Desserts are a sweet treat that many people enjoy after meals or as a snack. From simple cookies to fancy cakes, there are lots of options to satisfy your sweet tooth.
You don’t need to be a pro baker to make yummy desserts at home.
With over 34 easy dessert recipes to choose from, you can find something tasty to make no matter your skill level or the time you have.
Some recipes need no baking at all, while others use simple steps and basic items.
You’ll find ideas for all kinds of events, from quick snacks to party treats.
1. Chocolate Lava Cake
Chocolate lava cake is a decadent dessert with a gooey center. To make it, you’ll need butter, chocolate, sugar, eggs, and flour.
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Prepare your ramekins by greasing them and dusting with cocoa powder.
Melt butter and chocolate together, then mix in sugar, eggs, and flour. Pour the batter into the ramekins.
Bake for about 12-14 minutes until the edges are set but the center is still soft. Let them cool for a minute before inverting onto plates.
Serve your chocolate lava cakes warm. The inside will ooze out when you cut into them, creating a delicious chocolate “lava” effect.
2. Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a beloved Italian dessert that combines creamy layers with coffee-soaked ladyfingers. You’ll love its rich flavor and smooth texture.
To make tiramisu, dip ladyfingers in strong coffee or espresso. Layer them in a dish with a mixture of mascarpone cheese, eggs, and sugar.
Dust the top with cocoa powder for a finishing touch. Some recipes add a splash of coffee liqueur for extra flavor.
Chill tiramisu for at least 3 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and the texture to set.
You can find many variations of tiramisu, including chocolate, fruit, or even cheesecake-inspired versions. Try different recipes to find your favorite.
3. Crème Brûlée
Crème brûlée is a classic French dessert that will impress your dinner guests. This elegant treat features a smooth, creamy custard base topped with a layer of caramelized sugar.
To make crème brûlée, you’ll need heavy cream, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla. Mix these ingredients to create a rich custard. Bake it in ramekins until set, then chill.
Before serving, sprinkle sugar on top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize it. This creates the signature crisp, glass-like topping that cracks when tapped with a spoon.
You can experiment with different flavors like chocolate, pumpkin, or raspberry to add variety to this classic dessert.
4. Sticky Toffee Pudding
Sticky toffee pudding is a delicious dessert you can easily make at home. It’s a moist cake filled with dates and topped with a rich toffee sauce.
To make it, you’ll start by soaking chopped dates in hot water. This softens them and helps create the pudding’s signature texture.
The cake batter includes the date mixture, along with typical ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs. You’ll bake it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes.
While the cake bakes, prepare the toffee sauce by melting butter with brown sugar and cream. Pour this warm sauce over the finished pudding just before serving.
You can top your sticky toffee pudding with ice cream, whipped cream, or custard for extra indulgence. It’s perfect for special occasions or as a cozy winter treat.
5. Pavlova
Pavlova is a beloved dessert that will impress your guests. This meringue-based treat has a crispy exterior and a soft, marshmallow-like center.
To make pavlova, you’ll whip egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form. Then, you’ll bake the meringue at a low temperature for a long time.
Top your pavlova with whipped cream and fresh fruit. Berries, kiwi, and passionfruit are popular choices. You can also add chocolate shavings or lemon curd for extra flavor.
Pavlova is perfect for summer gatherings or holiday celebrations. It’s light, refreshing, and looks stunning on the table.
6. Baklava
Baklava is a sweet pastry dessert loved across many cultures. You’ll find layers of flaky phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and sweet syrup in this treat.
To make baklava, start by buttering sheets of phyllo dough. Stack them in a baking pan, adding layers of chopped nuts like pistachios or walnuts between some layers.
Cut the unbaked baklava into diamond shapes. Bake until golden brown. While it bakes, prepare a syrup with honey, sugar, and water.
Pour the warm syrup over the hot baklava when it comes out of the oven. Let it soak in and cool before serving. You’ll enjoy the crispy, nutty, sweet bites of this classic dessert.
7. Panna Cotta
Panna cotta is a classic Italian dessert that’s easy to make and tastes great. You can whip it up in no time with just a few ingredients. It has a smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
The basic recipe uses cream, sugar, and gelatin. You can add vanilla for extra flavor. Once you mix everything, pour it into molds and let it chill.
You can serve panna cotta plain or with toppings. Fresh berries, caramel sauce, or chocolate drizzle all work well. It’s a versatile dessert that fits many occasions.
Try making panna cotta at home. It’s simpler than you might think and sure to impress your guests.
8. Key Lime Pie
Key lime pie is a classic dessert that brings a taste of Florida to your table. The tart and tangy flavor of key limes shines in this creamy, refreshing treat.
To make key lime pie, you’ll need a graham cracker crust, sweetened condensed milk, and fresh key lime juice. Mix these ingredients together and pour into the crust.
Bake the pie until set, then chill it in the fridge. Top with whipped cream before serving for a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
For a twist, try making mini key lime pies in a muffin tin. These bite-sized treats are great for parties or portion control.
9. Red Velvet Cake
Red velvet cake is a classic dessert known for its striking red color and velvety texture. You’ll love its rich flavor, combining hints of cocoa with tangy buttermilk.
The cake typically has a cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements its subtle sweetness. To make red velvet cake, you’ll need ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, buttermilk, and red food coloring.
When baking, be sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy. The result is a moist, tender cake that’s perfect for special occasions or anytime you want a memorable treat.
10. Lemon Meringue Pie
Lemon meringue pie is a classic dessert that combines tangy lemon filling with fluffy meringue. To make this pie, you’ll need a pre-baked pie crust as the base.
For the filling, mix sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Add water, lemon juice, and zest, then cook until it thickens. Pour this mixture into the crust.
The meringue topping is made by whipping egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread it over the lemon filling, making sure to seal the edges.
Bake the pie at 325°F (165°C) for about 15 minutes or until the meringue turns golden. Let it cool before serving for the best flavor and texture.
11. Banoffee Pie
Banoffee pie is a tasty British dessert that combines bananas and toffee. It’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
Start with a graham cracker crust pressed into a pie pan. Bake it for about 15 minutes until golden brown.
Next, spread a thick layer of caramel or dulce de leche over the crust. You can use canned caramel condensed milk to save time.
Slice two ripe bananas and arrange them on top of the caramel layer. Make sure to choose bananas that are firm but ripe for the best flavor.
Top the pie with whipped cream just before serving. For extra indulgence, you can sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top.
12. Black Forest Cake
Black Forest cake is a classic dessert that combines chocolate, cherries, and cream. You’ll love the rich layers of chocolate cake soaked in cherry syrup.
Fresh cherries and whipped cream fill the spaces between each layer. The cake is then covered in more whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
To make this cake, you’ll need chocolate cake mix, cherry pie filling, and chocolate chips. Mix these with eggs and almond extract. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
For a quick version, try using store-bought cake mix and cherry pie filling. This saves time but still gives you that delicious Black Forest flavor.
13. Boston Cream Pie
Boston Cream Pie is a classic dessert that combines cake, custard, and chocolate. It’s not actually a pie, but a cake filled with vanilla custard and topped with chocolate glaze.
To make it, you’ll bake two layers of yellow cake. Then you’ll prepare a creamy vanilla custard filling. Once the cakes cool, spread the custard between the layers.
The final touch is a rich chocolate glaze poured over the top. It drips down the sides for a beautiful finish.
This dessert looks fancy but is simpler to make than you might think. With its mix of flavors and textures, Boston Cream Pie is sure to impress your family and guests.
14. Cannoli
Cannoli are crispy tube-shaped pastries filled with sweet ricotta cream. This classic Sicilian dessert is a favorite treat worldwide.
To make cannoli shells, you mix flour, sugar, cocoa, and cinnamon. Cut in butter and add wine to form a dough. Roll it thin and wrap around metal tubes. Fry the shells until golden brown.
For the filling, blend ricotta cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla. You can add chocolate chips or candied fruit if you like. Pipe the filling into cooled shells just before serving.
Cannoli are best eaten right away to keep the shells crispy. You can make the components ahead and assemble them when ready to enjoy this sweet Italian delicacy.
15. Eclairs
Eclairs are a beloved French pastry that you can easily make at home. These delicate treats consist of choux pastry filled with cream and topped with chocolate glaze.
To create eclairs, you’ll pipe choux dough into long strips and bake until golden. Once cooled, fill them with vanilla pastry cream or whipped cream.
For the finishing touch, dip the tops in chocolate ganache. You can also experiment with different flavors like coffee or fruit-filled eclairs.
While traditional eclairs are a bit challenging, there are simpler versions you can try. No-bake eclair desserts use graham crackers layered with pudding for an easy alternative.
16. Macarons
Macarons are delicate French cookies that melt in your mouth. They have a smooth, crisp shell and a soft, chewy center.
You can make macarons in many flavors. Popular options include vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and pistachio. The filling between the cookies can be buttercream, ganache, or fruit jam.
Making macarons takes practice. You need to mix the batter just right and pipe the cookies carefully. Let them rest before baking to get that signature smooth top.
Try different colors and flavors to create eye-catching treats. Macarons make great gifts or party desserts. With some patience, you can master these fancy cookies at home.
17. Cheesecake Brownies
Cheesecake brownies combine two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat. You’ll love the contrast between fudgy chocolate brownies and creamy cheesecake swirls.
To make these, start with your favorite brownie recipe or mix. Pour most of the batter into a lined baking pan.
Mix cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla for the cheesecake layer. Drop spoonfuls onto the brownie batter. Use a knife to create pretty swirls.
Bake until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely before slicing. The result is rich, decadent bars with beautiful marbled tops.
For extra indulgence, try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the brownie batter. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking.
18. Raspberry Mille-Feuilles
Raspberry mille-feuilles are fancy French pastries that look hard to make but are easier than you think.
You start with layers of puff pastry baked until golden and crisp. Between the pastry layers, you spread creamy custard and fresh raspberries.
The top gets a pretty design made with icing. To make them, bake puff pastry sheets and cut into rectangles. Whip up a custard with milk, sugar, eggs, and cornstarch.
Let it cool before using. Layer the pastry, custard, and raspberries. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar or swirls of icing on top.
Chill before serving for the best texture and flavor.
19. Saffron Rice Pudding
Saffron rice pudding is a luxurious dessert that combines creamy rice with the exotic flavor of saffron.
You’ll love how the golden threads infuse the pudding with their distinct aroma and color. To make this treat, cook rice in milk until it’s soft and creamy.
Add sugar, butter, and a pinch of saffron threads steeped in hot water. The saffron gives the pudding its signature golden hue. For extra flavor, you can include cardamom and rose water.
Some recipes call for almonds or pistachios for added crunch. Serve your saffron rice pudding warm or chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts.
This dessert is popular in Middle Eastern and Persian cuisines. It’s often enjoyed during special celebrations or as a comforting sweet treat.
20. S’mores Bars
S’mores bars are a tasty twist on the classic campfire treat. You can enjoy these gooey, chocolatey snacks without a fire pit.
The base is usually made with crushed graham crackers and butter. This creates a crunchy foundation for the other layers. On top of the crust, you’ll find a layer of rich chocolate.
Some recipes use chocolate chips, while others opt for chocolate bars. The final layer is typically marshmallow creme or mini marshmallows.
When baked, this top layer becomes golden and slightly crispy. S’mores bars are easy to make and perfect for parties or gatherings.
You can cut them into squares for easy serving and eating.
21. Molten Peanut Butter Cup Cake
Molten Peanut Butter Cup Cake is a dessert that will make your taste buds dance. It combines rich chocolate cake with a gooey peanut butter center.
To make this treat, you’ll bake individual cakes with a peanut butter cup hidden inside. As the cake bakes, the chocolate melts, creating a lava-like center.
When you cut into the cake, warm peanut butter oozes out. The mix of textures – soft cake and creamy filling – is pure magic.
Top your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. This dessert is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself.
22. Apple Strudel
Apple strudel is a classic Austrian dessert that’s both delicious and impressive. You can make it at home with just a few ingredients.
The filling consists of chopped apples, raisins, and cinnamon. Some recipes add ground walnuts for extra flavor and texture.
For an easy version, use store-bought puff pastry instead of making dough from scratch. This saves time while still giving you a flaky crust.
To assemble, spread the apple mixture on the pastry and roll it up. Brush with melted butter before baking until golden brown.
Serve your apple strudel warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s perfect for fall gatherings or holiday desserts.
23. Mochi Ice Cream
Mochi ice cream is a delightful treat that combines chewy mochi dough with creamy ice cream. You can make it at home with a few simple ingredients.
To prepare the mochi dough, mix sweet rice flour, sugar, and water. Cook the mixture in the microwave or by steaming. Once cooked, knead the dough until smooth.
For the filling, use any flavor of ice cream you like. Scoop small balls of ice cream and freeze them until firm.
Wrap the frozen ice cream balls in thin layers of mochi dough. Work quickly to prevent melting. Dust the finished mochi ice cream with cornstarch to prevent sticking.
You can experiment with different ice cream flavors and even add food coloring to the mochi dough for a fun twist.
24. Churros with Chocolate Sauce
Churros are a tasty treat you can make at home. They’re crispy on the outside and soft inside.
You fry dough strips and coat them in cinnamon sugar. The chocolate sauce is easy to make too. Just heat cream, cocoa powder, and sugar in a pan. Stir until smooth.
You can change up the recipe if needed. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour mix. To make it vegan, swap dairy for plant-based options.
Fry churros in a deep pot if you don’t have a fryer. Make sure there’s enough oil. Dip the hot churros in the warm chocolate sauce and enjoy!
25. Opera Cake
Opera cake is a fancy French dessert that looks impressive. You’ll wow your guests with this elegant treat.
It has layers of almond sponge cake soaked in coffee syrup. Between the cake layers, you’ll find coffee buttercream and chocolate ganache.
The top is covered with a smooth chocolate glaze. To make it, bake thin almond cake layers. Then prepare coffee syrup, buttercream, and ganache.
Assemble by stacking cake, syrup, buttercream, and ganache. The final touch is pouring chocolate glaze over the top.
Chill the cake to set before serving. Opera cake takes some time to make, but the result is worth the effort.
26. Salted Caramel Tart
Salted caramel tarts are a delicious dessert that blend sweet and salty flavors. You’ll love the contrast between the smooth caramel filling and the crunchy crust.
To make one, start with a buttery crust made from pecans, flour, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Press this mixture into a tart pan and bake it until golden.
For the filling, use condensed milk to create a creamy caramel without needing a candy thermometer. Pour this into the cooled crust and let it set.
Top your tart with a layer of rich chocolate ganache for extra decadence. Sprinkle sea salt on top to enhance the caramel flavor and add a satisfying crunch.
27. Passion Fruit Mousse
Passion fruit mousse is a tasty Brazilian dessert you can make at home. It’s creamy, tangy, and refreshing.
You’ll need passion fruit pulp, condensed milk, and whipping cream. If fresh passion fruits aren’t available, you can use frozen pulp or juice concentrate.
To make it, blend the ingredients together. Then chill the mixture for at least 4 hours. This easy recipe doesn’t require eggs or gelatin.
For extra flair, top your mousse with fresh passion fruit seeds. They add a nice crunch and visual appeal to your dessert.
28. Gelato
Gelato is a creamy Italian frozen dessert that’s smoother and denser than ice cream. You can make it at home with an ice cream maker or gelato machine.
Popular gelato flavors include chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and pistachio. Many recipes use fresh fruits, nuts, or other ingredients to create unique flavors.
To make gelato, you typically mix milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings. The mixture is then churned and frozen. Gelato has less fat than ice cream and is served at a slightly warmer temperature.
Try making strawberry gelato with fresh berries for a fruity treat. Or go for classic chocolate using high-quality cocoa powder. Serving gelato in small cups or cones makes for an elegant dessert option.
29. Cherry Clafoutis
Cherry clafoutis is a delicious French dessert that’s easy to make. You’ll love its custardy texture and sweet cherry flavor.
To make it, preheat your oven to 350°F. Butter a baking dish and arrange pitted cherries in the bottom.
Mix eggs, sugar, milk, flour, and vanilla in a blender until smooth. Pour this batter over the cherries.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and puffy. Let it cool slightly before serving.
You can dust it with powdered sugar for extra sweetness. Serve warm or at room temperature for a tasty treat.
30. Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat. You can easily make them at home with a few simple ingredients.
Mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, and other spices with butter, sugar, and molasses. Roll out the dough and cut it into fun shapes.
Bake until golden brown and let cool. Decorate your cookies with colorful icing or leave them plain.
These cookies have a warm, spicy flavor perfect for cold winter days. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
You can also use gingerbread cookie dough to make houses or other edible decorations.
31. Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is a classic fall dessert that’s easy to make. You’ll need canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix, for this recipe.
Mix the puree with eggs, evaporated milk, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour this filling into a pre-made or homemade pie crust.
Bake the pie until the center is set but still jiggly. Let it cool completely before serving.
Top your slice with whipped cream for extra deliciousness. Pumpkin pie is perfect for Thanksgiving, but you can enjoy it all autumn long.
32. Raspberry Pavlova
Raspberry Pavlova is a delightful dessert that combines crisp meringue with fresh raspberries and cream. To make it, you’ll need to whip egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form.
Spread the meringue into a circle on a baking sheet and bake at a low temperature until crisp. Once cooled, top the meringue with whipped cream and fresh raspberries.
For extra flavor, you can add a raspberry sauce made from pureed raspberries and sugar. Sprinkle some mint leaves and dark chocolate shavings on top for a finishing touch.
This dessert is perfect for dinner parties and special occasions. It’s light, refreshing, and sure to impress your guests with its elegant appearance.
33. Chocolate Truffles
Chocolate truffles are easy to make and delicious. You only need a few ingredients to create these bite-sized treats.
Start with high-quality chocolate and heavy cream. Melt them together, then chill the mixture until firm.
Roll the chilled chocolate into small balls. Coat them in cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or melted chocolate.
You can get creative with flavors too. Try adding extracts like peppermint or orange. Or mix in crushed cookies or dried fruit.
Truffles make great gifts. Package them in pretty boxes or bags to share with friends and family. They’re perfect for holidays or special occasions.
34. Almond Biscotti
Almond biscotti are crisp Italian cookies perfect for dunking in coffee or tea. To make them, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Add chopped almonds for crunch and flavor.
Stir in eggs, melted butter, and almond extract to form the dough. Shape it into logs and bake until golden. Let cool, then slice diagonally.
Bake the slices again until crisp and toasted. For extra flavor, add lemon zest to the dough. You can store biscotti in an airtight container for several days.
Enjoy your homemade almond biscotti with a hot beverage or on their own as a sweet snack. They make great gifts too!
Common Baking Challenges
Baking can be tricky, but knowing how to avoid common issues and fix mistakes will help you create delicious desserts.
With the right tips and tricks, you can overcome obstacles and improve your baking skills.
Preventing Baking Mishaps
To avoid baking disasters, start by reading the recipe carefully before you begin.
Measure ingredients accurately using proper tools. Room temperature ingredients mix better, so take eggs and butter out of the fridge early.
Preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer to check the actual temperature.
Don’t open the oven door too often while baking. This can cause uneven cooking or sinking cakes.
Grease pans well and use parchment paper for easy removal.
Don’t overmix batters – this can lead to tough, dense baked goods. Follow cooling instructions to prevent cakes from sticking or falling apart.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your cake sinks in the middle, it may be underbaked or the oven door was opened too soon.
Bake it longer next time and resist peeking.
Dry, tough cookies often result from using too much flour. Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off, rather than scooping directly.
For flat, spread-out cookies, try chilling the dough before baking. This helps prevent them from spreading too much in the oven.
If your bread isn’t rising, check that your yeast is fresh and active.
Use warm (not hot) liquid to activate it. Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot.
Pairing Desserts with Drinks
The right drink can enhance your dessert experience. Wine and non-alcoholic options offer tasty pairings for sweet treats.
Wine Pairings
Sweet wines go well with desserts. Try a Port with chocolate cake. The rich flavors match nicely.
For fruit pies, pick a light Moscato. Its sweetness balances tart fruits.
Sparkling wines work for many desserts. A dry Prosecco cuts through creamy cheesecake.
For apple pie, choose an off-dry Riesling. Its crisp taste complements the apples.
Red dessert wines pair with nutty or caramel flavors. Try a Ruby Port with pecan pie. White dessert wines match citrus desserts. Sip a late-harvest Gewürztraminer with lemon tart.
Non-Alcoholic Options
Coffee is a classic dessert drink. Pair espresso with tiramisu for a perfect match.
For chocolate desserts, try hot cocoa. The flavors blend well.
Fruit juices can complement fruit-based sweets. Apple cider works with apple crumble.
For berry pies, pick cranberry or pomegranate juice.
Tea offers many pairing choices. Earl Grey tea goes well with vanilla cake.
For spice cakes, try chai tea. Its warm spices enhance the dessert’s flavor.
Milk is great with cookies. For a twist, try flavored milk.
Strawberry milk pairs nicely with sugar cookies.