This post may contain affiliate links which means I will get a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for details.

These are the best desserts to make, whether you’re looking for a casual weekday treat you can make in minutes or something special to wrap up your holiday feast. There’s a dessert for you, no matter the occasion!

A collage of six different best dessert items, including cakes, cheesecake, and cupcakes.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox!

Need a pick-me-up after a long day? Want to make the occasion feel extra special?

Regardless of the reason, these dessert recipes have a sweet treat for every mood.

Choose from bite-sized treats that are great for portion control and decadent desserts that are sneakily vegan. 

Best Sweet Potato Bites

What Do Sweet Potato Casserole Bites Taste Like
BEST SWEET POTATO BITES. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

You don’t need to wait for the holidays to enjoy these bite-sized versions of sweet potato casserole. With only 6 ingredients, you can make them even on a busy day.

Get The Recipe: Best Sweet Potato Bites

TikTok Strawberry Chocolate Viral Recipe

tiktok strawberry chocolate
TIKTOK STRAWBERRY CHOCOLATE VIRAL RECIPE. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

These strawberry chocolate bites are viral for a reason, and jumping on a trend couldn’t be easier! Imagine everything you love about chocolate-dipped berries minus the mess.

Get The Recipe: TikTok Strawberry Chocolate Viral Recipe

Dessert Hummus

fall baby shower foods
DESSERT HUMMUS (SNICKERDOODLE HUMMUS). PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

This vegan-friendly dessert hummus is essentially snickerdoodle cookie dough you can dip in! It’s done in just two steps and is a great way to instantly make snacks like apple slices and pretzels extra special.

Get The Recipe: Dessert Hummus

Apple Crumble Cheesecake

A slice of crumb-topped cheesecake on a white plate with the remaining cake in the background.
APPLE CRUMBLE CHEESECAKE. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

This apple crumble cheesecake takes your cheesecake from a classic to a seasonal sensation.

This make-ahead dessert comes together easily and needs to chill overnight, making it a no-fuss treat. The irresistible streusel topping adds crunch and warmth.

Get The Recipe: Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Instant Pot Churro Bites

A plate of cinnamon sugar-coated pastries on a table.
INSTANT POT CHURRO BITES. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Do you love churros but struggle with frying them perfectly? These genius Instant Pot churro bites give you all the churro flavor in a new way.

The mini muffin-sized churro bites cook to tender perfection in the Instant Pot. Customize them with chocolate drizzle, caramel dip, or your favorite filling.

They’re about to become your new go-to for satisfying your churro craving without the deep fryer.

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Churro Bites

Apple Cinnamon Brownies

Sliced apple cake on a wooden board with whole apples in the background.
APPLE CINNAMON BROWNIES. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

You’ll love how easy these bars are to make with simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Your home will smell like autumn in just over an hour, and your taste buds will delight in these perfect portable fall treats.

Get The Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Brownies

Mint Chip Ice Cream Bon Bons

Stack of chocolate truffles with one bitten, revealing a green filling, on a tabletop.
MINT CHIP ICE CREAM BON BONS. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Both kids and adults will love snacking on these tasty frozen bites. They’re ideal for beating the summer heat or satisfying sweet cravings any time of year. Keep a stash in the freezer for effortless after-dinner treats or dessert party favors.

Get The Recipe: Mint Chip Ice Cream Bon Bons

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

A close-up of a sliced pastry with fruit filling and icing on a wooden serving board.
PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY BARS. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

The classic peanut butter and jelly flavors are a favorite of people of all ages.

These easy bars are perfect for pleasing a crowd at potlucks, parties, and other get-togethers. They also make great snacks for kids’ lunches or after-school treats!

Get The Recipe: Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Vegan Gluten Free Lemon Bars

Lemon bars dusted with powdered sugar on a white plate.
VEGAN GLUTEN-FREE LEMON BARS. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like coconut milk, turmeric, and lemon, these bars are dairy-free, egg-free, and entirely plant-based. The lemon custard filling is rich and creamy without being overly sweet.

With wholesome ingredients and completely plant-based, they’re a treat you can feel good about eating!

Get The Recipe: Vegan Gluten Free Lemon Bars

Brown Butter Layer Cake

A layered cake with almond slices and jelly topping garnished with mint leaves, presented on a blue plate with tableware on the side.
BROWN BUTTER LAYER CAKE. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Impress your friends and family with this stunning layered cake – the ultimate dessert for any special celebration!

Indulge in layers of moist, tender cake infused with the nutty richness of brown butter frosting – this brown butter layer cake is insanely delicious!

Get The Recipe: Brown Butter Layer Cake

Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes

Lemon cupcakes topped with a swirl of yellow frosting and a raspberry, served on a plate with a fork on the side and more raspberries in the background.
LEMON RASPBERRY CUPCAKES. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Bored of the same old vanilla and chocolate cupcakes? These bright and beautiful lemon raspberry cupcakes are just what you need to liven up your day!

These vibrant, delightful lemon raspberry cupcakes are packed with a tangy citrus taste.

Every tender, soft cupcake contains a filling of fruity and slightly sour raspberry jam, while the top is adorned with velvety, tangy lemon frosting.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes

Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies

A plate of chocolate-covered crispy rice treats with one bitten open to reveal the interior.
PEANUT BUTTER BALLS WITH RICE KRISPIES. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Looking for a sweet treat that will satisfy your cravings in just a few bites? 

Not only are they crazy delicious, but peanut butter balls with Rice Krispies are fun and easy to make.

No special tools or baking skills are required. Mix the peanut butter, melted butter, cereal, and powdered sugar until fully combined. Scoop into balls, chill, and coat in melted chocolate. That’s it!

Get The Recipe: Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies

Cookie Dough Fat Bombs

Chocolate chip cupcakes with a frosted topping displayed on a table.
COOKIE DOUGH FAT BOMBS. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Each fat bomb is loaded with creamy full-fat cream cheese, peanut butter, and butter, delivering delicious cookie dough. 

With just 6 ingredients and no baking required, you can whip up a batch of these luscious low-carb fat bombs any time a cookie dough craving strikes!

Get The Recipe: Cookie Dough Fat Bombs

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

A plate of decorated cookies drizzled with chocolate and sprinkled with nuts, accompanied by a striped cloth napkin.
PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY COOKIES. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

These peanut butter and jelly cookies are the cookie version of the classic PB&J sandwich!

They’re finished off with a drizzle of melted peanut butter and a sprinkling of chopped peanuts for an extra nutty, crunchy touch.

Get The Recipe: Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake

Stack of lemon blueberry cake slices on a white plate with fresh lemons and blueberries scattered around.
LEMON BLUEBERRY POUND CAKE. PHOTO CREDIT; FOOD PLUS WORDS.

This light and moist cake is the perfect crowd-pleasing dessert for your next spring or summer gathering. The combination of bright lemon and fresh blueberries is simply delightful.

With no dairy, eggs, or oil, this vegan cake recipe delivers incredible taste without the extra calories.

Whip up a batch of this easy lemon loaf and watch it disappear! Your friends and family won’t believe it’s vegan. 

Get The Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake

Dark Chocolate Cake with Coffee Buttercream

A slice of chocolate cake with white frosting and topped with chocolate ganache and chopped nuts on a white plate.
DARK CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH COFFEE BUTTERCREAM. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD, HEALTHY LIFE.

This show-stopping dark chocolate cake will make your next special occasion truly memorable. It’s rich and moist, and the buttercream adds a lovely coffee kick. You won’t believe that this cake is vegan!

Get The Recipe: Dark Chocolate Cake with Coffee Buttercream

Vegan Cheesecake

A slice of cheesecake topped with cherry sauce on a plate, with more cherries in a bowl and additional slices in the background.
VEGAN CHEESECAKE. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD, HEALTHY LIFE.

Serve this vegan cheesecake on any special occasion; everyone will be begging for seconds. The smooth, creamy filling gets its rich texture from cashews, with a hint of tang from fresh lemon juice.

Unlike some vegan cheesecakes, this one holds its shape beautifully when baked for clean, neat slices with no mess.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Cheesecake

Vegan Carrot Cake

A carrot cake with creamy frosting, nuts, and a garnish on top.
VEGAN CARROT CAKE. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD, HEALTHY LIFE.

The tender, perfectly spiced crumb is loaded with grated carrots, crushed pineapple, chopped walnuts, and shredded coconut. Topped with luscious vegan cream cheese frosting, this cake looks and tastes like the real deal. 

Bring it to your next gathering and wait for the shock when you reveal its vegan status!

Get The Recipe: Vegan Carrot Cake

Plant-Based Chocolate Chip Cookies

A stack of chocolate chip cookies.
PLANT-BASED CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD, HEALTHY LIFE.

Are you craving chocolate chip cookies but want a healthier alternative? This easy recipe lets you indulge your sweet tooth without the eggs, dairy, or gluten.

The recipe is so customizable you can tweak it with add-ins to make it your signature chocolate chip cookie! 

Get The Recipe: Plant-Based Chocolate Chip Cookies

Homemade Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream

A bowl of strawberry ice cream with a waffle cone on a red and white polka dot background.
HOMEMADE VEGAN STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD, HEALTHY LIFE.

This vegan ice cream is the best dessert to cool down on a hot day. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like coconut milk, soy creamer, and fresh strawberries.

Kids and adults alike will love the fresh strawberry taste. Enjoy a bowl after dinner for the perfect no-fuss summer dessert.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream

Orange Olive Oil Cake

A citrus bundt cake garnished with powdered sugar and orange slices, with one slice on a plate ready to be served.
ORANGE OLIVE OIL CAKE. PHOTO CREDIT: THE ART OF FOOD AND WINE.

This easy cake comes together quickly with just a handful of ingredients. Process whole oranges – peel and all – in a food processor until smooth.

The orange peel infuses the cake with a bright citrus flavor and prevents it from being overly sweet. 

This cake is perfect for brunch, tea time, or dessert and makes a stunning centerpiece!

Get The Recipe: Orange Olive Oil Cake

Ube Cheesecake Bars

Sliced purple and white marbled cheesecake bars on parchment paper.
UBE CHEESECAKE BARS. PHOTO CREDIT: BALANCE WITH JESS.

These gorgeous purple bars will steal the show at your next party or potluck. With a crispy graham cracker crust, rich and creamy cheesecake filling, and vibrant ube swirl topping, they are a dessert everyone will rave about.

Get The Recipe: Ube Cheesecake Bars

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

A strawberry cheesecake cookie, broken in half to reveal a creamy filling, with strawberries in the background.
STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE COOKIES. PHOTO CREDIT: LAMBERTS LATELY.

Get the best of both worlds with these strawberry cheesecake cookies. With bright strawberry flavor in the cookie dough and rich, creamy cheesecake in the center, you’ll fall in love at first bite!

Enjoy them as a shareable dessert or a sweet snack anytime.

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Shoney’s Hot Fudge Cake

SHONEYS HOT FUDGE CAKE BY COPYKAT RECIPES
SHONEY’S HOT FUDGE CAKE. PHOTO CREDIT: COPYKAT RECIPES.

Remember that delicious chocolate cake from childhood, layered with creamy ice cream and drizzled in warm chocolate fudge? Relive the magic with this copycat recipe for Shoney’s famous Hot Fudge Cake!

Get The Recipe: Shoney’s Hot Fudge Cake

Raspberry Parfaits

Raspberry parfait with layers of fruit, cream, and crumbled biscuit, garnished with mint leaves.
RASPBERRY PARFAITS. PHOTO CREDIT: FOXES LOVE LEMONS.

This Raspberry Parfait is the perfect light and luscious dessert to end a fulfilling meal.

Made with just four simple ingredients, this lush layered trifle comes together in just five minutes. It is elegantly served in stemmed glasses—no baking or fancy piping required!

Get The Recipe: Raspberry Parfaits

Matcha Chia Pudding

Three jars of layered chia pudding with granola and blueberries on a wooden tray, accompanied by a spoon.
MATCHA CHIA PUDDING. PHOTO CREDIT: RAEPUBLIC.

Start your mornings right with a cup of matcha chia pudding. It boosts antioxidants to enhance focus and energy levels without crashing later. Chia seeds offer hearty plant-based protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Meal prepping a batch of these puddings on Sunday nights sets you up for grab-and-go breakfasts you can savor all week.

Get The Recipe: Matcha Chia Pudding

Vegan Tiramisu

A close-up of a slice of tiramisu showing its layered structure, with a dusting of cocoa powder on top.
VEGAN TIRAMISU. PHOTO CREDIT: ADDICTED TO DATES.

This is one of the best vegan tiramisu recipes ever – smooth, rich layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and non-dairy mascarpone, recreating the flavors of an Italian classic without eggs or dairy.

The tiramisu slices beautifully and holds up the layers without falling apart. It improves in flavor when chilled for 2-3 days!

Get The Recipe: Vegan Tiramisu

Maple & Brown Butter Tarts

Partially eaten butter tarts on a blue plate with a golden knife.
MAPLE & BROWN BUTTER TARTS. PHOTO CREDIT: A LITTLE SPOON.

These famous butter tarts take the classic recipe up a notch, swapping out corn syrup for reduced maple syrup to give them a uniquely Canadian twist.

Keep a batch in the freezer for impromptu guests or afternoon tea. It’s guaranteed to be your new go-to treat!

Get The Recipe: Maple & Brown Butter Tarts

And that’s some of the best desserts you must try! We can’t possibly fit every tempting treat in one place, but this is a delicious starting point.

From timeless favorites to exciting new creations, a perfect dessert adventure awaits every sweet tooth. After all, life is too short to skip dessert!

25+ Christmas Desserts That Are Just as Good as the Main Meal

holiday pretzel treats
EASY CHRISTMAS PRETZELS RECIPE. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Christmas desserts are the cherry on top of any holiday feast. Choose from sweet treats so festive, they’ll become your yearly staples!

Read it here: 25+ Christmas Desserts That Are Just as Good as the Main Meal

25 Heavenly Chocolate Recipes for Instant Happiness

What Does Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix with Powdered Milk Taste Like
HOMEMADE HOT CHOCOLATE MIX. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Get ready to fall in love with chocolate all over again. These chocolate recipes include baked desserts and no-bake options. Perfect for every chocolate lover!

Read it here: 25 Heavenly Chocolate Recipes for Instant Happiness

25 Strawberry Desserts That’ll Make You Berry Happy

A piece of cake with ice cream and strawberries on a plate.
STRAWBERRY PEACH COBBLER. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Explore this list of delicious strawberry desserts, featuring quick no-bake options and comforting baked creations. They cater to all tastes and occasions.

Read it here: 25 Strawberry Desserts That’ll Make You Berry Happy

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *