Easy Dessert Recipes

Pressed for time? Try these sweets on for size. From fruit crumble to rich fudge, our fuss-free recipes are guaranteed to impress guests.

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Photo By: Kathryn Cooper

Pear-Cranberry Crumble

Instead of serving a traditional pumpkin or pecan pie, try this easy, subtly sweet crumble that pairs in-season Bartlett pears with cranberries.

Get the Recipe: Pear-Cranberry Crumble

No Pan Pear Pie

Alton's easy pie dough gains unexpected texture from ground cornmeal while apple juice concentrate lends an added fruity note to complement the filling. No crimping necessary: Simply fold the dough over the balsamic-laced fruit and this pie is ready to hit the oven.

Get the Recipe: No Pan Pear Pie

Chopped Walnut & Coffee Cake

The Two Fat Ladies are full of surprises: This isn't "coffee cake" in the traditional sense. This is a bold cake made with coffee grounds, nuts and, most unexpectedly, fresh breadcrumbs.

Get the Recipe: Chopped Walnut and Coffee Cake

Slow-Baked Honey Wine Pears

Laura Calder slowly bakes pears in a honey-wine mixture for a sweet, light dessert. Serve with Cognac-spiked whipped cream to complete the dish.

Get the Recipe: Slow-Baked Honey Wine Pears

Bourbon Banana Puddings

This Southern staple always satisfies — especially when the vanilla pudding base gets kicked up with brown sugar and bourbon.

Get the Recipe: Bourbon Banana Puddings

Pecan Bars

As a quick(er)-fix alternative to pecan pie, try Aida's bars; they take only minutes to prep, and the result is addictive little bites that are the ideal mix of chewy and crunchy, nutty and sweet.

Get the Recipe: Pecan Bars

Honey Tangerine Gelatin

Tangerines hit their seasonal stride in late October to early November, making them an ideal dessert for fall. This recipe lets the fruit shine brilliantly, simply pairing the juice and zest with gelatin and sugar.

Get the Recipe: Honey Tangerine Gelatin

3 Minute Chocolate "Cup" Cake

Dressed up in individual ramekins and topped with a scoop of ice cream and a cherry, this cake is so rich your guests will never know your microwave did all the heavy lifting.

Get the Recipe: 3 Minute Chocolate "Cup" Cake

Cherry Dump Cake Cobbler

Get past the weird name — we know that "dump cake" isn't the most appetizing-sounding dish — and focus on how easy it is to make. Combine cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple, sprinkle on boxed cake mix, pecans and butter, and bam — dessert is served!

Get the Recipe: Cherry Dump Cake Cobbler

Apple Tarte Tatin

Guests will flip for Kelsey Nixon's inverted tarte tatin, which puts the focus on the beautifully arranged apple slices nestled into billowing puff pastry.

Get the Recipe: Apple Tarte Tatin

Indian Fudge

Spice up your usual fudge with this nut-packed approach, which uses dry milk powder, cashews, pistachios and cardamom instead of the typical chocolate-milk combination.

Get the Recipe: Indian Fudge

Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Granita

Light yet bold, this fruity granita is a simple alternative to heavy desserts. Be sure to use a fresh cinnamon stick for the best flavor.

Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Granita

Chocolate-Hazelnut Crepes

David Rocco's crepes require a bit of hands-on work, but each step is as basic as can be, and the result — light dough stuffed with warm Nutella and bananas — is worth every gooey bite.

Get the Recipe: Joe David's Chocolate-Hazelnut Crepes