Exceptionally quick and easy desserts
Whether you’re looking for an after-dinner sweet fix or you need to cater to some unexpected guests, having a decadent selection of quick and easy dessert recipes on hand is crucial. This collection of recipes pulls together our favourite treats, perfect for enjoying alongside a hot cuppa for morning or afternoon tea. From tarts and slice, to french toast, puddings and fritters, these are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. And the best part? They all can be ready in under an hour.
These desserts all take minimum effort for maximum taste; a few minutes blending, baking or mixing and you could be curbing your sugar cravings in 30 minutes or less! This week just got more fun. Because sometimes you need something sweet, and quick!
Looking for more fast desserts?
How to make whipped cream
By following these simple tips you’ll achieve smooth and creaming whipped cream, the ideal accompaniment for your quick desserts.
We’ve all been there, you’re anticipating dolloping a fresh spoonful of delicious whipped cream on top of your scone, but as you beat the cream it starts to go lumpy and separate. To avoid this messy problem and always turn out perfect whipped cream, just follow these tips from our Test Kitchen experts:
Tip 1: Make sure that your bowl is clean and dry, and has been chilled; your whisk or beaters should also be clean and chilled, and your cream should be whipped straight from the fridge.
Tip 2: Opt for thickened cream, if you can, as the gelatine present can help to stabilise it a little.
Tip 3: Start beating at high speed, and, as the cream thickens, reduce the speed until the cream holds its shape.
Dolloped on freshly baked scones, served with hot apple pie, topping a perfectly made Irish coffee… There really isn’t many dishes that a spoon (or two) of cream can’t improve.
01
Banana and cinnamon muffins
These fluffy banana muffins with a hint of cinnamon and topped with tangy cream cheese icing are the perfect addition to lunch boxes.
02
Hot marmalade scones
Brushed with a honey glaze, these citrusy scones are heavenly served straight out of the oven with a hot pot of tea waiting.
03
Chocolate bubble bars
This super simple four ingredient dessert is great for getting the kids involved in the kitchen. No baking required.
04
Marshmallow rice bubble slice
This brightly coloured easy treat is ideal for getting the kids involved.
05
Gluten-free Chocolate and almond Biscuits
Gluten-free Chocolate and almond Biscuits
These gluten, dairy and egg free biscuits are packed with gorgeous choc-almond flavour for a delightful treat that will have everyone back for more
06
Easy chocolate brownies
These melt and mix chocolate brownies are so quick and easy to make, they’ll become your go-to recipe. Perfect for afternoon tea or dessert.
07
Sticky date pudding recipe with nuts
Sticky date pudding recipe with nuts
We added a delicious crunch to the classic sticky date by topping it with roasted nuts. But don’t forget a generous pour of salted caramel sauce, too!
08
Rhubarb galette
Looking as good as it tastes this sweet & tangy rhubarb galette is quick and easy to make, too. Serve piping hot from the oven with ice-cream or cream
09
Croissants and pains au chocolat aux amandes
Croissants and pains au chocolat aux amandes
This is a great way to jazz up average pastries or to use 1-2 day-old croissants and pains au chocolat.
10
White chocolate macadamia cookies
White chocolate macadamia cookies
A decadent treat with macadamia’s and white chocolate.
11
Three ingredient banana and peanut butter pancakes
Three ingredient banana and peanut butter pancakes
You don’t need a pantry full of baking ingredients to whip up these delicious pancakes!
12
White chocolate crackles
We twisted the classic using rice bubbles, coco-pops and M & M’s with white chocolate in this Copha-free recipe for a colourful result the kids love.
13
Popcorn butterscotch squares
This tasty treat is a butterscotch chocolatey delight with a biscuit base, that can also help you use up leftover popcorn from movie night.
14
Peanut butter and jelly french toast
Peanut butter and jelly french toast
We’ve given the PB & J a decadent makeover!
15
Dark chocolate & ricotta mousse
Dark chocolate and ricotta mousse
This decadent chocolate mousse is easy to make and unlike some mousse recipes, it can be served immediately so there’s no waiting and salivating!
16
Butterfly cakes
Butterfly cakes are cupcakes with a little added magic. A cream and jam filling and delicate wings take ordinary vanilla cupcakes to new heights.
17
Salted caramels
Made with just 4 ingredients these sticky salted caramels pair perfectly with a scoop of ice-cream.
18
Caramel ginger crunchies
Crunchy ginger biscuits topped with a gooey caramel make the ideal afternoon treat.
19
Apple turnovers
A delightfully crispy treat, these apple turnovers are so easy to make and delicious served hot from the oven.
20
Pecan slice
Sweet, chewy, chocolately and nutty – this divine pecan slice is perfect served with a fresh cup of coffee for a decadent morning or afternoon treat.
21
Banana and choc-almond toastie
Rise and shine with these decadent and wholesome banana and choc-almond toasties – a perfect start to the morning!
22
How to make basic scones
This basic scones recipe uses only three ingredients to make. Serve with jam and cream.
24
The big chocolate cookie
Because some days regular sized cookies aren’t enough.
25
Our best pancakes recipe
Yep, we said it! Its a big call – and an easy dessert treat!
26
Banana, coconut & rosemary nice-cream
Banana, coconut & rosemary nice-cream
Just because you have sugar cravings doesn’t mean you need any added sugar! This faux ice-cream has the smooth consistency of soft-serve but with bigger, bolder flavours.
27
Apple pie doughnuts
You’ve never had anything like this! With layers of grilled, sweet apples and cinnamon donuts, this might actually be better than the original.
28
French toast
Don’t be fooled, sweet and tender French toast isn’t just for breakfast. Slather a slice in rich maple syrup and add a scoop of smooth ice-cream, if you’re wanting something a little extra, for an effortless dessert.
29
No-bake mars bar slice
With crispy, puffed rice and that distinct mars bar decadency, stopping at just one slice is going to be near impossible.
30
Gluten-free blueberry and white chocolate scones
Gluten-free blueberry and white chocolate scones
With bursts of fresh blueberries and silky white chocolate, all you need is a big scoop of ice-cream or dollop of sweetened cream and you’re good to go.
31
Pear fritters with raspberry rose syrup
Pear fritters with raspberry rose syrup
With layers of sweet, battered pears, tart raspberries and creamy yoghurt, this is perfect for those that don’t have a huge sweet tooth.
32
Double-choc coconut cookies
If a bite of a fresh from the oven cookie isn’t enough to satisfy you, we recommend sandwiching two cookies with your ice-cream of choice for that little extra kick.
33
Coconut & quinoa flake porridge with maple baked pears
Coconut & quinoa flake porridge with maple baked pears
Fun fact: You don’t need cream to make exceptionally creamy desserts. Piled high with caramelised baked maple pears, everyone will be going back for seconds.
34
Peanut and honey ice-cream sandwiches
Peanut and honey ice-cream sandwiches
With super-sweet honey, a thick layer of peanut butter and crushed, salted peanuts, this cheats ice-cream sandwich has it all.
35
Chocolate nutella mug puddings
Chocolate nutella mug puddings
With the press of a few buttons and 90 seconds of excruciating waiting, you could be sinking your spoon into a gooey, hot chocolate cake in no time.
