19 Dessert Dishes That Don’t Require Hours Of Preparation

When you’re in the mood for something sweet but not in the mood to spend your day doing a kitchen tango, these 19 dessert ideas have your back. No need to set your oven timer to the “days” setting; these treats come together in a snap. It’s all about maximum dessert joy with minimal time commitment—because life’s too short to waste on overly complicated recipes.

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

Turtle Brownies

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

Craving something rich and chocolatey but don’t have all day to spend in the kitchen? Turtle Brownies are the perfect solution, offering layers of flavor without requiring a lengthy prep. These are gooey, delicious, and filled with a surprise in every bite. Perfect for those moments when you want a sweet treat that feels indulgent but doesn’t take hours to create.
Get the Recipe: Turtle Brownies

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.

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s quick, easy, and a bit on the healthier side, Grilled Fruit Skewers With Cherry Dip are the way to go. They’re light, refreshing, and come together in no time. The cherry dip adds a fun twist that makes these skewers feel special. Great for a barbecue or a simple evening treat that doesn’t require turning on the oven.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Skewers With Cherry Dip

Raspberry Crumb Cake

A piece of raspberry crumb cake on a plate.
Raspberry Crumb Cake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Need a sweet fix that’s somewhere between a cake and a crumble? Raspberry Crumb Cake is a great choice, bringing a fruity, crumbly texture that’s easy to prepare. It’s the kind of dessert that feels homemade and cozy without taking up your entire afternoon. Ideal for a quick snack or a dessert that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Crumb Cake

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

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

Want the comforting flavors of apple pie without all the fuss? Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls combine the best of both worlds—soft, cinnamon-filled rolls with a sweet apple filling. They’re quick to whip up and make for a fantastic dessert or even a breakfast treat. Great for when you want a taste of fall any time of the year, without the long bake time.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Blueberry Shortcake

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

For a dessert that’s as simple as it is delicious, Blueberry Shortcake offers a quick path to sweetness with minimal effort. The combination of soft cake and fresh blueberries makes this dish feel like a treat that took hours to make. Perfect for when you want something fresh and fruity without spending all day in the kitchen. A sure crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Shortcake

Yellow Plum Crumble Bars

Yellow plum crumble bars on a black slate plate.
Yellow Plum Crumble Bars. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Searching for a dessert that’s both fruity and fuss-free? Yellow Plum Crumble Bars are perfect for those moments when you want a little something sweet without committing to a long bake. These bars are crumbly, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. They’re the kind of dessert you can whip up in a pinch, with just enough wow factor for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Plum Crumble Bars

Cookie Butter Cake Balls

Six Cookie Butter Cake Balls on a slate tray.
Cookie Butter Cake Balls. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

For a no-bake dessert that feels like an indulgence, Cookie Butter Cake Balls are a quick and easy option. They’re small, rewarding bites that require almost no preparation. Perfect for when you need a sweet treat without wanting to turn on the oven. These cake balls are so effortless, they might just become your go-to for last-minute dessert needs.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Butter Cake Balls

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.

If you’re looking for a dessert with a twist but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, Smoked Peaches With Spiced Rum Whipped Cream are a fantastic option. The combination of smoky fruit and spiced cream feels sophisticated without being complicated. It’s an easy way to impress guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor. This is perfect for a summer evening!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Peaches With Spiced Rum Whipped Cream

Cookie Dough Milkshake

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

On the hunt for a quick dessert that doesn’t even need an oven? A Cookie Dough Milkshake is your answer, combining creamy texture with chunks of cookie dough for a deliciously easy treat. Ready in just minutes, it’s perfect for those hot days when you want something sweet and cold. Just blend and enjoy—no baking, no waiting, just pure enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Dough Milkshake

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.

Want a dessert that’s rich and full of flavor without the long bake time? Brown Butter Apple Blondies offer a quick solution with a combination of buttery goodness and apple sweetness. These blondies come together in no time and are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to impromptu gatherings. No need to sacrifice flavor for speed with these!
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Strawberry Upside Down Cake

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

Looking to switch things up in the dessert department without a lengthy prep process? Strawberry Upside Down Cake brings a fresh twist to traditional cakes with its fruity top and simple preparation. It’s the kind of dessert that looks impressive but is incredibly easy to make. This is a great option for when you want something delicious without spending hours baking.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Upside Down Cake

Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Chocolate Caramel Cookies.
Chocolate Caramel Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes, you just need a cookie fix, and Chocolate Caramel Cookies deliver that in spades without a long bake. They mix the richness of chocolate with the sweetness of caramel in a treat that’s ready faster than you can preheat your oven. Perfect for those moments when you want something sweet and rewarding without the wait. This is quick, easy, and always delicious!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits

Four glasses of raspberry cheesecake parfait.
Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

In the mood for something creamy and fruity but don’t want to wait hours for it to set? Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits are ready in minutes and deliver layers of flavor and texture. They look elegant enough for any occasion but are so easy to make that you might want to whip them up any night of the week. This is a quick dessert that feels like a fancy indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits

Zucchini Cookies With Chocolate & Pecans

A batch of Zucchini cookies with chocolate & pecan on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Zucchini Cookies With Chocolate & Pecans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Want a cookie that’s a little different but still easy to make? Zucchini Cookies With Chocolate & Pecans bring a unique twist to the classic cookie, adding a bit of veggie goodness. They’re quick to prepare and offer a delicious mix of flavors that are sure to surprise and please. Perfect for when you want to try something new without a major time investment.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Cookies With Chocolate & Pecans

Lemon Loaf

A slice of lemon pound loaf on a plate with daffodils.
Lemon Loaf. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

After a quick dessert that’s bright and fresh? Lemon Loaf is just the thing, bringing a tangy flavor to your table without a lot of work. This loaf is easy to mix and bake, making it perfect for when you want a sweet treat that feels light and refreshing. This is great for any occasion, from afternoon tea to a sunny weekend snack.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Loaf

Buttermilk Banana Cake

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

Got some ripe bananas and looking for a quick, delicious use for them? Buttermilk Banana Cake is a fantastic choice, offering a moist, flavorful treat with minimal effort. This cake comes together quickly and bakes up to perfection, making it ideal for any time you need a sweet pick-me-up. This is perfect for when you want a homemade dessert without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Banana Cake

Blueberry Grunt

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

Need a quick fruit dessert that’s a little outside the box? Blueberry Grunt is a fun and easy choice, combining a simple dough with a fruity blueberry base. It’s ready in less time than it takes to scroll through your streaming options, making it a great pick for a quick, sweet treat. Warm and comforting, this dessert is as fast as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Grunt

Apple Fritter Bread

Three slices of apple fritter bread on a white plate.
Apple Fritter Bread. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Looking for a dessert that gives you all the flavor of a classic apple fritter without the deep frying? Apple Fritter Bread is a fantastic option that’s quick and easy to make. This loaf has all the sweet, fruity goodness you love in a format that’s easy to mix, bake, and enjoy. It is great for any time you want a warm, comforting treat without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Apple Fritter Bread

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.

Want a cheesecake treat without the wait? No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are perfect for those who love creamy, fruity desserts but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. They come together quickly and just need a bit of chilling time, making them perfect for when you want a cool, delicious dessert in a hurry. This is simple, sweet, and oh-so-easy to make.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

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