Get a head start on your sweet treats with these delicious desserts you can prepare in advance. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just saving time during the week.

S’Mores Crumbl Cookies

A cookie topped with toasted marshmallows, a sprinkle of crumbs, and drizzled with white icing sits on a white grid-patterned surface—perfect for make-ahead desserts on busy days.
S’Mores Crumbl Cookies. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

A Crumbl cookie from the comfort of your own kitchen? Yes, please! Try this easy copycat recipe of s’mores Crumbl cookies. They taste like the real deal!
Get the Recipe: S’Mores Crumbl Cookies

3-Ingredient Strawberry Jam

Strawberry Jam overhead shot.
3-Ingredient Strawberry Jam. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This simple 3-ingredient Strawberry Jam Without Pectin is so simple to make for a deliciously fresh strawberry jammy spread to top an English muffin or spread on your morning toast. Make this jam in small batches to savor the freshness.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Strawberry Jam

Peach Blackberry Ice Cream

Peach and blackberry ice cream scoops in white bowls.
Peach Blackberry Ice Cream. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Homemade Peach Ice Cream is always a delicious weekend dessert. This easy-to-make recipe is made in the no-churn ice cream method, and because we love berries we tossed in fresh blackberries for a perfect frozen creamy peachy dessert.
Get the Recipe: Peach Blackberry Ice Cream

Pumpkin Brownies

Stacked layered pumpkin brownies.
Pumpkin Brownies. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

These three-layer pumpkin brownies start with fudgy box mix brownies mixed according to directions. Then mix part of the batter with canned pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spices, and a few other ingredients to create the pumpkin layer of the brownies.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Brownies

Peach Pandowdy

Overhead shot of peach pandowdy with fresh peaches.
Peach Pandowdy. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Sweet and juicy with a flaky crust, hello spiced Peach Pandowdy, you are so delicious. Bake this old-fashioned dessert full of fresh ripe peaches topped with a buttery, flaky pie crust.
Get the Recipe: Peach Pandowdy

Peach Almond Tart

A slice of peach ttart on a white board.
Peach Almond Tart. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This crowd-pleasing Peach Almond Tart with Vanilla Bean recipe is big on flavor and always a favorite dessert with a flaky crust, a simple almond filling, and the wonderful flavors from vanilla.
Get the Recipe: Peach Almond Tart

Buckeye Brownies

Layered Buckeye Brownies stacked up with more brownies around them.
Buckeye Brownies. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Buckeye Brownies are an amazing combination of a decadent brownie recipe and the peanut butter fudge filling in regular buckeyes topped with chocolate. BUT all wrapped up in one delectable easy-to-serve chocolate peanut butter brownie!
Get the Recipe: Buckeye Brownies

Strawberry Upside Down Cake

A square strawberry upside-down cake with a slice missing, garnished with fresh strawberries, on a white plate next to a floral napkin and purple flowers—perfect for busy days or as one of your favorite make-ahead desserts.
Strawberry Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

It may not be the prettiest cake, but it sure is one of the tastiest! This Upside Down Strawberry Cake is so easy and so good! Everyone will want a slice!
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Upside Down Cake

Turtle Brownies

A piece of Turtle Brownie with ice cream on a plate.
Turtle Brownies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Serioulsy the best Turtle Brownies on the planet! I’ve been making these brownies for more than 2 decades and they’re still the most recommended dessert in my house! Treat your family to these amazing brownies today!
Get the Recipe: Turtle Brownies

Buttermilk Banana Cake

A bundt cake with white icing is on a plate, with a slice removed. Perfect for busy days desserts, it sits beside a floral napkin and yellow flowers on a white wooden surface.
Buttermilk Banana Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Rich, moist, and delicious Buttermilk Banana Cake is topped with a not-too-sweet cream cheese glaze!
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Banana Cake

Gochujang Caramel Cookies

Image shows a wooden table with gochujang caramel cookies on it.
Gochujang Caramel Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

For adventurous eaters, these cookies are a flavor explosion! Sweet caramel meets a touch of spice for a unique and delicious treat. They’re a fun way to try something new and enjoy a different kind of cookie.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Caramel Cookies

Strawberry Chardonnay Gelee

Strawberry gelatin dessert in glass dessert dishes.
Strawberry Chardonnay Gelee. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This easy Strawberry Chardonnay Gelatin Dessert is my summer go-to recipe, it’s lightly sweet, velvety smooth and the strawberry and wine flavors are deliciously flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Chardonnay Gelee

Toasted S’mores Cookies

Image shows Toasted smores cookies on a white tray.
Toasted S’mores Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Prepare your taste buds for an irresistible journey of flavors and textures. Picture a delectable graham cracker cookie base that crumbles just right, revealing a luxurious chocolate ganache filling that will make you swoon. As the crowning glory, a heavenly dollop of fluffy marshmallow fluff rests on top, toasted to a perfect golden brown, creating a sensational blend of crunch, richness, and gooey goodness.
Get the Recipe: Toasted S’mores Cookies

Sweet Cherry Handpies

Two cherry handpies on a white plate.
Sweet Cherry Handpies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Sweet Cherry Hand Pies are little packages of flaky pastry with fruity filling that don’t require a fork or knife; they don’t even need a plate.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cherry Handpies

Chewy Lemon Cookies

Image shows a fingers holding a Chewy Lemon Cookie with more in the background.
Chewy Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Experience the perfect balance of zesty and sweet with these chewy lemon cookies. Bursting with citrus flavor and a soft texture, they are a delightful treat for lemon enthusiasts.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Lemon Cookies

No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberries, cake and whipped cream layered in dessert glasses.
No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Try this easy recipe for No-Bake Strawberry Shortcakes that are filled with beautiful, ruby-red juicy berries and topped with strawberry whipped cream for a perfect summertime dessert.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake

Sugar Cream Pie

A slice of sugar cream pie on a white and floral plate.
Sugar Cream Pie. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

I’m super excited to share this amazing Classic Sugar Cream Pie recipe with you. It’s rich, creamy, and, I have to say it, absolutely decadent. Plus, it’s a Hoosier classic!
Get the Recipe: Sugar Cream Pie

Chocolate Covered Ice Cream Bites

Chocolate covered ice cream bites on a piece of parchment paper.
Chocolate Covered Ice Cream Bites. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These Chocolate Covered Oreo Ice Cream Bites are super easy to make with just five ingredients. Pop them in the freezer so everyone can grab one whenever they want. So delicious and fancy-looking, with a layer of Oreo and your favorite ice cream flavor dipped in chocolate. These bites are a forever family favorite dessert treat.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Ice Cream Bites

Strawberry Jam Tart

A slice of a strawberry jam Bakewell tart.
Strawberry Jam Tart. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Make this easy Jam Tart for dessert that’s filled with strawberry jam and almond frangipane nestled inside a flaky tart crust for a simple dessert that tastes amazing.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Jam Tart

Mini Key Lime Pie Bites

A front view of a mini key lime pie with more on a white plate in the background.
Mini Key Lime Pie Bites. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Score big on flavor with the key lime pie bites – tangy, bite-sized treats that add a zesty twist to your football feast. These mini delights are the perfect sweet dessert, guaranteed to keep the crowd wanting for more.
Get the Recipe: Mini Key Lime Pie Bites

Lemon Squares

Image shows a close up of Lemon Squares on a white plate.
Lemon Squares. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Brighten your day with zesty Lemon Squares, a tangy and refreshing dessert that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and citrusy flavors. Enjoy the crispy crust and the refreshing burst of lemon in every luscious square.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Squares

Chewy S’more Cookies

Image shows a closeup of a chewy s'mores cookie held over a wooden table.
Chewy S’more Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Sink your teeth into these chewy s’more cookies for a delightful twist on the classic treat. These soft and chocolate-y cookies are loaded with chocolate chips and mini-marshmallow, then studded with graham cracker pieces, ensuring that every bite is filled with s’mores goodness. They’re a fantastic alternative when you’re craving s’mores but can’t gather around a campfire.
Get the Recipe: Chewy S’more Cookies

Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats

Strawberry rice krispies on a white plate and a white towel.
Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

With just 4-ingredients you can make these amazing Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats. Fruity, gooey, and divinely pink, these strawberry bars always make perfect no-bake treats for snacks and parties.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats

Mini Turtle Cheesecakes

A slice of a mini turtle cheesecake with caramel and pecans on a cupcake liner.
Mini Turtle Cheesecakes. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

These bite-size mini turtle cheesecakes bring together creamy cheesecake, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans for a dessert that’s a total blast of flavors. Perfect for your next party!
Get the Recipe: Mini Turtle Cheesecakes

Chocolate Cream Pie

Chocolate Cream Pie. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This decadent homemade Chocolate Cream Pie is a rich and comforting homemade treat. The velvety smooth chocolate filling paired with a buttery, flaky crust will surely hit the sweet spot.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cream Pie

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Squares of peanut butter brownies.
Peanut Butter Cup Brownies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Try this delicious and simple recipe for peanut butter cup brownies that are not only affordable but also easy to make. All you need is a boxed mix and some peanut butter cups.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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