Introduction
Desserts have long been a cherished tradition on homesteads and small farms, where fresh ingredients are abundant and simple, rustic flavors reign supreme. From the bountiful harvests of ripe fruits to the aromatic scents wafting from the kitchen, these homemade desserts encapsulate the heart and soul of rural living. Families come together to celebrate special occasions, or simply relish the joy of life, with these delectable treats. In this collection, we present five mouthwatering dessert recipes that are beloved staples on any homestead or small farm. Each recipe captures the essence of the countryside, where the warmth of the oven, the sweetness of fruits, and the love of family converge to create moments of pure delight.
As the sun-kissed days of summer continue on the homestead or small farm, the bountiful harvest of juicy peaches offers a perfect opportunity to savor the goodness of nature’s bounty. Among the timeless treasures of rural dessert recipes, Peach Cobbler stands tall as a beloved classic that warms both hearts and palates. With its sweet, syrupy peaches nestled under a golden blanket of buttery crust, Peach Cobbler embodies the essence of simplicity and comfort. This rustic dessert evokes memories of lazy afternoons, family gatherings, and the joy of sharing homemade delights with loved ones. Let us embark on a journey into the heart of the countryside kitchen, where the aroma of ripe peaches and the taste of warm cobbler come together in harmony, leaving a trail of happiness in every bite.
Amazing Peach Cobbler
Cobblers are classic, rustic desserts that are perfect for homesteads and small farms. Here is a delicious and easy Peach Cobbler recipe that we use in our home that you might enjoy:
Ingredients:
- 1 – 29oz can of sliced peaches, undrained
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 stick salted butter, melted
- 1/4 tsp of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Slowly add the milk and vanilla, mix well. Melt butter and add it to the batter. Add cinnamon into the batter (optional). The batter will be pretty thin, this is normal. Pour the peach slices and juice into an ungreased 11×7-inch baking dish. Spoon the batter evenly over the peaches, do not stir. Bake for 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the peaches are bubbling. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Homemade Peach Ice Cream (makes 1 gallon, adjust accordingly for smaller batches)
As an alternative to cobbler, you could always make some homemade peach ice cream. My wife makes all of the desserts in our home and this one is always a crowd pleaser and requested often. The ice cream maker that we use was purchased from Amazon and can be found here, if you need one: https://amzn.to/43SZBU9. This is a wonderful ice cream maker and we use it often. Just know, if you do choose to buy this item, I may get a commission at no additional cost to you. Now, on to the recipe.
Ingredients:
- 3 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 3 graham crackers, crushed
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 cans Pet milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- Whole milk (see directions)
Instructions:
Put the peaches into a blender or food processor and blend (puree) until smooth. Mix all remaining ingredients into a large pitcher (1 gallon). Top off the mixture to the fill line on your pitcher with the whole milk and follow the instruction on your ice cream maker to make the ice cream. If you have time, chill your mixture overnight to allow the flavors to mix better. Once you’re finished making the ice cream, and if you can resist, put the ice cream (in the mixing container) in the freezer to harden. Alternatively, you can have soft-serve ice cream if you can’t wait.
Vanilla Pound Cake
Next is a vanilla pound cake. This is one of my favorite desserts, next to cheese cake, and always look forward to getting a slice (or two). It is a classic beauty that stands out with its simplicity and subtle grace. This cake has a golden color and a gentle taste of pure vanilla, which brings a feeling of comfort and nostalgia. Here’s the recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt cake pan. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until the batter is smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt cake pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Now, on to the next recipe. If you didn’t know (I didn’t) the best apples to use for baking have a bit of tartness to them, such as Granny Smith apples. In this recipe, you can use those kind or Honeycrisp apples (my favorite for eating, as is).
Homemade Apple Crisp
Ingredients:
- 6 cups thinly sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread the apple mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and softened butter until you get a crumbly texture. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples in the baking dish. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Yum.
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Carrot Cake reigns as a timeless classic that has captured the hearts and taste buds of generations, especially my mother’s. This humble and yet decadently spiced treat stands as a testament to the ingenuity of home bakers who have found creative ways to infuse vegetables into delightful confections. At first glance, it might seem unconventional to combine carrots with cake, but one bite into this moist and aromatic delight will reveal a symphony of flavors that dance on the tongue. The marriage of grated carrots, warm spices, and velvety cream cheese frosting creates a harmony that enchants the senses and leaves a lasting impression.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and vegetable oil until well combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts (if using). Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
For the cream cheese frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until the frosting is creamy and well combined. Frost the cooled carrot cake and decorate with extra nuts if desired.
Conclusion
As the sun sets over the tranquil fields and the day’s work draws to a close, there’s no better way to embrace the homestead or farm spirit than by indulging in these delightful desserts. Whether it’s the comforting aroma of peach cobbler, the decadent flavor of homemade peach ice cream, or the spicy tang of carrot cake, each dessert carries a piece of the rural charm. These recipes, passed down through generations, have brought smiles to countless faces, and they continue to weave memories that last a lifetime. So, savor the simple pleasures of life and the richness of these desserts, as you gather around the table, creating moments that truly matter.
Subscribe now to never miss a post from Skillful Living…
Skillful Living 
One response to “5 Old Fashioned Desserts to Cherish”
Thanks for giving me some of the recipes for my favorite dessert and specially the carrot cake it will last a lifetime I will put it in my recipe book that you made, keep up the good work.
LikeLike