Have a Sweet Tooth but Can’t Bake? Don’t Worry, We Got You
Making desserts at home doesn’t have to be stressful, even if you’re new to baking. With a little effort and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up some seriously delicious treats that will impress your friends and family (or just make your day better). These 17 beginner-friendly desserts are perfect for anyone starting out, and they’re more than just basic cakes and ice cream. Ready to make some OG desserts?
1. Chocolate Chip Cookies
These are the OG of easy desserts. With butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and chocolate chips, you can create soft, chewy cookies that taste like a warm hug. The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment—just mix, scoop, and bake. Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet touch. Trust us, you’ll never want store-bought again.
2. Vanilla Pudding
Homemade vanilla pudding is smooth, creamy, and miles better than the boxed stuff. With milk, sugar, cornstarch, and a splash of vanilla extract, you can whip this up in under 15 minutes. Serve it warm for ultimate comfort or chilled with a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert. Add crushed cookies or fruit on top to make it extra special.
3. Fruit Crumble
A fruit crumble is a dessert that’s hard to mess up, which makes it perfect for beginners. Toss fresh or frozen fruit (like apples, berries, or peaches) with a little sugar and flour, then top it with a buttery oat crumble. Pop it in the oven until it’s golden and bubbly. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream, and you’ve got an easy crowd-pleaser.
4. Rice Krispie Treats
This no-bake dessert is all about nostalgia and simplicity. Melt marshmallows with a little butter, stir in Rice Krispies cereal, and press it into a pan. It’s that easy! For fun variations, mix in chocolate chips, drizzle melted chocolate on top, or add colorful sprinkles. Great for parties or lazy afternoons.
5. Chocolate Mousse
This rich, fluffy dessert might look fancy, but it’s super beginner-friendly. All you need is melted chocolate, whipped cream, and sugar. Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate for a light, airy texture, then chill in the fridge. Serve it in individual cups with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or grated chocolate for a professional finish.
6. No-Bake Cheesecake
Skip the oven with this creamy, dreamy cheesecake. Start with a graham cracker crust, then mix cream cheese, sugar, and a little lemon juice for the filling. Spread it into the crust and let it set in the fridge. Top with fruit, caramel, or chocolate sauce for a dessert that looks and tastes like it took way more effort than it did.
7. Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies are a must-know dessert for any beginner. Melt butter and cocoa powder, mix in sugar, eggs, and flour, and bake until just set. The secret is not overbaking, so keep them a little gooey in the center. Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra indulgence. Pro tip: they’re even better the next day!
8. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Want something fancy without the work? Chocolate-dipped strawberries are the answer. Melt chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler, then dip fresh strawberries in and let them set on parchment paper. For an extra touch, drizzle white chocolate on top or sprinkle with crushed nuts. Perfect for date nights or parties.
9. Apple Turnovers
Store-bought puff pastry makes this dessert incredibly easy. Fill the pastry with a mixture of diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a little lemon juice, fold into triangles, and bake until golden. They’re crispy, flaky, and taste amazing dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with caramel sauce.
10. Banana Bread
This classic is perfect for using up overripe bananas. With just flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and bananas, you can whip up a moist, sweet loaf in no time. Add chocolate chips or nuts for a fun twist. Bonus: your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes.
11. Strawberry Shortcake Cups
These individual desserts are as easy as they are adorable. Layer sliced strawberries, whipped cream, and store-bought sponge cake or biscuits in small cups or jars. The result is a light, refreshing dessert that’s perfect for summer or last-minute cravings.
12. Chocolate Bark
Chocolate bark is the ultimate customizable dessert. Melt your favorite chocolate, spread it on a baking sheet, and sprinkle with toppings like crushed nuts, dried fruits, coconut flakes, or even candy. Let it harden in the fridge, then break it into pieces. It’s perfect for gifting or snacking.
13. Mug Cake
When you need dessert now, mug cakes are the answer. Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and oil in a mug, microwave for about a minute, and voila—a warm, gooey cake just for you. Top it with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for maximum happiness.
14. Lemon Bars
Lemon bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Start with a buttery shortbread crust, then pour on a lemony filling made from eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and a bit of flour. Bake, cool, and dust with powdered sugar. They’re bright, zesty, and surprisingly easy to make.
15. Churros
Churros may sound intimidating, but they’re actually pretty beginner-friendly. Make a simple dough with water, butter, and flour, pipe it into hot oil, and fry until golden. Roll them in cinnamon sugar and serve with chocolate sauce or caramel for dipping. They’re crispy, sweet, and totally irresistible.
16. Fruit Popsicles
Homemade popsicles are not just easy—they’re fun! Blend your favorite fruits with a little juice or yogurt, pour into popsicle molds (or paper cups), and freeze. Mix and match flavors like mango and pineapple or strawberry and kiwi for a refreshing, colorful treat.
17. Coconut Macaroons
Not to be confused with French macarons, macaroons are chewy cookies made with shredded coconut, condensed milk, and egg whites. They’re quick to mix up and bake into golden, toasty perfection. Dip the bottoms in chocolate for an extra-special touch.
Sweet Success
These desserts are perfect for anyone starting their baking journey or looking for simple recipes that still impress. With a little practice and a lot of delicious results, you’ll feel like a pro in no time.
