17 Desserts That Don’t Require Hours Of Prep Time

No one has time to spend hours in the kitchen when there’s a world of quick desserts waiting to be devoured. Skip the marathon baking sessions and enjoy 17 sweet treats that come together faster than it takes to decide what to watch on Netflix. Perfect for those moments when you need a dessert but don’t want it to become a full-time job.

Close-up shot of Blueberry Shortcakes served on a white plate.
Blueberry Shortcake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars

A white plate with five biscoff cookie butter streusel bars, each drizzled with melted cookie butter.
Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

These bars offer a simple yet rewarding treat that pairs well with any occasion. A crumbly streusel topping enhances the experience, making it an easy go-to when you’re short on time. Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars are perfect for when you need something quick but impressive. This recipe delivers a delicious combination without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars

Rhubarb Bread

A loaf of Rhubarb Bread with a few slices on a white plate.
Rhubarb Bread. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

It’s a great option when you want to enjoy something homey without spending hours in the kitchen. This is perfect for a simple yet flavorful treat. Rhubarb Bread brings a unique flavor to the table without demanding much of your time. With its quick prep, you’ll have a freshly baked loaf ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Bread

Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Two brown butter apple blondies were placed on a white surface.
Brown Butter Apple Blondies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The rich flavor of browned butter upgrades this easy dessert into something special. Brown Butter Apple Blondies combine sweet apples with a chewy texture for a quick dessert that doesn’t compromise on taste. These blondies are ready in a fraction of the time, offering a warm and rewarding option. They’re an ideal treat for when you’re in the mood for something sweet but not complicated.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Mango Curd

A jar of mango curd next to a mango and a mint leaf.
Mango Curd. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A smooth and tangy dessert that’s perfect for those who love a burst of flavor. Mango Curd is simple to make and adds a tropical twist to any dish. It’s a great way to enjoy something fresh and fruity without spending hours in the kitchen. Use it as a topping or filling for an extra touch of sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Mango Curd

Maple Pecan Pie Bars

A slice of maple pecan pie bar topped with chopped pecans sits on a floral-patterned plate.
Maple Pecan Pie Bars. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

With a sweet maple flavor and a crunchy pecan topping, these bars are a quick alternative to traditional pie. Maple Pecan Pie Bars offer all the flavors you love without the time commitment. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. This dessert is a great way to enjoy a classic flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble

A cast iron skillet with strawberry rhubarb cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a wooden surface with a cloth napkin beside it.
Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The combination of rhubarb and strawberries brings a sweet-tart balance that’s both refreshing and rewarding. Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble comes together quickly and bakes to perfection in a short time. It’s a wonderful choice when you want a warm dessert with minimal prep. The crumble topping adds a delicious texture to each bite.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble

No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Three pieces of No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake Bars on a black slate plate.
No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

When you’re in the mood for cheesecake but don’t have the time to bake, these bars are the perfect solution. No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake Bars offer a creamy texture and a fruity burst without any baking required. They’re easy to put together and set up in the fridge, making them a great choice for a quick and impressive dessert. It is ideal for summer or any time you want something light and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Grilled Fruit Skewers With Cherry Dip

Four pieces of grilled fruit skewers on a slate plate with a bowl of cherry dip.
Grilled Fruit Skewers With Cherry Dip. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For a dessert that’s both healthy and rewarding, these skewers are a quick and easy option. Grilled Fruit Skewers With Cherry Dip bring out the natural sweetness of the fruit with a slight char, and the cherry dip adds a fun and flavorful twist. This dessert is perfect for those warm evenings when you want something light and fresh. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, they’re sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Skewers With Cherry Dip

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A pineapple upside-down cake with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries in a cast iron skillet.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

This classic dessert is made even easier with a quick prep and simple ingredients. Pineapple Upside Down Cake delivers a moist and sweet cake with caramelized pineapple slices that are ready in no time. It’s a great option when you want to enjoy a familiar favorite without the hassle. This is perfect for weeknight treats or casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Smoked Peaches With Spiced Rum Whipped Cream

Smoked peaches topped with spiced rum whipped cream on a platter.
Smoked Peaches With Spiced Rum Whipped Cream. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Peaches With Spiced Rum Whipped Cream offer a unique twist on traditional fruit desserts. The smokiness of the peaches pairs perfectly with the spiced rum cream, creating a dessert that feels special but is easy to prepare. It’s a quick way to impress guests or enjoy a sophisticated treat on your own. Minimal prep time makes this an ideal dessert when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Peaches With Spiced Rum Whipped Cream

Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers

Three pieces of Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers on a white plate.
Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

A fun take on a classic dessert, these skewers are quick to assemble and even quicker to grill. Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers offer all the flavors of traditional shortcakes but in a more playful and easy-to-eat format. They’re perfect for outdoor gatherings or when you want to switch things up. This is simple, delicious, and ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

An apple cinnamon roll on a plate with a spoon.
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combining the flavors of apple pie with the ease of cinnamon rolls, this dessert is a time-saver. Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for those who love the taste of apple pie but don’t want to spend hours making it. These rolls come together quickly and offer all the warmth and comfort you expect. This is a great option for a cozy dessert that’s ready in a snap.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Strawberry Upside Down Cake

Strawberry Upside Down Cake with a slice missing.
Strawberry Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

With a sweet layer of strawberries on top, this cake is as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Strawberry Upside Down Cake offers a fresh twist on the classic version with pineapple, making it a quick dessert option. It’s perfect for those days when you want something sweet but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The cake bakes quickly, giving you more time to relax and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Upside Down Cake

Blueberry Grunt

Blueberry Grunt on a blue plate with ice cream.
Blueberry Grunt. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This old-fashioned dessert is quick to make and full of flavor. Blueberry Grunt is a stovetop treat that requires minimal effort and delivers a warm, fruity dessert in no time. It’s a great way to enjoy blueberries when they’re in season, with the bonus of being easy to prepare. This is perfect for a simple, comforting dessert that doesn’t take long to make.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Grunt

Buttermilk Banana Cake

Banana-Buttermilk Cake on a platter.
Buttermilk Banana Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A moist and tender cake that’s ready in a flash, Buttermilk Banana Cake is perfect for when you have ripe bananas on hand. It’s an easy dessert that doesn’t require a lot of ingredients or time, making it a great option for busy days. The buttermilk adds a slight tang that complements the sweetness of the bananas. This is an ideal treat for a quick bake that still feels homemade.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Banana Cake

Cookie Dough Milkshake

Cookie Dough Milkshake with a spoon and syrup in the background.
Cookie Dough Milkshake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A fun and indulgent treat that’s incredibly easy to make, Cookie Dough Milkshake is perfect for those times when you need something sweet fast. This milkshake combines the best of both worlds—creamy ice cream and cookie dough—in a quick and rewarding dessert. It’s a great way to enjoy something rich without any fuss. It is ideal for a quick dessert or a special treat after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Dough Milkshake

Blueberry Shortcake

Close-up shot of Blueberry Shortcakes served on a white plate.
Blueberry Shortcake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

A simple and delicious dessert that comes together quickly, Blueberry Shortcake is perfect for a quick treat. The shortcake is light and fluffy, providing the perfect base for fresh blueberries. It’s an easy way to enjoy a classic dessert without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. This is perfect for summer days or any time you’re craving something sweet and easy.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Shortcake

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