15 Easy, From-Scratch Dessert Recipes for Cakes, Breads, Cookies, Bars and More

Stephanie Brubaker
·4 min read

Zesty Lemon Bars

You don't have to be a seasoned baker to make any of our easy from-scratch dessert recipes that everyone will love and make you always look like a master baking wizard. While a big project bake can be fun and ultimately have big pay-off, beginner bakers may be intimated by the over-the-top layer cakes, intricate pies and other confectionary delights that seem like they take all day to make. But these homemade dessert recipes are all super simple but impressive and anyone can make them from scratch no matter what your skillset is in the baking department. Best of all , they all taste like store-bought versions of your favorite sweet treats or better!

Make these any of these 15 dessert recipes for from-scratch treats the next time you need an impressive dessert to whip up for last-minute guests or for a special occasion. We promise they will go fast and won't turn your kitchen into a disaster zone either.

Related: The Easy Trick for Irresistibly Soft & Chewy Cookies

More Dessert Recipes to Try:

While the oven's still on, want try your hand at more baking? Check out our 21 Decadent Pie Recipes, find joy from these 12 Fun Candy Cakes, level up from your basic chocolate chip cookie with these 18 Unique Cookie Recipes, master pastry with our 25 Beautiful Tart Recipes, and cozy up with these easy Vegan Mug Cake Recipes.

Related: 31 Best Cake Recipes Everyone Should Try Once

Easy, From-Scratch Baking Recipes

<p>Lori Lange</p><p>Get your fudge-making on point with this deliciously easy 4-ingredient peanut butter fudge recipe.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://parade.com/237303/lorilange/the-easiest-peanut-butter-fudge-recipe-ever/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Easy Peanut Butter Fudge;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Easy Peanut Butter Fudge</a></strong></p>
<p>Harness the power of two powerhouse fruits and make this recipe for <strong>Blueberry Zucchini Bread</strong>. It turns out perfect every time. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://parade.com/841449/lorilange/blueberry-zucchini-bread/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Blueberry Zucchini Bread;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Blueberry Zucchini Bread</a></strong></p>
<p>There’s some flour in the topping on these bars that gives the lemon custard a bit more substance. I really like the firmness it creates, and it makes these not your usual lemon bars. </p><p>Recipe <strong><a href="/258469/benrayl/zesty-lemon-bars/" data-ylk="slk:HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">HERE</a>.</strong></p>
<p>Marcie Bidou</p><p>Meyer Lemon Greek Butter Cookies are classic Greek holiday <a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/200-christmas-cookie-ideas-family-182503642.html" data-ylk="slk:cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">cookies</a> with a refreshing citrus twist. They’re so easy to make, and have a perfectly buttery and zesty lemon flavor you are going to LOVE! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://parade.com/842019/marciebidou/meyer-lemon-greek-butter-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Meyer Lemon Greek Butter Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Meyer Lemon Greek Butter Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>Ragan Wallake Kitchenette</p><p>The chewy, chocolatey treat combines the best parts of a <a href="https://parade.com/849036/felicialim/the-18-best-cookie-recipes-ever/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:cookie;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">cookie</a> and a <a href="https://parade.com/845062/nettiemoore/top-16-best-brownie-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:brownie;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">brownie</a> in one tasty package and also comes together in a snap thanks to one key ingredient: a boxed brownie mix. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/best-holiday-cookie-starts-brownie-000000365.html" data-ylk="slk:Brownie Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Brownie Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>This is a lemon dessert lover's dream cake. Buttery, moist and bursting with lemony flavor, with a smooth lemon vanilla glaze.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/1073355/pambeth/recreate-this-starbucks-iced-lemon-loaf-cake-at-home-like-a-total-pro/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf Cake;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf Cake</a></strong></p>
<p>You could call this recipe banana bread with a twist. It is an easy, yet winning combination of bananas foster and classic banana bread. You'll be head over heels with one bite!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://parade.com/841640/deannasamaan/the-classic-gets-a-revamp-try-bananas-foster-bread/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Bananas Foster Bread;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Bananas Foster Bread</a></strong></p>
<p>5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are super simple to make and they are the best peanut butter cookies we’ve ever had! These are a must make! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/1055877/nettiemoore/tiktok-5-ingredient-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies </a></strong></p>
<p>Johnny Miller</p><p>This silky mousse serves equally well as a breakfast or dessert. It's also dairy free, <a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/wondering-deal-gluten-heres-guide-192903451.html" data-ylk="slk:gluten;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">gluten</a>-free, ketogenic and vegan, so everyone can enjoy it. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://parade.com/866877/parade/make-elle-macphersons-favorite-chocolate-mousse/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Elle Macpherson's Favorite Chocolate Mousse;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Elle Macpherson's Favorite Chocolate Mousse</a></strong></p>
<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>A tube of cinnamon rolls, heavy cream, a <a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/45-brown-sugar-substitutes-just-162354886.html" data-ylk="slk:brown sugar;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">brown sugar</a> mixture and the icing packet that's included with the rolls. That's all you need to make the best cinnamon rolls ever. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/recipes/pillsbury-cinnamon-roll-hack-recipe" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:TikTok Cinnamon Rolls;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">TikTok Cinnamon Rolls</a></strong></p>
<p>If you like peanut butter cups, you are going to LOVE these Copycat Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Bars! They are treats built on and only take 25 minutes to make! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://parade.com/855378/theresagreco/peanut-butter-cup-bars/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Peanut Butter Cup Bars;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Peanut Butter Cup Bars</a></strong></p>
<p>Fudge Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are an indulgent dessert sure to knock your socks off! These easy, chewy, chocolatey bars are and crazy delicious! </p><p>Get th recipe: <a href="https://backforseconds.com/fudge-stuffed-chocolate-chip-cookie-bars/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Fudge Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Fudge Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars</strong></a></p>
<p>Heavenly Hash Truffle Bars are loaded with coconut, pecans, marshmallows and chocolate and topped with a decadent ganache. </p><p>Get th recipe: <a href="https://www.momontimeout.com/heavenly-hash-truffle-bars-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Fudge Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Fudge Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars</strong></a></p>
<p>This gluten-free chocolate strawberry bread pudding can be a decadent breakfast (perfect for Valentine’s Day!) or a deliciously chocolaty dessert, your pick! </p><p>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/gluten-free-chocolate-strawberry-bread-pudding/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gluten-Free Chocolate Strawberry Bread Pudding;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Gluten-Free Chocolate Strawberry Bread Pudding</strong></a></p>
<p>These easy Strawberry Crumb Bars, with a buttery crust, sweet fresh strawberry filling and crunchy butter crumb topping make wonderful dessert bars for an afternoon snack. </p><p>Get the recipe: <a href="https://flavormosaic.com/strawberry-crumb-bars/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Strawberry Crumb Bars;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Strawberry Crumb Bars</strong></a></p>

Up next: 19 Baking and Breakfast Recipes That Make The Most of Ripe Bananas

  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next