How often do you get bored with having the same old dessert every time you eat out? If you want to try something new, then these recipes will definitely give you some ideas.
You don’t always have to go to restaurants or spend lots of money on fancy ingredients to enjoy delicious treats.
In fact, you can easily create tasty desserts at home using basic ingredients such as milk, eggs, flour, sugar, butter, etc.
Looking for some easy desserts to serve up during the holidays? These delicious treats are guaranteed to impress.
From cake pops to cookies and even chocolate-dipped Oreo bites, you’re sure to find something here that you’ll want to make again and again.
1. Easy Homemade Caramel Corn
Caramel corn is a classic holiday treat. We love it because no one else really makes it anymore.
And even though you can buy it pre-made, homemade caramel corn is just better. This version is super easy and takes about 10 minutes to make.
2. Easy Dark Chocolate Billionaires
Making bite-sized candies isn’t hard, but it does require some patience.
To make these candies, you’ll want to melt down dark chocolate chips and dip them into a bowl of Rice Krispies cereal.
Then, combine the mixture with chopped pecans and caramel bits.
Once everything is combined, scoop out the candy onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let cool completely before serving.
3. Quick And Easy Baklava Squares
This recipe makes enough baklava squares to feed a crowd. You’ll find yourself whipping up batches of this dessert again and again.
It takes less than 30 minutes to make and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand.
This recipe is perfect for entertaining because it requires no special equipment and is easy to prepare ahead of time.
4. Chocolate Icebox Cookies
We almost always have some kind of cookie dough in our freezers. It’s great for those late-night cravings!
This recipe is super easy and uses pantry staples you do likely have at home already.
When the dough is made it bakes off the cookies you need, wraps, and freezes the rest.
When the mood strikes, roll the dough into balls and put them in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
Then take them out and place them on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool completely and store in airtight containers.
5. Cake Mix Cookie Bars
We love baking. And we especially like making cookies. But sometimes we don’t want to spend hours kneading dough and rolling it out.
Or maybe you’re running late and don’t have time to make homemade granola. Sometimes you just want a quick fix. Enter the cookie bar.
A cookie bar is basically a flat sheet of baked dough that you cut into small squares.
You can use almost any type of cookie dough recipe, but here are some favorites that work well: chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, lemon poppy seed, sugar cookie…the list goes on.
The key is to keep the mixture light and fluffy. If it’s too stiff, the bars won’t bake evenly and might crack.
So, we recommend mixing together ingredients in a bowl with a fork, rather than a mixer (see also ‘The Best 23 KitchenAid Mixer Recipes‘).
Then spread the batter onto a greased pan and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
6. Reese’s Heavenly Peanut Butter Trifle Recipe
This classic dessert is often referred to as a trifle because of how it looks. It features layers of cake, pudding, and whipped cream.
In fact, it’s one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make. This version takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You won’t believe how good it tastes.
7. Pink lemonade popsicles
You can use any flavor combination you want here, but we love the pairing of pink grapefruit juice and raspberries. You could even add some mint leaves to give it a little extra zing.
This recipe uses 4 cups of ice cubes, 2 cups of fruit purée, 3/4 cup of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of water.
Mix everything together in a blender, pour into molds, freeze overnight, and enjoy.
8. Apple Brown Betty
Apple Brown Betty is one of those recipes you keep around because it tastes good no matter what else you’re serving alongside it.
And since it’s easy enough to make, you’ll always have some handy for unexpected guests.
If you want a lighter version, use less sugar; if you prefer something richer, add more sugar.
Whichever way you go, though, you won’t regret it.
9. Easy Homemade Fudgsicles
Fudgesicles are one of my favorite desserts — especially since it doesn’t require much work. They’re easy to make, too!
These homemade fudgesicles are great because they don’t require tempering eggs, and they’re super creamy.
Plus, they’re delicious without being sweetened with sugar.
In fact, many people think fudgesicles are just ice cream dipped into chocolate, but that’s not true.
This recipe uses condensed milk, which makes them extra rich and decadent. If you’d like to try something different, check out some of our other recipes here.
10. Strawberry Coconut Cream Pie
This strawberry coconut cream pie is just like a dream come true!
With a flaky buttery crust topped with sweetened coconut and a creamy coconut filling, it’s a treat that’s sure to make your mouth water.
You’re going to want to eat the whole thing yourself!
11. Cherry-Almond Cake
Cherries and almonds are a perfect match because both fruits are naturally sweet and tart.
This recipe combines those flavors with almond flour, making it a go-to treat for anyone looking for something simple to serve up.
12. Lemon Bars
Want to dupe your non–vegan friends into eating a full vegan meal? Whip up a batch of lemon bars and watch as you see them scarf up every single bite.
These are simple treats that require very few ingredients and take less than 30 minutes to make.
You’ll want to keep some around the house just in case someone drops by unexpectedly, and once they’ve had a taste, they won’t be able to resist coming back for seconds.
13. Skillet Strawberry S’mores
Skillet strawberry s’mores are a dessert game changer.
Not only do you get all the gooeyness of a traditional s’more without having to wait around for the marshmallow to melt, but you also get the freshness of juicy berries.
Plus, they’re super easy to make! All you need is some graham crackers, chocolate chips, strawberries, and whipped cream.
To start, spread a layer of chocolate onto each piece of graham cracker.
Then, slice up a few fresh strawberries and place them over the chocolate.
Finally, add another layer of chocolate and garnish with whipped cream. Top off with a second graham cracker and enjoy!
14. Healthy Vegan Frozen Yogurt Bars
Fresh berries and frozen yogurt are always great summer snacks. But what happens when you want something different? Something that doesn’t involve dairy products or sugar?
Well, it turns out, there are plenty of options. And one of those options is vegan frozen yogurt bars.
These treats are loaded with fruit, nuts, seeds, and spices, and are often healthier than traditional ice cream. They’re perfect for kids and adults alike.
15. Strawberry Banana Icebox Cake
Move over, Grandma, there’s a new picnic hero in town. This crazy easy and super delicious recipe makes one amazing dessert that you’ll want to make again and again.
You’ll love how easy it is to throw together and how delicious it tastes.
Do you know what we love about baking? We love how much you don’t have to do to make something taste great.
This recipe takes just five ingredients and less than 15 minutes to mix up. You’ll never want to bake anything else again.
This cake tastes amazing straight out of the freezer.
But, if you’re looking for a little extra oomph, try serving it warm topped with whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream.
16. Banana Cream Pie
Caramelized bananas and a soft crumbly walnut crust make this dessert taste like you’re eating something decadently delicious.
And because it’s dairy-free and egg-free, there are no worries about cross-contamination. You’ll never know it’s gluten-free, either.
17. Microwave Peanut Brittle
If you are looking for a quick snack recipe to whip up during the holidays, try peanut brittle.
This sweet treat is easy to prepare and tastes great. All it takes is some basic kitchen tools like a food processor, measuring cups, and a microwave.
To begin making peanut brittle, combine 2 cups granulated sugar, 4 tablespoons light corn syrup and 1/2 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Stir occasionally until the mixture reaches 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from heat and add 3/4 cup unsalted roasted peanuts. Mix well.
Add 1 teaspoon baking soda and mix again. Pour into a 9 x 13-inch glass dish and let cool completely.
Once cooled, place the peanut brittle in the microwave and cook for five minutes.
Let stand for about 30 seconds and then break apart. Store leftovers in airtight containers.
18. Simple Oatmeal Cookie Jam Bars
We are always looking for ways to use up leftover ingredients. This recipe uses some of our favorite things—oatmeal, chocolate chips, and blackberries—and it makes for a delicious treat.
You can even make these bars ahead of time and store them in the freezer for later.
They are easy to transport because you don’t need a special cookie cutter. Just press the dough out onto parchment paper and cut it into squares.
19. Easy Buckeye Recipe
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies – These cookies are very similar to traditional peanut butter cups, except they’re baked into small, bite-sized morsels.
Instead of dipping them in chocolate, we’ve used melted white chocolate to make them look extra fancy. This recipe makes about 16 dozen cookies.
20. No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
This pie is incredibly easy to make – you don’t even need a mixer!
All you do is combine everything except the whipped cream in a food processor and pour it into a prepared graham cracker crust while it’s still frozen.
Letting the whole thing freeze for about three hours makes it hard enough to slice without breaking apart. Top with whipped cream and serve immediately.
21. Chocolate-Dipped Oreos
Oreos are one of those things we just keep around because it seems like everyone else does too.
They’re easy to find, cheap, and there’s always enough left over to dip into something delicious.
If you don’t already have a batch of Oreos stashed somewhere, now’s the perfect time to stock up.
22. Oreo S’mores In The Oven
If you’re looking for something sweet and simple to make for dinner tonight, try making s’mores.
They are quick and easy to make, especially if you already have some Oreos lying around.
You won’t believe how quickly you can whip up a batch of these delicious treats.
23. Cake Balls Recipe
From the moment you bite into one, it explodes in your mouth, sending joyous flavors down your throat.
But what happens when you take those tasty treats and turn them into something else entirely?
Something that doesn’t resemble anything we know as cake, let alone cake pops?
Enter “cake balls,” a soft, sweet, and covered with a chocolate treat that resembles nothing more than a small ball of cake and frosting.
And while there are many ways to make these cake balls, they are effortless, quick, and easy to do.
24. Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
We have a slight obsession with banana bread. And chocolate chip cookies. And peanut butter. And anything else we find delicious.
So naturally, these frozen bites – which are basically mini ice cream sandwiches – are a staple in our freezers (see also ‘28 Amazing Icebox Cake Recipes You Have To Try‘).
They’re quick and easy to make and freeze well too.
Plus, there’s no baking required. Just add some chopped-up banana and peanut butter, mix it together, wrap it in foil, and pop it into the freezer.
And because they’re so simple to make, you’ll never run out of ideas for what to do with them.
You could use them to snack on while watching TV or roll around in bed. Or… eat them straight from the freezer without having to thaw them first.
25. Easy Hershey’s Chocolate Pie
This recipe makes one 9-inch single-crust pie. You’ll need a 9-inch glass pie plate. If you don’t have one, use a regular pie pan and cut it down to size.
26. 5 Ingredient Vegan Coconut Chocolate Bars
Coconut is truly the star of the show here. The coconut flakes are sprinkled on top of this base, giving it a nice crunchy texture.
We use coconut milk, coconut butter, and coconut flour to make our bars, making them super healthy and delicious.
To keep things simple, we added cocoa powder and vanilla extract to give the chocolate flavor some depth.
The recipe calls for unsweetened shredded coconut, but you could easily substitute sweetened coconut flakes or even flaked coconut.
If you want a sweeter version, try adding a few drops of liquid stevia or maple syrup. You could also swap out the chocolate chips for chopped pecans or walnuts.
27. Easy 3-Ingredient Coconut Macaroons
These macaroons aren’t too sweet, just light enough to balance out the sweetness of the coconut.
You’ll find no sugar added here; the secret ingredient is coconut water. If you’re looking for something even healthier, use unsweetened shredded coconut instead.
28. Easy Apple Dumplings
Crescent rolls are one of those things that people either love or hate.
They’re great for making pizza crust, but they don’t always do well in bread. But what about crescent rolls stuffed with apples?
This recipe combines the best parts of both worlds by baking the dough into little mini pies filled with juicy, tart apples.
This recipe couldn’t be easier; just roll out the dough, fill each piece with sliced apples, brush the tops with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and bake.
29. 2 Ingredient Pineapple Coconut Sorbet
There are plenty of reasons why adding maple syrup to pineapple sorbets sounds like a terrible idea.
For starters, there’s the fact that most people don’t know how to make this dessert without sugar.
Then there’s the fact that you’re probably already eating too much sugar anyway.
And finally, there’s the fact you’ll never eat another pineapple sorbet again once you try this one.
The recipe calls for just four ingredients: pineapple juice, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.
You’ll blend all of those together until smooth and then freeze the mixture for about three hours.
When it’s ready, you’ll scoop out ice cream balls and serve them topped with chopped macadamia nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
30. Rolo Pretzel Turtles
With the holidays fast approaching, you might want to make sure you’re ready for Santa Claus.
One way to ensure he’ll remember the cookies is to package them up nicely. Here’s how to do it…
1. Top some pretzels with peanut butter cups and roll them into a log shape. Bake for about 5 minutes.
2. Let cool completely and slice into small pieces.
3. Add a layer of melted chocolate and cover with chopped pecans.
4. Allow to set and enjoy.
5. You could even use Hershey kisses instead of the peanut butter cups.
6. Or go ahead and try another flavor combination like peanut butter balls + caramel sauce.
31. Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge – Just 3 Ingredients!
Microwaving peanut butter and butter together makes for a delicious treat.
This recipe uses a microwave method to melt the ingredients together in one easy step. You’ll love how creamy and soft this fudge tastes (see also ‘Can You Freeze Fudge?‘).
32. Nutella Mug Cake
Mug cake recipes are great because they’re easy to make and don’t require any special equipment.
They’re perfect for busy people who want something quick and delicious.
This recipe is super simple and doesn’t take long to whip up. You’ll love how moist and fluffy it turns out.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add egg, milk, and vanilla; beat well. Fold in Nutella.
Fill each prepared muffin cup about 2/3 full. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes 12 servings.
33. Mini Berry Tarts
These mini tartlets are gluten-free, paleo, vegan, and super easy to make. They’re perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert.
You’ll find that they’re great for parties too because they travel well and don’t require refrigeration.
And best of all, they’re ready in 30 minutes flat and taste like heaven.
34. Coconut Mango Panna Cotta
Mangoes are tropical fruits native to Southeast Asia.
They’re naturally high in vitamin A, B6, C, E, potassium, fiber, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, protein, riboflavin, thiamine, zinc, and vitamins K, D, and B5.
Mangos also contain folate, lutein, lycopene, phenolic compounds, phytosterols, tannins, and terpenes.
This recipe combines the flavors of mango and coconut milk into a dessert that’s light enough to enjoy during the summer months. This recipe makes four servings.
35. Strawberry Lemonade Muffins
Summer in a muffin — think lemonade in vegan muffineer form, topped with creamy strawberries.
Take a bite, and you’d swear you’re on a porch swing, talking about the good old days with the folks back home.
This recipe features a few ingredients that are easy to find during summer, like frozen berries and canned pineapple juice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Easiest Dessert Recipe Out There For Beginners?
3 ingredients are all you need to make whipped hot chocolate: hot chocolate mix, cold heavy cream, and chocolate syrup. You’ll also want to add some cinnamon and nutmeg for extra flavor.
No chocolate milk on hand? – Make a quick glass of vanilla or chocolate milk for one.
I’ve made this easy recipe for my kids in the summers. It’s fun to surprise my kids with “hot” chocolate after a day at camp.
What Are “No-Bake Desserts”?
The term “no bake desserts” is used to describe baked goods that don’t require baking.
They’re often made with ingredients like oats, peanut butter, yogurt, granola, chocolate chips, etc., and there are many varieties.
Some examples include:
• Cheesecake bites – These are bite-size cheesecakes that are usually made out of graham crackers, cookies, cake mix, pudding mix, cream cheese, etc.
• Fruit crisp – This is basically fruit pie without the crust. You just layer fruit in a dish and pour some sweetened condensed milk over it. Then you sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon on top.
• Icebox cakes – These are usually layered cakes that are cut into cubes and stored in an airtight container. Some people even freeze them and eat them later!
• Macaroons – These little chewy treats are perfect for snacking on while watching TV. They’re usually made out of coconut, almonds, chocolate chips, and sometimes honey.
• Oatmeal raisin cookie balls – Sometimes called oat balls, these are rolled cookie dough balls that are dipped in melted chocolate.
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