Dollar Tree Meals Inspired by Vintage Recipes: Pierogi Lasagna (1980s) and Wacky Cake (1940s)

[@LoriFalce]

Instead of the potatoes on the bottom of the lasagna, do butter and sauteed onions. Layer more onions in the middle and put some on top. Also, top with some buttered bread crumbs. That helps you get that flavor/texture of a real pierogie.

[@freefoodchef7939]

Great idea! Or maybe use those canned French-fried onions that are so popular in the holiday green bean casserole. Those things are so versatile! I put them on sandwiches and on salads in place of croutons. Plus, they are very inexpensive and already have a kind of buttery flavor from their fried coating.

[@celestecolton1638]

Definitely loving this idea to add some buttered breadcrumbs to the top

[@celestecolton1638]

Even the canned French fried onions sounds delicious as well, maybe even go a little crazy lol and do a combination of both😊

[@anndziagwa8585]

Yes that’s what is missing sautéed sweet onions on top of the potatoes,

[@barbwall3678]

But folks, those French fried onions are expensive!🙀 Try pork rinds instead…same concept

[@morewithmandy1050]

I made the pierogi lasagna the other night and everyone loved it! I got a huge bag of frozen mashed potatoes from a local food giveaway and used them. Then I put layers of chopped bacon and onions. Served with sour cream on top. It was amazing!

[@LisaM563]

My hubby loves the Pierogi Lasagna- when I make it I add sauerkraut & kielbasa- I also have to make extra for my friends who also love it! ❤

[@heatherjohnson2511]

I work at DG and we have tons cheaper food then dollar tree, I'm amazed how much cheaper we are then dollar tree on a lot of things actually, we have a whole isle that is only a dollar, everything from name brand tooth paste, to medications, paper products, cleaning supplies, and of course food .

[@animula6908]

Dollar General is my go to. I use dollar tree for the occasional junk shopping spree, crafts for school, and movie snacks, but for real groceries and cleaning supplies or housewares, dollar general is just in a different league from dollar tree

[@heatherjohnson2511]

@animula6908 we get most of our household supplies from there too, I absolutely love their brand of fabric softner..... and you cannot go wrong with the dollar isle

[@treatsntrinkets]

Wacky cake is one of my go-to recipes. I do recommend trying it from scratch because the result is super soft and fluffy and honestly one of the most flavorful chocolate cakes I've ever made. My favorite way to "frost" it is to add some marshmallows and crumbled graham crackers during the last five minutes of baking for a super easy s'mores cake

[@shelzp7272]

@kim I like the idea about marshmallows and graham crackers…thx for the tip 🌟

[@JMarie-th8xe]

Love this idea!

[@SelenaJarvis-Jordan]

Another cheap cake with only 2-3 items: Oil 1 package (16.5 oz or 432 g)cake mix - I like devils food or spice 1 can (15 oz) pie filling - I like cherry pie or solid pumpkin But make your own combination Optional toppings: cream cheese frosting, microwave melted can frosting(like she did), powdered sugar, ground cinnamon or caramel sauce, or your own topping creation - I happen to like them without a topping due to how sweet they turn out to me Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and oil to your pan so the cake does not stick Combine the cake mix and pie filling(the mixture will be thick) Pour the batter evenly into the pan. I like my bundt pan. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean(everyone's oven may cook differently) Remove the pan from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes. Remove the cakes from the pan and serve. If using topping, allow the cakes to cool before adding the topping. With my bundt pan, I like to put the frosting in the middle for everyone to frost as they please.

[@jeanspeer4053]

Wacky cake has been a family favorite for decades! ❤️

[@gabyleonn1]

My grandma used to make pierogi lasagna but she would still fry it like a pierogi. Layered it like a lasagna but would then Cut into pieces and fry each piece with butter and onions. It’s was the best

[@kendiholloway2378]

The lasagne looks amazing I love carbs, the whacky cake I used to make with my Grandma she lived through war rationing,it was always yummy.

[@onThisJourney]

I made the lasagna perogi before. I added shredded cabbage and onion sauteed in bacon fat and made homemade mashed potatoes. Layers were potatoes, cabbage and lasagna with cheese on the very top. It was fantastic!!

[@nysari_]

Having grown up in the Pittsburgh area, I can't help but be tickled that the first recipe you pulled out is a pierogi recipe! I never realized how much Polish influence we had in that area until I moved south and struggled to find pierogis anywhere.

[@idkwtf2makemyusername104]

I live about 10 min from Pittsburgh. ❤

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I used to buy them frozen and I loved having them for a quick lunch

[@elizabethherndon8284]

My brother lived in Pitt for a few years after he retired from the army. I love that city!

[@michellebrill5328]

Waky cake is a favorite in our family. We skip the nuts and mix marshmallows into the frosting.

[@jms7313]

We love the lazy pierogie lasagna dish, but the home made pierogies we make are delicious with cheddar cheese, and sauerkraut and are best with lots of fried onions and butter. Our neighbors used to make us the wacky cake and homemade carrot cake. Both, were absolutely delicious and luckily before the couple passed we received their recipes. They both were from large families and grew up during the great depression and WWII. My neighbor was a Purple Heart veteran. A SEE BEE in the Navy. Always had smiles on their faces, we miss them! Bless him and his wife this memorial day weekend!

[@TheTinybubbles1]

I grew up in pa my mother made this she also used potatoes cheese to stuff large shells called it lazy lasagna but she use to make real perogies lots lots of them at a time to feed 4 hungry children some filled with cabbage some onions butter potato we fried them in butter onions memories from the 50' 60'

[@stephaniepapaleo9001]

Lazy pierogis sound fantastic! I’m half Lithuanian and my mom grew up in a Polish/Lithuanian neighborhood so, this is an excellent nod to our heritage! I can’t wait to make this with fried onions and sour cream on top! That chocolate cake looks perfect! When you said halt brownie, half chocolate lava cake, you sold me right there!!! Trying both recipes this weekend!! 🙌 🎉 🥟 🥘 🍫 🍰 ❤

[@idkwtf2makemyusername104]

You could freeze the pierogie lasagna and cut into pieces then air fry em to get some crispy bits. Lol I love pan fried pierogis with lots of butter. ❤

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Oh that’s an idea!

[@dianeziembicki2918]

I got my recipe for pierogi casserole from the tv weatherman ! Lol I put sautéed onions in mine . The recipe I have calls for bow tie pasta instead of lasagna noodles. They were a pain so I switched to lasagna noodles.

[@bridgetmarden7224]

I live in Delavan Illinois. I have a Dollar General 3 blocks away. To get to the closest Dollar Tree I gotta drive 25-30ish minutes so all of your suggestions are great. Thank you so very much 😊

[@tanishahogan9396]

I like the idea of doing a modern, convenient take on older budget recipes! Look forward to seeing more of these!

[@starlingmorris648]

I have made the Wacky Cake from scratch before. It’s really good! I like it because it’s easy and doesn’t use some typical cake ingredients. Very inflation friendly.

[@katherinenelson5905]

In Michigan, I have heard of Pierogi Lasagna before, also with added caramelized onions added if you have them. Updating to say I made this whole meal for dinner last night (happened to have everything) and I tried adding the instant coffee to the Wacky cake as you suggested - WOW totally upped the favor the whole family loved it!

[@kawaiikowai08]

I’d do sautéed onion and cabbage as a layer in the lasagna too yum!!

[@CityCountryLifeTN]

I love that the wacky cake visually reminds me of Little Debbie brownies!

[@kristiesmith7903]

You can also make pierogi pizza. Dollar Tree sells pizza shells. Throw on mashed potatoes and cheese and pop it in the oven. I grew up in the Pittsburgh area, and pierogi pizza was one of my favorites!!

[@ikeikerson7329]

Everything looks delicious nom nom nom

[@chelley4943]

Well, I’ll be trying both recipes …but lazy peirogis? Genius!

[@allyrooh3628]

That cake would be cute/cheap for a birthday cake too by just adding sprinkles instead of walnuts (I typed this before you said it 🤣) I know the DT icing is smaller than a regular, but I never use a whole regular one anyway. I know you don't add extra things when making DT meals, but adding parsley or Italian seasoning would give it a colorful look. I really like this series.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Definitely! I’m so inspired to make more cakes now that I’ve tried this wacky cake

[@allyrooh3628]

@@DollarTreeDinners I just reread my post. I'm assuming you know I meant parsley on the lasagna not the cake!! oopsie!

[@LawNerdAmber]

DT does carry herbs and dried herbs are a great source of antioxidants!

[@angelwings7866]

Remember when Velveeta USED to be cheap? (you might be too young) But the price of it now is outrageous. We grew up on that back in the 70's and 80's. Thanks for trying new recipes!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

We always had velveeta on hand because My dad used to slice velveeta for his sandwiches 🥰

[@justsayingno_pun4460]

They carry the Clancy Brand at Aldi’s much cheaper 😉

[@redstarbetty7997]

I made a wacky cake for the first time recently and decided to make it with mixed dried fruit and walnuts because that was what I had - it had that very moist, slightly gooey texture too, but very delicious and a great recipe to have on hand when all you have available is stuff from the pantry and no eggs. It was super easy to make. I'd definitely make it again but will try a chocolate one instead next time.

[@BrowneyedGirlmjd]

I’m 🇨🇦. I can’t tell you how excited I was when I saw the title of this video I thought she’s making lazy perogies! For anybody in Canada who remembers the Jean Pare Company’s Coming cookbooks, you know exactly which recipe I’m talking about. 😁👏👏👏. Considering how much I hate to cook I think using the instant potatoes is absolutely inspired! I hate peeling potatoes, I hate cooking potatoes I don’t even necessarily so much like eating potatoes. Unless they’re stuffed inside a perogy and then all bets are off. 😁 And there’s no such thing as a failure when you make a chocolate cake because no matter what happens even if it’s pudding in the bowl it’s still chocolate !!! And be honest, how many of you have eaten the part of batter of the cake before it got to the oven! 🍰

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Oh thank you! I spent forever trying to find an original beyond this cookbook, but it does sound like it was born in the 80s regardless and I have another vintage cookbook idea to maybe add to my collection

[@kdramsey965]

I was gifted some Jean Pare cookbooks. Love those recipes

[@ShaunBMcKinnon]

I remember those cookbooks! I have some from the 80s and 90s! Do they still make them?

[@BrowneyedGirlmjd]

@@ShaunBMcKinnon no, I don’t think they have made new ones for sometime now. Jean Pare passed away a few years ago now. But I think I did see some reprints of some of the older books in Walmart a while back.

[@ej3016]

Wednesdays were always oven suppers while mother was out playing bridge - many recipes from Company’s Coming as well as from Mennonite books like Food that really Smecks (sp ?) ok I’m craving meals like we had in elementary / secondary school again 🤣😂

[@stacel1972]

The lasagna noodle Pierogi sounds so good. I have sauerkraut and boxed mashed potato. Can’t wait to try!

[@roxannejohnston3311]

Nicely done 😂 If you added pecans and mini marshmallows to the icing, that would be very close to a Mississippi Mud Cake. 😋

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I was thinking Mississippi mud cake too but then I googled that and got something completely different

[@violetvillard1347]

I created the Cheesy Pierogi Lasagna years ago, and my family wanted it for our family cookbook that was printed & sent to each family group this past Christmas (2022). Its very similar to the way you made it. However I used Alfredo sauce in my layers (and on the bottom of the pan): noodle, alfredo, mash potatoes, cheese, repeat. Typically I also add mushrooms & ham in the layers, but they are optional. Its very customizable. That Wacky Cake looks great!! I'll have to try it when I can have a special treat (diabetic).

[@TheHahaha247]

I’m from Bethlehem! 😀 I have seen pierogi lasagna back home. I never realized there was a cookbook like this. Very cool!

[@rhondapettitt8955]

When I was growing up, my grandmother used to make that cake and it was called Chocolate Crazy Cake it is the first cake that I ever made and I was about seven years old. I’m 65 now but it is a very good cake better than any box cake if you make it from scratch but your version sounds good also and I will have to make it.

[@mwahl1686]

When I first came across a Pierogi Lasagna recipe (don't remember how! but it was online) it was suggested as a quick way to get something like Pierogi flavor, without all the actual work that goes into making Pierogi!

[@susanmccoy1992]

The whacky cake is so easy to put together if you have all the ingredients! I've never had a pierogi, but that looked really good.

[@rachelhero3413]

I am obsessed with pierogi! I have got to try making this menu for my work day meals. Including the cake.

[@wilmasantos3255]

Rebecca, I love how you can turn any recipe into your own creation. Love this

[@lindanizamoff7981]

I made a cake the other day, you use chocolate cake mix one can of cherry pie filling. two eggs and 1teaspoon almond or van extract. Beat eggs for 1 minute, then add cake mix, pie filling and extract and beat til smooth. Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes in a 9X13 pan, greased. when cool take can of chocolate frosting heat and pour. It over top. came out so moist.

[@user-lh3xm1pe8c]

Try sautéed onions and butter for the bottom layer, and sliced smoked sausage on top

[@sandycencirulo]

Can you please do a series on recipes from this cookbook?

[@leejohnston8057]

My great grama was amish. Therefore, I grew up eating a lot of german/polish dishes. Pierogies were a staple as well as homemade noodles and dumplings. What are you making we called lazy day Pierogies. Anyway it's made it is super yummy.

[@TheNancypoo]

I never in my life thought of microwaving frosting!!! What a great idea.

[@krishegel7768]

My family ahs made this cake forever, but from scratch. It is my all time favorite chocolate cake. I do not frost it, i find it best served with some cool whip. When made feom scratch, it gets a very slight crisp to the top. Delicious!

[@deborahdewald4122]

yum love this , since I like gnocci and pierogi . The cake looks good also!

[@LadyB_20]

I love how much you made with those few ingredients.

[@turquoisegrace]

I’m polish too! No wonder we both love olives, tuna tomatoes & potatoes & garlic 😅love this pierogies idea I buy the frozen pierogies from Aldi’s! And have been making Texas sheet cake ( the long version for 10 years) the hardest thing to find is buttermilk that’s why I’m glad you said in another video about replacing buttermilk with vinegar

[@bethk.3340]

thanks so much for your delicious affordable recipes!! just today for lunch i made wraps out of a small salad kit i got on sale at Meijer, for a high quality lunch for me and my husband i only spent about $2 a person :) we had wraps and strawberries!! thanks so much for your awesome ideas!

[@punchy9214]

I did the wacky cake and I am obsessed!! It’s honestly the best chocolate cake I’ve ever had. It’s very moist and rich.

[@Torie12345]

I love watching your videos I have learn so much from you! ❤ are you able to do a dollar tree meal prep video?

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Definitely! It’s been a while since I did a dollar tree meal prep

[@Torie12345]

@@DollarTreeDinners thank you 😊

[@kathleendonnelly6077]

My sister-in-law’s family is Polish and she has taught all my nephews and nieces how to make pierogis. I have never heard of a pierogi lasagna but it looks good. Your channel is everything. Happy Memorial Day weekend to you!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Happy Memorial Day!

[@beckyblevins9095]

I am going to make both recipes. Great video

[@RebekahAmberClark]

I've never heard of pierogi lasagna but it looks fantastic! I feel like it would be great as is but also work with so many things you could add if you wanted/have them on hand. For example, alfredo sauce, broccoli, cut up or canned chicken, corn, or even breakfast sausage to make it a breakfast lasagna, could all be things you could add to it!

[@dreamscape405]

This is Amazing ❤ can't WAIT to try that lasagna! It'll be the perfect brain food when working...complex carbs like that, and my productivity will be through the roof!! I'm going to add canned peas, and thawed from frozen broccoli. Peas and mashed potatoes are my all time favorite side dish 🎉💃🏼🥂

[@kimberlee3243]

I found a big can of pineapple and a box of white cake mix to make a dump cake using a little oil 😊

[@vbella39]

😎 Going to try both! I think I will add baby spinach to my Pierogi Lasagna tho, Thanks!

[@celestecolton1638]

I haven’t done the pirogi style lasagna, but I have had pirogi quesadilla with sautéed onion and cheese, that’s delicious

[@celestecolton1638]

Please excuse the spelling, my iPad changed everything after I typed it

[@GratefulDeb270]

Thank you!

[@maryrybicki9034]

I just made mac and cheese and used up some Idahoan with applewood bacon mash potatoes. Its good also mixed in cooked brocoli

[@marklutker9720]

I love your innovation mindset!

[@jsarracino]

I’m thinking a ravioli of any type and the potato layers with cheese yum!!

[@jacki-m9t]

❤ fascinating lasagna recipe. Definitely not diabetic friendly. I used to make wacky cake when I lived overseas and baking powder was hard to come by. The vinegar and baking soda provide the leavening. You should try making it in the original form.

[@Anderson-Me]

Holy moly ...these recipes look delicious !

[@gmanandhislady]

My mom used to make a cake called a crazy cake, a recipe passed down from my mom's cousin. It was similar to this one, and it always turned out different every time...hence it's name. It used vinegar, but my mom made the cake from scratch, which you mentioned you could do.

[@rubygreen-y4e]

I made Wacky Cake when I was in Home Ec when I was in 9th grade yrs ago In order for it to taste right , it has to be made exactly the way the recipe is and same as the frosting. And then you will have excellent results. Hope all y'all had a good Memorial Day weekend.

[@eathomelive]

I think the Velvetta would make it a bit more melty and saucy. But it would take a lot of Velvetta for that. Putting the packet just on top with the cheese over it might be good.

[@docink6175]

I haven't watched this yet somehow I missed it when it came out but I'm not sure what it says about me when your vintage pierogi dish is something I made all the time back in the '80s and '90s and double zeros and tens and twenties. I use pierogies and raviolis interchangeably in a lot of these type dishes and even combined them

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Oh I bet it would be so good with ravioli!

[@docink6175]

@@DollarTreeDinners it is, my daughter made it that way a couple weeks ago.. I especially like to mix cheese and meat ravi or perogs. I come from a large family, my mom was one of 11 and her mom was the oldest of 16. I dont think theres a regional or national cuisine I havent tried and or fused.. another way I enjoy both types of dumplings is deep fried

[@shirleywarner8831]

Both look good

[@amyh1356]

Looks so good 👍

[@patbuegeler7770]

❤❤❤looks delicious.

[@Anwelei]

I’ve never had pierogis but I adore carbs. I’m definitely gonna make that pierogi lasagna!

[@veroveronica894]

The cake looks really good! I would add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

[@bridgetmarden7224]

❤❤ I'm always so happy when I see you post a new video to help me as I am a financially challenged person. Thank you SOOOOOOOO MUCH 😊❤❤❤❤

[@violalittle9189]

Thanks for the idea! I improvised to make baked mashed potato mac-and-cheese. It came out great!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Baked potato Mac and cheese sounds divine! Did you just mix it and bake it?

[@tammycanini414]

That cake looks so yummy

[@toastedmarshmallowkitchen7911]

I’m new to your channel but am so excited to watch more of your videos and try these recipes!

[@gloriapeel6887]

Looks yummy!

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Thank you for the video!

[@stone.durfey5862]

😊😉saving this one...hope my son will like it.

[@belindabrinkmeier9439]

Love all your videos

[@susanwilson1308]

Love your video content. Always super informative. Fun, budget friendly, and you have really good hacks, and ideas. Also appreciate your honesty and genuine reviews. Have a blessed 🙏 day. Susan from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 🦋

[@Sammvoy]

Wacky cake was always served at my high school with lunch. I always loved it but wondered what made it “wacky”. Thanks!!

[@amandahandlin1405]

I have had that pierogi dish before we just always called it pierogi casserole. I actually don't live too far from Pittsburgh so everything pierogi is pretty popular there. If you ever get a chance to go to a Pittsburgh Pirates game they actually have something called the Pierogi Race😂❤😅

[@karonwoods1583]

Can't wait to try this

[@sctvgirl]

Top with carmlized onion, bacon, and sour cream (plain non-fat Greek yogurt.)

[@sharonsomers4949]

I’ll be doing this Christmas Eve or Christmas day

[@lindabader-acosta7808]

Pierogi lasagna originated when some polish people immigrated to Italy & could afford meat & them being mostly working in farms they used what they can & needing to feed their large families.

[@sunnihunny]

Looks so good! Just a suggestion.. maybe a few mins on low broil would give the lasagna just a hint of brown. Would add flavor and a pretty color. Cake looks delightful! Sub any flavor cake mix for great options.

[@kakylong2]

I can't have chocolate so could this be made with a white cake mix & vanilla frosting? The lasagna looked good. 😊

[@kakylong2]

@heidiyf Thank you very much. 😊

[@JoanCarolOBtien]

Anika is called crazy cake

[@JoanCarolOBtien]

Vanilla Cake is called Crazy Cake

[@JoanCarolOBtien]

Sorry not Anika

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I definitely feel like you can use any flavor cake or frosting 😊

[@SusanHendrix-h4d]

I saw where Aldi grocery store sells a peroxide meal.

[@stillhuntre55]

I grew up on wacky cake! Yay!

[@jadeobsession9088]

yum

[@janismetzendorf843]

Yes we have this in north east ohio. It’s good for the fall

[@joannaazar7396]

You always make everything look so delicious!! Have a good weekend ❤ NewJersey✨

[@j4d7s8]

I would totally make this lasagna.

[@janismetzendorf843]

You have company 🐕

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Always haha he’s always creeping around in the background 😂

[@hattree]

Wacky cake with a cake mix might not do as well. Cake mixes use baking powder, that cake is designed with baking soda to neutralize the vinegar and provide lift.

[@j4d7s8]

I’ve discovered MANY food items at DT that are much cheaper than Walmart by at least a buck! I tell my friends all the time, “you’d be surprised!”

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Right? And unless you’re price comparing week by week it’s sometimes just easier to pay the $1.25 per item than to stress about it

[@randy_aubergine]

Wondering where you found your red pots with lids? I love them!