17 fabulous shortcut desserts for when you’re short on time

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When you’re craving something sweet and indulgent but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, these treats are the answer! We’ve got 19 incredible shortcut desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth in no time.

Mini cherry tarts with glossy red cherry topping on a wooden board.
Cherry Cheesecake Cookie Cups. Photo credit: .

Blueberry Pie Bites

Blueberry pie bomb cut in half to show the filling.
Blueberry Pie Bites. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Blueberry Pie Bites are like little flavor fireworks that come together in a snap. Four simple ingredients and you’ve got a berry-licious treat that’s sure to burst in your mouth.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Pie Bites

Red Velvet Truffles

Close-up of red cake balls decorated with white icing and red and green sprinkles.
Red Velvet Truffles. Photo credit: .

Indulge in bite-sized bliss with these easy, 4-ingredient Red Velvet Truffles! Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or gifting to loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Truffles

Chocolate Cake Mix Donuts

Top view of chocolate donuts on a cooling rack.
Chocolate Cake Mix Donuts. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With Chocolate Cake Mix Donuts, you can say goodbye to doughnut shop lines. Grab your favorite cake mix, add a couple more ingredients, and decorate to match the festivity.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cake Mix Donuts

Cherry Danish

Cherry pastries arranged on a wooden board, featuring flaky golden crusts filled with vibrant red cherries.
Cherry Danish. Photo credit: .

Flaky, buttery puff pastry, a sweet and tart cherry filling, and a creamy dream! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special occasion, they’ll impress with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Danish

Icebox Cake

Icebox cake with raspberries, blueberries and strawberries on a pink plate.
Icebox Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Icebox Cake is a no-bake wonder that’s as easy as layer, chill, and serve. Graham crackers, berries, and whipped cream come together for a cool, creamy treat.
Get the Recipe: Icebox Cake

No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake

A slice of pie with a graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and topped with cherry sauce, on a white plate.
No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake. Photo credit: .

Discover the easiest no-bake cherry cheesecake recipe, perfect for any occasion. Just six simple ingredients and no baking required!
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake

Red Velvet Loaf

Two slices of red and yellow marble cake with white frosting on a white plate.
Red Velvet Loaf. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Learn how to make a delicious Starbucks Red Velvet Loaf at home with this easy copycat recipe. Perfect for the holidays, Valentine’s Day, or any special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Loaf

Valentine Puff Pastry Cookies

5-ingredient heart shaped pastries with raspberries and chocolate.
Valentine Puff Pastry Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Unfold some puff pastry, sprinkle a little love (and sugar), and cut out some hearts for Valentine’s Day. These 5-ingredient puff pastry cookies bake up fast. Romance has never been so efficient.
Get the Recipe: Valentine Puff Pastry Cookies

Cherry Cheesecake Cookie Cups

Mini cherry tarts with glossy red cherry topping on a wooden board.
Cherry Cheesecake Cookie Cups. Photo credit: .

Indulge in the perfect combination of cheesecake and cookies with these delightful cherry cheesecake cookie cups. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cheesecake Cookie Cups

Bisquick Cookies

Bisquick chocolate chip cookies on a cooling rack.
Bisquick Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bisquick Cookies come together quickly. Six ingredients, less than 30 minutes, and you’ve got chewy cookies that taste like you worked way harder. It’s the cookie jar’s new best friend.
Get the Recipe: Bisquick Cookies

Chocolate Cherry Cake

Slice of chocolate cherry cake topped with cherry pie filling.
Chocolate Cherry Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chocolate Cherry Cake is the answer when you’re looking to impress but stressed for time. Mix a cake mix with cherry pie filling, bake, then drizzle with glaze for a dessert that’s as easy as it is elegant.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Cake

Frozen Lemonade Pie

Slice of lemonade pie on a plate with lemonade in the background.
Frozen Lemonade Pie. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

When life gives you lemons, make Frozen Lemonade Pie in just five minutes. Four ingredients and a freezer are all you need for a tart, sweet slice of chill.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Lemonade Pie

Blueberry Bubble Up

A square glass baking dish filled with a Blueberry Bubble Up topped with glazed dough pieces and drizzled with white icing.
Blueberry Bubble Up. Photo credit: .

This blueberry bubble up recipe is the easiest 3-ingredient dessert you’ll ever make. Warm, bubbly, bursting with blueberry flavor, and ready fast.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Bubble Up

Cool Whip Cookies

Cool whip cookies on parchment with powdered sugar.
Cool Whip Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cool Whip Cookies to the rescue when you’re short on time. Just one bowl, three ingredients, and a quick mix – these soft cookies will be ready before your oven even preheats.
Get the Recipe: Cool Whip Cookies

Bisquick Banana Bread

Sliced loaf of Bisquick banana bread on a cutting board with bananas in the background.
Bisquick Banana Bread. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bisquick Banana Bread is your shortcut to homemade without the hassle. Stir in some overripe bananas into the mix, and let the oven do the rest. It’s the quick path to banana bliss.
Get the Recipe: Bisquick Banana Bread

Chocolate Dump Cake

Chocolate dump cake topped with colorful M&Ms.
Chocolate Dump Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

When time’s not on your side, this Chocolate Dump Cake is your trusty sidekick. Toss together a cake mix, chocolate chips, and M&M’s, bake, and voilà – a gooey chocolate wonder emerges.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dump Cake

Red Velvet Brownies

Red Velvet Brownie on a white plate.
Red Velvet Brownies. Photo credit: .

No one can resist decadent red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting! Romantic & sweet, they are the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Brownies

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