The 1970s weren’t just about disco and bell-bottoms—the desserts were groovy, too! Bright, wobbly Jell-O, towering cakes, and chilled confections all shared the spotlight at potlucks and dinner parties.
Ready to step back in time? Get comfortable, crank up that Bee Gees playlist, and let these 20 nostalgic sweets remind you of just how fun and creative the ’70s really were.
1. Jell-O Mold Desserts
Vibrant, jiggly, and slightly mysterious, these iconic molds were a staple at every neighborhood gathering. It wasn’t just the rainbow colors that dazzled—often, fruit cocktail or whipped topping got suspended inside for a truly eye-catching creation.
They deserve a comeback simply because they scream “party.” Mix in fresh fruit or go classic with canned peaches. Either way, you’ll have a groovy centerpiece that wiggles its way into everyone’s heart.
2. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Sticky-sweet pineapple rings glazed in brown sugar made this cake the star of any potluck. The best part? Flipping it out of the pan to reveal that golden, caramelized fruit.
A buttery, tender cake base completes the tropical vibe. One bite and you’ll remember why people kept this recipe in their tin recipe boxes for decades.
3. Grasshopper Pie
Crème de menthe provided the unmistakable minty flavor, while a crumbly chocolate crust sealed the deal. The contrast of cool mint and rich chocolate felt like a trip to an old-fashioned soda fountain.
It’s time for Grasshopper Pie to dance back into the spotlight. Swirl in whipped cream, garnish with chocolate shavings, and let that minty chill bring a smile to your face.
4. Watergate Salad
A bright-green, pistachio pudding concoction might sound wild, but this sweet salad was all the rage. Pineapple chunks, Cool Whip, and mini marshmallows made it fluffy, refreshing, and delightfully quirky.
You could spot it on every holiday table and barbecue buffet. If you’ve never tried it, you owe it to yourself to see why everyone was obsessed with its pastel charm.
5. Tunnel Of Fudge Cake
Gooey, chocolate-laden magic hidden in the middle of a Bundt cake. That’s what made this dessert legendary. One slice reveals a molten fudgy center that leaves you reaching for another forkful.
It’s proof that the ’70s knew a thing or two about indulgent baking. Bring it back for a dinner party, and watch your guests marvel at that oh-so-satisfying chocolate tunnel.
6. Chiffon Pie
Light, airy, and positively luxurious. Whether it’s lemon, coconut, or chocolate, a chiffon pie offered a mousse-like filling on top of a crisp crust.
People loved how it felt weightless but tasted decadent. Serve one up today, and you’ll see how that delicate texture still impresses modern palates.
7. Black Forest Cake
Layers of chocolate sponge, tart cherries, and billowy whipped cream. Straight from Germany but embraced wholeheartedly in American kitchens, this cake fit right in with the era’s disco decadence.
Topped with chocolate shavings, it felt glamorous and exotic. Seriously, who can resist the drama of dark chocolate and bright cherries all in one slice?
8. German Chocolate Cake
Coconut, pecans, and a rich caramel-like frosting turned a standard chocolate cake into something extra special. This treat was a birthday favorite, celebrating sweet and nutty perfection.
It’s worth resurrecting for its unique topping alone—sweet, gooey, and chunky with toasted nuts. One forkful and you’ll remember why it never stayed on the serving plate for long.
9. Magic Cookie Bars
Layers of graham crackers, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and condensed milk created a chewy, dreamy bar that felt almost magical. And they took minimal effort, which was a huge bonus.
Everyone from Girl Scouts to grandmas whipped these up for bake sales. The recipe is so flexible, you can add nuts or butterscotch chips. Definitely one to keep in your back pocket
10. Cheesecake Bars
Creamy cheesecake flavor, but in an easy-to-hold bar format. No fussing with a springform pan or water bath, just simple layers and a smooth, tangy filling.
People topped them with cherries, chocolate drizzle, or even pineapple. They were ideal for potlucks—slices of pure nostalgic bliss without the hassle of a full cheesecake.
11. Ambrosia Salad
A marshmallow-filled fruit medley, often dressed in sweetened whipped cream or sour cream. Bits of mandarin oranges and coconut gave it a tropical touch.
This “salad” was more dessert than anything else, but it felt right at home next to your main course. The colorful sweetness made every table look a little happier.
12. Chocolate Fondue
Nothing said “party” quite like a fondue pot. Warm, melted chocolate became the star of the show, inviting skewers of fruit, cake cubes, and marshmallows to take a dip.
It was interactive, fun, and just a bit glamorous. Dust off that fondue set hiding in your cupboard and relive the excitement of communal chocolate dunking.
13. Baked Alaska
Cake on the bottom, ice cream in the middle, and a torched meringue shell on top—this dessert was a showstopper. Servers would sometimes flambé it tableside, wowing guests with flames.
If you crave a theatrical sweet, look no further. Perfect for impressing dinner guests who love a bit of drama on their plates.
14. Orange Sunshine Cake
A cheery citrus flavor, courtesy of instant pudding and possibly an orange soda secret ingredient. This soft, sunny confection brightened any buffet table.
People adored how the zesty taste popped against a sweet, fluffy crumb. If you need a dose of happiness, whip up this piece of sunshine and see how it instantly lifts your mood.
15. Divinity Candy
Soft, nougat-like clouds of sugar and egg whites studded with pecans. Divinity was a bit tricky to make, but the melt-in-your-mouth payoff was worth every minute.
It appeared on special occasions—holidays, birthdays, and bake sales—when folks wanted something extra sweet. Time to give this airy treat another whirl.
16. Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Adding mayo to cake batter sounded bizarre, yet it produced unbelievably moist and rich results. It was a clever trick that bakers swore by.
Don’t let the ingredients scare you off. The mayonnaise simply replaces oil and eggs, leaving behind a velvety chocolate crumb that’s hard to beat.
17. Vanilla Icebox Cake
Layers of cookies and whipped cream, chilled until the cookies soften into a cake-like texture. Simple, cool, and surprisingly impressive once sliced.
Families loved throwing this together in minutes, then letting the fridge do all the work. Feel free to decorate with fresh fruit or chocolate shavings before serving.
18. Peanut Butter Balls
Creamy peanut butter, a touch of sweetness, and a chocolate coating that snaps when you bite in. Sometimes called buckeyes, they were an addictive sweet-and-salty fix.
Kids could help roll them, which made it a fun family kitchen project. If you crave a nostalgic treat that’s part candy, part cookie, these are ready to make a comeback.
19. Strawberry Pretzel Salad
A crunchy, salty pretzel crust layered with sweet cream cheese filling and topped by strawberry Jell-O. It was called a “salad,” but let’s be honest—it’s pure dessert joy.
That balance of salty and sweet gave it major potluck cred. The bright red Jell-O topping made it look as festive as it tasted.
20. Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist carrot-laden batter spiced with cinnamon and studded with nuts, often walnuts or pecans. A thick, tangy cream cheese frosting sealed the deal.
The popularity endures for good reason—it’s decadent without being cloying. If you haven’t tasted a slice lately, it’s time to treat yourself.