21 Types Of Dessert With Recipes

From birthdays to weddings, cake is the ultimate indulgence that brings joy to every celebration. However, cakes are not as appreciated as desserts. With its soft and moist texture, cake offers an indulgent experience. The variety of flavors is endless, ranging from classic vanilla to rich chocolate, fruity options, and exotic combinations. 

Cakes have recently been touted as edible art due to the creativity associated with them. You cad decorate the cake with creamy frosting, colorful sprinkles, or fresh fruits.

A pie has been celebrated as a dessert for ages. The combination of sweet and savory ingredients creates a perfect balance of flavors. From holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving to a small summer family gathering, there are different types of pie for every occasion. You can go for a classic apple pie, a creamy pumpkin pie, or a tangy lemon meringue pie based on the occasion.

The flaky crust and luscious fillings complement each other. If you're not a fan of sweet desserts, you should definitely opt for a pie. Pie recipes are also varied depending on how crafty you are in the kitchen. Try a simple peach pie, or go for a peanut pecan pie.

Ice cream is a frozen dessert that can either enjoyed on its own or paired with other treats like brownies, cookies, or fresh fruit. Ice cream is your best option, especially on a hot summer day however, who says you can't have ice cream in winter?

Another great thing about ice cream is that it is loved by people of all ages as a popular choice for indulgence. Even though they might seem complicated, ice creams are one of the easiest recipes to prepare in your kitchen. All you need are a few ingredients and an ice cream maker. There are many flavor options and you can even opt for a healthier ice cream by replacing milk with a non-dairy option.

Cookies are sweet, crispy, or chewy desserts that come in a variety of flavors, shapes, and sizes. These can also be enjoyed as a snack or accompaniment to a cup of milk or tea. The beauty of cookies is that they are often homemade, which allows you to add new flavors and toppings as per your liking.

A chewy, rich chocolate cookie is still a staple for many people. However, you can't go wrong with a peanut butter cookie as well. Cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones on a dinner table as well. You pair a cookie with ice cream, chocolate syrup or some powdered sugar.

Everyone loves a fudgy brownie; however, the texture can vary, ranging from chewy to cake-like, depending on personal preference. Fudgy brownies are dense and chewy, while cakey brownies are lighter and airier. These are made with chocolate, butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. If you're an adventurous eater, you can enjoy it with additions like nuts, caramel, or chocolate chips.

As a dessert, brownies work best when served warm with a scoop of ice cream. These can also be used to make other desserts, such as brownie sundaes, brownie trifles, and brownie cakes. Brownies are a classic and timeless dessert that brings joy to any occasion.

Puddings are a more popular dessert in the European regions than in the Americas. Often made with flavors like classic vanilla and chocolate, these have recently found a home in the United States due to more unique options like butterscotch, pistachio, and even pumpkin.

It is made with milk, sugar, eggs, and a thickener such as cornstarch or gelatin. It can be cooked on the stovetop or in the oven and can be served hot or cold. Some commonly used toppings in puddings are whipped cream, fruit, nuts or just chocolate cream. It is also simple and easy to make at home.

A cheesecake is a rich, creamy dessert made with cream cheese, eggs, and sugar. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was made with simple ingredients like cheese, honey, and wheat. Today, cheesecake comes in various flavors and forms, ranging from classic New York style to fruity variations like strawberry or blueberry.

It is also a relatively easy dessert to make at home, and there are many recipes available online and in cookbooks. Serve your cheesecake with a drizzle of chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream and your guests will be impressed.

A cupcake might sound basic, but these small individual treats are anything but ordinary. They are small, individual cakes that are typically frosted and decorated. Cupcakes can be made with flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, and carrot cake. They can also be topped with different frostings, such as buttercream, cream cheese frosting, and ganache.

The soft, moist texture paired with a creamy frosting on top creates a heavenly combination. These are the ultimate desserts for a party as they are grab-and-go. There is no hassle of plates and spoons. You can also decorate your cupcake based on the occasion.

This beloved Italian dessert is best known for its rich, creamy texture with a subtle hint of coffee. Tiramisu is made with layers of ladyfingers dipped in coffee. These layers are then covered with a creamy mixture of mascarpone cheese, eggs, and sugar. Top it off with a dust of cocoa powder on top.

A tiramisu consists of complex flavors and textures that complement each other well. The ladyfingers provide a delicate crunch, the espresso adds a rich coffee flavor, and the mascarpone custard is smooth and creamy. The cocoa powder provides a finishing touch that adds a touch of bitterness.

Crème brûlée is a classic French dessert consisting of creamy custard with a thin layer of hardened caramel on top. The custard base is made with cream, egg yolks, and sugar and is baked until set. The distinctive feature of crème brûlée is its caramelized sugar topping, achieved by sprinkling sugar on top and using a blowtorch to melt and caramelize it.

The true magic of this dessert lies in the contrasting textures it offers. Each spoonful of this heavenly dessert is a symphony of flavors, with hints of vanilla and caramel. It can be enjoyed on its own, or it can be paired with other desserts, such as fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream. It is also a popular choice for dessert menus at restaurants and cafes.

Macarons are delicate and delicious French pastries and are one of the hardest desserts to make at home. However, these sweet treats come in vibrant colors and a wide range of flavors. A macaron consists of two almond-based meringue shells sandwiched together with a creamy filling.

The shells are made with almond flour, egg whites, sugar, and food coloring. The fillings can be ganache, buttercream, or a simple jam filling. Even though they seem tough at first, they can be made at home with a little practice. The key to making perfect macarons is to carefully measure your ingredients and follow the instructions precisely.

Doughnuts are a popular dessert all over the world. There are so many variations to this dessert that it can be placed on the menu on any occasion. The circular pastries are made with a yeast dough that is fried until golden brown and then coated in a sweet glaze or frosting. Other variations of this dessert involve a filling.

To enjoy a doughnut as a dessert, you can either make Doughnut ice cream sandwiches, Doughnut bread pudding, or Doughnut cake. These can be made elegant with sprinkles and other decorations on top.

The word "mousse" means foam in French, which perfectly describes its fluffy texture. The light and airy texture of a mousse is made from whipped egg whites or cream. However, it can be combined with other flavors like chocolate, fruit, or even savory ingredients.

It is often enjoyed in small portions, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a sweet treat without feeling overly full. Similarly, it is a relatively low-calorie dessert, making it a good option for those watching their weight. It is an elegant dessert option that is easy to make and can be served with fresh fruit, chocolate shavings, or other garnishes.

If you like more of a refreshing dessert than a rich, creamy one, a classic fruit salad should be your option. You can choose your combination of fruits, and the recipe can be changed according to season. A fruit salad combines flavors and texture and is low in calories, unlike other desserts. The vibrant assortment typically includes juicy watermelon, succulent strawberries, tangy oranges, crisp apples, and sweet grapes.

It is best served with whipped cream, yogurt, nuts, and seeds, which keeps the dessert guilt-free but also satisfies all your cravings. Bring this as a dessert for picnics, parties, and family gatherings.

This fairly new dessert is made with a rich and creamy ganache and flavored with liquor, spices, or nuts. The circular treats are rolled in cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or other toppings and then dipped in chocolate. These are exceptionally rich and sweet but you probably cannot eat more than one in one sitting.

Truffles are a popular dessert choice for special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, and holiday parties. They are also a popular gift item, as they are both delicious and elegant.

A cannoli is a traditional Italian dessert. It consists of a fried pastry shell, typically made with a combination of flour, sugar, and butter. The pastry is then filled with a sweet and creamy ricotta cheese filling. The filling is often flavored with ingredients like vanilla, chocolate, or citrus zest.

Cannoli is commonly garnished with powdered sugar, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips. They can be enjoyed on their own, or they can be topped with additional toppings such as chocolate chips, pistachios, or candied fruit.

Baklava is a pastry dessert originating from the Middle East, particularly popular in countries like Turkey, Lebanon, and Greece. It is a sweet treat made with layers of thin phyllo dough, generously brushed with butter, and filled with a mixture of chopped nuts, such as pistachios, walnuts, or almonds.

The layers are then baked until golden brown and soaked in a sweet syrup made with honey, lemon, and spices. The flaky filo dough gives way to a chewy texture, while the nuts add a nutty flavor and crunch. The syrup or honey coating provides a sweet and sticky finish. If you've never had a baklava, take this as a sign to have or make one for yourself.

Another pastry dessert on this is a classic French Eclair. Similar to a cannoli, an eclair consists of a light and fluffy choux pastry shell, filled with smooth and creamy custard or whipped cream. The word "éclair" means "flash of lightning" in French, and this pastry certainly lives up to its name. It disappears in a flash once you take a bite.

A classic eclair has a chocolate glaze topping but further flavors like coffee, pistachio, or raspberry also go well with this dessert. Even though eclairs are a popular dessert choice for special occasions, such as birthdays, holidays, and weddings, they are also a popular choice for potlucks and other gatherings.

French do know their desserts. It is more than evident in a classic parfait which is traditionally served in a tall glass. It is made by layering ingredients such as yogurt, whipped cream, fresh fruits, and granola. American parfaits are typically made with layers of ice cream, yogurt, and fruit.

A parfait is not only visually appealing but also a balance of tastes and textures. Even though some enjoy Parfait as a light breakfast, we believe they are best served as a dessert. It will be the showstopper at your dinner party when you bring out these beautiful glasses filled with creamy goodness.

S'mores are a classic American campfire treat. Consisting of three simple ingredients – graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate – they create a heavenly combination. The process begins by toasting marshmallows over an open fire until they turn golden brown and gooey.

The melted marshmallow acts as glue when placed between two graham crackers along with a piece of chocolate. As you take a bite, the warm, melted marshmallow oozes out, blending with the sweet chocolate and crunchy graham crackers. S'mores are loved for the feelings of nostalgia, joy, and the perfect ending to a summer night.

A tart is for those people who like a less sweet dessert. These also combine in many sizes, for small individual pieces to large pies. There is a crisp and buttery pastry crust with a fruit and custard filling. The tartness of fruits like lemon, raspberry, or apple goes well with the sweetness of the filling. These can be served warm or chilled, depending on the season.

Tarts are often served as a special occasion dessert but these can also be made ahead of time and frozen, making them a convenient dessert option.