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Baking Yesteryear: The Best Recipes from the 1900s to the 1980s
A decade-by-decade cookbook that highlights the best (and a few of the worst) baking recipes from the 20th century
Friends of baking, are you sick and tired of making the same recipes again and again? Then look no further than this baking blast from the past, as B. Dylan Hollis highlights the most unique tasty treats of yesteryear.
Travel back in time on a delicious decade-by-decade jaunt as Dylan shows you how to bake vintage forgotten greats. With a big pinch of fun and a full cup of humor, you’ll be baking everything from Chocolate Potato Cake from the 1910s to Avocado Pie from the 1960s.
Dylan has baked hundreds of recipes from countless antique cookbooks and selected only the best for this bakebook, sharing the shining stars from each decade. And because some of the recipes Dylan shares on his wildly popular social media channels are spectacular failures, he’s thrown in a few of the most disastrously strange recipes for you to try if you dare.
A few of Dylan’s favorites that are going to have you licking your lips and begging for more
● 1900s Cornflake Macaroons
● 1910s ANZAC Biscuits
● 1930s Peanut Butter Bread
● 1940s Chocolate Sauerkraut Cake
● 1950s Tomato Soup Cake
● 1970s Potato Chip Cookies
Baking Yesteryear contains 101 expertly curated recipes that will take you on a delicious journey through the past. With a larger-than-life personality and comedic puns galore, baking with Dylan never gets old. We’ll leave that to the recipes .
Friends of baking, are you sick and tired of making the same recipes again and again? Then look no further than this baking blast from the past, as B. Dylan Hollis highlights the most unique tasty treats of yesteryear.
Travel back in time on a delicious decade-by-decade jaunt as Dylan shows you how to bake vintage forgotten greats. With a big pinch of fun and a full cup of humor, you’ll be baking everything from Chocolate Potato Cake from the 1910s to Avocado Pie from the 1960s.
Dylan has baked hundreds of recipes from countless antique cookbooks and selected only the best for this bakebook, sharing the shining stars from each decade. And because some of the recipes Dylan shares on his wildly popular social media channels are spectacular failures, he’s thrown in a few of the most disastrously strange recipes for you to try if you dare.
A few of Dylan’s favorites that are going to have you licking your lips and begging for more
● 1900s Cornflake Macaroons
● 1910s ANZAC Biscuits
● 1930s Peanut Butter Bread
● 1940s Chocolate Sauerkraut Cake
● 1950s Tomato Soup Cake
● 1970s Potato Chip Cookies
Baking Yesteryear contains 101 expertly curated recipes that will take you on a delicious journey through the past. With a larger-than-life personality and comedic puns galore, baking with Dylan never gets old. We’ll leave that to the recipes .
256 pages, Hardcover
First published July 25, 2023
About the author
B. Dylan Hollis
1 book154 followersB. Dylan Hollis is a Bermudian musician and social media personality, particularly well known for a series of Tik Tok videos where he makes baked goods from vintage cookbooks.
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March 28, 2024Viral TikToker B. Dylan Hollis has created the most fun, quirky, and enjoyable cookbook that I have read in a LONG time. If you don't have TikTok, Hollis is known for trying crazy recipes from the past (some 100+ years old!). And what a fun and wild time it is to watch Hollis make gloriously gross Pickle Cheesecake, Prune Whip Pie, and Spaghetti-os Jello Rings (yes, that is a thing, and yes, his reaction on TikTok is exactly what you are thinking...). Along with the "Ew, who thought that was a good idea???" recipes, there are some surprising winners like Velveeta Fudge, Potato Chip Cookies, and Peppermint Patties. The pictures are amazing, Hollis is hilarious, and if anything, you learn what it must have been like to eat during the Depression, world wars, and Betty White's lifetime.
-Alyssa C.
-Alyssa C.
October 7, 2023
Cookbooks are a personal favorite and B. Dylan Hollis gave me everything that I love - interesting recipes from our past, beautiful photography and a bit of fun. I remember Divinity, Rice Pudding and Ambrosia "salad" from my childhood. Will definitely be making Peanut Butter Bread. This one is going on the "active" shelf.
July 25, 2023
Baking Yesteryear is one of the books I pre-ordered in great anticipation of its release.
This book is as delightful as the authors TikTok videos! I loved it cover to cover
This book is as delightful as the authors TikTok videos! I loved it cover to cover
September 26, 2023
I am somewhat conflicted regarding this cookbook by a TikTok personality who gained popularity by making kitschy recipes from days of yore during the Covid-19 pandemic. Kudos to William Thomas (art & design) for the delightful layout and vivaciousness of the book, it is very pleasing to look at.
While the look of the book is appealing, all the recipes are lifted from others sources that are not cited. Further, I would not deem them the BEST recipes from the 1900s to the 1980s, what they are is an entertaining snapshot of quirky recipes from past decades.
So for just entertainment value, I'd rate the book 4 stars but as an actual cookbook where the author copied recipes from other places and didn't credit the original sources, I gotta go with no stars. See what I mean about conflicted?
This whole spiel brings to mind Ms. Demeanor where the protagonist tries to monetize videos of herself making old recipes online but she was nowhere near as successful.
While the look of the book is appealing, all the recipes are lifted from others sources that are not cited. Further, I would not deem them the BEST recipes from the 1900s to the 1980s, what they are is an entertaining snapshot of quirky recipes from past decades.
So for just entertainment value, I'd rate the book 4 stars but as an actual cookbook where the author copied recipes from other places and didn't credit the original sources, I gotta go with no stars. See what I mean about conflicted?
This whole spiel brings to mind Ms. Demeanor where the protagonist tries to monetize videos of herself making old recipes online but she was nowhere near as successful.
July 26, 2023
If, like me, you’re utterly charmed by B. Dylan Hollis (if you’re not, there’s likely something wrong with you) you’ll adore his cookbook. His cheekiness is so fun, it’s an easy read that makes you want to bake all the strange-silly recipes.
The photography is gorgeous, the layout and design impeccable, his stories are HILARIOUS -his Valentine’s Cream Pie, Liquor Balls, and Candle Salad (among many many others) descriptions had me cry laughing. The Worst of the Worst section was a brilliant addition.
Although I can’t have any of these recipes as written, I love this book so much. I’ll be making many of these for people with less food allergies and dietary restrictions than myself- but I also think I *may* be able to veganize/minus the gluten in some without much issue.
Hollis on dates: “I, too, am obsessed with dates. Behind men, they are my favorite fruit.”
Fan-flipping-tastic.
The photography is gorgeous, the layout and design impeccable, his stories are HILARIOUS -his Valentine’s Cream Pie, Liquor Balls, and Candle Salad (among many many others) descriptions had me cry laughing. The Worst of the Worst section was a brilliant addition.
Although I can’t have any of these recipes as written, I love this book so much. I’ll be making many of these for people with less food allergies and dietary restrictions than myself- but I also think I *may* be able to veganize/minus the gluten in some without much issue.
Hollis on dates: “I, too, am obsessed with dates. Behind men, they are my favorite fruit.”
Fan-flipping-tastic.
July 24, 2023
A beautifully illustrated book, with pictures of each of the recipes for cakes, cookies , candies and breads.
The author loves old cookbooks, that is where the inspiration came from to write this book. He also demonstrated his methods of putting the ingredients together on Tic Tock. He has a large following on that site.
The sections of the cookbook starts with the 1900's - 1980's. The best of these years in cooking.
there is also a glossary and index.
I was elated to receive this book from Penguin Random House.
This book should be displayed on a coffee table and not on a shelf where it could get hidden.
The author loves old cookbooks, that is where the inspiration came from to write this book. He also demonstrated his methods of putting the ingredients together on Tic Tock. He has a large following on that site.
The sections of the cookbook starts with the 1900's - 1980's. The best of these years in cooking.
there is also a glossary and index.
I was elated to receive this book from Penguin Random House.
This book should be displayed on a coffee table and not on a shelf where it could get hidden.
July 30, 2023
I loved this book. So pretty and beautiful photos of the recipes. Other then a cook book it makes a great coffee table book as well. B.Dylan Hollis is a hoot to watch with his short clips of all these recipes. The exciting part is waiting after the recipes is made to see what kind of face he makes when he's done tasting them.
August 15, 2023
Nostalgia at it's tasty finest. Take a walk down memory lane as you enjoy the deliciousness of the past. This cookbook will inspire those who do not bake and encourage those who once did to start again. I know I am excited to try some new recipes (Peanut Butter Bread, Starchies, and Pioneer Brownies to start with) and revisit a few old favorites (Robert Redford Dessert, Cowboy Cookies and Jello Cake come to mind).
If you like this nostalgia or this book sounds intriguing, check out the author's TikTok or YouTube channels.
If you like this nostalgia or this book sounds intriguing, check out the author's TikTok or YouTube channels.
July 26, 2023
First of all, this is literally a beautiful book. It’s hardcover and hefty, and all the photos are gorgeous. The layout is clean and lovely, and the colors are wonderful. This would be a great book just to look at.
But oh my goodness, the recipes are incredible! They include some favorites from Dylan Hollis’ online media as well as quite a few I haven’t seen him make. I love the funny yet informative introductions of each recipe, often explaining the history of the dish. The best part is the way he has written them because I could hear them in his voice.
Perhaps the very best thing about his recipes—beyond how delicious they sound—is how he makes them simple and accessible for a baker of any talent or experience level. At the beginning of the book, he even includes a glossary of common baking terms as well as recommended kitchen supplies needed to get you started. This would’ve been so helpful when I was trying to learn baking from cookbooks with no clear definition of some terms and not knowing what kind of equipment I needed to buy to make baking easier and more fun.
That really sums up this book—Hollis is obviously having fun and he seems to delight in showing you how you can have just as much fun baking too. Although I bought this for my 89-year-old aunt who still makes some of these goodies (I can’t wait to see her compare her classic recipes with these versions!), I am definitely making copies of my favorites to try myself. Hollis has certainly inspired me with this wonderful book and I look forward to whatever he makes and writes next!
But oh my goodness, the recipes are incredible! They include some favorites from Dylan Hollis’ online media as well as quite a few I haven’t seen him make. I love the funny yet informative introductions of each recipe, often explaining the history of the dish. The best part is the way he has written them because I could hear them in his voice.
Perhaps the very best thing about his recipes—beyond how delicious they sound—is how he makes them simple and accessible for a baker of any talent or experience level. At the beginning of the book, he even includes a glossary of common baking terms as well as recommended kitchen supplies needed to get you started. This would’ve been so helpful when I was trying to learn baking from cookbooks with no clear definition of some terms and not knowing what kind of equipment I needed to buy to make baking easier and more fun.
That really sums up this book—Hollis is obviously having fun and he seems to delight in showing you how you can have just as much fun baking too. Although I bought this for my 89-year-old aunt who still makes some of these goodies (I can’t wait to see her compare her classic recipes with these versions!), I am definitely making copies of my favorites to try myself. Hollis has certainly inspired me with this wonderful book and I look forward to whatever he makes and writes next!
January 5, 2024
During the pandemic, college student B. Dylan Hollis took a break from his studies toward a musical career and he began to bake.
He had no baking training.
He had no baking experience.
He had no baking equipment.
He just had an idea to try to re-create recipes from the past, from the 1900s through the 1980s.
So he did. And he began to post these recipes on TikTok.
And thus his book, Baking Yesteryear, was formed.
I spent a day going through the book. I saw lots of recipes I remember from those times. Ambrosia. Divinity. Haystacks. I saw lots of recipes that were new-to-me, that I wanted to try, and I wrote these down in my recipe book. Magic Peanut Butter Cookies (only three ingredients). Melting Moments (I think I saw these on an episode of Great British Baking Show). Ricciarelli (Italian cookies). Sequilhos or Meltaway Cookies (from Brazil).
I also saw lots of recipes I would never, ever try:
Chocolate Sauerkraut Cake
Tomato Soup Cake
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Candle Salad
Velveeta Fudge
Pickle Cheesecake
And, the ultimate, I'd-Never-Bake-That-Horror: Spaghetti-O's Jell-O Ring (with Vienna sausages in the center)
What do you think? Do any of these appeal to you? Have you eaten any of these abominations? Do you dare to try?
August 27, 2023
As someone who enjoys baking, I was intrigued by the title and the focus. I liked how the author organized the recipes by decade, providing a brief summary of what was occurring at the time and it’s impact on baking. His brief introduction to each recipe was witty and informative. The recipes are simple enough that anyone could make them. For me, some of the recipes I recall my mother or aunts making-a trip down memory lane.
December 28, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this one, and learning more about Dylan and what led him to make his baking clips online. I found the research and background portion on each decade to be really interesting, and the writing style was humorous.
There are a lot of things in this book that I can assure you I’ll never make, but there are just as many if not more that I will.
There are a lot of things in this book that I can assure you I’ll never make, but there are just as many if not more that I will.
July 28, 2023
Oh my gosh!!! Even if you do not know where your kitchen is, or what an oven does, You must read this book!!! He is hysterical😂😂😂 My daughter saw my cookbook and said she watched his TikTok’s. She said they’re hysterical also. I don’t do TikTok but I’m going to watch his YouTube videos. If you do buy/read this book DO NOT SKIP THE LAST SECTION! One of the best books I’ve won from GoodReads giveaways!!
July 27, 2023
Many recipes that sound intriguing, many recipes that sound frankly appalling. A few that the author recommends you don’t try because he found them horrible. It all adds up to be an entertaining journey through recipes from 1900 through 1990. I follow the author on social media and have been intrigued by, some of his recipes. I was also pleased to find one recipe that is one of my favorite holiday treats, handed down from my mother, that I try to make most Decembers.
July 27, 2023
Discovered Dylan on TikTok & adore him! The recipes he shares on that platform look SO easy! Needless to say, I HAD to get his cookbook! Going through it, I found SO many recipes that I absolutely CANNOT wait to try! Excellent cookbook!
August 31, 2023
Witty and entertaining, these recipes from the past century are beautifully photographed and assembled in this gem of a cookbook. I can't wait to try my hand at them, even if I don't have quite the same flair as Dylan does.
Want to read
June 22, 2023Even if I didn’t already love him I’d want this book #goodreadsgiveaway
October 4, 2023
Those who know B. Dylan Hollis from his uproarious TikTok and YouTube videos will absolutely adore this cookbook. Hollis skips the many outlandish recipes, a few even dating from the 19th century, and includes only the tried, true and tantalizing from the first nine decades of the 20th century. (Hollis, a music student at the University of Wyoming, began baking and filming during the pandemic shutdowns.)
Those who have had the misfortune to miss Hollis on TikTok and YouTube will still love the recipes he’s passed on, ranging from recipes for Pecan Dainties and Cornflake Macaroons that are more than a century old to the earliest recipes of Fannie Farmer, the pioneer of domestic science who introduced recipes with measurements and steps (what we have now), to a recipe literally called Wacky Cake from the Great Depression to the ubiquitous Impossible Pie from the 1970s to Watergate Cake from the 1980s. While many of the recipes of yesteryear don’t appeal to modern tastebuds (tomato aspic or Perfection Salad, anyone?), Hollis has culled the good ones.
For his online fans, Hollis includes several truly atrocious recipes at the very back of the cookbook in a chapter titled “Worst of the Worst.” With Pickle Cheesecake and SpaghettiOs Jell-O Ring, please take Hollis’ word for it. Don’t attempt those recipes at home! Or anywhere else!
Those who have had the misfortune to miss Hollis on TikTok and YouTube will still love the recipes he’s passed on, ranging from recipes for Pecan Dainties and Cornflake Macaroons that are more than a century old to the earliest recipes of Fannie Farmer, the pioneer of domestic science who introduced recipes with measurements and steps (what we have now), to a recipe literally called Wacky Cake from the Great Depression to the ubiquitous Impossible Pie from the 1970s to Watergate Cake from the 1980s. While many of the recipes of yesteryear don’t appeal to modern tastebuds (tomato aspic or Perfection Salad, anyone?), Hollis has culled the good ones.
For his online fans, Hollis includes several truly atrocious recipes at the very back of the cookbook in a chapter titled “Worst of the Worst.” With Pickle Cheesecake and SpaghettiOs Jell-O Ring, please take Hollis’ word for it. Don’t attempt those recipes at home! Or anywhere else!
July 27, 2023
I’ve been following Dylan YouTube channel since he started. I really enjoy his sarcastic lines that he comes up with while baking. I’m also a fan of old cookbooks. Once our library received a copy of the book, I had to check it out. Overall, I think it’s well laid out. The photos and graphics have that 1960’s feel. The recipe descriptions have Dylan’s flare. I would recommend this book.
July 28, 2023
I pre-ordered this book a few months back and have been anxiously waiting for its arrival. It completely lived up to expectations! Really interesting recipes with different ranges of difficulty. I’m excited to test them all out!
July 26, 2023
Classic Dylan! Great stories, great recipes and a heaping helping of fun!
August 17, 2023
Dylan is so funny in his videos and entertaining, I was curious how that could transfer to a cookbook- there's only so much you can say in a cookbook right? Wrong. Every page is bursting with his humor and wit. Every section (broken down into decades from 1900-1980, with a few bonus sections in between) has added commentary abut Dylan's process to finding the cookbooks, as well as information about the forthcoming section. Then every single recipe also has Dylan's signature sass added in some way that not only introduces you to the new recipe, but gives an insight to what you can expect from it. My only complaint with this cookbook are the few recipes that don't have a picture of the baked good with the recipe, and instead a collage photo of other baked items. This was a little disappointing as there were other page without pictures of the recipes and they were fine without. But that's a pretty minor complaint for an overall wonderful read AND cookbook.
September 29, 2023
Delicious and fun. Organized by decades, the recipes represent the best (?) recipes some with the unusual ingredients trending at the time. Written with a light whimsical touch with gorgeous photography. Testing out a number of these for myself.
August 13, 2023
I picked this book up from my library, thinking it would be fun to see if some of my moms and grand moms recipes were in it. Well, a couple were, but what I found delightful were the commentaries by Dylan Hollis! He is an amazing writer! So entertaining and colorful! I’m really hoping he writes a novel. His future looks very promising.
November 26, 2023
An absolutely fabulous baking book. I am not a baker, yet have tried and sort of succeeded at some. You must watch his videos. He is just a riot.
August 14, 2023
Cute read! Can't wait to try out some of these recipes!
August 21, 2023
Does it get any more fun than this? B. Dylan Hollis, the man behind my favorite piece of the Internet at the moment - and who sent my library a thank-you note for the ancient-of-days cookbooks we sent him - lays out for you some fun baking, and I read this with sticky tabs in hand and marked the book accordingly. His writing is engaging, historically educational and funny, and the book is lavishly illustrated with photographs. A great gift for anyone who enjoys baking or kitchen adventures.
December 13, 2023
Lots of good looking recipes and enough of Dylan’s trademark humour that it’s impossible to read without it being in his voice.
September 25, 2023
He is hilarious and I can’t wait to try all these “old” recipes!
January 2, 2024
Lots of great recipes to explore! However, some do not have photos associated with them, which is unfortunate.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews