37 simply scrumptious desserts: low effort, big impact

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When it comes to dessert, sometimes simplicity shines brightest. If you’re on the hunt for desserts that impress without fussy techniques, you’re in the right place. From rustic galettes to innovative Air Fryer delights, these 37 creations effortlessly blend ease with elegance, proving that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to produce a show-stopping sweet.

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

Apple Galette

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

A rustic dessert showcasing the simple elegance of fresh apples. Perfect for when you crave pie without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Apple Galette

Blueberry Clafoutis

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

A French classic that balances the tartness of blueberries with a soft custardy base. Uncomplicated yet sophisticated.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Clafoutis

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.

A fragrant twist on classic cookies. The blend of honey, orange, and cinnamon offers a comforting and aromatic treat.
Get the Recipe: Honey Cookies with Orange and Cinnamon

Flourless Chocolate Cookies

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

Decadent chocolate cookies that skip the flour, catering to those looking for gluten-free options without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Flourless Chocolate Cookies

Tanghulu

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

A Chinese treat that features candied fruit on a stick. A delightful mix of crunchy and sweet, it’s a minimalist’s dream dessert.
Get the Recipe: Tanghulu

Mississippi Mud Ice Cream

Low angle shot of a bowl of mississippi mud ice cream with an oreo cookie and a spoon stuck in it.
Mississippi Mud Ice Cream. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Rich chocolate ice cream swirled with chocolate chunks and marshmallows. An indulgent experience without a laborious process.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Ice Cream

Ginger Snaps

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

Crispy, spicy, and sweet. These cookies deliver a zing of ginger that’s balanced out by their sugary crust.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Snaps

Lemon Coconut Macaroons

Low angle shot of lemon coconut macaroons on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Lemon Coconut Macaroons. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Combining the tang of lemon with the sweetness of coconut, these macaroons offer a refreshing bite with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Coconut Macaroons

Honey Cake

Honey cake baked in a loaf pan and sliced.
Honey Cake. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This moist and light cake is sweetened naturally with honey, making it a simple yet flavorful choice for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Honey Cake

S’mores Ice Cream

Low angle shot of a bowl of s'mores ice cream with a graham crackers.
S’mores Ice Cream. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Traditional campfire flavors churned into a creamy ice cream. A chilled treat reminiscent of cozy nights by the fire.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Ice Cream

Dulce de Leche Cookies

Overhead shot of dulce de leche cookies.
Dulce de Leche Cookies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Soft cookies filled with the rich and creamy taste of dulce de leche. A nod to Latin American flavors without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Dulce de Leche Cookies

Rhubarb Cookies

Stacked rhubarb cookies with slices of rhubarb.
Rhubarb Cookies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A unique blend of tangy rhubarb within a soft cookie. A fresh twist that’s both surprising and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Cookies

Triple Berry Hand Pies

Closeup of a broken open triple berry hand pie.
Triple Berry Hand Pies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Bursting with mixed berries, these hand pies are both convenient and flavorful. Ideal for those on-the-go sweet cravings.
Get the Recipe: Triple Berry Hand Pies

Mini Blueberry Pies

Mini blueberry pies in tins.
Mini Blueberry Pies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Compact pies filled with the vibrant flavors of blueberries. A delightful and easy treat for berry lovers.
Get the Recipe: Mini Blueberry Pies

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.

Merging the flavors of the iconic fall beverage into a cake. It’s effortlessly chic and seasonal.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas

Caramelized bananas with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.
Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Make use of your Air Fryer for this simple delicacy. Bananas achieve a caramelized perfection without the stovetop mess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas

Maple Bacon Beignets

Maple Bacon Beignets in a bowl.
Maple Bacon Beignets. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A hint of savory with the sweetness of maple. These beignets redefine breakfast flavors in dessert form.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon Beignets

Air Fryer S’mores

Stacked s'mores on a white plate.
Air Fryer S’mores. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A quicker path to the beloved s’mores. The Air Fryer brings forth a toasty finish without an actual flame.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S’mores

Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream

Low angle shot of a bowl of pumpkin spice ice cream with cinnamon sticks.
Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A chilled rendition of the beloved autumnal flavor. Creamy, spiced, and undemanding in its creation.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream

Black Sesame Cookies

Black sesame cookies on a baking sheet with a spoonful of black sesame seeds.
Black Sesame Cookies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

An Asian-inspired treat, these cookies offer a nutty and slightly bitter taste, breaking the traditional cookie mold.
Get the Recipe: Black Sesame Cookies

Rocky Road Ice Cream

A jar of Rocky Road Ice Cream on a table with ingredients scattered around.
Rocky Road Ice Cream. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Classic flavors of marshmallows, nuts, and chocolate chips. A no-fuss approach to a beloved ice cream variety.
Get the Recipe: Rocky Road Ice Cream

Kolacky

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

Central European pastries filled with fruit preserves. Simple in design, but rich in taste and tradition.
Get the Recipe: Kolacky

Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake

A slice of pumpkin cheesecake on a plate.
Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Combining autumn favorites: pumpkin and pecan in a creamy cheesecake form. Rich flavor without the complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake

Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies

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

A warm cookie with the comfort of hot cocoa. Made effortlessly in the Air Fryer for a quick chocolatey treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies

Coffee Brownies for Two

Coffee brownies for two on a stack of two white dessert plates with some coffee beans on the plate.
Coffee Brownies for Two. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Brownies with a caffeinated kick. A simple yet invigorating dessert perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Brownies for Two

Chocolate Rugelach

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

Rolled pastries filled with chocolate. A traditional Jewish dessert made without the traditional effort.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Rugelach

Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake Bites

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

Bite-sized cheesecakes blending the romance of strawberries and chocolate. An uncomplicated approach to a classic pairing.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake Bites

Salted Toffee Cookie Bars

Stack of 3 toffee cookies.
Salted Toffee Cookie Bars. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A balance of salty and sweet. These cookie bars offer a delightful contrast in flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Get the Recipe: Salted Toffee Cookie Bars

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.

A bread swirled with the aromatic combination of chocolate and orange. A treat that’s both sophisticated and straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Orange Babka

Hamentashen

Hamentashen cookies piled on a white plate with more cookies on a rack in the background. There is jar of jam with a spoon in it in the background too.
Hamentashen. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Triangular pastries filled with various fillings. A Purim staple that’s both meaningful and delectable.
Get the Recipe: Hamentashen

Apple Cider Donut Cake

Overhead shot of this apple bundt cake on a cake stand with apples in the background.
Apple Cider Donut Cake. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A cake inspired by the classic fall donut. It encapsulates the essence of apple cider in a shareable format.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Donut Cake

Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream

Fried ice cream scoop topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce.
Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A paradox of hot and cold, this treat is made simpler with the Air Fryer. Experience a classic dessert with less effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream

Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

Stack of peanut butter cookies on a wooden board with a small bowl of peanut butter and a striped napkin.
Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

The classic peanut butter cookie made in an unconventional way. The Air Fryer offers a quick path to a comforting favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

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.

A cake capturing the flavors of the holiday season. The richness of egg nog infused into a simple bundt cake.
Get the Recipe: Egg Nog Bundt Cake

Air Fryer Churros

Churros on a white plate with a bowl of caramel dipping sauce on the side.
Air Fryer Churros. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A favorite Latin American treat made simpler. The Air Fryer ensures a crisp exterior with a soft inside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Churros

Air Fryer Brownies

Brownies with nuts and caramel stacked on a plate.
Air Fryer Brownies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Quick and easy brownies made in the Air Fryer. A rapid solution to chocolate cravings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brownies

Quaker Oatmeal Cookies

Low angle shot of oatmeal cookies on a white plate.
Quaker Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Traditional oatmeal cookies that strike a balance between health and indulgence. A timeless treat with a simple recipe.
Get the Recipe: Quaker Oatmeal Cookies

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