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This old-fashioned banana cream pie recipe is full of flavor. Because it uses instant pudding, this no-bake dessert is ready in just minutes. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington
11/61

1950: Homemade Chocolate Pudding

Total Time 10 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This delightful chocolate pudding is always a treat and easy to whip up. I usually top the pudding with M&M’s. My husband likes whipped topping on his and our daughter loves to dip fresh strawberries in hers. —Carrina Cooper, McAlpin, Florida
12/61

1951: Hummingbird Cake

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 14 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This impressive hummingbird cake is my dad’s favorite, so I always make it for his birthday. It makes a memorable dessert for any celebration and is lovely with a summer meal. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
13/61

1952: Rich Rum Cake

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We like a touch of rum for the holidays, and this orangy rum cake is decadent alone or with big swoops of whipped cream. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
14/61

1953: World's Best Lemon Pie

Total Time 40 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Mother’s pies were always so memorable, with tender, flaky crusts. In summer the order of the day was lemon meringue! —Phyllis Kirsling, Junction City, Wisconsin
15/61

1954: Icebox Cake

Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: You don’t have to bake to serve a wonderful dessert! This icebox cake is made from chocolate wafers and whipping cream. It is so delicious.—Cindy Hawkins, New York, New York
16/61

1955: Layered Strawberry Jell-O Mold

Total Time 10 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This refreshing treat has two layers: a pretty pink bottom that includes sour cream, and a ruby red top with strawberries and pineapple. For years, Mom has included this salad in meals she prepares for our family. —Gloria Grant, Sterling, Illinois
17/61

1956: Coconut Chiffon Cake

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Toasted coconut adds visual appeal to this tall and impressive cake. With an airy texture and heavenly coconut-ginger flavor,it’s a lovely end to meals throughout the year.
18/61

1957: Madeira Cake

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This classic British Madeira cake is often served with Madeira wine, which is how it got its name. Similar to a pound cake, it is commonly flavored with lemon and can also be served with tea or other sweet liqueurs. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
19/61

1958: Cherry Chocolate Marble Cake

Total Time 1 hour 35 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Cherries and chocolate are natural partners that make desserts such as this simply scrumptious! The marbled effect is easily achieved by layering the two contrasting batters. —Sandra Campbell, Chase Mills, New York
20/61

1959: Baked Alaska

Total Time 55 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: For a refreshing end to a rich meal, try this freezer finale. Its intriguing interior and pretty color scheme are bound to garner oohs and aahs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
21/61

1960: Cherry Cream Cheese Pie

Total Time 50 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My mom is known for her scrumptious desserts. This cherry cream cheese pie is one she’s served often. It’s one of my favorite desserts anytime of year. I love the combination of cream cheese and cherry pie filling. —Cindy Kufeldt, Orlando, Florida
22/61

1961: Ambrosia

Total Time 10 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Because it’s so simple to make, this tropical fruit medley is great as a last-minute menu addition. Plus, this ambrosia salad requires just five ingredients. —Judi Bringegar, Liberty, North Carolina
23/61

1962: Million Dollar Cake

Total Time 45 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Pineapple and mandarin oranges give this easy cake a refreshing, tropical twist. With cake mix and pudding mix as ingredients, it is a breeze to put together when you’re short on prep time. Plus, it needs to chill before serving, so it’s a perfect make-ahead dessert for potlucks and parties! —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
24/61

1963: Stained Glass Gelatin

Total Time 25 min
Servings 15 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Kids love this sweet, wiggly gelatin and whipped topping dessert. Use different flavors of gelatin to make color versions that are as wild as your imagination. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
25/61

Chocolate Fudge Cake

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe won several blue ribbons at our state fair. The made-from-scratch chocolate layer cake topped with a fudgy homemade frosting is truly a can't-miss dessert. —Donna Carman, Tulsa, Oklahoma
26/61

1965: Frozen Grasshopper Torte

Total Time 25 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I first made this minty cool torte for a ladies’ meeting at our church. I’m still making it, and the compliments keep coming. —Elma Penner, Oak Bluff, Manitoba
27/61

1966: Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Total Time 55 min
Servings 18 servings
From the Recipe Creator: As a mother of three sons, I always have sweets in my kitchen! I buy lots of ripe bananas on sale and freeze them with this cake in mind. I’m often asked to bring it to family picnics and dinners.—Bonnie Krause, Irvona, Pennsylvania
28/61

1967: Hello Dolly Bars

Total Time 45 min
Servings 16 bars
From the Recipe Creator: These rich bar cookies will melt in your mouth! They’re ideal to have on hand for a snack. —Pauline Schrag, Theresa, New York
29/61

1968: Key Lime Pie

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We created this refreshing mini pie with a homemade crumb crust and a pudding-like lime filling. If you can’t find Key lime juice, regular lime juice works just fine. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
30/61

1969: Orange Chocolate Fondue

Total Time 15 min
Servings 1-1/3 cups
From the Recipe Creator: “Invite you family and friends to dip cubes of cake and pieces of fruit into this rich, luscious fondue for a special treat during the holiday season,” writes Mary Jean DeVries from her home in Grandville, Michigan.
31/61

1970: Creamy Pina Colada Pie

Total Time 15 min
Servings 2 pies (8 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator: This is a family favorite and super easy to make. Some like the consistency of this pina colada pie right out of the freezer and others prefer a softer pie—either way it’s delicious! —Jenny Hales, Arcadia, Oklahoma

1971: Julia Child’s Chocolate Mousse

Let me tell you why Julia Child’s chocolate mousse recipe from Mastering the Art of French Cooking is one you’ll use for life: Aside from the technique of using both the egg whites and egg yolks, I love how she adds an ample amount of brewed coffee in addition to orange liqueur. Those two ingredients combined with quality chocolate and just enough sugar to balance the flavors is a true work of art. —Lauren Grant, New York City, New York

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32/61

1972: No-Bake Pudding Cheesecake

The 1972 print ad for the Jell-O No-Bake Cheesecake with Pudding says this recipe is “a perfect summer dessert, because you don’t have to bake it.” Now that I’ve tried it myself, I have to agree, with one caveat: it’d be a welcome dessert any time of the year. —Nancy Mock, Burlington, Vermont

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33/61

1973: Sock-It-to-Me Cake

I like to think that when a baker asked someone if they wanted a piece of this buttery cake, the answer was “sock it to me!”—which is how this cake got its name. Duncan Hines published the “Sock It to Me Cake” recipe on the back of its boxed mix in the 1970s, and the rest is history. —Vallery Lomas, New York City, New York

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34/61
35/61

1974: Watergate Salad

Total Time 10 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This fluffy pistachio salad is a real treat since it’s creamy but not overly sweet. It’s easy to mix up, and the flavor gets better the longer it stands. It’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, served in a green bowl. —Pattie Ann Forssberg, Logan, Kansas
36/61

1975: Berry Trifle

Total Time 25 min
Servings 14 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This Berry Trifle is a delicious salute to summer! I usually serve it during the summer when fresh berries are bountiful, but you can also prepare it with frozen cherries and light cherry pie filling during cooler months. —Brenda Paine, North Syracuse, New York
37/61

1976: Easy Banana Pudding

Total Time 15 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I blend cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping into instant pudding then layer it with vanilla wafers and sliced bananas. Served in a pretty glass bowl, this banana pudding with cream cheese makes for a fancy yet fuss-free dessert. —Edna Perry, Rice, Texas
38/61

1977: Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie

Total Time 35 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: For my mother’s birthday, I made this strawberry pie recipe instead of a cake. Since it was mid-May in Oklahoma, the berries were absolutely perfect. It was a memorable occasion for the whole family. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama
39/61

1978: Black Forest Chocolate Torte

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: If you’re thinking about pulling out all the stops for a dessert that says wow, look no further. This cherry-crowned beauty—stacked layers of chocolate cake and cream filling—will have everyone talking. —Doris Grotz, York, Nebraska
40/61

1979: New York Cheesecake

Total Time 2 hours 20 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Light, creamy and smooth, this traditional New York cheesecake will melt in your mouth. It is made with a shortbread crust and topped with a triple berry sauce. The recipe takes time but is not hard. It is well worth the effort. —Karen Nielson, St. George, Utah
41/61

1980: Lemon Pudding Dessert

Total Time 40 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: After a big meal, folks really go for this light lemon treat. The shortbread crust is the perfect base for the fluffy top layers. I’ve prepared this sunny dessert for church suppers for years and I always get recipe requests.
—Muriel DeWitt, Maynard, Massachusetts
42/61

1981: Mud Pie

Total Time 40 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Here's one of those "looks like you fussed" desserts that is so easy it's become a standard for me. I love the mocha version, but pure chocolate lovers may prefer using chocolate chip ice cream. The cookie crust is a snap to make. —Debbie Terenzini-Wilkerson, Lusby, Maryland
43/61

1982: Strawberry Poke Cake

Total Time 50 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: That classic spring treat—strawberry shortcake—takes on a wonderful new twist with this strawberry poke cake recipe. Strawberry gelatin and strawberries liven up each pretty slice of this lovely layered cake that’s made from a convenient boxed mix. —Mary Jo Griggs, West Bend, Wisconsin
44/61

1983: French Silk Pie

Total Time 50 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I first made French silk pie when I was in high school. Years later, I tinkered with the recipe until I was happy with it. Now it’s one of my husband’s favorites. —Lisa Francis, Elba, Alabama
45/61

1984: Red Velvet Cake

Total Time 50 min
Servings 14 servings
From the Recipe Creator: It’s just not Christmas at our house until this festive cake appears. This is different from other red velvet cake recipes I’ve had; the icing is as light as snow. —Kathryn Davison, Charlotte, North Carolina
46/61

1985: Frozen Yogurt

Total Time 30 min
Servings 2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: It’s so simple and easy to make your own frozen Greek yogurt, you might even want to get the kids in on the fun. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
47/61

1986: Easy Four-Layer Chocolate Dessert

Total Time 35 min
Servings 15 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Out of all the easy chocolate desserts I make, these nutty, chocolaty layered treats have become my family’s favorite. I make sure to whip up my mom her very own batch, since she loves this chocolate delight so much! —Kristen Stecklein, Waukesha, Wisconsin
48/61

1987: Pecan Pumpkin Bars

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I always make this treat for Thanksgiving. A friend gave me the recipe, and I’ve since shared it with many others. —Sue Williams, Mount Holly, North Carolina
49/61

1988: Lava Chocolate Cakes

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: True decadence at its best, these chocolate lava cakes created by the Taste of Home Cooking School feature a warm, gooey chocolate center that oozes out onto the dessert plate. Whether you enjoy it garnished with a dollop of whipped cream or sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar, you’ll want to lick the plate clean!
50/61

1989: Tiramisu

Total Time 20 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: No one can resist this quick and easy tiramisu recipe. Make it ahead for added mealtime convenience. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
51/61

Lemon Bars

Total Time 55 min
Servings 9 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This delightful lemon bar recipe is from my mother's file. I've been serving it for many years. They has a wonderful tangy flavor, and they're always a hit. The color and shape make them a nice addition to a platter of cookies. —Etta Soucy, Mesa, Arizona
52/61

1991: Mudslide Cheesecake

Total Time 1 hour 30 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Change up cheesecakes with different liqueur flavorings. This “mudslide” version with coffee and Irish cream is my husband’s favorite. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
53/61

1993: Rocky Road Ice Cream

Total Time 35 min
Servings about 4-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator: My daughters always want to put this rocky road ice cream in cones just like the ice cream shops do. We especially like the marshmallows, chocolate chips and chopped pecans. Sometimes we even add extra chips on top…and whipped cream, too.
-Dale Langford
Atwater, California
54/61

1993: Flourless Chocolate Torte

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Here’s the perfect dessert for chocoholics—like me! I bake this melt-in-your-mouth torte all the time for special occasions. For an elegant finish, dust it with confectioners’ sugar. —Kayla Albrecht, Freeport, Illinois
55/61

1994: Puppy Chow

Total Time 15 min
Servings 13 cups
From the Recipe Creator: This easy puppy chow recipe uses a whole package of cereal, so there’s less messy measuring. And it makes enough to feed a hungry crowd. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
56/61

1995: Cookie Cake

Total Time 35 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This oversized cookie cake recipe is so easy and quick that I just might make it instead of traditional cookies from now on. I don’t miss portioning out dough or shuffling pans in and out of the oven. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
57/61

Dirt Cake

Total Time 30 min
Servings 20 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My mom used to serve this yummy dessert, and I just loved it. It's so fun to eat and a snap to make. Add some gummy worms on top for the kids if you'd like. —Kristi Linton, Bay City, Michigan
58/61

Coca-Cola Cake

Total Time 50 min
Servings 15 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We live in Coca-Cola country, where everyone loves a chocolaty, moist sheet cake made with the iconic soft drink. Our rich version does the tradition proud. —Heidi Jobe, Carrollton, Georgia
59/61

1998: Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

Total Time 30 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These chewy bars are the perfect no-fuss contribution to a potluck or bake sale. I’ve discovered the trick is to get them into the refrigerator so the chocolate can set before they disappear! —Lorri Speer, Centralia, Washington
60/61

1999: Confetti Cake

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This is a moist and fluffy vanilla cake with lots of sprinkles and a whipped vanilla buttercream. It’s almost impossible not to feel happy when you see the fun pop of rainbow confetti! —Courtney Rich, Highland, UT
61/61

2000: Vanilla Bean Cupcakes

Total Time 50 min
Servings 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: My son loves these vanilla bean cupcakes! Flecks of vanilla bean in the moist, tender cupcakes give them special-occasion status. —Alysha Braun, St. Catharines, Ontario