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Home » Desserts

34 Easy Desserts You’ll Wonder Why You Haven’t Made Before

Published: Oct 20, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Easy desserts don’t have to be boring or complicated, and this list proves it. Whether you're looking for something quick to whip up after dinner or a fun treat that requires minimal effort, these recipes are perfect for any occasion. From simple ingredients to straightforward steps, you’ll be amazed at how fast you can create something great without spending hours in the kitchen. With these desserts, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them before—because they’re that easy.

A close up shot of strawberry spoon cake in a cast iron skillet, ready to be served.
Strawberry Spoon Cake Recipe. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

Yellow Cake Mix Cookies

Overhead view of yellow cake mix cookies after baking.
Yellow Cake Mix Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These yellow cake mix cookies require just four ingredients and are ready in 20 minutes. They make an incredibly easy dessert for when you're short on time but still want something sweet and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Cake Mix Cookies

No Chill Chocolate Chip Cookies

A close-up image of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies on a baking sheet.
No Chill Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Chocolate chip cookies are a breeze to whip up and bake in large batches. Keep some in the freezer for an effortless dessert that’s ready whenever the craving strikes—one of the simplest ways to satisfy your sweet tooth quickly.
Get the Recipe: No Chill Chocolate Chip Cookies

Strawberry Lemonade Cookies

An image of strawberry lemonade cookies on a wire rack.
Strawberry Lemonade Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Strawberry Lemonade Cookies combine tangy lemon with sweet strawberry jam for a refreshing flavor combo. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re an easy dessert perfect for any occasion or last-minute treat.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Cookies

Microwave Mug Cake with Cake Mix

A close up photo of cooked microwave mug cake.
Microwave Mug Cake with Cake Mix. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A microwave mug cake made with cake mix can be ready in just minutes, providing a no-fuss dessert when you need something sweet fast. It's the kind of easy dessert you'll wonder why you haven't made before.
Get the Recipe: Microwave Mug Cake with Cake Mix

Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies

Side angle view of almond flour peanut butter cookies with one half-bitten cookie.
Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These almond flour peanut butter cookies come together in just minutes, offering a simple and quick dessert option. With only a few ingredients, these cookies are the perfect balance of nutty and sweet, making them an easy go-to treat when you're craving something homemade. Perfect for a snack or dessert, this recipe is so straightforward that you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them before.
Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies

Strawberry Spoon Cake

A close up shot of strawberry spoon cake in a cast iron skillet, ready to be served.
Strawberry Spoon Cake. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Strawberry spoon cake is an easy dessert that combines fresh strawberries with a soft, fluffy cake for a delightful treat that’s ready in no time. Baked in a cast iron skillet, it’s perfect for gatherings and comes together quickly without much prep. You’ll love how fast and effortlessly this cake bakes, offering a simple yet impressive dessert for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Spoon Cake

3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies

Side angle view of piped Nutella cookies on a wooden board lined with parchment paper.
3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Nutella cookies, made with just three ingredients, come together in 25 minutes. They’re a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth, making them perfect for a simple dessert after any meal.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies

Air Fryer S'mores

A close-up view of a stack of s'mores, consisting of toasted marshmallows and melted chocolate sandwiched between graham crackers.
Air Fryer S'mores. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Air fryer s’mores deliver gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate in just five minutes. This easy dessert requires minimal cleanup and is a quick way to enjoy this classic treat without the campfire.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S'mores

Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies

Close up view of lemon curd cookies with a lavender flower in background.
Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Lemon curd thumbprint cookies, made with either homemade or store-bought lemon curd, are ready in just 30 minutes. These quick and tangy cookies make an easy dessert option for those looking for a fresh flavor in no time.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies

Chocolate Doughnuts

Chocolate Doughnuts. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegan chocolate donuts are moist and fluffy, topped with a simple chocolate glaze. This easy dessert is perfect for anyone looking to satisfy chocolate cravings in a healthier way, making it a great quick bake.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Doughnuts

Cheesecake in a Jar

Cheesecakes in jars with cherry topping.
Cheesecake in a Jar. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A no-bake cheesecake in a jar, topped with cherries, is both creamy and quick to make. This easy dessert is perfect when you’re in the mood for something sweet but don’t have time to bake.
Get the Recipe: Cheesecake in a Jar

Chia Seed Chocolate Pudding

Keto Chia Seed Chocolate Pudding with yogurt and purple flowrs.
Chia Seed Chocolate Pudding. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Chia seed chocolate pudding is smooth, fiber-rich, and ready in no time, making it a great dessert or even a breakfast option. This easy dessert is packed with nutrients and offers a healthy yet indulgent treat.
Get the Recipe: Chia Seed Chocolate Pudding

Lemon Cheesecake Bliss Balls

Lemon Cheesecake Bliss Balls. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Lemon cheesecake bliss balls are a simple no-bake treat with a hint of coconut and citrus. They’re an easy dessert that’s great for quick snacks, making them perfect for any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cheesecake Bliss Balls

Jello Salad

Jello Salad. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Jello salad is a light and creamy dessert that's simple to prepare and ready fast. This easy dessert adds a sweet touch to your gatherings, making it a refreshing choice for summer or fall.
Get the Recipe: Jello Salad

Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites

Apple pie bites cut open to show the apple filling inside.
Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer apple pie bites feature a sweet cinnamon apple filling wrapped in a flaky crust. They come together quickly, making them a simple fall dessert that’s easy to whip up for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites

Banana Blueberry Muffins

Blueberry muffins in a muffin tin.
Banana Blueberry Muffins. Photo credit: Sage Alpha Gal.

Banana blueberry muffins combine ripe bananas with blueberries for a nutritious yet sweet treat. These muffins make an easy dessert or snack option that’s both wholesome and fast to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Banana Blueberry Muffins

Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples

Close-up image of easy air fryer cinnamon maple baked apples.
Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Air fryer baked apples with cinnamon and maple syrup offer a quick and easy dessert with a hint of fall flavor. This simple dessert is perfect for cozy evenings or a fast, no-fuss weekend treat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples

Air Fryer Apple Crisp

Air Fryer Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Air fryer apple crisp for two combines tender apples with a crispy topping in just 30 minutes. This easy dessert is perfect for when you're craving a quick, modern twist on classic apple pie flavors.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Crisp

Easy Instant Pot Fireball Apple Shortcakes

Easy Instant Pot Fireball Apple Shortcakes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Instant Pot Fireball apple shortcakes combine spiced apples with whisky-soaked cake, creating a unique dessert. This recipe is an easy way to enjoy bold flavors without extensive baking time, perfect for a fast dessert fix.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Fireball Apple Shortcakes

Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas

Caramelized bananas with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.
Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air fryer caramelized bananas, made with just three ingredients, are ready in under 10 minutes. This fast and easy dessert is perfect for when you need something sweet in a hurry, with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas

Red Velvet Mug Cake

Overhead view of a frosted red velvet mug cake.
Red Velvet Mug Cake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Red velvet mug cake requires only a few ingredients and no oven, making it a perfect quick dessert. Ready in just minutes, it’s an easy way to enjoy a sweet treat without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Mug Cake

Easy Vanilla Cupcakes

Vanilla cupcake with frosting on white china plate.
Easy Vanilla Cupcakes. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Homemade vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting are simple to bake and make any celebration a bit sweeter. This easy dessert is quick to prepare and brings a homemade touch to your gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vanilla Cupcakes

Buckwheat Flour Apple Muffins

Buckwheat Flour Apple Muffins. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Buckwheat flour muffins with apples are high in fiber and quick to make, offering a wholesome yet tasty option. These muffins are perfect as a quick dessert or snack that can be enjoyed anytime.
Get the Recipe: Buckwheat Flour Apple Muffins

Nutella Cookies

Sugar-Free Nutella Cookies on a black cooking rack.
Nutella Cookies. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Sugar-Free Nutella Cookies come together with just four ingredients in 10 minutes, offering a quick and satisfying sweet treat. Perfect for those moments when you need a fast dessert without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Nutella Cookies

3-Ingredient Strawberry Jam

Strawberry Jam overhead shot.
3-Ingredient Strawberry Jam. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This 3-ingredient strawberry jam without pectin is simple to make and adds a fresh touch to your meals. It’s an easy dessert spread that’s ready in no time, perfect for toast or other quick uses.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Strawberry Jam

Fried Banana

A close up of a plate of fried bananas with sauce.
Fried Banana. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fried bananas with brown sugar are ready in just 10 minutes, making them a fast and flavorful dessert option. They’re a perfect choice to serve alongside pancakes or on their own for a quick treat.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana

S’Mores Crumbl Cookies

A front view of a s'mores Crumbl cookie with marshmallows and white melted chocolate on top.
S’Mores Crumbl Cookies. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Copycat Crumbl s’mores cookies give you all the flavor of the original with the convenience of home baking. This easy dessert lets you enjoy a beloved treat without leaving your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: S’Mores Crumbl Cookies

The Best Apple Pie Cookies

The Best Apple Pie Cookies. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Apple pie cookies, featuring a warm apple filling and sweet glaze, offer a faster way to enjoy pie flavors. These easy-to-make cookies are a quick dessert perfect for fall gatherings.
Get the Recipe: The Best Apple Pie Cookies

Graveyard Dirt Cups

A glass of Halloween graveyard chocolate pudding with tombstone cookie on top that reads RIP.
Graveyard Dirt Cups. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Graveyard dirt cups combine chocolate pudding with cookie "dirt" for a spooky and fun treat. This easy dessert is quick to make and adds a festive touch to your Halloween celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Graveyard Dirt Cups

Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits

Four glasses of raspberry cheesecake parfait.
Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Raspberry cheesecake parfaits are a no-bake dessert served in individual cups, ready in minutes. This easy dessert is perfect for when you need a sweet, elegant treat without turning on the oven.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits

White Chocolate Covered Strawberries

White Chocolate Covered Strawberries on a white wooden board.
White Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

White chocolate-covered strawberries are a quick dessert that adds a touch of class to any occasion. They’re easy to prepare, making them a go-to option for special events or just an everyday indulgence.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Apple Pie Muffin Top Cookies with Vanilla Maple Glaze

Three pieces of apple pie muffin top cookies with vanilla maple glaze on a plate.
Apple Pie Muffin Top Cookies with Vanilla Maple Glaze. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Apple pie muffin top cookies feature apple and cinnamon flavors with a vanilla glaze. This easy dessert is a comforting fall treat that comes together quickly for a fast sweet fix.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Muffin Top Cookies with Vanilla Maple Glaze

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Chocolate Covered Strawberries and berries on a plate.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Chocolate-covered strawberries, ready in under 15 minutes, are an easy dessert that’s perfect for any celebration. Quick to make and packed with flavor, these treats are a healthy yet indulgent option.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Banana Almond Milk Ice Cream

Banana Almond Milk Ice Cream. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Banana almond milk ice cream is a creamy, refreshing dessert that’s ready in just 10 minutes. This easy dessert requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it a perfect treat for any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Banana Almond Milk Ice Cream

More No-Bake Fall Desserts

Biscoff cheesecake with whipped cream and cookies.
No-Bake Biscoff Cheesecake. Photo credit: Food Fun & Faraway Places.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with 27 no-bake fall desserts that are effortless to prepare and perfect for your autumn cravings!
Read it Here: 27 No-Bake Fall Desserts for When You Crave Something Sweet

More Pumpkin-Free Desserts

A close up view of pecan pie cheesecake slice on a white plate, with a fork on the side.
Pecan-Pie-Cheesecake. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Discover 40 pumpkin-free desserts that celebrate fall's cozy flavors, perfect for when you're ready to step away from pumpkin spice!
Read it Here: 40 Pumpkin-Free Desserts for When You’re Over Pumpkin Spice

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    Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tart Bars
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    Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispies  
  • Close-up image of homemade pink orange donuts on a cooling rack, with two donuts pierced together by a fork.
    Homemade Pink Orange Donuts
  • Close-up of a Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake with two slices stacked at the front of a serving platter.
    Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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