Think You Can’t Bake? These 20 Simple Dessert Recipes Will Prove You Wrong
Baking doesn’t have to be tricky or take all day. With the right recipe, even total beginners can whip up something sweet and delicious.
These easy desserts use simple steps, common ingredients, and fun shortcuts that make success a sure thing.
Whether you’re craving chocolate, fruit, or something crunchy, this list will turn your kitchen into a dessert zone in no time.
1. Chocolate Mug Cake
Mix cocoa, flour, sugar, and milk in a mug, then microwave for about a minute until it puffs up like magic. The result is warm, gooey, and ready to eat with a spoon.
It’s perfect for late-night cravings or when you don’t want to wait. Add chocolate chips or a dollop of peanut butter for a quick upgrade.
2. Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars
Stir together peanut butter, honey, and oats, then press into a pan and chill until firm. These bars are chewy, nutty, and rich.
No oven needed, and they come together in minutes. Cut into squares for a snack that feels like dessert but works anytime.
3. Easy Lemon Bars
A soft butter crust holds a tangy lemon filling that’s sweet and bright. Just mix, bake, and dust with powdered sugar.
The lemon layer sets smooth and creamy on top. Chill them for cleaner slices and a refreshing citrus bite.
4. Classic Rice Krispie Treats
Melt butter and marshmallows, stir in cereal, and press into a pan. The texture is chewy, crispy, and lightly sticky.
They take less than 10 minutes and taste like childhood. Add sprinkles or drizzle with chocolate for extra flair.
5. Banana Bread
Mash ripe bananas with flour, sugar, eggs, and a touch of cinnamon. The loaf bakes into something soft, moist, and comforting.
It’s forgiving and perfect for overripe bananas. Toss in walnuts or chocolate chips for more texture.
6. Dump Cake
Layer canned fruit, boxed cake mix, and melted butter in a pan, then bake until bubbly and golden. The top turns crisp while the inside stays soft.
It feels like cobbler with none of the fuss. No mixing bowls or measuring needed—just pour, bake, and enjoy.
7. Apple Crisp
Slice apples and top with a buttery oat crumble, then bake until the fruit softens and the topping turns golden. Warm spices make it cozy and rich.
Serve it warm with ice cream for an easy dessert that tastes homemade every time. No crust rolling required.
8. No-Bake Cheesecake
Blend cream cheese, sugar, and whipped topping, then spread over a graham cracker crust and chill until set. The texture is smooth and creamy.
Top with fruit, jam, or crushed cookies. It’s an effortless way to make cheesecake with no oven involved.
9. Brownie Mix Cookies
Use a boxed brownie mix, add a couple eggs and some oil, and bake spoonfuls into soft, fudgy cookies. The edges crisp while the centers stay gooey.
They’re deeply chocolatey with minimal effort. Add nuts or candy for something fun and personalized.
10. Snickerdoodle Blondies
Cinnamon-sugar gets baked into a buttery blondie base, making these chewy, spiced bars easy and addicting. No rolling or chilling required.
They smell like warm holidays and taste like cookie dough with a kick. Great for gifting or keeping all to yourself.
11. Frozen Yogurt Bark
Spread yogurt onto a tray, sprinkle with fruit, nuts, and chocolate chips, then freeze and break into pieces. It’s cold, creamy, and crunchy.
Keep a stash in the freezer for quick snacks. Use flavored yogurt for extra variety.
12. Boxed Cake Hack Cupcakes
Add pudding mix, sour cream, or flavored extract to boxed cake batter for moist, bakery-style cupcakes. Bake and top with store-bought or homemade frosting.
They’re soft, sweet, and rise like a dream. A great way to make box mix taste like something special.
13. Microwave Fudge
Melt chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk in the microwave, stir until smooth, and pour into a dish to set. It’s rich and sliceable.
Add sea salt, nuts, or crushed candy for extra fun. No candy thermometer needed—just stir and chill.
14. Easy Peach Cobbler
Pour canned peaches into a baking dish, top with a quick batter or biscuit mix, and bake until golden. The fruit bubbles up beneath.
Serve it warm with whipped cream or ice cream. It’s sweet, syrupy, and super easy to throw together.
15. Oreo Truffles
Crush Oreos, blend with cream cheese, roll into balls, and dip in melted chocolate. The texture is dense, creamy, and crunchy all at once.
They’re no-bake and look fancy enough for parties. Let them chill before serving for the best bite.
16. Cherry Pie With Store-Bought Crust
Fill a ready-made crust with canned cherry pie filling, top with a second crust or lattice, and bake until golden and bubbling.
It’s juicy, tart, and simple to slice. No rolling pins or homemade fillings required.
17. Nutella Puff Pastry Twists
Spread Nutella between puff pastry sheets, slice into strips, twist, and bake until puffy and crisp. The edges caramelize while the center stays soft.
They look impressive but take almost no effort. Dust with powdered sugar for extra polish.
18. Simple Sugar Cookies
Mix flour, sugar, butter, and egg for a basic dough that’s easy to roll and cut. Bake until lightly golden at the edges.
Decorate with frosting or sprinkles—or leave plain and enjoy the buttery flavor. These are classic for a reason.
19. Strawberry Shortcake With Biscuits
Split soft biscuits, fill with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, and layer into sweet, flaky towers. The berries release juice that soaks into the bottom.
It’s quick, seasonal, and never too sweet. Use store-bought biscuits to save time.
20. S’mores Dip
Melt chocolate and marshmallows in a skillet and serve with graham crackers for dipping. The top browns under the broiler, just like at the campfire.
It’s gooey, warm, and fun to share. No fire pit needed, just an oven and a sweet tooth.