Forgotten Gems That Are Still Too Delicious to Ignore

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Some desserts never go out of style—yet somehow, they’ve been hiding in the shadows. Time to give these classics the spotlight they deserve, like the ever-moist Hummingbird Cake, a sweet treat that’s practically Southern royalty. Or the rich, indulgent German Chocolate Cake, with its gooey coconut-pecan frosting that’s too good to ignore. Then there’s Orange Chiffon Cake with Orange Filling and Meringue, a cake that feels like it should be at every elegant dinner party (but isn’t). Let’s not forget about Caramel Pear Charlotte, a sophisticated beauty that’s often overlooked but should always be on the menu. And the ever-reliable Caramel Cake, sweet and simple, just like grandma used to make—yet somehow, it still hasn’t had its day in the sun. These vintage desserts are far too good to be forgotten, so let’s give them the attention they’ve always deserved!

Hummingbird Cake

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A slice of moist carrot cake with two layers of cream cheese frosting, garnished with swirls of frosting on the side. The cake is placed on a white decorative plate, with a fork resting nearby.
Photo credit: Sugar Spun Run

Hummingbird Cake is the ultimate bake for anyone, whether you’re just starting out or already a pro in the kitchen. With its incredibly moist texture and layers of tropical flavor, this from-scratch classic will have everyone thinking you’re a Southern dessert legend!
Get the Recipe: Hummingbird Cake

German Chocolate Cake

A slice of German chocolate cake on a plate, featuring rich layers of chocolate cake with coconut-pecan frosting. A fork rests beside the cake, capturing a crumbled piece. The background is softly blurred.
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

German Chocolate Cake is the showstopper dessert you didn’t know you needed. Made from scratch and topped with a luscious coconut and pecan frosting, this sweet, gooey masterpiece is surprisingly simple to whip up—and absolutely impossible to resist!
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Cake

Orange Chiffon Cake with Orange Filling and Meringue

A slice of layered lemon cake on a white plate, topped with white frosting and decorative toasted edges. Purple flowers are placed on the plate for garnish.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

Orange Chiffon Cake is a triple-layered beauty with a bright, citrusy filling that’s as creamy as it is refreshing. Finished with a delicate toasted meringue frosting, this cake is equal parts elegance and bold flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chiffon Cake with Orange Filling and Meringue

Brownie Baked Alaska

A slice of mint chocolate chip ice cream cake, topped with a layer of toasted meringue, sits on a white plate. The cake features a chocolate base and is beginning to melt slightly.
Photo credit: Sally’s Baking Recipes

Brownie Baked Alaska takes the drama of this classic dessert and makes it doable for everyday bakers. A fudgy brownie base, cool mint chocolate ice cream, and a toasted marshmallow topping come together for a show-stopping treat that’s easier than it looks!
Get the Recipe: Brownie Baked Alaska

Caramel Pear Charlotte

A cake on a wooden stand features layers of sponge and cream, topped with glossy caramel-coated pears. A slice of the cake is served on a separate plate. The backdrop includes a patterned cloth and green ribbons.
Photo credit: Baking a Moment

Caramel Pear Charlotte is the holiday centerpiece your dessert table has been waiting for! With layers of soft brown-sugar vanilla cake, salted caramel pear mousse, and a sweet ladyfinger wrap, it’s as stunning as it is delicious—perfectly finished with a bow!
Get the Recipe: Caramel Pear Charlotte

Tuxedo Cake

A rich chocolate cake with smooth frosting, topped with two raspberries. More raspberries and mint leaves garnish the white plate. The background is a dark, contrasting color, highlighting the dessert.
Photo credit: Sally’s Baking Recipes

Tuxedo Cake is the dessert that knows how to make an entrance! With rich chocolate cake, a luscious white ganache filling, and decadent dark chocolate fudge frosting, this treat screams “celebration” with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Tuxedo Cake

The BEST Carrot Cake

A sliced carrot cake with cream cheese frosting displayed on a white rectangular platter. The cake has three layers, sprinkled with nuts, and a few crumbs are scattered around. A knife and a serving fork are placed beside the cake.
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

Carrot Cake just got a glow-up! This moist masterpiece is packed with warm spices and topped with a luscious browned butter cream cheese frosting that’s a little bit of heaven on a plate.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Carrot Cake

Cottage Cheese Salad

A bowl and a glass cup filled with creamy pink strawberry dessert. Fresh strawberries are scattered around, along with two spoons on a gray surface. A napkin with blue stripes is partially visible in the background.
Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

Cottage Cheese Jello Salad is the ultimate spring and summer potluck winner! Creamy, fruity, and totally irresistible, it’s the perfect dish to bring to any gathering when the weather warms up.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Salad

Caramel Cake

A slice of two-layer vanilla cake with creamy caramel frosting on a white plate. The cake looks moist and light, with a smooth, thick layer of frosting between the layers and covering the top and sides.
Photo credit: Sugar Spun Run

Caramel Cake is everything you want in a nostalgic, old-fashioned treat—fluffy vanilla cake topped with rich, buttery caramel icing. It’s a sweet and simple classic that never goes out of style!
Get the Recipe: Caramel Cake

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

A pineapple upside-down cake topped with sliced pineapples and cherries. A piece is being served with a cake server, highlighting the cake's caramelized layer and fruit toppings. The cake rests on a piece of parchment paper.
Photo credit: Baking a Moment

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake brings all the retro vibes with its juicy pineapple and cherries, all drenched in a caramelized brown sugar glaze. This easy-to-make beauty is a tropical dream on top of a buttery, moist cake!
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Devil’s Food Cake with Chocolate Frosting

A slice of chocolate cake with layers of rich frosting is served on a white plate, garnished with three fresh raspberries. Two silver forks rest beside the plate. Another slice of cake is blurred in the background.
Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

Devil’s Food Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting is the ultimate indulgence for any chocolate lover. This rich, moist cake with its tender crumb and velvety chocolate frosting will make you believe in dessert heaven!
Get the Recipe: Devil’s Food Cake with Chocolate Frosting

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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