From nostalgic candy bars to fresh-baked pies and chilled ice creams, homemade treats bring extra satisfaction with every bite. These recipes skip the packaging and let you craft your own versions of store favorites, classic desserts, and fruity snacks right at home. Some are baked, others are frozen or no-bake, but all are made from scratch with bold flavor and simple steps. Here are 18 homemade desserts and snacks worth trying.
Homemade Blueberry Pie
Juicy blueberries are baked into a golden, flaky crust for this classic pie. The filling thickens as it cools, creating a soft, jammy texture. Use fresh or frozen berries depending on the season. Best served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
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Homemade Caramelized Banana Ice Cream
Ripe bananas are caramelized in sugar and butter before being blended into a creamy base. The flavor is rich, smooth, and naturally sweet. Freeze until scoopable. A unique spin on banana ice cream.
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Homemade Dried Strawberries
These chewy, sweet strawberry slices are dried in the oven or dehydrator. They’re great for snacking, adding to cereal, or mixing into trail mix. Store in an airtight jar. No added sugar needed when berries are ripe.
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Homemade Vanilla Cupcakes
Soft and fluffy, these classic cupcakes are made with real vanilla and bake into a tender crumb. Frost with buttercream or ganache. They’re versatile for decorating and perfect for any celebration.
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Homemade Gingerbread Ice Cream
This spiced ice cream combines molasses, ginger, and cinnamon for a bold flavor. It’s creamy with warm notes that work even in cold desserts. Freeze until set and serve on its own or with cookies.
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Homemade Pumpkin Spice Cake
This moist cake bakes with pumpkin puree and warm fall spices. It works well as a sheet cake or loaf. Top with cream cheese frosting or powdered sugar. A seasonal favorite that also freezes well.
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Homemade Turtles
Classic caramel and pecan clusters are coated in melted chocolate to make these iconic candies. Let them set before serving. Store chilled to keep the caramel firm. They’re sweet, nutty, and rich.
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Homemade Cranberry Fruit Roll-Ups
These homemade roll-ups use fresh cranberries, sweetener, and fruit puree to create a tangy snack. Spread thin and dehydrate until leathery. Roll in parchment to store. Tart, chewy, and fun to make.
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Homemade Cinnamon Twists
Puff pastry or dough is twisted with cinnamon sugar and baked until golden. They’re crisp outside, soft inside, and finished with a glaze or sugar dusting. Great with coffee or as a sweet brunch side.
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Homemade Andes Mints
These minty chocolate layers mimic the store-bought favorite with melted chocolate and a smooth mint center. Chill and cut into squares once set. Each bite has that cool, sweet contrast. Store in the fridge for best results.
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Homemade Cosmic Brownies
Fudgy brownies are topped with glossy chocolate frosting and dotted with rainbow candy chips. They mimic the look and taste of the lunchbox treat. Chill before slicing for clean edges. A nostalgic favorite done right.
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Homemade Tiramisu
Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream come together in this chilled, no-bake dessert. It sets in the fridge for clean slicing. Dust with cocoa powder before serving. Rich and light at once.
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Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches
Soft cookies bookend creamy ice cream for this freezer-friendly dessert. Roll the edges in sprinkles or mini chips for fun. Wrap and store in the freezer. Customize with any flavor combo you like.
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Homemade Butterfinger Bites
Crunchy, flaky candy centers are made from candy corn and peanut butter, then dipped in chocolate. Chill until set and slice into squares. A homemade spin on the classic bar. Sweet, salty, and full of texture.
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How to Make Homemade Marshmallows
These fluffy marshmallows are made with sugar, gelatin, and a stand mixer. They’re soft, bouncy, and toast beautifully. Cut into cubes or fun shapes. Great for hot cocoa or gifting.
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Homemade Kit Kat Bars
Layers of crispy wafers are stacked with chocolate and cut into sticks. Chill until firm and break apart. The texture is crunchy and smooth at once. Wrap for snacks or treat trays.
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Homemade York Peppermint Patties
A cool, creamy peppermint filling is coated in dark chocolate and chilled until firm. These patties are refreshing and rich. Press into molds or shape by hand. A great freezer treat.
Get the Recipe: Homemade York Peppermint Patties
Homemade Blueberry Dried Fruit Bites
Blueberries are blended with other fruits and dried into chewy snacks. They’re sweet without added sugar and good for lunchboxes. Store in jars or wrap in parchment. Easy to grab and go.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Blueberry Dried Fruit Bites
