Easy and Quick Desserts

Who doesn’t love indulging in a delicious dessert? Whether it’s a special occasion or you simply want to treat yourself, having a few easy and quick dessert options up your sleeve is always a great idea. On this page, you’ll find tips and hints for choosing the right dessert, secrets to dessert-making success and recipes for the sweetest indulgences ever!

Find more easy and quick desserts in these posts

What are the most popular types of desserts?

Cakes and cupcakes:

Cakes come in countless flavors, textures, and sizes. From classic chocolate cake to moist carrot cake, there’s a cake for every occasion. Popular variations include red velvet, vanilla, cheesecake, and sponge cake.

Tip: If you want to offer easy and quick, opt for cupcakes, making several batches in different flavors.

Check out our recipes for more ideas!

Cookies and Bars:

Cookies are versatile treats loved by all ages. There are endless flavors and styles to choose from, including chocolate chip, sugar, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter and shortbread cookies. Bars are essentially cookie dough baked in a baking pan and cut into rectangles.

Check out our recipes for more ideas!

Pies and Tarts

Pies and tarts are delicious desserts with a flaky crust and a sweet filling. Apple pie, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie are traditional favorites, while fruit tarts, lemon meringue pie, and key lime pie offer refreshing and tangy flavors.

Other Easy and Quick Desserts

Beyond the traditional categories above, there are lots of other deliciously creative ways to enjoy dessert, including trifles, crisps and cobblers,

Check out our recipes for more ideas!

What are some creative easy and quick dessert ideas for special occasions?

Dessert Shooters: Create mini desserts in shot glasses or small cups, layering different flavors and textures. Examples include chocolate mousse with cookie crumbs, strawberry shortcake with whipped cream, or tiramisu with coffee-soaked ladyfingers.
Dessert Sushi: Make a playful twist on sushi by using sweet ingredients. Replace the rice with crispy cereal treats, the seaweed with fruit roll-ups or crepes, and the filling with sliced fruit, Creamy Caramel Sauce, Rhubarb Strawberry Fruit Spread, hazelnut spread or marshmallow fluff.

Ice Cream Sandwich Bar: Set up a DIY ice cream sandwich station with various ice cream flavors and a selection of cookies or brownies. Let guests choose their ice cream and cookies and assemble their personalized ice cream sandwiches.

Tip: Along the same lines as an ice cream sandwich bar, consider a s’mores bar. Canned heat sources (like Sterno) can provide a controlled heat source in place of an open fire. Offer marshmallows in a variety of flavors, different types of candy and large, flat cookies alongside graham crackers in several flavors.

Dessert Skewers: Thread bite-sized pieces of fruit, marshmallows, brownie chunks, or cake onto skewers. Serve them with a chocolate or caramel dipping sauce for a fun and interactive dessert experience.
Dessert Tacos: Fill crispy taco shells with scoops of ice cream, drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce, and top with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or fresh fruit. You can also add whipped cream and a cherry on top.

Mini Pies or Tarts: Bake individual-sized pies or tarts in various flavors, such as apple, cherry, lemon meringue, or chocolate. Arrange them on a dessert platter for easy serving and an elegant presentation.

Tip: Bite-sized desserts are ideal for tea parties or gatherings where guests will be standing and mingling.

Dessert Charcuterie Board: Create a dessert version of a charcuterie board by arranging a variety of bite-sized treats like cookies, chocolates, fruit slices, nuts, and mini pastries on a large serving board. Add some fruit dips, sweet cheese balls, dipping sauces or spreads for extra flavor.
Dessert Pizza: Bake a cookie or brownie crust, then top it with a layer of cream cheese frosting or hazelnut spread. Decorate with colorful sprinkles, chocolate chips, fruit, or crushed candies.
Donut Wall or Tower: Create a stunning display by arranging donuts on a wall-mounted pegboard or stacking them in a tiered tower. Offer a variety of flavors and glazes to cater to different preferences.

How should desserts be stored to maintain freshness?

Unfrosted cakes can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap.
Frosted cakes or cupcakes should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent the frosting from melting. Place them in an airtight container or cover them with plastic wrap.
Most cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. To keep cookies soft, place a slice of bread in the container with them. The bread will help retain moisture.
Fruit pies can be stored at room temperature for up to two days. Cover them loosely with foil or plastic wrap. To prevent pie crust from becoming soggy, do not cover the pie with an airtight seal.
Cream or custard pies should be refrigerated and consumed within two to three days.
Cheesecake should be refrigerated and stored in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap and consumed within three to four days.