There’s a reason so many people are averse to baking: it can be time-consuming, messy, and requires a precise combination of ingredients and temperatures. The process often involves multiple steps and equipment, leading to a kitchen filled with dirty dishes. Moreover, the fear of a dessert not turning out as planned can be daunting.
No-bake desserts are the perfect solution for those who seek the satisfaction of a homemade treat without the hassle. These recipes are simple, quick, and often just as delicious as their baked counterparts.
Here’s a collection of 18 no-bake dessert recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort:
No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake
Crush Oreo cookies to create a delicious, crumbly crust. Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract for a smooth filling. Fold in whipped cream to make it light and airy. Spread the mixture over the crust and refrigerate for a few hours. Top with more crushed Oreos before serving. This cheesecake is perfect for Oreo lovers.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
Melt chocolate and peanut butter separately until smooth. Pour peanut butter as the first layer, then pour the melted chocolate for the second layer. Chill until the chocolate hardens. Refrigerate again until firm. Cut into bars before topping with mini pretzels to add saltiness. These bars are a delightful combination of creamy and crunchy textures.
Lemon Icebox Pie
Combine sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour the mixture into a graham cracker crust. Refrigerate until set. Top with whipped cream and more lemon zest. Top with lemon jelly. This pie is refreshing and tangy, perfect for hot days. It’s a simple yet impressive dessert.
No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Mix cocoa powder, sugar, milk, and butter in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir in oats and peanut butter until well combined. Drop spoonfuls onto one layer of chocolate and let it set. These cookies are quick to make and don’t require an oven. They’re a great option for a quick sweet treat.
Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits
Layer crushed graham crackers, cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberries in a glass. Repeat the layers until the glass is full. Top with sliced strawberries and mint leaves. Refrigerate until ready to serve. These parfaits are visually appealing and delicious. They’re perfect for individual servings.
No-Bake Chocolate Mousse
Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold in melted chocolate and a bit of sugar. Spoon the mixture into serving dishes and chill until set. Top with your favorite berries or mint leaves. This mousse is rich, creamy, and decadent. It’s a sophisticated dessert that’s easy to make.
Coconut Snowballs
Mix sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and vanilla extract. Form the mixture into small balls. Roll each ball in more shredded coconut. Refrigerate until firm. These snowballs are sweet, chewy, and full of coconut flavor. They’re a fun and easy treat to make with kids.
Banana Pudding Cups
Layer banana slices and vanilla pudding in a cup. Repeat the layers until the cup is full. Top with store-bought cookies. Chill until ready to serve. These pudding cups are creamy and comforting. They’re a nostalgic dessert that’s always a hit.
No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake
Blend cream cheese, Nutella, and a bit of sugar until smooth. Pour over a crust made from crushed graham crackers and melted butter. Refrigerate until set. Top with chocolate powder and mint leaves. This cheesecake is rich and indulgent. It’s perfect for Nutella fans.
Fruit Chia Pudding
Mix chia seeds with coconut milk and a bit of honey. Layer in raspberry or blueberry jam. Let it sit in the fridge overnight to thicken. Stir in your favorite fruit chunks before serving. Top with berries. This pudding is healthy and refreshing. It’s a great option for a light dessert or breakfast.
No-Bake Key Lime Pie
Combine sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and lime zest. Pour into a graham cracker crust. Chill until set. Top with whipped cream and lime zest. This pie is tart, sweet, and creamy. It’s a perfect dessert for summer.
No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake
Blend cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in whipped cream and fresh blueberries. Pour the mixture over a graham cracker crust. Refrigerate until set. Top with more blueberries. This cheesecake is light, fruity, and delicious.
No-Bake Pumpkin Pie
Mix pumpkin puree, cream cheese, and spices. Pour into a graham cracker crust. Chill until set. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This pie is perfect for fall. It’s a creamy and flavorful alternative to traditional pumpkin pie.
No-Bake Raspberry Lemon Bars
Combine lemon juice, sugar, and cream cheese. Fold in fresh raspberries. Pour the mixture over a graham cracker crust. Refrigerate until set. Top with more raspberries and a dusting of powdered sugar. These bars are tangy, sweet, and bursting with fresh flavor.
No-Bake Almond Joy Bars
Mix shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and chopped almonds. Press the mixture into a baking dish. Top with melted chocolate and refrigerate until firm. Cut into bars before serving. These bars taste just like the classic candy but are homemade and delicious.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
Blend cream cheese, peanut butter, and sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped cream and pour into a graham cracker crust. Refrigerate until set. Top with powdered sugar, walnuts, and whipped cream. This pie is creamy, rich, and perfect for peanut butter lovers.
Mango Graham Cake
Whip 2 cups of heavy cream until stiff peaks form and fold in one can of sweetened condensed milk. Layer graham crackers, the cream mixture, and mangoes. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Halo-Halo
Layer sweetened fruits, beans, and jellies in a tall glass. Add shaved ice on top, pour evaporated milk over the ice, and finish with a scoop of ube ice cream or leche flan. Mix well before eating and enjoy this refreshing Filipino dessert!