Our 17 best dessert ideas—we just couldn’t keep these to ourselves

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Some desserts aren’t meant to be secrets, and these treats are a prime example of why. This lineup combines tried-and-true favorites with a few unexpected gems that everyone secretly hopes will appear at the table. If indulgence were an art form, these 17 ideas wouldn’t just be in the gallery—they’d have a whole wing dedicated to them.

Overhead shot of an apple galette on parchment with fresh apples on the side.
Apple Galette. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chocolate Rugelach

Low angle shot of rugelach cookies filled with chocolate and pecans.
Chocolate Rugelach. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These bite-sized desserts might just become your go-to treat for every occasion. With layers of indulgence tucked into each delicate fold, Chocolate Rugelach combines richness with just the right amount of sweetness. They strike the perfect balance between snackable and elegant, making them a favorite for sharing—or keeping to yourself. Once you try them, there’s no going back.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Rugelach

Champagne Sabayon

A spoon is scooping sabayon with strawberries and blueberries.
Champagne Sabayon. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Fancy yet approachable, this dessert brings a touch of elegance to any occasion without feeling over the top. Whipped to creamy perfection, Champagne Sabayon is light and airy but still makes a statement at the end of a meal. It’s perfect for celebrating life’s moments, big or small, and pairs beautifully with just about anything. Every spoonful feels like a celebration in itself.
Get the Recipe: Champagne Sabayon

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes with whipped cream stars on top.
Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If autumn could be wrapped up in one bite, this would be it. Small in size but big in flavor, Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes capture all the cozy vibes you want from a dessert. They’re perfect for parties, individual treats, or just a little something special at home. You’ll probably find yourself reaching for more than one, no matter the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

Ginger Snaps

Low angle shot of a single gingersnap cookie broken in half.
Ginger Snaps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Crunchy and irresistibly spiced, these cookies are a timeless classic for a reason. Ginger Snaps have a rewarding texture that holds up whether you’re dipping them or enjoying them plain. They bring a nostalgic comfort that’s hard to match and are versatile enough to work year-round. With every bite, they remind you that sometimes, simple treats really are the best.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Snaps

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

Pumpkin spice latte bundt cake with coffee glaze being poured over the top.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This dessert takes your favorite fall drink and turns it into something worth sharing—or hoarding, if we’re being honest. The flavors in Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake make it an instant hit for gatherings or an indulgent treat just for you. It’s like getting all the coziness of fall in every forkful, without needing a coffee shop run. Warning: it might replace your usual latte habit.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies

Stack of hot cocoa cookies on a plate.
Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Turning a winter favorite into dessert form, these cookies are everything you didn’t know you needed. Gooey in the middle and perfectly crisp on the edges, Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies offer a cozy sweetness that’s impossible to resist. They’re surprisingly quick to whip up and ideal for cold nights or anytime you want a warm treat. Once you’ve tried them, there’s no going back.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies

Tanghulu

Overhead shot of tanghuluu on a white plate.
Tanghulu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This treat brings a delicious crunch and sweetness that’s equal parts fun and rewarding. Tanghulu offers that glossy, irresistible finish that makes it a hit for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. Each bite is as entertaining to eat as it is delicious, making it great for adventurous snackers. It’s the kind of dessert that feels special but never fussy.
Get the Recipe: Tanghulu

Sticky Toffee Pudding

A plate of sticky toffee pudding cakes with caramel sauce.
Sticky Toffee Pudding. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Few desserts can match the comforting richness of this timeless classic. Sticky Toffee Pudding offers a warm, gooey decadence that’s perfect for cold nights or when you want something indulgent. It’s sweet without being overwhelming, making it a dessert you’ll keep coming back to. Whether for a dinner party or a solo treat, it’s guaranteed to leave no crumb behind.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Toffee Pudding

Meringue

Meringue on crumpled parchment paper bag on a wooden table.
Meringue. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Light, airy, and effortlessly elegant, this dessert is proof that simple can still be showstopping. Meringue offers a crisp texture that melts in your mouth, making it a great option for adding sophistication to any dessert spread. Whether you enjoy it plain or as part of something more elaborate, it never fails to impress. These delicate treats are the definition of understated charm.
Get the Recipe: Meringue

Chocolate Orange Babka

Low angle shot of a chocolate babka with a wedge removed so you can see the inside.
Chocolate Orange Babka. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Twisted layers and bold flavors make this dessert a standout every time. Chocolate Orange Babka combines the richness of chocolate with a hint of citrus to create a treat that’s both comforting and unexpected. Every slice feels like a celebration of textures and tastes, perfect for gatherings or solo indulgence. It’s a dessert that’s as rewarding to make as it is to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Orange Babka

Egg Nog Bundt Cake

Low angle shot of a wedge of eggnog cake on a glass plate.
Egg Nog Bundt Cake. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Festive and full of warmth, this dessert is perfect for holidays but so good you’ll want it year-round. Egg Nog Bundt Cake has just the right amount of richness to make any occasion feel special, whether it’s a gathering or a quiet night in. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together and gets everyone talking. Once it’s on the table, it’s not sticking around for long.
Get the Recipe: Egg Nog Bundt Cake

Kolacky

Several poppy seed filled kolacky on a white plate with red and gold ribbons in the background.
Kolacky. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This traditional dessert feels like a comforting trip down memory lane, but it’s just as perfect for modern times. Kolacky combines flaky texture with just enough sweetness to make it a hit at any gathering or quiet afternoon snack session. Their small size makes them ideal for sharing, though you might be tempted to keep them all for yourself. It’s the perfect blend of old and new.
Get the Recipe: Kolacky

Honey Cookies With Orange And Cinnamon

Low-angled shot of a honey cookie broken in half with stacks of honey cookies and a glass of milk in the background.
Honey Cookies With Orange And Cinnamon. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Sweet with a touch of spice, these cookies are the dessert version of a warm hug. Honey Cookies With Orange And Cinnamon offer a balance of bold flavors that feel both nostalgic and fresh. They’re versatile enough to pair with any drink or stand alone as a rewarding treat. These cookies prove that sometimes, it’s the small, thoughtful desserts that make the biggest impact.
Get the Recipe: Honey Cookies With Orange And Cinnamon

Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake Bites

Chocolate covered strawberry cheesecake bites on little plates with pink sprinkles.
Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake Bites. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These bite-sized wonders bring together all your favorite dessert flavors in one convenient package. Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake Bites are rich enough to feel indulgent but perfectly portioned for when you just need a little something sweet. They’re great for parties or as a quick dessert fix when cravings hit. Good luck trying to stop at just one—they’re just that irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake Bites

Apple Galette

Overhead shot of an apple galette on parchment with fresh apples on the side.
Apple Galette. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Rustic and elegant, this dessert is a perfect example of how simplicity can steal the show. Apple Galette has a beautifully flaky texture that pairs perfectly with the warm, sweet filling, making it a hit for any occasion. It’s easy to love and even easier to serve, whether for a dinner party or a casual treat. Chances are, you’ll be sneaking another slice before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Apple Galette

Flourless Chocolate Cookies

Overhead shot of cookies on a white cloth with a glass of milk.
Flourless Chocolate Cookies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These cookies prove that skipping the flour doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Flourless Chocolate Cookies are rich, chewy, and full of chocolatey goodness, making them a favorite for anyone who loves an indulgent treat. They’re simple yet rewarding, and they fit perfectly into any dessert rotation. Whether for special occasions or everyday cravings, these cookies never disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Flourless Chocolate Cookies

Blueberry Clafoutis

Low angle shot of 2 white ramekins filled with blueberry clafoutis.
Blueberry Clafoutis. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Light, fruity, and effortlessly elegant, this dessert makes an impression every time. Blueberry Clafoutis combines a tender texture with a burst of flavor that feels fancy but approachable. It’s versatile enough to serve as a dinner party centerpiece or a weekend indulgence. With its balance of simplicity and sophistication, it’s sure to become a favorite in no time.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Clafoutis

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