18 “What’s for Dessert?” Emergency Recipes

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Dark Chocolate Crunch Brownies

Dark Chocolate Crunch Brownies. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

These super fudgy dark chocolate crunch brownies are the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers. Each bite is rich, dense, and packed with an irresistible dark chocolate flavor that melts in your mouth. The best part? They’re loaded with crunchy candy clusters that add the perfect contrast of texture and sweetness. You’ll love how simple they are to make — just one bowl and no mixer required, so cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy night in, or just a chocolate craving, these brownies never disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Crunch Brownies

Cannoli Dip

Cannoli Dip. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

These super fudgy dark chocolate crunch brownies are a chocoholic’s dream come true. Each bite is packed with rich, velvety dark chocolate and bursts of crunchy candy clusters that add the perfect texture and surprise. They’re indulgent, gooey, and just the right amount of sweet to satisfy any craving. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make — just one bowl and no mixer needed, so you can whip them up anytime without the mess or fuss. Perfect for when you want a decadent treat without spending hours in the kitchen!
Get the Recipe: Cannoli Dip

Turtle Pie

Turtle Pie. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Turtle Pie is a decadent dessert that combines rich, buttery caramel with a smooth and creamy texture, all nestled inside a homemade cookie crust that adds the perfect crunch. Each bite delivers a luscious blend of sweet and salty flavors that melt effortlessly on your tongue, creating a truly indulgent experience. The best part? This dessert requires no baking at all, making it as easy to prepare as it is delicious to eat. It’s the perfect treat for those who crave something luxurious yet simple, ideal for any occasion or sweet craving.
Get the Recipe: Turtle Pie

Mini Oreo Cheesecakes

Mini Oreo Cheesecakes. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

These mini Oreo cheesecakes are an irresistible treat that combines layers of pure indulgence. Each bite starts with a buttery Oreo crust that adds the perfect crunch, followed by a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling infused with rich vanilla flavor. To top it all off, a light and fluffy cookies-and-cream whipped cream crowns each cheesecake, adding just the right touch of sweetness and texture. They’re the perfect dessert for Oreo lovers and cheesecake fans alike. You’ve heard of milk’s favorite cookie—now meet milk’s new favorite cheesecake!
Get the Recipe: Mini Oreo Cheesecakes

Puff Pastry Apple Tart

Rectangular apple tart with golden apple slices, a flaky crust, and a light glaze. Two cinnamon sticks lie nearby on a wooden surface.
Puff Pastry Apple Tart. Photo credit: Mama's on a Budget.

The Puff Pastry Apple Tart Recipe is a delightful dessert that combines simplicity with elegance, making it perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. This treat features layers of buttery, flaky puff pastry topped with thinly sliced sweet apples that caramelize beautifully as they bake. A light dusting of cinnamon adds warmth and depth, enhancing the natural sweetness of the fruit. The contrast between the crisp pastry and the tender apples creates a satisfying texture that’s hard to resist. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this tart is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Tart

Cherry Dump Cake

A bowl of cherry dump cake topped with vanilla ice cream, in front of a box of fresh cherries and the full pan of dump cake.
Cherry Dump Cake. Photo credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

Cherry Dump Cake is a delightfully simple yet crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the rich flavors of cherries, cake, and butter into one warm, comforting treat. Made with just a few pantry staples — boxed cake mix, canned cherry pie filling, and melted butter — it’s the perfect go-to recipe when you want something sweet without a lot of effort. A touch of almond extract enhances the fruity flavor, while a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds a bit of crunch and elegance to every bite. This easy dessert bakes up beautifully with a golden, buttery topping and a gooey cherry filling underneath. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoyed on its own, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Dump Cake

Nutella Molten Lava Cakes

A Nutella molten lava cake on a white plate next to a fork.
Nutella Molten Lava Cakes. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

Nutella molten lava cakes are a heavenly treat that combines the richness of Nutella with the comfort of warm, gooey chocolate cake. Each cake features a luscious molten center surrounded by a light, delicate exterior that melts in your mouth with every bite. What makes them even more irresistible is how simple they are to prepare—requiring only five basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight indulgence or planning a romantic dessert for Valentine’s Day, these cakes strike the perfect balance between elegance and ease. For a finishing touch, serve them warm and top with fresh fruit or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra layer of flavor and beauty.
Get the Recipe: Nutella Molten Lava Cakes

Caramel Oatmeal Bars

Ooey gooey Caramel Oatmeal Bars stacked with one bite.
Caramel Oatmeal Bars. Photo credit: Jullie's Eats and Treats.

Caramel Oatmeal Bars are a delightful homemade dessert that perfectly combines comfort and indulgence. They feature a chewy, buttery oatmeal crust that provides the ideal base for layers of silky caramel and melted chocolate chips. Each bite offers a balance of sweetness and texture — soft, gooey, and just a little bit crisp around the edges. These bars are simple to make yet taste like something special, making them perfect for sharing at potlucks, gifting to friends, or enjoying as a cozy treat with coffee or milk. Whether you serve them warm or chilled, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite for any dessert lover.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Oatmeal Bars

Oreo S’mores

A stack of Oreo S’mores.
Oreo S’mores. Photo credit: Princess Pinky Girl.

This Oreo S’mores recipe takes the nostalgic charm of the classic campfire treat and gives it a playful, chocolatey upgrade. Instead of the traditional graham crackers, it uses rich chocolate sandwich cookies to create a perfectly sweet and creamy combination. The best part? You don’t even need a campfire to enjoy it—just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time. It’s an ideal dessert for satisfying your sweet tooth when you’re craving that gooey, toasted marshmallow flavor without the hassle of baking. Whether you’re making them for a quick snack or a fun family treat, these Oreo S’mores are guaranteed to hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Oreo S’mores

Microwave Peanut Butter Cup Mug Dessert

Microwave Peanut Butter Cup Mug Dessert. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This delightful dessert is a quick and effortless treat made right in a mug, combining the rich, comforting flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. In just a few minutes, you can whip up a warm, gooey, and satisfying indulgence that tastes like it came from a bakery. It’s perfect for those moments when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether you enjoy it as a late-night snack or a last-minute dessert, this mug cake offers the perfect balance of flavor and convenience.
Get the Recipe: Microwave Peanut Butter Cup Mug Dessert

Blackberry Galette

An Instant Pot recipe featuring a spoonful of chicken and squash soup.
Blackberry Galette. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This blackberry galette is a delightful dessert that comes together in no time, perfect for when you want something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It features a buttery, flaky refrigerated pie crust paired with juicy frozen blackberries, creating a rustic treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it incredibly easy to prepare, yet the end result looks like something straight out of a bakery display. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got an impressive dessert that’s sure to wow your guests.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Galette

Chocolate Cream Pie

A display of Chocolate Cream Pie.
Chocolate Cream Pie. Photo credit: Love From The Oven.

This irresistible Chocolate Cream Pie with an Oreo crust is every chocolate lover’s fantasy come to life! It starts with a crunchy, chocolatey cookie base that provides the perfect contrast to the rich, velvety chocolate filling. Despite its decadent taste, this dessert is surprisingly simple to make and comes together in just about 20 minutes. Finished with a generous layer of homemade whipped cream, it’s a luxurious no-bake treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a party, or simply treating yourself, this pie never fails to impress and satisfy every sweet craving.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cream Pie

Tiramisu Brownies

A square slice of tiramisu brownies rests on a white plate, featuring layers of chocolate, cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder.
Tiramisu Brownies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These Tiramisu Brownies are the ultimate fusion of two beloved desserts — the deep, chocolatey richness of fudgy brownies and the creamy, coffee-infused indulgence of classic tiramisu. Each bite offers layers of texture and flavor, starting with a soft brownie base made conveniently from a boxed mix, then topped with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a velvety mascarpone cream. A hint of vanilla enhances the sweetness, while a final dusting of cocoa powder adds the perfect finishing touch. This dessert is effortless to prepare yet impressive enough to serve at any gathering, making it a go-to treat for both chocolate enthusiasts and tiramisu lovers. It’s a delightful twist on tradition that’s as comforting as it is irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu Brownies

Air Fryer Baked Apples

Air fryer bananas on a white plate over a rustic wooden cutting board with a pink linen.
Air Fryer Baked Apples. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These air fryer baked apples are a cozy and delightful dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. Each apple is filled with a warm, comforting mixture of cinnamon, oats, and maple syrup that gives it just the right balance of sweetness and spice. The air fryer helps the apples cook quickly, creating a tender, caramelized texture that’s irresistible. They’re the perfect choice when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Best of all, they offer a lighter, easier twist on the classic baked apple without losing any of that homemade charm.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baked Apples

Tiramisu Dip

Overhead view of a Tiramisu Dip.
Tiramisu Dip. Photo credit: Trial and Eater.

If you’re looking for a quick yet indulgent dessert, this Tiramisu Dip is the perfect choice. It comes together in just five minutes using only five simple ingredients—mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, sugar, a splash of Kahlua, and a dusting of cocoa powder. The result is a rich, velvety dip that beautifully captures the essence of traditional tiramisu without the effort of layering and chilling. Serve it with ladyfingers, vanilla wafers, or cinnamon sugar pita chips for an easy yet elegant treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a last-minute get-together or simply craving something sweet and creamy, this dip delivers all the flavor of a classic Italian dessert in a fraction of the time.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu Dip

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake

A display of No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake. Photo credit: Pumpkin 'N Spice.

This No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake is a decadent dessert that combines rich flavors and smooth textures without the need for an oven. It starts with a delightful Oreo peanut butter cookie crust that adds a perfect crunch to each bite. The luscious, creamy peanut butter filling melts in your mouth, creating a balance of sweetness and nuttiness that peanut butter lovers will adore. To top it all off, it’s generously sprinkled with chopped peanut butter cups, adding a touch of indulgence and extra chocolatey goodness. Quick to prepare yet impressive enough for any occasion, this dessert is a true showstopper for chocolate and peanut butter fans alike.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake

Pumpkin Crisp

White scalloped pie pan with pumpkin crisp topped with 3 rosettes of whipped cream and 2 silver serving utensils.
Pumpkin Crisp. Photo credit: The Oregon Dietitian.

Give your Thanksgiving spread a delightful update with this cozy and irresistible Pumpkin Crisp recipe — the ultimate fall dessert that perfectly captures the season’s warmth. This dessert combines the velvety richness of pumpkin and cream cheese with a buttery, nut-studded crumble that bakes to golden perfection. Each bite offers a satisfying contrast of creamy and crunchy textures, making it a dessert that feels both comforting and special. Whether you’re serving it alongside the classics or making it the centerpiece of your dessert table, this easy-to-make treat is guaranteed to impress. Once your guests try it, it just might replace pumpkin pie as the new holiday favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Crisp

No Bake Cheesecake Parfait with Cherry Pie Filling

No Bake Cheesecake Parfait with Cherry Pie Filling. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

This no-bake cheesecake parfait is a delightfully simple dessert that tastes as good as it looks. Layers of smooth, creamy cheesecake filling are perfectly balanced with buttery graham cracker crumbs, creating a delicious contrast in every bite. The cherry pie topping adds a burst of fruity sweetness and a vibrant pop of color that makes each serving irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving something sweet, this easy-to-make parfait is sure to impress without the need for an oven. It’s a dessert that combines elegance, flavor, and convenience all in one glass.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Cheesecake Parfait with Cherry Pie Filling

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