14 Decadent Desserts to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth Every Time
Our list has everything you need, no matter what sweet treat you're craving. From tried-and-true cakes and pies to lesser-known delicacies like Slovenian potica and chocolate delice, there's something for everyone here.
The desserts we've chosen to feature have more in common than just being delicious. Each recipe can be tailored to accommodate specific dietary preferences and restrictions. None of them will break the bank, either; you can find all the ingredients in a common grocery store, and no specialty equipment is required.
Moreover, even first-time bakers can master these recipes and impress their guests. Most come together in under an hour of active work, and you can assemble some of these desserts without using an oven. So go on and whip something up—you'll be glad you did.
Chocolate Chip Brownie Cheesecake
This chocolate chip brownie cheesecake is a dessert lover's dream. It's half cheesecake and half brownie. The brownie crust is topped with a cheesecake topping and then drizzled with chocolate chips.
This wow-worthy cake is perfect for special occasions or when you just want to spoil yourself with a decadent dessert.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Brownie Cheesecake
Potica
An enriched dough swirled with a sweet mix of walnuts and honey; potica has been the jaw-dropping centerpiece of Slovenian festivities for generations. Though it is traditionally made into a ring and baked on a sheet tray, you can up the “wow” factor by shaping the dessert in a Bundt or Kugelhopf pan.
No matter what form your potica takes, you’ll impress your guests with a taste of Slovenia this holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Potica
Lemon Ricotta Cake
This lemon ricotta cake is an all-day cake—it's just as perfect for breakfast or tea as it is after dinner, preferably alongside a glass of something sweet.
It can also be dressed up for any occasion. Try it with fresh berries, a lemon glaze, toasted pine nuts, or poached fruit.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Cake
No-Bake Dulce de Leche Cheesecake
This decadent cheesecake recipe is guaranteed to wow your whole family. It has a crumbly, buttery biscuit base. The addition of rich, delicious dulce de leche cheesecake filling makes this dessert hard to resist. Kids especially go crazy for the popcorn topping.
And yes, you read that right; this dulce de leche cheesecake is also a no-bake, meaning parents love it, too.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Dulce de Leche Cheesecake
Pumpkin Roll
A perfect yule log is made in the fall — isn’t that what they say? Whether you’re flexing your holiday muscles early or simply craving a treat, these sweet spirals are the perfect taste of autumn.
Don’t be intimidated by the rolling; even novice bakers can achieve a neat and tidy log with enough patience and parchment paper!
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Roll
Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
This chocolate chip coffee cake will earn you brownie points in the office, pun intended. With its deep espresso flavor, complemented by sweet chocolate and buttery vanilla, this dessert is like a mocha in cake form.
Bring a loaf still warm from the oven to work and forget employee of the month; you'll be topping that list all year.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
Strawberry Cream Pie
Move over, shortcake. This strawberry cream pie is the star of the summer — and you don't even need an oven to bring it all together, thanks to its graham cracker crust.
This recipe is the perfect picnic or party dessert because all components can be made or store-bought ahead of time. Assemble in front of your guests just before serving because who doesn't love a memorable food moment?
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cream Pie
Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
Vegan? Check. Gluten-free? Check. No-bake? Check! Not only does this triple threat of a dessert come together in minutes, but it's also downright good for you.
Chock full of superfoods, one bar will leave you as satiated as a slice of pecan pie — but without the icky side effects that can come from eating dairy, gluten, and processed sugar.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
No-Bake Raspberry Cheesecake
Another no-bake stunner, this zingy and refreshing raspberry cheesecake is our go-to on summer days when it’s too hot to be in the kitchen.
With its smooth sour cream base and tangy raspberry-lime flavor, this dessert is a pretty-in-pink version of our perennial favorite, key lime pie.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Raspberry Cheesecake
Chocolate Delice
This dessert celebrates all things chocolate, from its cocoa sponge and fudgy filling to its unbelievably shiny cocoa powder glaze. True to its name, the chocolate delice is a delicacy.
Try it with a scoop of mint ice cream for a sophisticated peppermint patty or with pineapple sorbet for a zingy burst of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Delice
Almond Cream Cake
Almond flour is the workhorse of pastry kitchens and bakeries worldwide, yielding a moist and delicate crumb. This almond cream cake proves why; the warm, nutty aroma instantly appeals, and the light, creamy texture is impossible to resist.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of fruit coulis for a classic bite of nostalgia.
Get the Recipe: Almond Cream Cake
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
The best thing about this dessert is its versatility. We love the retro combination of canned pineapples and Maraschino cherries. However, this cake is just as good with a base of summer stone fruits or winter citrus.
Did we mention the secret ingredient is a box of yellow cake mix? That means a bowl, a whisk, and a skillet are all you need to whip up this year-round stunner.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Chocolate and raspberry are an iconic duo. Decadent yet refined, impressive yet dead simple — this tart is the best of both worlds.
This tart is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The smooth chocolate flavor perfectly complements the tart raspberry flavor. Additionally, the cocoa-infused crust adds another dimension to this recipe.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cupcakes
These delicious gluten-free pumpkin cupcakes are easy to make and perfectly spiced with warming fall flavors. These gorgeous cupcakes are topped with a dreamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
These cupcakes are the perfect gluten-free dessert option. Your friends and family will be begging you for this recipe.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cupcakes