Recipes Desserts 20 Dessert Recipes That Always Work These desserts take "no-fail" to a new level. By Corey Williams Corey Williams Corey Williams is a food writer for MyRecipes and Allrecipes. She has a decade of journalism experience. Allrecipes' editorial guidelines Published on January 4, 2025 Close Photo: Meredith Food Studios If you have a serious sweet tooth, you know there's nothing more disappointing than a dessert fail. That's why we put together this collection of dessert ideas that always work—so you'll never waste time or ingredients on a so-so recipe again. From foolproof cakes and cookies to infallible pies and cobblers, you'll find a new go-to in this collection of top-rated treats that always turn out exactly as planned. 01 of 21 Mrs. Sigg's Snickerdoodles Danielle K You can't go wrong with these famous cinnamon-sugar cookies. With more than 7,000 reviews, this crowd-pleasing snickerdoodle recipe has a perfect 5-star rating. View Recipe Save Our 25 Best Cookie Recipes of All Time Are a Cookie-Lover's Dream 02 of 21 One Bowl Chocolate Cake One Bowl Chocolate Cake III | Photo by Dianne. The batter for this basic chocolate cake recipe comes together in just one bowl, so cleanup couldn't be easier. "One of the best cake recipes you're ever going to find," raves reviewer NJONG. View Recipe Save 15 One-Bowl Cake Recipes to Make Quickly and Easily 03 of 21 Best Brownies Dotdash Meredith Food Studios "These brownies always turn out," according to recipe creator Angie. A 5-ingredient chocolate frosting takes this foolproof dessert over the top. View Recipe Save 04 of 21 Aunt Teen's Creamy Chocolate Fudge Allrecipes/Diana Chistruga Everyone needs a tried-and-true chocolate fudge recipe in their arsenal. This irresistible fudge, which has more than 2,000 rave reviews, is easy to whip up in about half an hour. View Recipe Save 05 of 21 Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler aki s This fresh peach cobbler, with a cinnamon-sugar topping, is a sweet Southern favorite. "This is the best cobbler I have tasted," according to 5-star reviewer Mike Schoenbacher. View Recipe Save 06 of 21 Five-Minute Ice Cream Dotdash Meredith Food Studios You can use any frozen fruit you have on hand to make this 5-minute, 3-ingredient ice cream. To prepare it, just blend your chosen fruit with heavy cream and sugar. View Recipe Save 07 of 21 Apple Pie by Grandma Ople Dotdash Meredith Food Studios This old-fashioned apple pie has almost 15,000 rave reviews from happy home cooks. "It will always be my favorite and has won me several first place prizes in local competitions," says recipe creator MOSHASMAMA. View Recipe Save 15 Classic Grandma Desserts You'll Love to Make and Share 08 of 21 Too Much Chocolate Cake This decadent chocolate cake starts with two convenient ingredients: a box of devil's food cake mix and a package of instant chocolate pudding mix. View Recipe Save 09 of 21 Chantal's New York Cheesecake This simple cheesecake tastes just like the ones you'll find in New York City delis. "I don't want to be rude, but this is the deal: This is a perfect recipe, and if it fails for you, it's your fault, not the recipe's," says reviewer Morena. View Recipe Save 10 of 21 The Best Lemon Bars Lauren Grant/ Meredith Citrus lovers won't be able to get enough of these fresh and fruity lemon bars. "Excellent, everything a true lemon bar should be," according to reviewer MommyFromSeattle. "Buttery, tender and tart." View Recipe Save 11 of 21 Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Almost 18,000 reviewers agree: These chocolate chip cookies are absolutely delicious. Reviewer ANGELFROMHEAVEN says they're "crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside." View Recipe Save 12 of 21 The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies ekennedy "Whenever you make these cookies for someone, be sure to bring along several copies of the recipe," warns recipe creator J. Saunders. You will be asked for it, I promise." View Recipe Save 13 of 21 Coconut Macaroons dotdash meredith food studios You need just five ingredients (coconut flakes, all-purpose flour, salt, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract) to make these top-rated cookies. View Recipe Save 14 of 21 Chocolate Trifle dotdash meredith food studios Brownies are layered with chocolate pudding and homemade whipped cream. Even the pickiest dinner guests will be impressed by this show-stopping dessert. View Recipe Save 50 Fancy Desserts That You Can Make at Home 15 of 21 Creamy Rice Pudding Dotdash Meredith Food Studios This classic rice pudding recipe, which has almost 5,000 perfect reviews from the Allrecipes community, is ready to serve in just 45 minutes. View Recipe Save 16 of 21 Banana Pudding Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Who doesn't love classic banana pudding? This quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing recipe is a breeze to make in your trusty 9x13 pan. View Recipe Save 17 of 21 Easy Cream Cheese Pound Cake Sara Haas Make this dense pound cake with just six ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen: a block of cream cheese, butter, sugar, eggs, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract. View Recipe Save 15 Luscious Cream Cheese Desserts That Aren't Straight Up Cheesecake 18 of 21 Big Soft Ginger Cookies Dotdash Meredith Food Studios These top-rated ginger cookies are perfect for the holiday season, but you'll want to serve them all year long. "If I could have rated these 10 stars, I would have," says reviewer StephanieM. View Recipe Save 19 of 21 Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti Rob Tanner These gorgeous Italian cookies are easier to make than you think. Serve them with coffee for a sweet mid-morning or afternoon pick-me-up. View Recipe Save 20 of 21 Classic Peanut Butter Cookies The Spruce / Kristina Vanni There are few desserts more comforting than basic peanut butter cookies. With more than 4,000 glowing reviews, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your friends and family. View Recipe Save 21 of 21 More Inspiration Buckwheat Queen Try one of our favorite Dinner Recipes That Always Work. Plus, explore our entire collection of Dessert Recipes. Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe Grilled Cheese Sandwich Easy Tuna Casserole Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit