Whether you’re having a group of friends around for a retro-themed dinner party, or a special birthday deserving of a nostalgic cake from your childhood, these sweet retro recipes are sure to delight. We’ve got all the classics like black forest and pineapple upside-down cakes, plus lemon meringue pies, custard tarts and creamy vanilla slices. You’ll also find sweet summer trifles and berry-topped pavlova recipes, perfect for entertaining in the hot Australian weather.
Tropical bombe alaska
The mix of textures, flavours and temperatures combine in the classic king of desserts, the bombe alaska, to create a sensationally sweet dish.
Classic golden syrup dumplings
These scone-style dumplings are light, fluffy and perfect for soaking up the delicious golden syrup sauce.
Vanilla slice
Dotted with tell-tale passionfruit seeds, this classic slice is a true Aussie icon.
Women’s Weekly Duck Cake recipe
First seen in the ’80s at birthday parties and getting a resurgence!
Neenish tarts
This classic tart with its distinctive pink and brown icing on the top is still as good as you remember.
Creamy rice pudding with cinnamon sugar
The vanilla bean can be reused, wash and dry well, store in an airtight container or add to a container of sugar for vanilla-scented sugar. Note
Australian Women’s Weekly Dolly Varden Cake
This iconic children’s birthday cake was inspired by the character, Dolly, in one of Charles Dickens’ novels. A special baking pan, in the shape of her dress has been created just for this cake and you’ll need one of them for this recipe.
Old-fashioned apple pie slice
Pie meets slice!
Baked rice custard
You’ll want to give this one a run.
Sticky date pudding
Don’t forget the butterscotch sauce!
Custard tart
Sink your teeth in to this classic tart.
Lemon meringue pie
This sunshine-coloured pie is sure to brighten up your gloomiest days.
Sponge roll with jam and cream
Sink your teeth into these moist, fluffy and delightfully sweet sponge rolls with jam and cream. The perfect accompaniment for your morning cuppa!
Lemon delicious
It’s lemony and delicious, what more could you want?
Black forest mud cake
This cake is an absolute winner. We’ve used maraschino cherries here, you can use fresh or canned cherries, if you like. Maraschino cherries are available from gourmet food stores and good delicatessens.
Plum cobbler
Plum out of ideas for dessert?
Pineapple upside-down cake
Upside down cakes make a fabulous and impressive dessert. Pineapple is caramelised on the bottom of the pan and the cake is flipped after cooking to produce the signature look.
Summer pudding
It’s berry berry good!
Poached pear and quince with almond crumble
Recipe can be prepared several hours ahead. Reheat the fruit in the syrup before serving. Note
Our classic pavlova recipe
A classic that’s hard to beat – and easy to eat.
