It’s no secret that Nana has a sweet tooth. No matter the season, she can’t resist a chocolate cake, fruity pie, or a jar filled with cookies and bars of all shapes, sizes, and flavors. When it comes to wintertime, she is baking more than ever and sharing a few of her favorite recipes from over the years. Of course there are a few picks that Grandpa also enjoys, but this list was made with Grandma in mind. Prepare for ooey, gooey, no-bake desserts and simply delicious vanilla treats. There might be a slight chill in the air but things are warm, cozy, and extra sweet inside.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
What could be sweeter than hot chocolate in the form of lasagna but also in the form of dessert? This Hot Chocolate Lasagna is an easy no-bake recipe.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Everyone wins dessert when banana and coconut come together in a delicious cobbler. This is the warm dessert to turn to when a craving for banana pudding strikes.
Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Forget what people say about peanut butter and jelly being the perfect pair. The truth is nothing is more decadent with peanut butter than rich and melty chocolate.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Bringing back a legendary treat. These date rolls are easy to make, require eight ingredients, and are shaped out of a thick paste-like dough that’s mixed up and then rolled or pressed into fingers or balls.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
As if something named Millionaire Pie would not get a round of applause and five-star reviews. In just 10 minutes (and no baking required), pineapple bits and chewy, sweet coconut come together with pecans and gelatin. Now go give it that review (wink, wink).
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Calling all peanut butter fans, this rich and creamy dessert was made with you in mind. It’s the perfect cake for feeding a crowd and brings peanut butter, buttermilk, and cream cheese together for a rich treat.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
A true icon, the Hummingbird Cake has been the talk of the South for over 40 years. The cake has a sweet, fruity, spicy flavor profile and a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting.
Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Caramel, chocolate, and toasted pecans come together in this over-the-top treat. Prepare for zero leftovers.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
Some say trifles look so impressive sitting on the buffet. They’re right. Some say trifles are versatile and easy to pull together. They’re right. Everyone says trifles are delicious. They’re right—and this one is piled high with flavorful vanilla.
Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray; Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas
Bring a touch of sunshine to any occasion with this recipe, which actually starts with store-bought cake mix and includes vanilla instant pudding mix, cream cheese, and pecans. Crushed pineapples and coconut chips turn this dessert into a tropical sensation.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
It’s true—the secret ingredient to our best-ever chocolate cake is mayonnaise. Don’t believe us? You’ll need to taste the magic for yourself. This sheet cake is ultra-rich, moist and tender, and double the dose of chocolate.
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
There is something extra special about having dessert made just for you. And even better when it’s a vanilla birthday cake in a mug that’s finished with sprinkles. Cue the confetti.
