Craving something sweet, but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? You're in the right place. This roundup of simple recipes has something for every mood and occasion - from crumbles and cakes, cupcakes and cookies, to classic, feel-good desserts. Each bake is fuss-free with minimal equipment, perfect for a last-minute dinner party or someone who is new to baking. Dive into a world of deliciously effortless baking!
Inside this blog post, you'll find 40 of my favorite fuss-free recipes, plus helpful tips to make your bakes more consistent, a guide to essential equipment, and simple topping ideas to elevate your desserts. These recipes are approachable, reliable, and designed to let you enjoy the baking process as much as the finished treats.
With these simple dessert recipes, you can enjoy a sweet variety of homemade desserts without overcomplicating things. They're easy to make, dependable, and just good baking you can count on.
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Easy Dessert Recipes
Let's start off strong with some of the best crowd-pleasing easy desserts that will just blow everyone away every time. Every one of these dessert recipes looks and tastes incredible, but is deceptively simple to put together.
We're starting strong with a cozy apple crumble! Whip up some spiced Granny Smith apples and a crunchy, buttery crumb topping in just minutes, and bake until golden brown. My crumble topping can be used on any stewed fruit, so you can change up this classic recipe as you please. Top with some vanilla ice cream or even serve with homemade custard sauce.
These are the BEST fudge brownies with perfect shiny tops - rich, chewy, and irresistibly chocolately. This recipe uses melted chocolate and melted butter to achieve a gooey center that keeps every bite indulgent. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make them extra special.
Create this delicious peach dessert in no time at all! Sprinkle a crispy oat-and-nut topping over a warm bed of spiced peaches coated in a sweet syrup. It's a classic comfort dessert that takes no time at all.
Pavlovas get a bad rep for being tricky and tedious to make - this recipe proves that wrong! With detailed instructions and visual cues at every step, you'll learn exactly what meringue should look like for the perfect, easy pavlova. Best served with fresh berries and homemade whipped cream.
I think this creamy chocolate mousse might be my tastiest recipe on this website...for real. Enjoy luscious spoonfuls of silky, rich mousse that stays set in shape for days. It's the perfect last-minute dinner party dessert that everyone will love.
Indulge in this decadent dessert when you can't choose between cheesecake and brownies. Simply pour the best brownie batter into your baking pan, top it with a layer of creamy cheesecake mixture, and swirl together to create a dazzling design. It's that easy for you fellow brownie lovers!
Condensed milk is the key to any quick and creamy dessert! Encase layers of banana-caramel filling and sliced bananas in a buttery Graham cracker crust. Top with lashings of freshly whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Looking for a dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes? These darling apple roses are incredibly easy to make. Simply roll spiced apple slices up in strips of jam-coated puff pastry, bake, and enjoy! Nobody will ever know how easy it was!
Treat yourself to a comforting crumble bursting with tart, juicy blueberries. Rather than faffing around with cold butter, I use the melted butter method to create the crunchiest crumble topping with ease. Make this sweet pudding all year round with fresh or frozen blueberries, and a freezable crumble topping!
How cute are these individual desserts? Strawberry shortcake is the ultimate nostalgic treat that I love to serve at the end of a dinner party. You can make the buttery biscuits up to 2 days in advance, and whip up some Chantilly cream and strawberries when you're ready to serve.
Easy Cakes
All you need to make this impressive design is a bundt cake pan. Beat the fluffy lemon batter, stir in the raspberries, and pour into your pan to create a showstopper cake. It's light, airy, and full of citrus-berry flavor! Serve with a fresh lemon glaze to make your bundt cake extra moist.
Banana bread just got better with brown butter! Add some toasty, nutty notes to this banana loaf to take it to the next level. Top with brown butter cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a rustic finish.
This is my go-to cake when I need to bake something quickly that I know will deliver. It's a fluffy cake with an irresistible mix of coffee and chocolate in every element. An easy weekend treat that will stay moist for days.
After years of fussing with a Genoise sponge, I've created the easiest vanilla sponge recipe that bakes perfectly every time. It uses the hot milk method to achieve a tall, fluffy, and mega-moist sponge that stays like this far longer than a regular cake. I love to use this recipe to make more elaborate desserts, like my Tiramisu Cake, much more approachable and foolproof.
These adorable mini bundt cakes are the best individual desserts to serve at a dinner party. Pair the same simple bundt cake sponge with 6 tasty topping flavors - from strawberry swirl to maple-pecan.
A light and fluffy lemon loaf to brighten up every coffee morning. My secret tip for a super moist sponge is soaking it in a silky lemon glaze whilst it's still warm - every slice is succulent and bursting with citrus flavor.
Easy Cookie Recipes
When you need a quick and easy dessert, cookies are often your best bet! Not only are they super easy to make for all skill levels, but you can make most of them in advance and store the cookie dough in the freezer until you are ready to bake - so you can become that person who always has freshly baked cookies at home!
I tested 36 iterations of this cookie recipe to make sure it was absolutely perfect for you lovely bakers! It guarantees delicious cookies with crispy edges and soft, gooey centers that are loaded with melty chocolate chips - add another kind of chocolate to make these double chocolate chip cookies. Can be baked from frozen for a super speedy cookie-fix!
A classic shortbread cookie recipe that comes together in minutes. You'll need just 3 ingredients for these cookies that are guaranteed to be in your kitchen already - butter, sugar, and flour. Bake up some crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth cookies this weekend that hold their shape perfectly.
The ultimate fall cookie! This brand new recipe is hot off the press - I've made it 3 times already since posting! The key to creating chewy and soft pumpkin cookies is blotting the pumpkin puree to ensure they don't go soggy and wet. Try out my pumpkin chocolate chip cookies for some extra sweetness!
Is there any better match for a hot cup of coffee than a coffee cookie? These babies are chewy, soft, and crispy all at the same time with a rich espresso flavor.
That's right! With just 3 ingredients, you can make these classic sugar cookies for any occasion. They have a delicious buttery flavor and are completely eggless, so they're great for anyone with an allergy. Shape and design these cookies however you wish - they are guaranteed to hold their shape!
Loaded with chopped pistachios, these succulent shortbread and dark chocolate cookies are perfect if you like a cookie with a saltier edge. I use the 'slice-and-bake' method to. make the process even simpler, without the hassle of a cookie cutter or a rolling pin.
Watch these powdered chocolate cookie dough balls expand into crinkly-topped cookies as they bake. They're soft, indulgent, and packed with gooey chocolate chips. This is my go-to 'last-minute' cookie recipe!
To make these lovely Danish butter cookies, simply pipe little swirls onto your baking sheet and bake until slightly golden. This recipe makes for a buttery-soft, flavorsome cookie that will hold its beautiful shape and design. You can even dip them in chocolate for extra indulgence.
Try my classic chocolate chip cookie recipe with white chocolate for a sweet and creamy twist. I always keep a batch of these dough balls in my freezer so I can bake them whenever the cookie craving hits.
Easy Muffins and Cupcakes
Muffins and cupcakes are the 'bread and butter' of easy desserts. There's nothing like having fresh, warm muffins in your kitchen for dessert, breakfast, or an afternoon snack. And cupcakes are the ultimate fancy but fast dessert to bring to a gathering.
These classic one-bowl blueberry muffins are pure fluffy magic, with the perfect domed tops on each one - ready to eat in under an hour! Enjoy them all year round with fresh or frozen blueberries.
Treat yourself to some banana baking goodness with these velvety little cupcakes. I like to top mine with a smooth swirl of brown butter cream cheese frosting and a couple of banana slices to finish. Be sure to use nice, ripe bananas for the best flavor.
Dive into espresso heaven with these delightful coffee cupcakes. Both the airy sponge and easy buttercream are infused with fresh espresso powder to deliver the richest espresso flavor.
I am the self-proclaimed pistachio queen, so these muffins are nothing short of fabulous! One reader said: "These are maybe the best muffins I've ever made. Everyone who tasted one absolutely raved about it!". You've got to try them.
These fairy cakes are great for parties and kids' baking and decorating. They bake up into the fluffiest sponge with a golden top, oozing with classic vanilla flavor. Top with a swirl of vanilla buttercream and some cute sprinkles.
You can't go wrong with a classic chocolate cupcake, and these are just divine! They're made up of 3 tasty elements: rich chocolate sponge, silky ganache filling, and silky chocolate buttercream.
I swear I bake these pumpkin spice cupcakes at least 5 times a year during the festive period! They are bursting with warm spices and real pumpkin flavor, and are complemented by homemade cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Treat yourself to a good old raspberry muffin with a crumble twist! Before they're baked, sprinkle some of my crumble topping on top to create contrasting textures for the tastiest breakfast treat or coffee-side snack.
Now, I know scones aren't cupcakes or muffins, but it felt wrong not to include them in this easy bakes roundup, because they are so simple to make! Bring together a dense yet crumbly, melt-in-the-mouth dough and bake for no more than 20 minutes. For a sweet finish, drizzle over some homemade vanilla glaze or serve with jam and cream.
No-Bake Desserts
Talk about keeping it simple - who knew you could make so many deliciously easy desserts without even turning on your oven!
No oven? No problem! This decadent Biscoff cheesecake is completely bake-free and tastes immense. Starting with a buttery layer of Lotus Biscoff crumb, topped with a Biscoff cheesecake filling, and sandwiched together with generous drips of melted Biscoff spread and swirls of homemade whipped cream.
Snack on some chocolate-covered edible cookie dough without the risk of eating raw eggs. These tasty treats are great to take to work, school, or have on the go for a quick sugar fix.
Who knew strawberries and cream could be so fabulous? Rather than drizzling some pouring cream over your fresh strawberries, whip up a luscious Chantilly cream instead! The fluffy texture and sweet taste are just wonderful, and the little vanilla specks make it look extra homemade.
These chocolate quinoa crisps are a delicious, hassle-free snack that is actually rather good for you! Simply crisp up puffed quinoa in a dry frying pan, coat it in melted chocolate, and spoon little mounds onto parchment paper to set for 30 minutes.
Homemade chocolate-covered strawberries are a lovely edible gift for Valentine's, Mother's Day, or a bestie's birthday. Make them extra special by using my easy chocolate tempering method - you can do it in the microwave, and it doesn't even require a thermometer.
These tasty truffles combine dark chocolate, condensed milk, butter, and chocolate sprinkles to make the best after-dinner treat. You can customize the toppings however you like to suit special occasions or holidays.
Baking Tips For Everyone
Whether you're a beginner baker or have been whipping up desserts for years, these essential tips are all you need to bake with confidence.
- Use a scale - I always ALWAYS recommend measuring your ingredients with a kitchen scale. Though I provide cup measurements as well for those who want them, using a kitchen scale is much more accurate and will ensure you have consistent results every time. It's very difficult to get accurate measurements of dry ingredients with cups, and often being the tiniest bit off can really mess up your bakes. The fastest way to improve your baking is by using a kitchen scale!
- Read the recipe - I always recommend reading the full recipe before you start baking to know what's coming up. For new bakers, it's great to use step-by-step recipe blogs with pictures and tips (like this one!) so you can see exactly how things should look.
- Use reliable sources - Find recipe sites you know you can trust - look for evidence that the person behind the website has the experience and expertise to know what they are doing. This will save you from wasting time and ingredients on an unreliable recipe that may not work out.
- Mix just enough - The key to a fluffy, melt-in-the-mouth bake is a light hand when it comes to mixing. Whether it's cakes, muffins, or cookies, mix just until the ingredients have come together and no more (unless the recipe says otherwise!)
- Get to know your oven - No two ovens bake the same, so it's worth getting familiar with yours. Use an oven thermometer to check if the temperature matches the setting - some ovens run a little hotter or cooler and may need to be calibrated. Take note for next time so you can adjust as needed.
To find any hot spots, place a few slices of bread on a tray and bake until golden. Notice where they brown faster - those are your hot spots. You can rotate your bakes partway through to ensure they cook evenly. - Room temperature ingredients - Most of the time, your ingredients should all be the same temperature to help them incorporate properly. Always check the ingredient notes for the temperature of things like butter and eggs.
- Cool completely - The cooling process can sometimes be just as important as the baking! Let cakes, cookies, and breads cool fully before slicing or frosting to prevent them from crumbling or melting your toppings. A lot of bakes also need to rest in the pan before being pushed out - patience pays off here.
- Trust the process - Above everything else, baking can sometimes feel a bit uncertain. Follow the steps, be patient, and don't worry if things aren't perfect - practice, experience, and a good recipe make all the difference.
Easy Desserts FAQs
For me, anything that I can scoop into little bowls or ramekins makes the perfect, easy party dessert. Streusel recipes like my apple crumble and blueberry crumble, as well as my peach crisp, take just minutes to prepare and can be made a few days ahead. And in the summer months, a fresh pavlova or banoffee pie goes down a treat, while being so easy to make. And let's not forget the iconic chocolate mousse!
There are so many delicious treats you can make with just 3 ingredients (except vanilla being a 4th!). Try my sugar cookies, chocolate quinoa crisps, and traditional shortbread for a coffee-side snack. For a fancier dessert, choose from chocolate-covered strawberries, meringue cookies, strawberries and cream, and a rich crème brûlée.
A good, simple cookie recipe rarely takes more than 20 minutes to prep. And for most recipes, you can store the rolled cookie dough balls in the freezer for whenever you fancy one - just like my chocolate chip cookies!
Easy Frostings, Toppings, and Glazes
How do you make a dessert even tastier? With a delicious topping, of course!
For fluffy sponge cakes, cupcakes, and sandwich cookies, a good frosting recipe is all you need. For anything cozy and autumnal, I'll always go for my brown butter cream cheese frosting (or just regular cream cheese frosting to keep things simple). For a classic topping, buttercream is all you need! Take your pick from French buttercream, Russian buttercream, German buttercream, Italian meringue buttercream, or my easy chocolate buttercream - they all have their own signature texture and can be flavored however you like!
For a thinner, silkier topping to pair with bundt cakes, breads, tarts, donuts, cheesecakes, or simply just fresh fruit, a glaze is perfect. I use sweet vanilla glaze and cream cheese glaze in so many bakes, like my cinnamon roll muffins and maple pecan bundt cake. For a fruitier alternative, strawberry glaze is the one for you.
Nothing beats a classic dessert topping, so sometimes a homemade caramel sauce or fresh Chantilly cream is all you need to make your desserts extra special.
Equipment Essentials
Having the right tools on hand makes baking smoother and more enjoyable. With a few key items, you'll be ready to tackle any recipe with ease. This is my comprehensive list of equipment that every baker needs in their kitchen:
- Mixing bowls
- Kitchen scale
- Cake pans
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Stand mixer
- Rubber Spatula
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Cookie scoop
Baking Made Easy
So, there you have it - 40 easy desserts you can make from scratch at home with no fuss and all the flavor. Each one is designed to be straightforward, satisfying, and always scrumptious.
If you give one a try, drop a comment below and let me know how it went - I'd love to hear from you.
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