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These make ahead desserts are perfect for potlucks and weeknight treats. From cookies and brownies to cakes and pies, you’re sure to find a new favorite.

make ahead desserts
Make Ahead Desserts. Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

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It’s time to try new desserts! Why not make them at home this time instead of going for the usual store-bought options?

If you’re really busy, you can make them ahead so you can enjoy them in the days to come.

Most of these desserts actually turn out better when you let them rest overnight.

Peach Cobbler Egg Rolls

cookout foods for a crowd
Peach Cobbler Egg Rolls. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

These rolls are made with canned peaches, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and other simple ingredients.

Serving them at a party? Stack them vertically in a mason jar for a fun grab-and-go treat.

Get The Recipe: Peach Cobbler Egg Rolls

Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies on a plate.
Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

Tired of the classic chocolate chip cookies?

Why not add bacon to the recipe and see how irresistible they become? This version is ready in less than 30 minutes!

Get The Recipe: Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies

Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

homemade ice cream sandwiches
Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

Ice cream sandwiches are always a huge hit with both kids and adult guests.

These treats have the best texture and feature an irresistible caramel ice cream layer.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

Strawberry Brownies

A piece of cake with pink icing on a plate.
Strawberry Brownies. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

Craving something fruity and fudgy? These brownies are a fun option you can make anytime.

Make them ahead and store them in the fridge for up to four days.

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Brownies

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Dairy Free Lemon Bars

how to make dairy free lemon bars
Dairy Free Lemon Bars. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

These lemon bars can bring a burst of sunshine to your dessert table.

Ingredients include fresh lemon juice, coconut milk, erythritol, turmeric, and cornstarch. They pair well with iced mint green tea!

Get The Recipe: Dairy Free Lemon Bars

Instant Pot Churro Bites

A plate of cinnamon sugar-coated pastries on a table.
Instant Pot Churro Bites. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

A mouthwatering dessert that isn’t too sweet? You’ve come to the right place!

These churro bites are soft and fluffy, made with brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, and unsalted butter.

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Churro Bites

Baked Pumpkin Donut

Pumpkin spice donuts
Baked Pumpkin Donut. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

Yes, you can bake donuts even as a newbie in the kitchen.

Try this pumpkin-flavored one first. They come with a cinnamon sugar topping everyone will love.

Get The Recipe: Baked Pumpkin Donut

Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies

peanut butter chocolate balls with rice krispies
Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

Peanut butter lovers, this dessert is for you!

These balls are made with salted butter, Rice Krispies, powdered sugar, semisweet chocolate chips, and of course, the creamiest peanut butter.

Get The Recipe: Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies

Banana Pudding Cookies

What To Serve With Banana Pudding Cookies
Banana Pudding Cookies. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

This recipe brings all the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding in a smaller treat.

Make the dough balls ahead of time and just freeze them until you’re ready to bake (for up to a month!).

Get The Recipe: Banana Pudding Cookies

Mini Pecan Pies

mini pecan pies
Mini Pecan Pies. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

If you love crunchy treats, look no further than these mini pecan pies.

They’re gooey and sweet, made with corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, egg, and the highlight—chopped pecans!

Get The Recipe: Mini Pecan Pies

Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles

step 15 Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles
Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

Preparing for a sophisticated gathering? Make these truffles a part of your spread.

They’re surprisingly simple to make and pair well with dried fruits and coffee.

Get The Recipe: Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles

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Apple Butter Cookies

apple recipes
Apple Butter Cookies. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

These cookies are soft, spiced, and full of cozy fall flavors. You can make them any time of the year, of course!

They use apple butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, cream of tartar, and other pantry staples.

Get The Recipe: Apple Butter Cookies

Japanese Cheesecake

step 19 Japanese Cheesecake
Japanese Cheesecake (Japanese Cotton Cheesecake Recipe). Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

Ready to make a delicious Japanese cotton cheesecake at home?

This delicate, cloud-like dessert is somewhere between sponge cake and cheesecake. It’s made with cream cheese and low-fat milk!

Get The Recipe: Japanese Cheesecake

Black Bean Brownie

Close-up of chocolate brownies with chocolate chunks on top, placed on a cooling rack—perfect for festive Christmas brownie ideas.
Black Bean Brownies. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life

Believe it or not, these plant-based brownies are made with black beans, oats, cocoa powder, and other simple, wholesome ingredients.

They’re perfect for guilt-free snacking.

Get The Recipe: Black Bean Brownie

Soft Sugar Cookies

make ahead desserts
Soft Sugar Cookies. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life.

Sugar cookies are ideal treats for everyday snacking and even for special occasions.

Try this recipe, use any cookie cutter shapes you like, and have fun exploring lots of exciting designs.

Get The Recipe: Soft Sugar Cookies

Vegan Thin Mints

easy superbowl desserts
Vegan Thin Mints. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life.

These homemade vegan thin mints are crisp, chocolatey, and surprisingly easy to prep in advance.

If you’d like, you can even freeze them for up to three months!

Get The Recipe: Vegan Thin Mints

Carrot Sheet Cake

make ahead desserts
Carrot Sheet Cake. Photo Credit: My Rad Kitchen.

Carrot cake is such a popular dessert, and it’s time you try making it at home yourself.

This recipe is a great choice as you practice your decorating skills. Once done, top it with chopped walnuts or a light sprinkle of cinnamon.

Get The Recipe: Carrot Sheet Cake

Almond Flour Rhubarb Cookie Bars

make ahead desserts
Almond Flour Rhubarb Cookie Bars. Photo Credit: My Chef’s Apron.

Preparing desserts for a crowd? These cookie bars are so easy to make and serve.

Main ingredients include rhubarb, coconut sugar, almond butter, almond flour, and coconut shreds.

Get The Recipe: Almond Flour Rhubarb Cookie Bars

Almond Cake

make ahead desserts
Almond Cake. Photo Credit: She Wants to Be Good.

This almond cake is lightly sweet and incredibly aromatic.

And yes, it’s made exclusively with almond flour and is gluten-free! It pairs really well with tea or coffee, as well as fresh fruits.

Get The Recipe: Almond Cake

Coconut Jelly (Vanilla and Chocolate Flavors)

make ahead desserts
Coconut Jelly (Vanilla and Chocolate Flavors). Photo Credit: Maple and Mango.

This coconut jelly recipe includes two flavor options: vanilla and chocolate.

You only need a few simple ingredients to make them, including coconut milk, gelatin powder, honey, and cocoa powder.

Get The Recipe: Coconut Jelly (Vanilla and Chocolate Flavors)

Carrot Cake Loaf

make ahead desserts
Carrot Cake Loaf. Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

This loaf brings all the warm spice and richness of a classic carrot cake in a more compact form.

It’s loaded with shredded carrots, cinnamon, pecans, Greek yogurt, and applesauce.

Get The Recipe: Carrot Cake Loaf

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Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

make ahead desserts
Cottage Cheese Banana Bread. Photo Credit: Hanaa Box.

Want to try something different? Enjoy this bread for breakfast or as a dessert after dinner.

Aside from bananas and cottage cheese, you’ll need cinnamon, oat flour, and almond flour.

Get The Recipe: Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Eclair Cake

make ahead desserts
Old-Fashioned Chocolate Eclair Cake. Photo Credit: The Cookin’ Chicks.

Nothing beats the yummy flavors of a homemade chocolate cake.

This one is one of your most satisfying options. It only requires five simple ingredients, including instant vanilla pudding and graham crackers.

Get The Recipe: Old-Fashioned Chocolate Eclair Cake

Strawberry Icebox Cake

make ahead desserts
Strawberry Icebox Cake. Photo Credit: Chew out Loud.

This no-bake cake is made with fresh strawberries, graham crackers, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.

Go ahead and add as many strawberries as you want! Also, don’t skip the ganache. It can make your cake even more delicious.

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Icebox Cake

Banana Cream Pie

make ahead desserts
Banana Cream Pie. Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This cream pie is made with vanilla wafers, butter, instant vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, and bananas.

Garnish it with crushed graham crackers. It’s a make-ahead dessert that gets even better after a night in the fridge.

Get The Recipe: Banana Cream Pie

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You’re probably confused about which recipes to try first.

Icebox cakes and cookies are great ideas for beginners! As you go along, incorporate some of your favorite ingredients.

You’re sure to gain confidence with every batch you make.

25 Beach Desserts That Can Handle the Heat and the Sand

beach desserts
Chocolate Covered Bananas. Photo Credit: Foxes Love Lemons.

These beach desserts are perfect for summer days and spontaneous getaways. They feature lots of fun ingredients like peaches, berries, coconut, and chocolate.

Read it here: 25 Beach Desserts That Can Handle the Heat and the Sand

25 Easy Healthy Desserts to Satisfy Your Sweet Cravings Guilt-Free

easy healthy desserts
EASY HEALTHY DESSERTS. PHOTO CREDIT: MAPLE AND MANGO.

Sweet cravings? Check out this list of easy healthy desserts. It includes fruit salads, cakes, and cookies—all made with healthier ingredients.

Read it here: 25 Easy Healthy Desserts to Satisfy Your Sweet Cravings Guilt-Free

Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!

A woman in a kitchen writes on a notepad beside a grocery bag with a Walmart logo and various groceries on the counter.
Photo Credit: La Passion Voutee.

Is the new Walmart Plus worth the annual fee or is it just another failed version of Amazon Prime? I spent my own money trying this service out for 12 months and counting. I have a lot to say about the benefits and drawbacks in this Walmart+ honest review.

Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!

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