The dessert gauntlet: 21 recipes that’ll leave your diet in shambles

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Taking on the Dessert Gauntlet is like stepping into a world where diets don’t stand a chance. Think of being surrounded by the most irresistible sweets, each one more tempting than the last. It’s a challenge to anyone’s self-control, making you forget about any healthy eating plans you had. By the time you try all 21 recipes that leave your diet in shambles, you’ll be wondering if sticking to a diet was ever possible.

A slice of Mississippi mud pie on a plate.
Mississippi Mud Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air Fryer S’mores Cookies

Blue plate with cookies and a pink flower.
Air Fryer S’mores Cookies. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

When you long for the taste of a campfire treat but want it fast and without the smoke. Enter Air Fryer S’mores Cookies, the answer to your gooey, chocolatey dreams. Perfect for a last-minute dessert or a sudden craving, these will become a household favorite. Just remember, the air fryer is mightier than the campfire when it comes to whipping up a quick batch of these!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S’mores Cookies

Blueberry Swirl Pound Cake

Blueberry Swirl Pound Cake with slice cut out.
Blueberry Swirl Pound Cake. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

If you’re looking to impress, nothing says “gourmet” like a beautifully marbled pound cake. The swirls of blueberry not only add a lovely pattern but also a burst of berry flavor that’s hard to resist. Blueberry Swirl Pound Cake is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert. Let each slice take you on a delectable journey from the very first bite to the last.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Swirl Pound Cake

No Bake Brownies

Close up side view of three no bake brownies on white plate.
No Bake Brownies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Sometimes you want decadence without the wait and definitely without the heat. Say hello to No Bake Brownies, your speedy shortcut to rich, chocolatey goodness. These are for all the times you needed dessert, like, yesterday. A few simple moves and voila, you’re in brownie bliss.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Brownies

Mini Key Lime Pie Bites

A front view of a mini key lime pie with more on a white plate in the background.
Mini Key Lime Pie Bites. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Love the idea of pie but not the commitment to a whole slice? Mini Key Lime Pie Bites are your perfect compromise, offering zing in a tiny package. These bite-sized morsels are perfect for when you need just a touch of dessert. They’re so cute and flavorsome; you might even forget how many you’ve popped in your mouth!
Get the Recipe: Mini Key Lime Pie Bites

Ultra Moist Chocolate Cake

Image shows a slice of chocolate frosted chocolate cake on a plate sitting on a wooden table.
Ultra Moist Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Let’s be real, we all could use a little more chocolate in our lives. Ultra Moist Chocolate Cake is the answer to those deep chocolate cravings. It’s the go-to dessert that will have friends and family begging for the recipe. Dense, rich, and ready to make your day better, this cake doesn’t mess around.
Get the Recipe: Ultra Moist Chocolate Cake

Gluten-Free Cherry Cobbler

side view of slice of cherry cobbler with ice cream.
Gluten-Free Cherry Cobbler. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Don’t let dietary restrictions keep you from enjoying a classic dessert. This cherry cobbler is as delicious as any traditional recipe but made entirely without gluten. Gluten-Free Cherry Cobbler captures the essence of summer with every spoonful of juicy cherries and rich, crispy topping. Serve it warm and watch as it becomes the star of the show, no matter the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Cherry Cobbler

Blueberry Ice Cream

An overhead shot of homemade blueberry ice cream in a metal loaf pan next to waffle bowls, spoons, and a cream colored napkin.
Blueberry Ice Cream. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy, homemade ice cream bursting with the fresh taste of blueberries in every scoop. This isn’t just ice cream, it’s an experience, one that will bring everyone back for seconds. Blueberry Ice Cream is the perfect remedy for a warm day, or whenever you need a sweet escape. Dive into this berrylicious treat and let it lift your spirits with its natural sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Ice Cream

Turtle Brownies

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

If your day needs a pick-me-up, these gooey, chocolatey treats with a crunch are just the ticket. Every bite is a perfect blend of textures that’ll make you forget about regular brownies. Turtle Brownies are where caramel and nuts come together in a dance of deliciousness, satisfying your dessert cravings in the best possible way. They’re so good, you’ll consider them a hidden treasure in your recipe box!
Get the Recipe: Turtle Brownies

Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Lemon ricotta cookies on rack with icing bowl.
Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Who says you can’t enjoy a cookie that’s soft, moist, and simply satisfying any day of the week? In the land of baked goods, Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies stand out with their deceptively simple charm. They’re the sort of treat that you’ll want to enjoy with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. Be warned though, they’re so good that one batch might not last the day!
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Skyr Popsicles

Skyr Popsicles on ice.
Skyr Popsicles. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Sometimes you just need something cold and refreshing without the extra fuss. Freeze up some Skyr Popsicles and watch them disappear faster than the midsummer sun. They serve up a creamy, cool break on those sweltering days when you just need to chill. Plus, they’re easy to make and even easier to love.
Get the Recipe: Skyr Popsicles

Wild Blueberries Yogurt Cake

Wild Blueberries Protein Cake.
Wild Blueberries Yogurt Cake. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Ever want to sneak a bit of summer into your dessert? That’s where Wild Blueberries Yogurt Cake comes into play. It’s a fuss-free option for when you’re in the mood for something homey, yet packed with bursts of flavor. One slice and you’ll see why everyone’s been asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Wild Blueberries Yogurt Cake

Tanghulu

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

Take your snack game to a playful new level with a little crunch wrapped around your favorite fruit. The candy coating on Tanghulu offers a delicious snap that’s just as fun to eat as it is to look at. Perfect for parties or just a fun weekend treat, these sweet sticks won’t stick around for long. Go on, give ’em a try – they’re a fresh twist on fruit you didn’t know you needed!
Get the Recipe: Tanghulu

No-Bake Pumpkin Icebox Cake

A piece of no-bake pumpkin icebox cake on a white plate.
No-Bake Pumpkin Icebox Cake. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Skip the oven and still enjoy your favorite fall flavors with a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to love. This layered treat combines creamy textures with the rich taste of pumpkin, all without any baking. No-Bake Pumpkin Icebox Cake is perfect for last-minute gatherings or when the crave for pumpkin spice hits. Set it in the fridge, relax, and dig into layers of pure joy.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Pumpkin Icebox Cake

Molly Bars

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

Wanted: the ultimate dessert that combines cookies, brownies, and chocolate bars all in one. Found: A chewy, crunchy marvel known as Molly Bars. They’re a perfect cure for indecisive sweet tooths and guaranteed to bring on the smiles at any gathering. Make plenty, because these treats are so good, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “more, please!”
Get the Recipe: Molly Bars

Grape Pie

Grape pie on a plate in front of the pie plate with a bunch of grapes.
Grape Pie. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Forget what you thought you knew about pies; here’s a twist your palate will thank you for. The humble Grape Pie is sweet, unique, and just the right amount of surprising. It’ll turn heads at the dessert table and leave people wondering where it’s been all their lives. Be the one to bring something new to the table – it’s a choice you won’t regret.
Get the Recipe: Grape Pie

Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Stack of three pumpkin cheesecake bars on a flat surface.
Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

This dessert is here to prove that vegan treats can be just as indulgent as their dairy counterparts. Imagine enjoying all the richness of cheesecake, topped with the delicious spices of fall, without any of the guilt. Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are creamy, dreamy, and everything you want in a plant-based treat. They’re likely to disappear as soon as you serve them, so maybe make a double batch.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Microwave Apple Crisp

Microwave Apple Crisp.
Microwave Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

There’s something magical about creating a dessert so quickly that still tastes like a slice of heaven. Microwave Apple Crisp is your golden ticket to enjoying a homey treat in minutes. Have a hankering for a warm, comforting treat? Zap your way to satisfaction with this quick fix.
Get the Recipe: Microwave Apple Crisp

Buckeye Brownies

Layered Buckeye Brownies stacked up with more brownies around them.
Buckeye Brownies. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Think of your favorite chocolate and peanut butter combo, but make it better, richer, and utterly irresistible. Every batch comes out perfect, with a tempting layer of chocolate that complements the smooth peanut butter middle. Buckeye Brownies are what dessert dreams are made of, a treat that’s both comforting and luxurious. You’ll find reasons to celebrate just to make these again!
Get the Recipe: Buckeye Brownies

Saiki K Coffee Jelly

A glass of coffee jelly with heavy cream on a fabric background.
Saiki K Coffee Jelly. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

For those who take their coffee with a side of fun, this jiggly, flavorful dessert is a must-try. It’s not just unique; it’s a conversation starter, perfect for dinner parties or a family treat. Saiki K Coffee Jelly will let you enjoy your cup of joe in a whole new way. Get ready to scoop, laugh, and enjoy this surprisingly delicious treat.
Get the Recipe: Saiki K Coffee Jelly

Mississippi Mud Pie

A slice of Mississippi mud pie on a plate.
Mississippi Mud Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Surrender to the irresistible layers of chocolatey texture that make up this famous Southern treat. It’s rich, it’s decadent, and it promises to be the most indulgent part of your meal. Mississippi Mud Pie is a dessert that celebrates chocolate in all its glory, crafted to satisfy the deepest of chocolate cravings. Dive in and enjoy the lush, velvety smoothness that only this pie can offer.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie

Mason Jar Ice Cream

Chocolate Mason Jar Ice Cream overflowing a tin mug and dripping over.
Mason Jar Ice Cream. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Think making ice cream is hard? Think again. With this straightforward recipe, you’ll whip up an amazing dessert right in your kitchen with just a few shakes. Mason Jar Ice Cream is rich, creamy, and customizable, great for hot days, or when you just want a sweet treat. Get ready for smiles and requests for more, because homemade ice cream just hits differently.
Get the Recipe: Mason Jar Ice Cream

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