23 sugar-rush desserts better than chocolates

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Who said chocolates are the be-all and end-all of desserts? Wait till you try these 23 game-changers. We’re talking about sweets that’ll have you doing a double-take, wondering where they’ve been all your life. Ever had a dessert so good you had to stop and savor every bite? That’s what we’re aiming for. So let’s get ready to mix things up and add some new favorites to your dessert lineup.

Four pieces of molly bars on a white plate.
Molly Bars. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Apple Fritter Bread

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

This bread marries the flavors of a classic apple fritter with the convenience of a loaf, featuring layers of apples and cinnamon sugar throughout. It’s a sweet, indulgent bread for a delicious breakfast or snack, especially when warmed and served with a dollop of butter. The swirls of cinnamon and tender apple pieces make every slice a delight, turning a simple loaf into a decadent treat.
Get the Recipe: Apple Fritter Bread

Mini Egg Cookies

Mini egg cookies on a white plate with colorful icing.
Mini Egg Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These cookies are a delightful nod to spring, studded with colorful mini eggs that make every bite a treasure hunt. They’re soft, chewy, and irresistibly fun, making them a favorite among kids and adults. Perfect for Easter or any time you need a cheerful, chocolatey pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Mini Egg Cookies

Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits

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

Layering creamy cheesecake filling, fresh raspberries, and graham cracker crumbs creates a dessert that’s as easy as it is elegant. These parfaits are a no-bake delight, perfect for when you want something sweet without the fuss. The combination of tart berries and decadent cheesecake is a match made in heaven, offering a refreshing end to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits

Mini Hummingbird Cakes

Three mini hummingbird cake on a white plate.
Mini Hummingbird Cakes. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

These miniature cakes pack all the tropical flavors of the classic hummingbird cake into a bite-sized treat. With bananas, pineapple, and pecans, each mini cake is a moist, flavorful delight, crowned with a creamy frosting. They’re a charming way to bring a taste of the islands to any dessert table, offering a sweet escape with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hummingbird Cakes

Chocolate Caramel Cookies

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

These dreamy cookies combine soft chocolate dough with a molten caramel center encased in a crisp outer shell. Each bite offers the ultimate mix of textures and tastes, blending the richness of chocolate with the sweet, gooeyness of caramel. They’re an elegant dessert option that will impress any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Cranberry Bars

Two squares of cranberry bars on a slate plate.
Cranberry Bars. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tart cranberries meet sweet, buttery crust in these delightful bars, offering a perfect balance of flavors. They’re a festive addition to any holiday spread, combining the tang of fresh cranberries with a hint of orange zest. Each bar celebrates texture and taste, making them a hit at gatherings or as a treat to brighten any day.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Bars

Mango Curd

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

This mango curd is a tropical twist on the classic, delivering a bright, fruity flavor. It’s silky, smooth, and versatile, perfect for spreading on scones, filling cakes, or swirling into yogurt. The vibrant color and lush taste bring a bit of sunshine to the table, no matter the weather outside.
Get the Recipe: Mango Curd

Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble in cast iron with vanilla ice cream on top.
Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The classic combination of rhubarb and strawberry is cozy in this crumble, topped with a buttery, oat-strewn topping. This dessert balances rhubarb’s tartness with strawberries’ sweetness, all under a crisp crust. This dish is a warm, comforting end to any meal, especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble

Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans

Zucchini Cookies on a parchment-lined tray.
Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sneaking zucchini into cookies is a deliciously deceptive way to enjoy your greens, especially when paired with chocolate and pecans. These soft, moist, and flavorful cookies offer a guilt-free way to indulge in a sweet treat. They’re a testament to the fact that vegetables and desserts can coexist beautifully.
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.

This lemon loaf is a bright, citrusy delight with a tender crumb and a tangy glaze that drips down the sides. It’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a light dessert, offering a burst of lemon flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Every slice is like a ray of sunshine on a plate, promising to lift spirits and tantalize taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Loaf

Molly Bars

Four pieces of molly bars on a white plate.
Molly Bars. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

These bars are a chocolate lover’s dream, combining layers of rich brownie, gooey caramel, and crunchy nuts. They’re a decadent treat that will satisfy even the most intense chocolate cravings, making them a hit at parties or as a special treat. Dive into a Molly Bar and experience a dessert that’s as indulgent as it is unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Molly Bars

Cookie Dough Milkshake

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

Blending the classic flavors of cookie dough into a creamy milkshake results in a drinkable dessert that’s both nostalgic and utterly satisfying. It’s a thick, rich shake dotted with chunks of cookie dough, perfect for those days when you can’t decide between a cookie and a milkshake. This concoction is a fun, slurpable way to enjoy everyone’s favorite unbaked treat.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Dough Milkshake

Triple Ginger Cake

A plate with four squares of triple ginger cake bars on it.
Triple Ginger Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For ginger enthusiasts, this cake takes the beloved spice to new heights, incorporating fresh, ground, and crystallized ginger for a triple threat of flavor. It’s moist, spicy, and just sweet enough, topped with a simple glaze that complements the cake’s robust flavors. This cake is a celebration of ginger in all its forms, offering a warming, flavorful experience.
Get the Recipe: Triple Ginger Cake

Air Fryer Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal raisin cookies on a plate next to a glass of milk.
Air Fryer Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bringing the classic oatmeal raisin cookie into the modern age, these are baked in an air fryer for a quick and convenient treat. They come out perfectly chewy with crisp edges, packed with oats, raisins, and a hint of cinnamon. It’s a healthier take on dessert that doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

White Chocolate Pomegranate Trifle

Four glasses of white chocolate pomegranate trifle on a white brick wall.
White Chocolate Pomegranate Trifle. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Layers of light sponge cake, tart pomegranate seeds, creamy white chocolate mousse, and whipped cream come together in this trifle for a visually stunning and delicious dessert. It’s a festive, fruity concoction that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to eat. This dessert is a showstopper, perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with something uniquely delightful.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Pomegranate Trifle

Shortbread Cookies with M&Ms

Shortbread M&M cookies on a black plate with flowers.
Shortbread Cookies with M&Ms. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Buttery shortbread cookies get a colorful makeover with the addition of M&Ms, making them a hit with both the young and the young at heart. They’re simple to make but irresistible, with a tender texture that melts in your mouth. These cookies are a festive, fun addition to any cookie platter, bringing a splash of color and a dose of sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Cookies with M&Ms

Brown Butter Apple Blondies

A black plate with Brown Butter Apple Blondie squares with apples on the left and pumpkins on the right side of the table.
Brown Butter Apple Blondies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These blondies take the beloved bar dessert to new levels with the addition of brown butter and tender apple chunks. They’re rich, nutty, and full of warm spices, making them a perfect treat for fall or any time you crave a comforting sweet. The combination of flavors and textures makes these blondies a memorable twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies

Frosted chocolate chip cookie cookies on a wooden cutting board.
Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Upgrading the classic chocolate chip cookie with a layer of sweet, creamy frosting turns it into a dessert that’s twice as tempting. These cookies are soft, chewy, and generously topped with a frosting that complements the chocolate chips perfectly. It’s a fun, indulgent way to enjoy two desserts in one, sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pecan Butter Balls

Three Pecan Butter Balls on a white plate with purple flower designs.
Pecan Butter Balls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Melt-in-your-mouth pecan butter balls are a delicate treat, dusted with powdered sugar for a light, sweet finish. They’re nutty, buttery, and just the right size for popping into your mouth, making them an addictive snack or dessert. This recipe is a classic for holiday baking, or whenever you need something sweet, that’s easy to share.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Butter Balls

Rhubarb Bread

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

This bread brings the tartness of rhubarb into a sweet, moist loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or snacking. It’s a unique way to pair rhubarb with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar for a balance of flavors. Enjoy a slice toasted with a bit of butter for a simple and satisfying treat.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Bread

Maple Pecan Pie Bars

A plate with a slice of pecan cake and a cup of coffee.
Maple Pecan Pie Bars. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combining the classic flavors of pecan pie with the ease of a bar dessert, these treats are sweetened with maple for an extra layer of flavor. They’re rich, nutty, and perfectly sticky, with a shortbread crust that adds a delightful crunch. These bars are a great alternative to traditional pie, easier to make and just as delicious.
Get the Recipe: Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies on a slate.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A classic cookie that never goes out of style, these oatmeal raisin cookies are chewy, sweet, and spiced just right. They’re packed with oats and raisins, offering a healthier option when the sweet craving hits. Perfect for packing in lunches or serving with a cold glass of milk, they’re a comforting treat that satisfies every time.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Lemon Cake Pops

Lemon cake pops on a white plate.
Lemon Cake Pops. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

For a zesty twist on the traditional cake pop, these lemon versions offer a burst of citrus flavor in a bite-sized treat. They’re dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with zest, making them as pretty as they are delicious. These cake pops are a fun, portable dessert, perfect for parties or as a sweet little pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cake Pops

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