19 Totally Rad 1980s Desserts That Deserve a Comeback

The 1980s were the ultimate decade of dessert excess, when bigger was definitely better and no sweet treat was too outrageous or indulgent. This totally rad era gave us desserts that perfectly embodied the decade’s bold, unapologetic approach to everything—from towering layer cakes dripping with rich frosting to elaborate frozen concoctions that required theatrical presentation. These desserts weren’t just about satisfying a sweet tooth; they were about making a statement, creating an experience, and showing off culinary creativity that knew no bounds.

Shoney’s Hot Fudge Cake

Shoney’s Hot Fudge Cake
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in layers of rich devil’s food cake paired with creamy vanilla ice cream, all draped in decadent hot fudge. This Shoney’s-inspired classic ice cream cake brings restaurant quality to your home celebrations—no reservation required.

Get this recipe -> Shoney’s Hot Fudge Cake

Death By Chocolate Cake

Death By Chocolate Cake
Image Credit: Baking Beauty

Indulge in layers of moist, cloud-like chocolate cake embraced by velvety fudge buttercream. This foolproof recipe delivers pure chocolate bliss with every bite, making it the only chocolate cake recipe you’ll ever need in your baking arsenal.

Get this recipe -> Death By Chocolate Cake

Chili’s Molten Lava Cake

Chili’s Molten Lava Cake
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in our decadent chocolate cake with a warm, molten center that oozes with each bite. Crowned with cool vanilla ice cream and drizzled with rich chocolate sauce, this dessert creates the perfect balance of hot and cold for an unforgettable sweet finale.

Get this recipe -> Chili’s Molten Lava Cake

Easy Chocolate Mousse Recipe

Easy Chocolate Mousse Recipe
Image Credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes

Craving something sweet but short on time? This decadent chocolate mousse comes together in just 5 minutes using everyday ingredients. Velvety smooth and intensely chocolatey, it’s the perfect quick indulgence for chocolate lovers.

Get this recipe -> Easy Chocolate Mousse Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Experience a taste of Ted’s Montana Grill at home with this irresistible Strawberry Shortcake recipe. Buttery shortcake biscuits layered with fresh, juicy strawberries and topped with fluffy whipped cream create a dessert that’s both rustic and elegant—perfect for any occasion.

Get this recipe -> Strawberry Shortcake

No-Bake Banana Split Pie

No-Bake Banana Split Pie
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in this no-bake delight that brings the classic banana split to pie form. Creamy, dreamy, and perfectly sweet, it combines luscious cream cheese with fresh bananas and favorite sundae toppings for an effortless summer treat everyone will love.

Get this recipe -> No-Bake Banana Split Pie

Grasshopper Pie

Grasshopper Pie
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Experience the refreshing delight of this classic Grasshopper Pie, featuring a rich Oreo chocolate cookie crust filled with cool, creamy mint goodness. This easy-to-make vintage dessert is perfect for mint lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike.

Get this recipe -> Grasshopper Pie

Earthquake Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese

Earthquake Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in this easy yet decadent chocolate earthquake cake that’s gloriously messy but irresistibly delicious. With layers of coconut, pecans, and cream cheese filling, this boxed cake mix hack creates a dessert that’s sure to impress without the fuss.

Get this recipe -> Earthquake Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese

Southern Pig Pickin’ Cake with Mandarin Oranges

Southern Pig Pickin’ Cake with Mandarin Oranges
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This zesty Pig Pickin’ Cake delivers a burst of sunshine with mandarin oranges folded into moist vanilla layers. The airy pineapple-coconut frosting adds tropical sweetness that makes every bite memorable. A Southern classic reimagined for your table.

Get this recipe -> Southern Pig Pickin’ Cake with Mandarin Oranges

Black Forest Cake

Black Forest Cake
Image Credit:Stetted

Indulge in our simplified Black Forest Cake where juicy summer cherries complement rich chocolate cake layers. Topped with cloud-like whipped cream frosting, this dessert delivers classic flavors without the fuss. Perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions.

Get this recipe -> Black Forest Cake

Strawberry Jello Pie

Strawberry Jello Pie
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in this irresistibly creamy strawberry jello pie. With its light, fluffy texture and sweet fruity flavor, this simple dessert makes a perfect treat for any gathering. The easy-to-follow recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful homemade delight.

Get this recipe -> Strawberry Jello Pie

Big Boy Strawberry Pie

Big Boy Strawberry Pie
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in nostalgia with this simple Big Boy Strawberry Pie copycat recipe. Fresh strawberries shine in this classic dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Our step-by-step video makes recreating this beloved restaurant favorite at home easier than ever.

Get this recipe -> Big Boy Strawberry Pie

Oreo Pudding Pie

Oreo Pudding Pie
Image Credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes

Indulge in this easy Oreo Pudding Pie featuring a luscious blend of creamy Oreo pudding, Cool Whip, and cream cheese nestled in a chocolate cookie crust and topped with crushed Oreos for the ultimate sweet treat.

Get this recipe -> Oreo Pudding Pie

Bakers Square Old Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie

Bakers Square Old Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in this triple-layered coconut dream, inspired by Baker’s Square’s Midwest classic. Every bite delivers pure coconut bliss from the flaky crust to the luscious filling and topped with light, airy whipped cream. A showstopper that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Get this recipe -> Bakers Square Old Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie

Cookie Dough Cheesecake
Image Credit: Baking Beauty

Indulge in this irresistible treat where creamy cheesecake meets chunks of delicious cookie dough. Perfect for those who can’t resist sneaking a taste of raw cookie dough, this dessert transforms your guilty pleasure into an elegant masterpiece.

Get this recipe -> Cookie Dough Cheesecake

Oreo Poke Cake

Oreo Poke Cake
Image Credit: Baking Beauty

America’s favorite cookie steals the show in this moist, irresistible Oreo Poke Cake. With the iconic cookie featured three delicious ways, this easy-to-make dessert guarantees to impress at any gathering. A simple recipe that delivers spectacular results every time.

Get this recipe -> Oreo Poke Cake

Snickers Cake

Snickers Cake
Image Credit: Baking Beauty

Indulge in a moist chocolate cake filled with velvety nougat and crowned with salted caramel frosting. This decadent dessert transforms the beloved candy bar into an irresistible cake that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Get this recipe -> Snickers Cake

Margarita Cake

Margarita Cake
Image Credit: Baking Beauty

Indulge in this delightful margarita cake that combines a super moist white cake infused with tequila and topped with fluffy lime frosting. Every bite delivers the refreshing taste of a margarita in dessert form – perfect for celebrations or summer gatherings.

Get this recipe -> Margarita Cake

No-Bake Cheesecake Cupcakes

No Bake Cheesecake Cupcakes
Image Credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes

Indulge in these effortless no-bake cheesecake cupcakes that blend smooth cream cheese with sugar and heavy cream. Crowned with fresh strawberries, they offer the perfect balance of creamy richness and fruity brightness in every bite.

Get this recipe -> No-Bake Cheesecake Cupcakes

Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Banana Pudding Poke Cake
Image Credit: Baking Beauty

Indulge in a moist banana pudding poke cake that’s effortlessly delicious. Topped with creamy Cool Whip, fresh bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, this dessert transforms the classic pudding into an irresistible cake everyone will love.

Get this recipe -> Banana Pudding Poke Cake

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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