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The 1980s were a decadent decade defined by vibrant colors, bold fashions, and indulgent food. Popular desserts from this era reflected its extravagance, flair for excess, and willingness to go over the top.

There were innovative desserts and sophisticated cakes, some of which were served in glass parfait dishes just for fun. As time went on, the desserts of the '80s grew a nostalgic fanbase, proving that they had true staying power.

To get your sweet tooth tingling, here are three of the best desserts from the '80s that you should revisit for your next dinner party.

Black Forest Cake

Black Forest Cake has its roots in German baking and reached the height of popularity in the 1980s. It was all about indulgence and elegance, and every bite was satisfying. Layers of rich chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, and tart cherries came together to create something delicious tasting and dramatic looking.

The chocolate shavings and maraschino cherry toppings made it worthy of crystal cake stands, and the combination of boozy cherry syrup and light cream helped it achieve a high level of decadence. 

It's no surprise that the Black Forest Cake was such an '80s hit. It was photogenic, beautifully layered, and mirrored the decade's obsession with presentable luxury. To this day, a slice of Black Forest Cake is a statement dessert that evokes the style of the '80s.

Baked Alaska

Baked Alaska wasn't invented in the '80s, but it experienced a renaissance as the show-stopping dessert of the decade. If you're unfamiliar with it, it's ice cream encased in cake and then meringue, which is kissed by a torch. 

Its theatrical flair made it the most '80s dessert ever, and it was often flambéed tableside in restaurants across the country. It was home cooks, however, who truly embraced it and took pride in presenting it to their families and guests. Eating Baked Alaska is a sensory experience that balances hot and cold and creamy and crispy. Every layer embodied the spirit of the '80s, making it a fusion of nostalgia, indulgence, and presentation. 

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Viennetta Ice Cream Cake

No dessert screams '80s sophistication like the Viennetta Ice Cream Cake. Created in 1982, it quickly grew to become an international dessert sensation. With elegant ripples of vanilla ice cream layered with sheets of crisp chocolate, it was more luxurious than any grocery store freezer staple had a right to be.

This cake brought restaurant-style class to people's freezers, and it was exclusively reserved for special occasions. There was no baking or assembly required, which definitely helped boost its popularity. It was all about the contrast between the perfectly silky ice cream and crackling chocolate. 

The Vienetta Ice Cream Cake reminds many of the height of dessert sophistication and how it could be straight from your freezer. 

The desserts of the '80s weren't just a way to end dinner. They were iconic statement pieces that brought a meal together. They reflect everything we love about the '80s: the indulgence, the excess, and how being bold was all that mattered. These desserts might only be a footnote of the decade, but they are a sweet and delicious reminder of how the '80s still belong on our dessert plates today.