17 Dessert Recipes I Bake When I Want Something Special

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Dessert is that extra something that turns a regular meal into a celebration — a little indulgence, a little comfort, and a lot of joy. This roundup of 16 dessert recipes has a perfect mix of textures and flavors, from warm and cozy bakes like cinnamon bun cake and apple pie–filled cinnamon rolls to cool treats like cookies and cream ice cream and salted caramel ice cream. You’ll also find buttery southern pralines, fruity favorites like peach galette and strawberry pretzel salad, and classic chocolate indulgences like cupcakes and blondies. Every recipe is simple, satisfying, and made to make you smile.

Cinnamon Bun Cake

A close-up of a sliced coffee cake with a cinnamon swirl and white icing drizzled on top, displayed on parchment paper. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

A rich, buttery vanilla cake swirled with ribbons of brown sugar and cinnamon, baked to perfection—thick, fluffy, and irresistible. As if that’s not enough, it’s crowned with a luscious cream cheese glaze that seeps into every crack and swirl. Imagine if a cinnamon roll and coffee cake joined forces to create the ultimate breakfast indulgence. Pure magic on a plate!

Get The Recipe: Cinnamon Bun Cake

Caramel Chocolate Chip Cake

a close up image of a Chocolate Chip Caramel Cake topped with caramel — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Caramel Chocolate Chip Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its buttery, soft crumb and generous amount of melty chocolate chips. Drizzled with decadent dulce de leche, this cake is the perfect balance of sweet and rich. It’s a simple yet impressive dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Caramel Chocolate Chip Cake

Southern Pralines Candy

Seven pecan pralines with a creamy, caramel-colored coating are grouped together on a white surface. These classic 1980s desserts have a rough, chunky texture with visible pecan pieces throughout. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Indulge in these irresistible pralines, a symphony of sweet, buttery perfection. Each bite delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, where luxurious caramel swirls around crunchy pecans, creating an unforgettable treat.

Get The Recipe: Southern Pralines Candy

Salted Caramel Blondies Bar

These Salted Caramel Blondies Bars are rich, decadent, and absolutely unforgettable! With the perfect balance of sweet and salty, these blondies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. You’ll want to make them again and again!
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Blondies Bar

Peach Gallette with Pie Crust or Puff Pastry

A close-up of a rustic Peach Galette with golden crust and peach slices, cut into squares on a wooden board. Made with flaky pie dough, it sits beside a knife and a plate holding an extra slice. — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Here’s how to whip up an easy peach galette with a golden, flaky crust and juicy filling—it’s the perfect rustic dessert for summer!

Get the Recipe: Peach Gallette with Pie Crust or Puff Pastry

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

These Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect treat when you’re craving something sweet and satisfying. Packed with chocolate chips and hearty oats, this recipe from Erren’s Kitchen will quickly become a family favorite. Bake up a batch for game day or any occasion that calls for a delicious homemade cookie!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Homemade Strawberry Pretzel Salad

A slice of Strawberry Pretzel Salad with a graham cracker crust, creamy filling, strawberry topping, and a swirl of whipped cream on top—classic comfort inspired by Southern recipes—served on a white plate with a fork. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Strawberry pretzel salad is a beloved dessert that brings a taste of nostalgia to the table with a classic Midwestern and Southern American treat from the mid-20th century. The dish combines sweet, salty, and creamy flavors, with layers of crunchy pretzel crust, tangy cream cheese filling, and juicy strawberry topping.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Glazed Lemon Bundt Cake

A glazed bundt cake with a golden interior sits on a glass cake stand. A gold knife is partially inserted, lifting two thick slices from the cake. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This glazed lemon bundt cake is a citrus lover’s dream! It’s soft, vibrant, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor in every bite. Topped with a thick, donut-style glaze that delicately cracks as you slice in, it’s as satisfying to cut as it is to eat. Made with fresh lemon juice, zest, and the perfect balance of oil and butter, it delivers an irresistibly moist texture. Simple to make yet stunning to serve, this cake is a showstopper for any occasion!

Get The Recipe: Glazed Lemon Bundt Cake

Raspberry Cheesecake Blondies

A close-up of a beautiful cheesecake bar with a crumbly crust, creamy filling, fresh raspberries, and a drizzle of raspberry sauce on and around this irresistible cheesecake creation. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Raspberry Cheesecake Blondies are dessert perfection in every bite—imagine rich, buttery blondies layered with creamy, velvety cheesecake and swirled with the vibrant sweetness of fresh raspberries. They’re easy to make, impossible to resist, and guaranteed to have you reaching for seconds (or thirds)!

Get The Recipe: Raspberry Cheesecake Blondies

Banoffee Pie

This Banoffee Pie recipe brings a taste of the UK to your kitchen with layers of graham cracker crust, sweet dulce de leche, fresh bananas, and whipped cream. It’s a delightful no-bake dessert that balances textures and flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Get ready for a family favorite that’s both easy to make and satisfying to eat!
Get the Recipe: Banoffee Pie

The Easiest Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe

a scoop of caramel ice cream in a bowl — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Beat the heat with this super easy, no-churn salted caramel ice cream. Requiring only 3 ingredients and no special equipment, this recipe delivers a creamy, sweet, and perfectly balanced dessert with a touch of salt. It’s the ultimate homemade summer treat!
Get the Recipe: The Easiest Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe

Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

Cool off with this creamy and delicious Homemade Cookies & Cream Ice Cream. This recipe offers two methods, no-churn and ice cream maker, making it easy to create a perfect summer treat. With just a few simple ingredients like condensed milk, whipping cream, and crushed Oreo cookies, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert in no time!
Get the Recipe: Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

Easy Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate Cupcakes topped with whipped cream frosting — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

These easy chocolate cupcakes are the perfect treat for any occasion! The cupcakes are moist and chocolatey, and the whipped cream frosting is light and delicious. You’ll love how simple they are to make!
Get the Recipe: Easy Chocolate Cupcakes

Applesauce Bread

This Applesauce Bread recipe is the perfect sweet treat, especially for fall! With a moist, tender crumb, warm cinnamon flavor, and sweet applesauce taste, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Top with cinnamon sugar for a sweet and crunchy texture.
Get the Recipe: Applesauce Bread

Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls in a white pan — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

These Apple Cinnamon Buns are a delightful homemade treat, perfect for breakfast or dessert. Each bite is filled with fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and topped with a heavenly glaze. Bake a batch and enjoy the comforting flavors of fall!
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling

Ultimate Chocolate Cupcakes

A Chocolate Cupcake with a bite removed — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

These Ultimate Chocolate Cupcakes are bursting with deep chocolate flavor in every bite. They’re topped with a rich ganache frosting, making them a truly decadent treat. Perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving!
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Chocolate Cupcakes

Banana Cream Pie

This Banana Cream Pie is dessert heaven! Think layers of sweet bananas, creamy pastry filling, and fluffy whipped topping, all on a buttery homemade crust. It’s the perfect cool, creamy treat that’s equal parts nostalgic and delicious.

Get The Recipe: Banana Cream Pie