10+ Simple Dessert Recipes for Quick and Delicious Treats

10+ Simple Dessert Recipes for Quick and Delicious Treats

ByCook Fanatic Team Reading Time: 8 minutes

Desserts are a wonderful way to end a meal or to simply enjoy a sweet treat any time of the day. Whether you prefer something chocolatey, fruity, or creamy, there are countless simple dessert recipes that anyone can make at home. You can create satisfying desserts with just a few ingredients and minimal effort.

A table with ingredients like flour, sugar, and fruit, along with mixing bowls, measuring spoons, and a recipe book open to a simple dessert recipe

With easy-to-follow recipes, you can impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. From quick no-bake options to delightful baked goodies, these simple desserts will satisfy your sweet tooth and bring joy to every occasion. You don’t need to be an expert baker to whip up something delicious!

1) Chocolate Lava Cake

A chocolate lava cake sits on a white plate, oozing with molten chocolate from the center, surrounded by a dusting of powdered sugar

Chocolate lava cake is a delicious dessert that is loved by many. It has a rich, molten chocolate center that oozes out when you cut into it. This cake is perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.

Making chocolate lava cake is easier than you might think. You can have it ready in under 30 minutes. The batter is simple, and you can even prepare it ahead of time.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (170g) semisweet chocolate chips
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Grease four ramekins with butter and dust with flour.
  3. Melt the butter and chocolate in a bowl in the microwave.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, yolks, and sugar.
  5. Mix the chocolate with the egg mixture.
  6. Stir in flour and salt until just combined.
  7. Pour the batter into the ramekins.
  8. Bake for 12-14 minutes.
  9. Let it cool for a minute, then invert onto plates to serve.

2) Panna Cotta

A white ceramic plate with a perfectly set panna cotta, topped with a vibrant red berry coulis and a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves

Panna cotta is a delicious Italian dessert that’s simple to make. It has a creamy texture and is a great choice if you’re looking for something light and elegant.

To start, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. You combine cream, sugar, and gelatin to create this lovely treat. Many recipes also include vanilla for added flavor.

This dessert can be topped with fresh berries or a fruit sauce. It looks fancy, but it’s easy enough for anyone to try at home.

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 1 envelope (0.25 ounce) unflavored gelatin
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over ¼ cup of cold water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes.
  2. Heat the heavy cream and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar is dissolved.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin and vanilla extract until fully dissolved.
  4. Pour the mixture into molds and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.

3) Peanut Butter Cookies

A jar of peanut butter, a bag of flour, a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a tray of freshly baked cookies

Peanut butter cookies are simple, delicious, and quick to make. You only need a few ingredients to create a tasty treat that everyone will love. They are perfect for baking with kids or when you want something sweet without a lot of fuss.

To make these cookies, gather your ingredients and follow the steps closely. You can have fresh cookies ready in no time!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, and the egg.
  3. Mix until smooth.
  4. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet.
  5. Press with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool before enjoying!

4) No-Bake Cheesecake

A no-bake cheesecake being prepared with graham cracker crust and creamy filling, topped with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey

No-bake cheesecake is a delicious and easy dessert you can make without turning on the oven. This creamy treat is perfect for warm days and impresses your friends and family.

To start, you’ll need simple ingredients like cream cheese, sugar, and whipped topping. You can also choose to add your favorite toppings like fruit or chocolate sauce.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup whipped topping
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pre-made graham cracker crust

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix well.
  3. Fold in the whipped topping and vanilla extract gently.
  4. Spread the mixture into the graham cracker crust.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.

5) Tiramisu

A table set with ingredients and utensils for making tiramisu

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that is both delicious and simple to make. You can enjoy its rich flavors without turning on the oven. This no-bake treat is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.

The main ingredients are coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a creamy mascarpone mixture. You’ll love how the layers create a delightful texture. A dusting of cocoa powder on top adds a nice touch.

To prepare, you will mix mascarpone with sugar and cream. Then, dip the ladyfingers in coffee and layer them with the creamy filling. Chill it in the refrigerator, and you’re ready to serve this lovely dessert.

Ingredients

  • Ladyfingers
  • Mascarpone cheese
  • Coffee (strong brewed)
  • Sugar
  • Heavy cream
  • Cocoa powder

Cooking Instructions

  1. Brew strong coffee and let it cool.
  2. In a bowl, mix mascarpone cheese, sugar, and whipped cream until smooth.
  3. Dip ladyfingers in coffee for a few seconds.
  4. Layer soaked ladyfingers in a dish.
  5. Add a layer of mascarpone mixture.
  6. Repeat layers and finish with cocoa powder.
  7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.

6) Flourless Chocolate Cake

A decadent flourless chocolate cake sits on a rustic wooden table, dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with fresh raspberries

If you crave something rich and chocolatey, a flourless chocolate cake is a great choice. It’s dense, fudgy, and perfect for any dessert table. Plus, it’s simple to make with just a few ingredients.

You will need chocolate, butter, eggs, and sugar. This cake is naturally gluten-free, making it a favorite for many.

Start by melting the chocolate and butter together until smooth. Then mix in the eggs and sugar until well combined. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes.

Let it cool before serving. A dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar on top makes a lovely touch!

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • ½ cup butter
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • 3 large eggs

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Melt the chocolate and butter together.
  3. Stir in the sugar and beaten eggs.
  4. Pour the mixture into a greased pan.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes.
  6. Let it cool before serving.

7) Coconut Macaroons

A kitchen counter with a tray of golden-brown coconut macaroons cooling next to a wire rack and a bowl of shredded coconut

Coconut macaroons are a simple and tasty dessert you can make at home. They require just a few ingredients and are naturally gluten-free. With their chewy texture and sweet coconut flavor, they are sure to please everyone.

To make these treats, you’ll need sweetened shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk. You can add a splash of vanilla for extra flavor too. These ingredients come together to create a delightful mixture.

Baking them is easy. You scoop out the mixture, shape it into mounds, and bake until golden. Enjoy warm or let them cool for a crunchy bite!

Ingredients

  • 14 oz (400 g) sweetened shredded coconut
  • â…ž cup (200 ml) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla.
  3. Scoop out the mixture and shape it into small mounds.
  4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

8) Bread Pudding

A rustic kitchen table with a warm, golden brown bread pudding sitting on a vintage ceramic plate, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon

Bread pudding is a warm and cozy dessert that’s easy to make. It’s a great way to use up stale bread and turn it into something delicious.

To make bread pudding, you’ll need just a few ingredients. It’s simple and perfect for a family treat or a special gathering. You can add raisins or nuts for extra flavor.

Once baked, it has a lovely custard texture. Serve it warm, maybe with some whipped cream or sweet sauce.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups bread, cubed
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine the cubed bread, beaten eggs, milk, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
  3. Mix well until the bread is soaked.
  4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
  5. Bake for 30-40 minutes until set and golden brown. Enjoy!

9) Fruit Tart

A vibrant assortment of fresh fruits arranged atop a golden-brown tart crust, drizzled with a glossy glaze

A fruit tart is a delightful dessert that showcases fresh fruits. It usually has a buttery crust filled with creamy pastry. You can use a mix of your favorite fruits for a colorful and tasty treat.

To make a fruit tart, start with a simple crust. Bake it until golden and let it cool. Prepare a vanilla pastry cream to fill the tart.

Once the cream is in, arrange your fruits on top. Popular choices include strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Your fruit tart will look beautiful and inviting.

Ingredients

  • 1 pre-made tart crust
  • 1 cup vanilla pastry cream
  • ½ pound assorted fresh fruits (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake the tart crust according to package instructions.
  3. Allow the crust to cool completely.
  4. Fill the tart with vanilla pastry cream.
  5. Top with fresh fruits arranged neatly.

10) Lemon Bars

A kitchen counter with freshly baked lemon bars cooling on a wire rack, surrounded by scattered lemon zest and a few whole lemons

Lemon bars are a delightful treat with a zesty kick. They have a buttery shortbread crust and a smooth lemon filling that balances sweetness with tartness. This dessert is perfect for any occasion.

Making lemon bars is quite simple. You just need a few basic ingredients. Fresh lemon juice adds a bright flavor that really shines.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
  • â…“ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for filling)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly.
  3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
  5. In another bowl, whisk eggs and mix in sugar, lemon juice, and flour.
  6. Pour filling over the crust.
  7. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes.
  8. Let cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

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