Vanilla Dessert Recipes That are Anything But Basic

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Vanilla often gets labeled as “basic,” but this collection of 20 vanilla recipes proves just how deliciously versatile and full of flavor it can be. From classic bakes like Vanilla Bean Cheesecake and Homemade Vanilla Wafers to unique treats like Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart and Honey Vanilla Cottage Cheese Fruit Dip, these recipes showcase the richness and depth that vanilla adds to every dessert. Whether you’re whipping up a batch of No Churn Vanilla Bean Ice Cream or indulging in a slice of Vanilla Bean Banana Bundt Cake, these recipes celebrate the subtle sweetness and timeless charm of vanilla.

Pastry Cream {Creme Patissiere}

a white bowl filled with pastry cream that's swirled on top — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Whip up this easy pastry cream (creme patissiere) featuring egg yolks, sugar, and a touch of vanilla. It’s the ideal filling for cakes, pastries, and donuts, adding a touch of creamy sweetness to any dessert.

Get The Recipe: Pastry Cream {Creme Patissiere}

Sock It to Me Cake

A close-up of a bundt cake with a cinnamon swirl inside, topped with thick white icing. A slice is being lifted, revealing its moist, golden interior—a delicious twist on classic fruit desserts. The cake sits on a white plate. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Ready to bake a cake that’s pure comfort? Our Sock It To Me Cake recipe is the perfect blend of buttery, sweet, and spiced perfection. This easy-to-make Bundt cake is so cozy and delicious, it’s like getting a warm hug with every bite.

Get The Recipe: Sock It to Me Cake

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

Banana Cream Pie

This Banana Cream Pie is pure dessert bliss! Imagine layers of fresh, sweet bananas, velvety pastry cream, and fluffy whipped topping, all resting on a buttery, homemade crust. It’s the ultimate cool and creamy treat that brings a touch of nostalgia and a whole lot of love to every bite.

Get The Recipe: Banana Cream Pie

Dairy-Free Vanilla Ice Cream

Creamy, sweet, and downright dreamy, this Dairy-Free Vanilla Ice Cream is as easy to whip up as it is to devour! Treat your sweet tooth to a chilly hug this summer—because who says you can’t have your ice cream and eat it too? 🍦
Get the Recipe: Dairy-Free Vanilla Ice Cream

Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart

Vibrant cherries lounging on a creamy vanilla bean filling, all snuggled up in a buttery shortbread crust—it’s the ultimate summer showstopper that’s ready to steal the spotlight at your next gathering!
Get the Recipe: Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart

Baked Vanilla Donuts

A close up image of Two Vanilla frosted donuts with colored sprinkles on a plate. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Whip up some soft, fluffy cake donuts that’ll have you dancing in the kitchen with this easy-peasy recipe! These delightful Baked Vanilla Donuts come dressed in a glaze that’s sweeter than your best friend’s compliments and topped with sprinkles that scream, “Let’s party!”

Get The Recipe: Baked Vanilla Donuts

Homemade Golden Oreo Cookies

Ditch the store-bought cookies and unleash your inner pastry Picasso with this easy recipe! The satisfaction—and the taste—will leave those pre-packaged impostors quaking in their wrappers!

Get The Recipe: Homemade Golden Oreo Cookies

Homemade Vanilla Wafers

Homemade Vanilla Wafers: made with real ingredients like butter and eggs—because why settle for the boxed kind? This super-simple recipe packs a taste and texture that’ll make those store-bought treats weep!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Vanilla Wafers

Homemade Yellow Cake

A close up image of a slice of yellow cake with chocolate frosting.

Buttery, soft, and so moist it practically leaves a puddle, this classic yellow cake recipe is homemade magic—way better than any boxed impostor!

Get The Recipe: Homemade Yellow Cake

No Churn Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

In just 5 minutes and with a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up scrumptious vanilla bean ice cream that’s so good, even your store-bought tub will be jealous!
Get the Recipe: No Churn Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Vanilla Cream Sponge Cake

This foolproof recipe for Berry Whipped Cream Cake—crafted with homemade whipped cream and fresh berries—looks so impressive it might just earn you a spot on a baking show, yet it’s simple enough that even your cat could pull it off!
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Cream Sponge Cake

Vanilla Shortbread Cookies

These Vanilla Shortbread Spritz Cookies are so easy to whip up, they might just make you think you’re a baking genius! Sweet, buttery, and flaunting those gorgeous crisp edges, they’re a delightful treat that’s as easy on the eyes as they are on your baking skills. Who knew looking this good could be so effortless?

Get The Recipe: Vanilla Shortbread Cookies

Super Simple Cake Recipe

A sheet pan of vanilla cake with a slice cut out of it. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Super Simple Cake Recipe is so easy, even your pet goldfish could whip it up! With just basic ingredients and equipment, you can bake a fantastic, tender, and moist cake from scratch that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Get The Recipe: Super Simple Cake Recipe

Easy Ricotta Dessert

A spoon lifting a portion of creamy ricotta dessert sprinkled with chocolate chips and a dash of cinnamon, with more of the dessert visible in the glass below. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Easy Ricotta Dessert is like a cozy hug for your taste buds—creamy cheese filling lounging on a buttery cookie crumble, all jazzed up with dark chocolate chips. It’s the sweet treat that says, “You deserve this!”

Get The Recipe: Easy Ricotta Dessert

Vanilla Bean Banana Bundt Cake

This Vanilla Bean Banana Bundt Cake isn’t your run-of-the-mill dessert. It’s a flavor symphony that harmonizes the cozy vibes of banana bread with the sophisticated flair of vanilla cake. And let’s be real, it’s the perfect excuse to save those overripe bananas from becoming a science experiment on your counter!
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Bean Banana Bundt Cake

No Churn Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

In just 5 minutes and with a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a delightful vanilla bean ice cream that’ll have your taste buds singing and your friends wondering if you’ve secretly become a dessert wizard!
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Vanilla Cake Recipe: Perfectly Moist and Delicate

Get ready for the only vanilla cake recipe you’ll ever need! It bakes up soft, buttery, and moist, like a warm hug in cake form, with a crumb so delicate you’ll think it’s shy. So easy it’s practically foolproof—if you can mix, you can bake! All in one bowl, because who has time for extra dishes? Simple, versatile, and delicious enough to make your taste buds do a happy dance!
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Cake

Vanilla Chia Pudding

This vanilla chia pudding is the guilt-free dessert you never knew you needed! Dress it up with your favorite toppings—think fruit and granola—for a nutritious summer treat that’ll have you saying, “Chia later!”
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Chia Pudding

Simply Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes

A plate of tasty vanilla cupcakes topped with swirls of creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles. Perfect for any gathering, these delightful treats are arranged closely together on a decorative, light blue platter. — Photo credit: Sally’s Baking Recipes

Get ready to meet the ultimate dessert: Vanilla Cupcakes! With their elegant presentation of fluffy vanilla buttercream and a confetti party of colorful sprinkles on top, these divinely delicious treats are here to steal the show. They’re the perfect wingmen for your next party—just try not to eat them all yourself! 🎉🧁
Get the Recipe: Simply Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes