When you need a dessertโand fastโitโs helpful to have a go-to list of well-tested and trusted quick recipes. Here are 30+ Quick Dessert Recipes that are ready in 1 hour or less, including soft & thick monster cookies, a gluten free no-bake fruit tart, and fancy (but easy!) chocolate soufflรฉ. Grab your forks and spoonsโฆ dessert is *almost* ready!
Itโs no secret that I adore a challenging baking project.
I love rolling up my sleeves and tackling a peach pie with from-scratch pie crust, a batch of laminated croissants, or a dozens of decorated sugar cookies.
But as a busy parent and business owner, I know what itโs like to be strapped for time while also needing a special dessert for visitors, birthday parties, last-minute get togethers, or just because!
We Selected Our Best Quick Dessert Recipes
My team & I went through all of my 800+ dessert recipes and selected my favorite 30+ Quick Dessert Recipes that are ready in an hour or less. Keep this list handy for the next time you need dessert in a snap.
While my chewy chocolate chip cookies will always reign supreme, they do require a bit of planning. Sometimes we donโt have several hours to wait for our dough to chill, so try these giant chocolate chip cookies or chocolate chip cookie pizza instead. (Great for a crowd!)
If youโre referring to this list in the summer months, consider a fruit crisp to use your summer produce. Theyโre quick, but they donโt sacrifice flavor. Peach crisp and strawberry vanilla crisp are prime choices. Or go with apple crisp during the cooler months.
And for the most intense chocolate cravings, these chocolate fudge cakes for 2 are ready in 30 minutes.
Happy (speedy) baking!
30+ Quick Dessert Recipes (1 Hour or Less)
Date Night Chocolate Fudge Cakes for 2
Two individually portioned chocolate fudge cakes so rich, they put all other chocolate desserts to shame. This is a 30-minute small-batch recipe,ย and is perfect for when you donโt need to feed a crowd.
6 Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies
When you need a chocolate chip cookie fix but are in a time crunch, look no further. No chilling required for these extra soft and thick giant cookies.
Soft & Thick Snickerdoodles
These reader-favorite soft-baked snickerdoodle cookies only require about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Perfect Peach Crisp
Summertime dessert doesnโt get much betterโor easierโthan this! Showcasing sweet and juicy peaches bubbling beneath a toasted pecan oat streusel, peach crisp takes less than half the time and effort required for peach pie.
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Sweet biscuits are simply perfect for holding juicy strawberries and fresh whipped cream. Only 1 hour stands between you and delicious homemade strawberry shortcake.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Lava Cakes
Each rich, fudgy, and warm chocolate cake is filled with melty peanut butter and topped with vanilla ice cream. Youโll be surprised at how quickly this indulgent dessert comes together!
Shortbread Cookies Recipe
This classic shortbread recipe doesnโt require any dough chilling, and you donโt have to worry about over-spreading because theyโre conveniently baked in round cake pans. Keep them vanilla-flavored or try the optional add-ins.
Pistachio Drop Cookies
Get ready for a cookie flavor explosion with only 6 easy ingredientsโincluding real pistachiosโ1 mixing bowl, and only 30 minutes of chill time. The brown butter icing on top seals the deal!
Classic Apple Crisp
Pure and simple apple crisp is anything but basic. With its exceptional flavors and textures, this comfort food is quicker than traditional pie and ready in about an hour.
Almond Poppy Seed Tea Cakes
These almond poppy seed tea cakes are buttery and light with a crunchy crackly exterior. Baked in a muffin pan, the delicate tea cakes are simple but taste extra fancy.
Cookies & Cream Puppy Chow
Puppy chow is as easy to make as it is irresistible. Just grab some Chex cereal, Oreos, and chocolate, and youโll be snacking in no time.
Lemon Coconut Drop Shortbread Cookies
Think of snowball cookies but with a summery lemon coconut flavor and a light glaze rather than confectionersโ sugar coating. These cookies are extra buttery, tender yet crumbly, and ready in an hour.
How to Make Chocolate Soufflรฉ (GF)
While chocolate soufflรฉ may look intimidating, the great news is that itโs a quick recipe and you only need 7 basic ingredients. My video, instructions, and success tips set you up for soufflรฉ success.
Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping
This incredibly moist and flavorful spiced pumpkin coffee cake is piled high with a crumb topping and finished with vanilla icing. Perfectly acceptable as a breakfast treat, with afternoon tea, or as dessert.
Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies
Give the oven a break! I make these family-favorite 8 ingredient peanut butter chocolate no-bake cookies more than any other cookie recipe on my website.
Easy Lace Cookies (GF)
Made from only 6 ingredients, these lace cookies are ready in 30 minutes and they taste like sweet brown butter and caramel. Sandwich with a little chocolate for an extra special treat.
Baked Apples Recipe (GF)
Like an individually portioned apple crisp, this quick dessert comes together with a buttery brown sugar crumble and fresh apples. Recipe can be halved or doubled.
No-Bake Greek Yogurt Fruit Tart (GF)
This wholesome Greek yogurt fruit tart comes together with a simple 3-ingredient crust, protein-packed Greek yogurt, and all your favorite seasonal fresh fruits. Ready (and gone!) in a matter of minutes.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza
Chocolate chip cookie pizza is perfect when the whole family needs a quick, indulgent treat. Itโs easier than rolling individual cookies and there is no dough chilling required.
Blackberry Peach Skillet Cornmeal Cake
If youโre looking for a unique dessert, this blackberry peach skillet cornmeal cake has a lovely texture while remaining impeccably moist. The icing on top of the cake? Brown butter icing, of course.
Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce (5 Minutes)
Homemade hot fudge sauce comes together in just 5 minutes on the stove, and you can use it on ice cream or serve it as a dip for fruitโฆ or simply savor a spoonful of it all on its own!
Strawberry Vanilla Crisp
Although sweet strawberries are the star here, vanilla bean seeds add fanciful flavor and depth, while the lightly cinnamon-spiced brown sugar oat topping is pure comfort food. This summer staple is ready in an hour.
Coconut Macaroons (GF)
These quick and easy coconut macaroons are naturally gluten free and dairy free. Theyโre sweet, moist, and chewy on the inside with a delightfully crisp exterior that everyone loves.
Soft & Thick Monster Cookies
Hands down the best monster cookies to ever grace our kitchens. Theyโre positively packed with peanut butter, oats, M&Ms, and chocolate chips, and thereโs no dough chilling required.
Individual Apple Crumbles
If youโre looking for an easy no-fuss dessert, try these 7-ingredient individual apple crumbles. Prep is uncomplicated and quick and as long as you have oven-safe ramekins, the crumbles bake in just over 30 minutes.
Maple Vanilla Baked Pears (GF)
You only need 4 ingredients for these simple maple vanilla baked pears. Theyโre cooked until warm and soft, infused with maple and vanilla, and topped with a delightful crunchy granola.
Super Soft Pumpkin Cookies
These are always one of my most-baked cookies during pumpkin season. Theyโre thick with a soft and cakey texture, and since the dough doesnโt require chilling, youโll be enjoying these perfectly spiced cookies in no time.
Caramel Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints (GF)
These naturally gluten-freeย caramelย coconut macaroon thumbprintsย are sweet, moist, and chewy, with a delightfully crisp and toasty exterior.
Ultimate Skillet Brownie
A rich, dense, fudgy brownie made completely from scratch and baked in a skilletโneed I say more? Unlike when making brownies in a regular pan, no need to wait for this giant brownie to cool before digging in.
Reeseโs Pieces White Chocolate Bark
Stuffed chocolate bark! This is a fun twist on the classic Reeseโs Peanut Butter Cup, featuring creamy white chocolate and crunchy Reeseโs Pieces.ย
More Resources
- For even more recipe inspiration, youโll love these lists of 20+ healthy dessert recipes and 40+ kid-friendly baking recipes.
- If you need a gluten-free treat, here are 40+ย gluten-free dessert recipesย everyone loves.
- I also have a collection of 80+ recipes with 8 ingredients or fewer.
Reader Comments and Reviews
I just love all of them especially the cookie pie.But we can take the cookie pie and add cream in the middle to make a cookie sandwich.
Hi Sandy, you could make two separate cookie pizzas and sandwich them with vanilla buttercream. Let us know if you try it!
i love youre recipes!!!
i love your baking!
I have loved baking.I found these and love them!
Really good recipes to try.
I purchased your book Sallyโs 101 book, after looking at this site I think I should have saved my money and just printed off what I am interested in.
That being said am very pleased with your book.
I was a little nervous about the caramel apples but they were perfect. The apples coated perfectly and the caramel stayed in placeโฆ..no sliding into a puddle underneath the apple. This is a very easy recipe and so delicious. I canโt wait to make them again at next yearโs Halloween party.
I think using cold apples was a great tip. Thank you.
Great list but personally I think your coconut chocolate balls and moreover truffles should be on this list, both very easy to make and absolutely delicious
cool
This made me want to try the caramel apples it was amazing!
Looking for ultimate recipe for family reunion. Make ahead if possible. Dessert preferably maybe even cinnamon rolls Your thoughts???
Hi Debbie, do you have a specific type of dessert in mind? Cookies or brownies/bars are always popular choices for serving larger crowds and are easy to serve.
Grateful for this as Iโm struggling with brain fade (itโs my age) and sweet treats are a personal craving ๐