The great dessert debate: 17 recipes that will win every time

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Whoever said dessert is just a “nice to have” clearly hasn’t tried these 17 knock-out recipes. They’re the kind of treats that make folks sit up, take notice, and maybe even skip the main course just to save space. And don’t worry about hitting a dud — with this lineup, every option is the ace in the hole. A true winner for any palate.

Close-up of a strawberry pizza featuring a thin crust topped with a layer of strawberry sauce and sliced strawberries, evoking the delightful appearance of a strawberry pie with its vibrant red color.
Strawberry Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

A slice of apple cinnamon roll on a plate.
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Talk about putting a twist on a classic. This dessert takes the heartwarming flavors of autumn and gives it a swirl of satisfaction. Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie meshes the soul-soothing spice of cinnamon with the tartness of apples in a way that serves comfort by the slice. It’s like the best of both worlds!
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

A close-up image of layered lemon raspberry cake slices topped with fresh raspberries and lemon zest.
Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Imagine taking the tangy punch of lemon and the juicy kiss of raspberries and mixing it with the creamy dreaminess of cheesecake. That’s what Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars deliver, in a bar that’s blissfully tangy yet smoothly decadent. It’s a dessert that’ll bring a pop of color and a burst of flavor to any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Easy Banana Pudding

Banana pudding in a bowl with whipped cream and bananas.
Easy Banana Pudding. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Everyone appreciates the beauty of simplicity, especially when it’s this delicious. Easy Banana Pudding shines with its creamy texture and unmistakable banana charm, wrapped up in a dessert that’s fuss-free and fantastic. It’s the old-school treat that gets scooped out until the bowl’s scraped clean.
Get the Recipe: Easy Banana Pudding

Strawberry Shortcake

A close-up of a delectable strawberry shortcake reveals layers of biscuit, whipped cream, and fresh strawberry pieces on a plate. In the background, a bowl of strawberries enhances the sweet temptation.
Strawberry Shortcake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Here’s a dessert that’s like summer on a plate, minus the sunburn. With Strawberry Shortcake, you get the sweet kiss of strawberries matched with fluffy, buttery goodness in a timeless treat. It’s a no-brainer for BBQs, picnics, or just because strawberries are great and so is cake. Plus, who doesn’t love a cheerful dessert?
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake

Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

A slice of apple pie stuffed cheesecake on a plate with a spoon.
Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Talk about decadence, Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake is two dessert titans rolled into one indulgent treat. Imagine creamy cheesecake with the heart of classic apple pie – every bite is a mini-celebration. It’s the dessert that has everyone at the table doing that little ‘just-tasted-something-amazing’ nod.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls in a pan with icing.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

There’s something about Homemade Cinnamon Rolls that just sets the weekend right. They come fresh out of the oven with wafts of cinnamon making the whole house smell like a bake shop. It’s the kind of treat that calls for a coffee, a couch, and a blanket. Good luck with the leftovers though; they’re not that common.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Banoffee Pie

A slice of Banoffee pie with whipped cream and caramel.
Banoffee Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The Brits did something right when they came up with Banoffee Pie. It’s the layer-on-layer of bananas, cream, and toffee that has this dessert sitting pretty at the top of comfort food lists. This is the dessert you bring out when you want to make friends or forgive foes. It’s not just a pie; it’s a peace offering.
Get the Recipe: Banoffee Pie

Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake with whipped cream swirls on a cakestand.
Red Velvet Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When it comes to desserts that are guaranteed crowd-pleasers, look no further. Red Velvet Cake stands out not just for its striking color but for its unique taste. It pairs perfectly with cream cheese frosting, offering a balance between richness and tang. It’s the go-to cake for celebrations or just to satisfy a craving.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cake

Sweet Potato Pie

A slice of sweet potato pie with a swirl of cream on it.
Sweet Potato Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Get ready for a slice of Southern charm with Sweet Potato Pie. It’s sweet, it’s smooth, and it’s got enough spice to make palate sing a gospel chorus. This pie brings a hearty dose of homey feels to any meal. And if you bring it out for a special occasion, well, it just becomes even more special.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie

Fried Banana

A close up of a plate of fried bananas with sauce.
Fried Banana. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For something on the less conventional side, say hello to Fried Banana. It’s a dessert that brings a little bit of carnival fun right to your kitchen. Sweet bananas get a golden crunch, making them the unlikely hero of your next dinner party. Think of it as a dessert that doubles as a conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana

Coconut Cream Pie

A slice of coconut cream pie on a plate.
Coconut Cream Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Digging into a Coconut Cream Pie is like taking a mini tropical vacation with every bite. There’s something about that creamy coconut filling and flaky crust that just feels like a beach getaway. It’s a crowd-pleaser that whispers “island life” without the need for a passport. It impresses with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cream Pie

Vegan No-Bake Cheesecake with Peaches (Gluten-Free)

Vegan No-Bake Cheesecake with Peaches (Gluten-Free). Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

With Vegan No-Bake Cheesecake with Peaches (Gluten-Free), wave hello to velvety bliss that just happens to be friendly for nearly everyone. Vegan and gluten-free but still a flavor jackpot, it’s the cheesecake that does it all. Peaches add the perfect summer flair, making this dessert a year-round sunshine on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Vegan No-Bake Cheesecake with Peaches (Gluten-Free)

Easy Whoopie Pie

Chocolate whoopie pies with cream and powdered sugar.
Easy Whoopie Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Now, Easy Whoopie Pie may sound humble, but it’s a dessert that never fails to bring a smile. Classic, chocolatey, and filled with a sweet, creamy center, these pies are like edible hugs. They’re the perfect hand-held treat for anybody who believes that good things definitely come in pairs. Go ahead, try to eat just one!
Get the Recipe: Easy Whoopie Pie

Berry Frozen Yogurt Cups

A pile of frozen yogurt cups on a plate.
Berry Frozen Yogurt Cups. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Step up your frosty treat game with Berry Frozen Yogurt Cups that’s ridiculously easy to love. Packed with nature’s candy and a tangy yogurt base, they’re the cool kids of the dessert world. No special equipment is needed here; just a love for berries and a freezer. It’s health meets indulgence in a cup.
Get the Recipe: Berry Frozen Yogurt Cups

Lemon Cookies

A stack of lemon cookies on a cooling rack.
Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cheers to the underappreciated genius that is Lemon Cookies. They’re crisp on the edges, chewy in the center, and tangy through and through. They’re for those moments when a full-on cake feels like too much but a little citrusy something is just right. Perfect with tea, coffee, or on their own.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookies

3-Ingredient Vegan Mango Sorbet Recipe (No Churn!)

A bowl of mango sorbet on a wooden table.
3-Ingredient Vegan Mango Sorbet Recipe (No Churn!). Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

When life’s too hectic for fancy desserts, there’s this 3-Ingredient Vegan Mango Sorbet Recipe (No Churn!) to the rescue. Three ingredients are all it takes to blend up a tropical storm, with zero dairy in sight. With its mango punch and easy-peasy no-churn method, it’s a dessert that’s practically a mini holiday for your mouth.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Vegan Mango Sorbet Recipe (No Churn!)

Strawberry Pie

Close-up of a strawberry pizza featuring a thin crust topped with a layer of strawberry sauce and sliced strawberries, evoking the delightful appearance of a strawberry pie with its vibrant red color.
Strawberry Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Let’s talk about Strawberry Pie, the dessert that’s so straightforwardly scrumptious, it’s almost criminal. Breezy to make and bursting with fruit, it’s a testament to the joy of strawberries and their power to turn a simple pie into a showpiece. It’s a juicy slice of happiness that will make you forget about sharing.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pie

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