On warm days—or days when you just don't feel like much fuss—no-bake desserts fit the bill.
51 Easy No-Bake Desserts
Updated on Sep. 30, 2024
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Triple Berry No-Bake Cheesecake
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings (3-1/3 cups topping)
From the Recipe Creator:
I've made many cheesecakes and enjoy them all, but they're usually time-consuming. When I first tried this recipe, my husband said it was better than the baked ones, and that was a big plus for me! —Joyce Mummau, Baltimore, Maryland
Scratch-made cheesecakes can be time-consuming and challenging to create. But this no-bake version makes cheesecake so easy! Don’t forget to top this one with plenty of fresh fruit.
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Luscious Lime Angel Squares
Total Time
15 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Lime topping turns angel food cake into these yummy squares that are perfect for potlucks or picnics. You can eat a piece of this light and airy dessert without feeling one bit guilty. I adapted this luscious treat from another recipe. It is super-easy to make. —Beverly Marshall, Orting, Washington
A store-bought angel food cake becomes the crust for this creamy lime dessert. Be sure to let this treat chill out in the fridge for a few hours (or even overnight) before enjoying.
Peanut Butter Mousse
Are you the type to enjoy a spoonful of peanut butter right out of the jar? Then this mousse is for you! It’s lush, velvety and packed with peanutty flavor. Want to take this easy no-bake dessert to the next level? Top with chocolate curls or chocolate chips.
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Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This old-fashioned banana cream pie recipe is full of flavor. Because it uses instant pudding, the no-bake dessert is ready in just minutes. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington
This old-fashioned banana cream pie recipe is full of flavor. Because it uses instant pudding, this easy no-bake dessert is ready in just minutes.
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Icebox Cake
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You don't have to bake to serve a wonderful dessert! This icebox cake is made from chocolate wafers and whipping cream. It is so delicious.—Cindy Hawkins, New York, New York
This icebox cake has been a classic for decades. Use classic chocolate wafer cookies or swap in your favorite crispy store-bought cookie. Our Test Kitchen loves these packaged chocolate chip cookies.
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Yummy Cracker Snacks
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These treats are my family’s favorite. In fact, it seems no matter how many I make, they always disappear too soon! —D. Weaver, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Need a reason to pop open a box of Ritz crackers? This easy no-bake recipe is it! Add marshmallow creme between the crackers and then coat in chocolate. They’re super simple but so delicious!
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Pineapple Crunch
Total Time
25 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A co-worker shared the recipe for this refreshing pineapple dessert years ago. Every time I take it somewhere, it's a favorite. —Betty Wiersma, Sherwood Park, Alberta
Cornflakes form the base of this cruchy-meets-creamy pineapple dessert. Remember to use all the pineapple juice from the can in this recipe for a fuller fruity flavor.
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Raspberry Coconut Balls
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves Hostess Zingers, especially the raspberry flavor coated with coconut, inspiring this treat to make for school bake sales. We can make about four dozen in 30 minutes, and they sell out fast! —Pam Clark, Wheaton, Illinois
These no-bake treats take inspiration from Hostess Zingers. Be sure to roll in plenty of shredded coconut!
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Chocolate Scotcheroos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was given to me by a student at my school. It has become one of my family's favorites and is so easy to make. —Lois Mays, Covington, Pennsylvania
These no-bake cereal bars are one of our favorite iconic Midwest desserts. They combine peanut butter, butterscotch and chocolate for a treat that’s perfectly sticky and sweet.
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Rich and Creamy Tiramisu
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tiramisu is Italian for pick-me-up, and this one is definitely true to its name! My version of the classic Tuscan trifle has both coffee and espresso for layers of java flavor. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
That’s right! Tiramisu falls into the no-bake desserts category when you start with a package of store-bought ladyfingers. This version gets extra pep thanks to coffee and espresso.
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Cherry Delight Dessert
Total Time
20 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This smooth and creamy cheesecake-like treat is light, sweet and pretty, too. Convenience products make it quick and easy to prepare. “My husband also likes this dessert when I substitute blueberry pie filling,” notes Lanae Powell of McPherson, Kansas.
Love a cherry-topped cheesecake but don’t have the time? Easy no-bake desserts like this one make it possible! Use homemade cherry pie filling or dress up a can of cherry pie filling.
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Peanut Butter Pudding Pie
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This peanut butter pudding pie is pretty enough to serve to company... if your family doesn't get to it first! No one can resist a sweet piece of this creamy chocolate and peanut butter dessert. —Valerie Sisson, Norton, Ohio
A chocolate drizzle over this easy no-bake pie takes it over the top! You can also drizzle with honey or caramel for a different riff on this sweet treat.
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Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
Total Time
10 min
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It takes 10 minutes, tops, to prepare this cool ice cream sandwich cake, but it tastes as though you spent a lot of time creating it. —Cathie Valentine, Graniteville, South Carolina
What’s better than ice cream sandwiches? Ice cream sandwiches turned into a no-bake cake! This treat gets amped up thanks to caramel, chocolate and, of course, a cherry on top.
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Bing Cherry-Amaretti Fool
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When Bing cherries are in season, I make this fruity custard-style fool. The sweet cherries and whipped cream balance perfectly with the sour cream. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
Make the most of summer’s sweetest cherry with this fool—a custard-y British dessert. Crumbled amaretti cookies add crunch—don’t forget to include them on this easy no-bake dessert.
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Banana Pudding
Total Time
35 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I didn’t see my son, Lance Corporal Eric Harris, for more than two years after he enlisted in the Marines after high school. And when I saw him arrive at the airport, I just grabbed hold of him and burst out crying. When we got home, the first thing he ate was two bowls of my easy banana pudding recipe. He’s a true southern boy! It’s a dessert, but you can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. —Stephanie Harris, Montpelier, Virginia
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7-Layer Gelatin Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's an eye-catching salad that my mother makes for Christmas dinner each year. You can choose different flavors to make other color combinations for specific holidays or other gatherings. —Jan Hemness, Stockton, Missouri
This layered Jell-O salad takes a little time to make, but it’s wonderfully simple! Be sure to layer the gelatin in a clear dish so you can appreciate the array of colors.
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Creamy Pina Colada Pie
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 pies (8 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a family favorite and super easy to make. Some like the consistency of this pina colada pie right out of the freezer and others prefer a softer pie—either way it's delicious! —Jenny Hales, Arcadia, Oklahoma
Turn one of summer’s best cocktails into a pie! This easy no-bake dessert starts with a bottle of pina colada mix and layers on more flavor with shredded coconut.
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Butterscotch Pecan Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Butterscotch pecan cookies have a rich buttery flavor. No one will guess they started from convenient cake and pudding mixes. — Betty Janway, Ruston, Louisiana
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Blueberry Lemon Trifle
Total Time
15 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A refreshing lemon filling and fresh blueberries give this sunny dessert sensation plenty of color. Don't worry about heating up the oven—this trifle doesn't require baking. —Ellen Peden, Houston, Texas
Got leftover cake? Or a cake hanging out in the freezer? Cube it up and layer with refreshing lemon filling and blueberries to make this summery trifle.
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Possum Pie
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was found in a box of recipes in the cafe we own. The recipes were used in the early 1950s by a previous owner, and this pie has been on our menu since we discovered it. —David Heilemann, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
We’ll admit it: When it comes to easy no-bake desserts, this one has a pretty wild name. But this Alabama treat is darn tasty thanks to pecans and cream cheese nestled into a shortbread-style crust.
Lemon Icebox Cake
Grab a box of graham crackers! This easy icebox cake uses them as the cake component layered between lemon pudding and plenty of lemon zest.
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Church Window Cookies
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These church window cookies are a hit with kids—the little ones just love the colored marshmallows! —Emmilie Gaston, Wabash, Indiana
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Fancy Fuss-Free Torte
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Thanks to frozen pound cake and a can of pie filling, this torte is easy to make. If layers slide, keep them in place with toothpicks around the edges as you build. Just remove them before serving. —Joan Causey, Greenwood, Arkansas
Thanks to frozen pound cake and a can of pie filling, this torte’s easy to make. If layers slide, keep them in place with toothpicks around the edges as you build. Just remove before serving.
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Coconut Pistachio Pie
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We simply love the lightly toasted coconut crust that pairs so well with the pistachio pudding in this quick pie. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
You’ve seen graham cracker crusts before, but what about coconut? Toasted coconut is the base of this delightful pistachio pie—one of our Test Kitchen’s favorite easy no-bake desserts.
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Refrigerator Lime Cheesecake
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this for a Father's Day party, and it was a hit! I guarantee compliments when you serve this fantastic dessert. —Cher Anjema, Kleinburg, Ontario
Ladyfingers wrap around the zesty lime filling of this simple cheesecake. With fresh lime juice and zest, it’s one of our favorite easy no-bake desserts.
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No-Bake Apple Pie
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We always have an abundance of apples in the fall, so I like to make this easy pie. My husband has diabetes, and this recipe fits into his diet ... but everyone enjoys it. —Shirley Vredenburg, Ossineke, Michigan
A handful of apples and pudding mix form the decadent and creamy base of this pie. Need help choosing apples? These are the best apples for baking, according to our pros.
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Chocolate Butterscotch Haystacks
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother used to make this haystacks recipe to give to my cousin Vonnie and me when our parents didn't want us to have any more sweets. —Christine Schwester, Divide, Colorado
Who knew that a can of chow mein noodles could transform into a sweet and crunchy candy? Toss them with chocolate and butterscotch chips to make these simple tumbleweed treats.
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Strawberry Icebox Cake
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Quick and easy, this refreshing, make-ahead freezer dessert is perfect for using up those fresh summer berries. Filled to the brim with cream for a smooth texture, you'll find soft graham crackers and sweet strawberries layered inside. Top the cake with sliced strawberries for a beautiful finish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Watermelon Popsicles
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 popsicles
From the Recipe Creator:
All it takes is 10 minutes to make these all-natural, deliciously sweet frozen treats. Adding the lime juice to the watermelon puree adds that extra zingy flavor! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
If you have any extra watermelon from a Fourth of July party or summer potluck, this is an easy way to turn it into another treat. If you don’t have a freezer pop mold, you can use a paper cup and wood pop sticks.
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Lime Cheesecake Pie
Total Time
5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This light citrus pie combines two of our favorite dessert flavors—lime and cheesecake. It's the perfect treat on a hot day—and all the more inviting because you don't have to heat up the kitchen to prepare it. —Vivian Eagleson, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Key lime pie, meet cheesecake for two easy no-bake desserts in one. If you want this pie to look lime-forward, add a few drops of green food coloring to the batter before pouring into the crumb crust.
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Oreo Mousse Cake
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Oreo mousse cake is so simple to put together, but it tastes as decadent as fancy restaurant desserts. Have fun garnishing it as you'd like, using crushed or whole Oreos, additional whipped cream rosettes or chocolate shavings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Oreo mousse cake is so simple to put together, but it tastes as decadent as fancy restaurant desserts. Have fun garnishing it as you like using crushed or whole Oreos, additional whipped cream rosettes or chocolate shavings.
No-Bake Pudding Cheesecake
Instant lemon pudding forms the base of this easy no-bake dessert. However, you can use any flavor you like in this versatile recipe! Try it with pistachio and raspberries, chocolate and fresh strawberries, or even vanilla and peaches.
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No-Bake Cookie Butter Blossoms
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Chewy and sweet, these easy treats mix Rice Krispies, cookie spread and chocolate kisses in an unforgettable spin on an old favorite. —Jessie Sarrazin, Livingston, Montana
These look like the peanut butter kiss cookies you make during the holidays, but they’re even easier to stir up. The base is a cereal treat made with cookie butter—yum!
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Coconut Milk Strawberry-Banana Pops
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 pops
From the Recipe Creator:
These four-ingredient freezer pops are a delicious way to use up a pint of fresh strawberries. You'll love the hint of tropical flavor, thanks to the coconut milk. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
With coconut milk and fresh strawberries, these homemade popsicles taste an awful lot like Starbucks’ signature pink drink. Want to skip the line? Try our Test Kitchen’s copycat pink drink.
No-Bake Lemon Pie
Add a few drops of yellow food coloring to the filling of this easy no-bake pie to amp up the lemony appearance.
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Freezer Strawberry Shortbread Dessert
Total Time
25 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I’m planning party menus, I appreciate dessert recipes like this; you can make and freeze it up to two weeks before serving. A refreshing slice is welcome after a big meal.—Cassie Alexander, Muncie, Indiana
Pretzels form the base of this easy no-bake treat. With the strawberry ice cream filling, you get that perfect sweet-and-salty combo everyone loves.
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Coconut Pound Cake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
“This cake is easy to make and is always a big hit,” writes Lisa Varner from Charleston, South Carolina. “I like to serve it with ice cream for a double-dose treat!”
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Five-Minute Blueberry Pie
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like the taste of fresh blueberries, you'll love this pie. Since it's a breeze to whip up, I make it often, especially in summer. -Milda Anderson, Osceola, Wisconsin
All you need to bake this simple sweet is a store-bought graham cracker crust and five minutes of time. If you want to go above and beyond, serve a la mode.
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Tangerine Chocolate Semifreddo
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I wanted a new frozen treat for my family, I came up with this citrusy, chocolaty version of classic Italian semifreddo. For an elegant presentation on special occasions, top each serving with whipped cream, a tangerine section and baking cocoa. —Claire Cruce, Atlanta, Georgia
Semifreddo is the fancier Italian version of pudding. This recipe adds a hint of tangerine, but feel free to sub in orange!
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Chocolate Rum Balls
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Roll these truffle-like rum balls in crushed Oreos to get just the right amount of crunch. They can be made three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. I also tuck some in the freezer!
Roll these truffle-like rum balls in crushed Oreos to get just the right amount of crunch. You can make these no-bake treats in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer.
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Coconut Popsicles
Total Time
10 min
Servings
about 10 popsicles
From the Recipe Creator:
These fresh and hydrating popsicles will take you right to the tropics. Made with coconut milk and coconut extract, they encapsulate a mildly sweet, creamy and delicious flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Love coconut? Then you must try these tropical ice pops. The recipe calls for both coconut milk and coconut extract for a mildly sweet flavor.
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Key Lime Cream Pie
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I am very proud of this luscious no-bake beauty. It's so cool and refreshing—perfect for any summer potluck or get-together. Wherever I take this pie, it quickly disappears, and everyone asks for the recipe. —Shirley Rickis, Lady Lake, Florida
Key lime pie gets a mile-high makeover with this easy no-bake recipe! Shortbread cookies form the crust and toasted coconut adds a bit of crunch when sprinkled over the whipped cream topping.
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Fresh Raspberry Icebox Cake
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Layered icebox cakes are so fun because they look impressive but couldn't be easier. Fresh raspberries make this one really special. Use Anna's Ginger Thins to get the scalloped edges, or regular gingersnaps if those are not available. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Use thin ginger cookies in this icebox cake. The hint of spice pairs well with the creamy filling and tart raspberries.
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Peanut-Cashew Marshmallow Pie
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pie appeals to kids and adults alike! The chocolate crust and caramel topping make it all the more special. I like the nice contrast of the creamy marshmallow filling with the crunchy peanuts. An added bonus is that this pie can be made ahead of time. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
This pie appeals to kids and adults alike! The chocolate crust and caramel topping make it feel extra decadent.
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Italian Pineapple Trifle
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother made this rich, tempting trifle every year for our family’s Christmas Eve celebrations. Now I make it to carry on her special tradition. It’s an easy, delicious no-bake dessert everyone will love. —Ann-Marie Milano, Milton, Massachusetts
Pineapple and lemon pie filling come together to create this tart and tropical trifle. Use crisp ladyfingers for best results. And we don’t blame you if you serve this with a sip of homemade limoncello.
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Chocolate-Raspberry Rice Krispies Treats
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Move over, chocolate and strawberries! Dried raspberries paired with chocolate may become your new favorite flavor combo. Watch them shine in this Rice Krispies Treat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Say see ya! to plain ol’ cereal treats. This version uses mini chocolate chips and freeze-dried raspberries to amp up the flavor.
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Peach Crisp Parfait Pops
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My little ones love fruit crisps and ice pops. I created a healthy and delicious treat that combines the two. For a sweet addition, use cinnamon sticks in place of the wooden pop sticks. —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah
The secret to the cobbler-like texture in these pops? Granola! It adds that crunch and toasty flavor that we all love about cobbler.
Chocolate Eclair Squares
This recipe was originally found on Jell-O pudding packages and it’s definitely one of those back-of-the-box recipes that’s stood the test of time. When layered between whipped topping and pudding, the graham crackers take on an eclair-like texture no one will be able to resist.
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Coconut Joys
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like coconut, you’ll love these no-bake, no-fuss sweets. They are cute as can be and make a satisfying after-school snack to keep in the fridge. —Flo Burtnett, North Gage, Oklahoma
Love Almond Joy? Then these no-bake cookies are the just-right snack for you. Keep these bite-sized treats in the fridge for when you’re craving something sweet.
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Fried Ice Cream Dessert Bars
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fried ice cream is such a delicious treat, but it can be a hassle to make individual servings. This recipe gives you the same fabulous flavor in an easy and convenient bar form. —Andrea Price, Grafton, Wisconsin
Fried ice cream is such a delicious treat, but it can be a hassle to make individual servings. This recipe gives you the same fabulous flavor in an easy and convenient bar form.
Oreo Icebox Cake
Can you believe it only takes three ingredients to make this people-pleasing dessert? Snag a package of Oreos, some confectioners’ sugar and whipping cream. And if you really love cookies and cream, try these other no-bake Oreo desserts.
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