This collection of 50 Old-Fashioned Amish Dessert Recipes includes some of the most loved desserts from Amish kitchens. From old-fashioned cakes and pie recipes to creamy desserts, cookies, and other sweet treats. Here you'll find simple recipes that are perfect for anytime you want a homemade dessert.
Growing up Amish in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, I enjoyed many of these desserts at church meals and family gatherings. These traditional recipes are a reminder that some of the best desserts are made with simple ingredients and shared with the people you love.
Why You'll Love These Old-Fashioned Amish Dessert Recipes
- Simple ingredients: Most Amish desserts use basic pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
- Traditional recipes: These are the kinds of desserts that have been enjoyed at family gatherings, church meals, and special occasions for generations.
- Made from scratch: From homemade pies and cakes to creamy desserts and cookies, these recipes are full of old-fashioned flavor.
- Perfect for sharing: Many Amish desserts are made for a crowd, making them ideal for holidays and potlucks.
Old-Fashioned Amish Cake Recipes
These old-fashioned cake recipes are known for their rich flavors and homemade goodness. From traditional cakes made with pantry staples to special occasion favorites, these easy cakes are perfect for family gatherings and everyday baking.
#1. Applesauce Cake
This old-fashioned applesauce cake is one of those simple homemade desserts that never goes out of style. Applesauce, warm spices, and crunchy nuts create a moist, flavorful cake that's perfect for sharing.
#2. Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cake
This vintage oatmeal cake was a favorite in my Amish family and is still a comforting dessert I love. With a moist cake and a broiled coconut pecan topping, it's a simple homemade recipe that feels like a little taste of the past.
#3. Amish Shoofly Cake Recipe
This traditional shoofly cake brings the beloved flavors of Pennsylvania Dutch shoofly pie into an easy-to-make cake. With rich molasses flavor and a sweet crumb topping, this old-fashioned dessert is a Lancaster County favorite that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee.
#4. Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
This made-from-scratch carrot cake is a classic favorite made with carrots, pineapple, pecans, and a rich cream cheese frosting. Moist and flavorful, this is the kind of cake that reminds you why homemade desserts are always worth making.
#5. Date and Walnut Cake
This easy date and walnut cake is a simple, flavorful dessert with a rich texture and classic holiday appeal. Made with sweet dates and crunchy walnuts, it's a wonderful make-ahead dessert that's especially popular during the Christmas season. (I love mixing this cake with whipped cream to make date pudding.)
#6. Holiday Fruit Cake
This traditional fruit cake is a rich and flavorful holiday dessert packed with dates, nuts, and candied cherries. Unlike the dry fruit cakes many people remember, this homemade version is moist, chewy, and full of old-fashioned Christmas flavor.
#7. Pumpkin Roll With Cream Cheese Filling
This classic pumpkin roll is made with a tender pumpkin cake, warm spices, and a sweet cream cheese filling. With its beautiful spiral shape and cozy flavors, it's a favorite for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, and fall baking.
#8. Cinnamon Breakfast Coffeecake
This Amish cinnamon streusel coffee cake is a moist and tender vanilla cake with a ribbon of cinnamon filling and a buttery streusel topping. It's easy to make and pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee!
#9. Banana Cream Cheese Cake Bars
These banana cream cheese cake bars are a delicious way to use ripe bananas in a soft, moist dessert. With a tender cake-like texture, creamy frosting, and a hint of vanilla, these simple bars are perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Old-Fashioned Pie Recipes
Amish kitchens are well known for homemade pies made with simple ingredients and comforting flavors. From fruit-filled favorites and creamy custard pies to Pennsylvania Dutch classics, these recipes are the kind of desserts that have been shared around family tables for generations.
#10. Dutch Apple Pie With Crumb Topping
This PA Dutch apple pie is a classic dessert featuring tender cinnamon apples, a flaky crust, and a buttery oatmeal crumb topping. With its warm flavors and homemade goodness, this pie is a favorite for holidays or anytime you're craving a comforting apple dessert.
#11. Apple Schnitz Pie
Apple Schnitz Pie is a traditional Lancaster County Amish dessert made with dried apples cooked into a rich, flavorful filling. This unique pie is a wonderful example of Pennsylvania Dutch baking, using simple ingredients to create a comforting dessert with deep roots in Amish kitchens.
#12. Rhubarb Custard Pie
This Amish rhubarb custard pie combines the tart flavor of fresh rhubarb with a sweet, creamy custard filling inside a flaky pie crust. It's a classic spring dessert with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
#13. Pumpkin Custard Pie
This Amish pumpkin custard pie is a cozy fall dessert with a creamy pumpkin filling and a light, delicate topping. Made with warm seasonal ingredients, it's a beautiful addition to Thanksgiving dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you're craving a homemade pumpkin pie.
#14. Simple Custard Pie
This Amish custard pie is a simple, vintage dessert made with everyday ingredients and a smooth, creamy filling. With its delicate vanilla flavor and classic baked custard texture, it's the kind of pie that brings a little taste of the past to your table.
#15. Wet-Bottom Shoofly Pie
Wet bottom shoofly pie is a beloved Lancaster County Amish dessert with a rich molasses flavor, gooey bottom layer, and sweet crumb topping. Made with basic pantry ingredients, this Pennsylvania Dutch classic is a true taste of Amish baking tradition.
#16. Vanilla Crumb Pie
Vanilla crumb pie is a unique Pennsylvania Dutch dessert with a rich brown sugar and vanilla filling topped with a buttery crumb layer. This simple yet flavorful pie is a great example of the creative, delicious desserts found in Amish kitchens.
#17. Oatmeal Pie (Mock Pecan Pie)
Amish oatmeal pie is an old-fashioned dessert made with pantry staples, featuring a sweet caramel-like filling and a chewy texture similar to pecan pie. This comforting pie is a true example of how Amish bakers turn humble ingredients into something special.
#18. Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Pie
Amish buttermilk pie is a simple custard pie with a smooth, creamy filling and a lightly sweet flavor with a hint of tang from the buttermilk. Made with basic ingredients, this humble dessert is a timeless favorite for family dinners, holidays, and gatherings.
Classic Amish Cream Pie Recipes
Old-fashioned cream pies are some of the most loved desserts from Amish kitchens. These homemade pies feature smooth, creamy fillings made from ingredients you probably already have, and are often topped with whipped cream or meringue. From classic coconut cream pies to unique favorites like peanut butter and butterscotch, these comforting desserts are perfect for any occasion.
#19. Peanut Butter Cream Pie
Amish peanut butter cream pie is one of my family's favorite homemade desserts. This delicious pie features a flaky crust, creamy vanilla pudding filling, sweet peanut butter crumbles, and a fluffy whipped cream topping. Rich, creamy, and full of classic flavor, peanut butter pie is always a hit!
#20. Coconut Cream Pie
Amish coconut cream pie is a delightful dessert with a silky vanilla custard filling, sweet coconut, and a flaky pie crust. Made from scratch with everyday ingredients, this creamy pie has the comforting flavor and texture that makes old-fashioned cream pies so special.
#21. Butterscotch Cream Pie
Amish butterscotch pie is a classic homemade cream pie made with a smooth, rich filling full of brown sugar flavor. Topped with fluffy whipped cream, this heartwarming dessert has the nostalgic taste of a recipe passed down through generations.
#22. Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cream Pie
Amish chocolate pie is made with a flaky crust, smooth homemade chocolate pudding filling, and a light whipped cream topping. Rich, creamy, and full of chocolate flavor, this homemade dessert is a timeless favorite for anyone who loves a good chocolate pie.
#23. Old-Fashioned Raisin Cream Pie
Amish raisin cream pie is a unique dessert with a sweet, creamy custard filling and plump raisins tucked inside a flaky pie crust. This old-fashioned cream pie may surprise you - the combination of flavors and textures creates a rich, satisfying dessert that is truly worth trying.
Traditional Amish Cookie Recipes
Cookies have always been a staple in Amish kitchens, whether baked for church dinner, packed into lunch pails, or enjoyed with a glass of milk after chores. From soft molasses cookies to whoopie pies and hearty oatmeal favorites, these old-fashioned Amish cookie recipes are easy to make with plenty of homemade flavor.
#24. Amish Molasses Cookies
Amish molasses cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with the warm flavors of molasses and spices. With their crackled sugar-coated tops and tender centers, these cookies are a timeless favorite that's perfect with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
#25. Chocolate Chip Cookies
These classic chocolate chip cookies are the kind of homemade treat that brings back memories of home and fresh-baked desserts. This recipe comes from my Amish mom and makes soft, chewy cookies with buttery crisp edges and chocolate chips in every bite.
#26. Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
Amish peanut butter cookies are a beloved old-fashioned cookie with a rich peanut butter flavor, crisp edges, and a soft, chewy center. Recognized by their classic crisscross pattern on top, these homemade cookies are made with simple pantry staples and have the nostalgic taste of a cookie jar favorite.
#27. Drop Sugar Cookies
Amish sugar cookies are a favorite known for their soft, tender texture and delicate sweetness. These easy drop cookies come together without rolling or chilling the dough, making them a simple way to enjoy homemade sugar cookies with that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves.
#28. Snickerdoodle Cookies
Snickerdoodle cookies are a timeless favorite with a soft, chewy center, buttery flavor, and a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. They have the kind of homemade charm often found in Amish baking, with simple flavors that make them a favorite for cookie lovers of all ages.
#29. Buttermilk Cookies
Amish buttermilk cookies are a soft, tender old-fashioned cookie with a delicate texture and rich homemade flavor. Made with buttermilk and topped with a sweet caramel icing, these vintage cookies have a homey taste that feels like a recipe pulled straight from an old family cookbook.
#30. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Amish oatmeal raisin cookies are another classic favorite made with hearty oats, warm cinnamon, and sweet raisins. With lightly crisp edges and soft, chewy centers, these homemade cookies have the comforting texture and familiar flavors that make oatmeal cookies such a beloved treat.
#31. Chocolate Whoopie Pies
Chocolate whoopie pies are a well-loved Pennsylvania Dutch dessert made with soft, cake-like chocolate cookies and a creamy vanilla filling. Known as "gobs" in parts of Pennsylvania, these homemade treats have a rich chocolate flavor and a light, fluffy texture that makes them a favorite in Amish baking.
#32. Raisin-Filled Cookies
Amish raisin-filled cookies are a unique Pennsylvania Dutch treat featuring a soft, tender cookie wrapped around a sweet raisin filling. These rustic cookies have a simple appearance but a wonderful combination of textures and flavors that make them a memorable part of traditional Amish baking.
#33. Date and Nut Pinwheel Cookies
These date pinwheel cookies are made with a tender brown sugar dough wrapped around a sweet date and nut filling. With their pretty spiral shape and classic flavors, these vintage cookies are a nostalgic favorite that adds a special touch to any holiday dessert tray.
#34. PA Dutch Sand Tart Cookies
Pennsylvania Dutch sand tarts are a traditional holiday cookie known for their thin, crisp texture. Growing up in Lancaster County, these simple cut-out cookies were a familiar part of Christmas baking, and their snappy crunch and buttery flavor make them a cherished regional favorite.
Amish Homemade Pudding Recipes
Homemade puddings have always been popular in Amish kitchens. Made with basic pantry ingredients and cooked from scratch, these easy-to-make creamy puddings are great additions to your dessert table. From rice pudding and tapioca pudding to old-fashioned custard, these recipes are comforting classics.
#35. Creamy Pearl Tapioca Pudding
Amish pearl tapioca pudding is an old-fashioned dessert made with tender pearl tapioca, creamy milk, and simple ingredients that create a cozy homemade treat. With its unique texture and rich, custard-like flavor, this vintage pudding is always a welcome treat at my house.
#36. Vanilla Cornstarch Pudding
Vanilla cornstarch pudding is a simple, creamy dessert that was a familiar favorite in many Amish homes. Made with basic ingredients and a rich vanilla flavor, this old-fashioned pudding is delicious on its own but also makes a wonderful side for cakes and pies.
#37. Graham Cracker Pudding
Amish graham cracker pudding is a unique homemade dessert made with graham cracker crumbs folded into a creamy pudding base, creating a sweet treat with a nostalgic graham cracker flavor. Served warm or chilled, this versatile pudding is delicious on its own, topped with whipped cream, or paired with banana slices just like my Amish mom used to serve it.
#38. Rice Pudding
Rice pudding is a creamy, lightly sweet dessert made with tender rice, milk, and simple pantry staples. Slowly cooked until rich and smooth, this Pennsylvania Dutch favorite can be enjoyed warm or chilled and is the kind of simple treat that takes me back to my Amish childhood.
#39. Egg Custard
Egg custard is a simple baked dessert with a rich, creamy texture and delicate flavors of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Made with a lots of eggs and milk, this homemade custard sets beautifully in the oven without a water bath. It's a smooth and satisfying treat that's perfect for breakfast or a light dessert.
More Old-Fashioned Amish Dessert Favorites
Beyond cakes, pies, cookies, and puddings, Amish kitchens are also known for many other sweet treats that bring homemade goodness to the table. From warm fruit desserts and sweet rolls to frozen favorites and layered delights, these age-old dessert recipes highlight the variety of desserts found in Amish homes.
#40. Peach Cobbler
Peach cobbler is a classic summer dessert that celebrates the simple sweetness of fresh peaches. With a juicy peach filling and a buttery, cake-like topping, this simple dessert is perfect served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's the kind of homemade treat that makes the most of seasonal fruit and brings everyone to the table.
#41. Warm Baked Apple Pudding
Amish apple pudding cake is a warm, cozy dessert made with tender cinnamon apples and a soft cake-like topping that bakes into a sweet, pudding-style treat. As it bakes, the apple juices soak into the cake layer, creating a delicious combination of flavors and textures that's especially wonderful during apple season.
#42. Apple Goodie
Amish Apple Goodie is a vintage apple dessert made with tender cinnamon apples and a buttery oat crumb topping. This humble dessert combines warm fruit and a sweet, crunchy topping for a home-style treat that's been enjoyed in Amish kitchens for many years.
#43. Apple Dumplings
Apple dumplings are a beloved Lancaster County Amish dessert made with whole apples wrapped in a flaky pastry crust and baked in a rich cinnamon caramel syrup. As the apples cook, they become tender and flavorful, creating a warm dessert with buttery crust, sweet apple filling, and homemade charm.
#44. Caramel Dumplings
Caramel dumplings are one of those simple, timeless desserts that bring back memories of home. Soft, fluffy dumplings are cooked in a rich caramel sauce, creating a warm and inviting treat that's especially delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Growing up Amish, this was a dessert my mom made often. It's a sweet reminder of the simple desserts we often enjoyed as a family.
#45. Sticky Buns
Sticky buns are a classic Pennsylvania Dutch treat known for their soft, sweet dough, cinnamon filling, and rich caramel topping. Baked upside down over a layer of pecans and gooey caramel glaze, these fluffy cinnamon buns are transformed into a deliciously sticky breakfast or dessert. They are the kind of homemade baked good that makes any morning feel a little more special.
#46. Homemade Ice Cream
This rich, custard-style vanilla ice cream is smooth, creamy, and full of classic homemade flavor. Growing up Amish, we always got excited about making ice cream because it was a special treat! This recipe still brings back those sweet memories of family and simple pleasures.
#47. Frozen Fruit Slush
Frozen fruit slush is a refreshing treat that's perfect for hot summer days. Made with pineapple, orange juice, and fresh fruit, this slushy dessert is sweet, fruity, and wonderfully refreshing. It's perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or whenever you need a cool treat on a warm afternoon.
#48. Old-Fashioned Cherry Delight
Amish cherry delight is an old-fashioned layered dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake-like filling, and sweet cherry topping. It's a simple, refreshing treat that has earned its place at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday tables.
#49. Peach Delight
Peach Delight is a delightful summery layered dessert featuring fresh peaches, with a graham cracker crumb crust and a layer of cream cheese filling. This easy summer dessert, made in a 9x13-inch dish, is great for sharing with a crowd.
#50. Lemon Lush Dessert
Lemon lush is a classic layered dessert that is light and creamy, with refreshing lemon flavor. With a buttery pecan crust, smooth cream cheese layer, and fluffy lemon pudding topping, this chilled dessert is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It's a favorite for potlucks and warm-weather gatherings when you want a dessert that's both simple and special.
Frequently Asked Questions
Amish desserts are known for their simple ingredients, homemade flavor, and traditional preparation methods. Many recipes have been passed down through generations and focus on creating delicious desserts without complicated techniques or fancy ingredients.
Amish communities are known for homemade pies (shoofly pie, cream pies, and schnitz pie being among the top ones), fruit desserts, cookies and whoopie pies, cakes, breakfast pastries, and puddings made from scratch with everyday ingredients.
Yes, many Amish families make most of their desserts from scratch using basic ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, butter, milk, and seasonal fruits. However, while a lot of Amish food is made from scratch, many will also take shortcuts and use instant puddings, cake mixes, etc.
Many Amish desserts are surprisingly simple because they rely on everyday ingredients and easy methods. Recipes like homemade puddings, cookies, and simple cakes are great options for beginner bakers.
Desserts made in a 9x13-inch pan, such as lemon lush, cherry delight, peach delight, and simple cakes, are excellent choices for potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings.
Growing up Amish in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, many of these desserts were part of everyday life - from church meals and holiday gatherings to dinners around the family table.
These Amish recipes are perfect for sharing homemade food with the people you love. I hope you find a few favorites in this collection and enjoy making these old-fashioned Amish desserts as much as my family has through the years.
I'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and let me know which Amish dessert is your favorite - or tell us about one that reminds you of your own childhood.
Leave a Reply