Don't fret if you've run out of flour! These flourless desserts are made with pantry staples, convenience ingredients and much more.
74 Flourless Desserts We Can’t Stop Making
Updated on Sep. 23, 2024
Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
When my mother (who’s now a great-grandmother) gave me this peanut butter cookie recipe about 15 years ago, I was skeptical. Flourless desserts? Only three ingredients? But I get rave reviews and I’ve never had a failure stirring these up. Three ingredients are really all you need. —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
These cookies are just the start! Try dozens more of our favorite gluten-free cookie recipes.
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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 cake is a great place to start if you’re craving a creamy, cool dessert. Try these other popular icebox cakes next.
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Magic Cookie Bars
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 bars
From the Recipe Creator:
These rich bar cookies will melt in your mouth! They’re ideal to have on hand for a snack. —Pauline Schrag, Theresa, New York
This recipe is just the start! Try 10 other variations on magic cookie bars.
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Millionaire Candy
Total Time
33 min
Servings
7 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Of the 35 kinds of candy I make each Christmas, millionaire candy is by far the favorite of family and friends. These treats taste like a million bucks!—Theda Andres, Appleton, Wisconsin
5/74
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 Recipes Test Kitchen
Want to make a traditional pie crust without all-purpose flour? Try this gluten-free pie crust.
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Flourless Chocolate Torte
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the quintessential flourless dessert—and one that’s perfect for chocoholics like me. I bake this melt-in-your-mouth torte all the time for special occasions. For an elegant finish, dust it with confectioners’ sugar. —Kayla Albrecht, Freeport, Illinois
If you want more flourless desserts that are also gluten-free like this cake, check out our favorite gluten-free dessert recipes.
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Cherry Kisses
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Meringue cookies are one of my favorite flourless desserts. They melt in your mouth and are practically fat free. Is it any wonder these crispy meringue morsels disappear as fast as I can whip them up? Friends and family love them. —Jo Ann Blomquest, Freeport, Illinois
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Classic Creme Brulee
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My favorite dessert is this creme brulee recipe. Recently I was at a party where the guests finished preparing their own desserts by “broiling” the sugar on their portions with a small torch. What a great idea! —Joylyn Trickel, Helendale, California
9/74
Easy Banana Pudding with Cream Cheese
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I blend cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping into instant pudding then layer it with vanilla wafers and sliced bananas. Served in a pretty glass bowl, this banana pudding with cream cheese makes for a fancy yet fuss-free dessert. —Edna Perry, Rice, Texas
Get busy in the kitchen with more gluten-free baking recipes.
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Easy Cake Mix Bars
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Don’t stress if you don’t have flour. You can use a package of cake mix to make these bars. I love to share them because they’re so easy to eat, easy to make and easy on the wallet. —Amy Rose, Ballwin, Missouri
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5-Ingredient Fudge
Total Time
10 min
Servings
about 2-1/3 pounds (81 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
Need flourless desserts? Opt for homemade candy! You’re moments away from a pan of creamy fudge. Just microwave, stir and spread. This easy homemade fudge recipe is the best. —Sue Tucker, Edgemoor, South Carolina
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Macaroon Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests will never recognize the refrigerated crescent roll dough that goes into these almond-flavored bars. You can assemble these chewy coconut treats in no time. —Carolyn Kyzer, Alexander, Arkansas
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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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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
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Coconut Cranberry Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband came home from the grocery store with six bags of fresh cranberries, I launched a full-scale effort to creatively use them all. Bursting with tart and sweet flavors, these cranberry coconut cookies are my favorite result from that experiment. —Amy Alberts, Appleton, Wisconsin
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Black Bean Brownies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You’d never guess these rich, velvety chocolate treats contain a can of black beans. Who would have thought black bean brownies would be so amazing? —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island
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Strawberry Sorbet
Total Time
5 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I actually first made a raspberry sorbet with an abundance of raspberries I had growing, but this simple and easy strawberry sorbet is one of my go-tos. —Karen Bailey, Golden, Colorado
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Flourless Chocolate Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One bite of fudgy flourless chocolate cake and you'll see why it's pure pleasure for confirmed chocoholics! A small slice of this rich, dense dessert goes a long way.
19/74
Coconut Rice Pudding
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This coconut rice pudding has a hint of citrus and a mild coconut flavor. Look for unsweetened coconut milk in the Asian aisle of your grocery store. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
20/74
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue Roses
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Eat these pretty treats as is or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went nuts when I posted that idea.—Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
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Lazy Cake
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This lazy cake will fix that sweet tooth craving. The no-bake treat is made with cookie pieces stirred with hazelnut spread. Then chill it for a super simple dessert. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Strawberry Banana Pudding
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I add in additional fruit to get a little closer to all those servings you need every day. You can also try using different flavored puddings and fruit to switch up the recipe. —Jackie Termont, Richmond, Virginia
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Dark Chocolate Bourbon Balls
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Remember the days at Grandma and Grandpa’s house when you made these wonderfully traditional treats? We love these Kentucky Derby bourbon balls—the blended taste of bourbon and pecans is irresistible! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
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Swiss Meringue Shells
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks will know you fussed when you bring out these sweet, cloud-like cups topped with fresh berries (or a tart fruit filling if you like). Crispy outside and chewy inside, this Swiss meringue recipe from the American Egg Board makes an elegant ending to a company dinner.
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Festive Cranberry-Topped Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my daughter was 4 months old, my husband and I hosted both our families for Christmas dinner. I served this cheesecake for dessert. It’s quite festive and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. —Stacy Dutka, Bienfait, Saskatchewan
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Layered Sherbet Dessert
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Macaroons and pecans combine in this special layered sherbet dessert. Try garnishing with fresh strawberries and just listen to folks “ooh” and “ahh” when you bring this in! —Kathryn Dunn, Axton, Virginia
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Chocolate Scotcheroos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This chocolate scotcheroos recipe was given to me by one of my students at school. It has become one of my family’s favorites and is so easy to make.—Lois Mays, Covington, Pennsylvania
29/74
Mini Brownie Treats
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to take these quick and easy treats to potlucks and family gatherings. They're always well received! —Pam Kokes, North Loup, Nebraska
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Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups
Total Time
50 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cinnamon treat reminds me of baklava, but with only a few easy ingredients, it's a fraction of the work. It's my aunt's recipe, and I think of her when I make it. —Sue Falk, Sterling Heights, Michigan
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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
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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 Recipes Test Kitchen
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Pumpkin Pie Custard
Total Time
55 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of pumpkin pie, try this flavorful light holiday dessert. My husband’s aunt shared the recipe after she brought this treat to a family party. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
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Brownie Trifle
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
20 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This rich, tempting, peanut butter brownie trifle feeds a crowd and features the ever-popular combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Try this dessert for your next get-together. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
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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
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Palmier Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It takes just two ingredients to make these impressive but easy-to-do French pastries, which are often called palm leaves. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Homemade Chocolate Pudding
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delightful chocolate pudding is always a treat and easy to whip up. I usually top the pudding with M&M’s. My husband likes whipped topping on his and our daughter loves to dip fresh strawberries in hers. —Carrina Cooper, McAlpin, Florida
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Chocolate Caramel Wafers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
7 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
To keep my holiday cooking quick, I’ve come to rely on fast recipes like this one. The crunchy-chewy tidbits are our youngster’s favorite. —Susan Laubach, Vida, Montana
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Simple Lemon Mousse
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic, simple lemon mousse recipe is the refreshing dessert you need. Serve it with fresh fruit or eat it alone. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
40/74
Tiger Butter Fudge
Total Time
25 min
Servings
81 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
My younger brother and I share a passion for candymaking. We love this smooth and creamy fudge recipe from a co-worker of mine. It features the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate. —Peg Kipp, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
41/74
Cheesecake Berry Parfaits
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 parfaits
From the Recipe Creator:
The summer berry season is a real treat. This is an easy way to enjoy berries with cheesecake, which is a refreshing change from traditional pudding and fruit parfaits. —Patricia Schroedl, Jefferson, Wisconsin
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Gluten-Free Almond Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend loved these gluten-free almond cookies so much, she had to ask for the recipe! Quick and easy, they taste as good as the decadent treats I make using puff pastry and almond paste. Everyone loves these! —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio. Next, learn how to bake a gluten-free lemon cake.
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Rose Water Rice Pudding
Total Time
55 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rose water rice pudding is a popular Middle Eastern treat. Pomegranate seeds and chopped pistachios add a simple yet elegant touch to this floral Lebanese specialty. —Michael & Mathil Chebat, Layla’s Lebanese Restaurant, Lake Ridge, Virginia
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Fried Ice Cream
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Make this Mexican restaurant-style dessert at home! Drizzle hot fudge or caramel on top of this crunchy, creamy frozen treat. —Ronda Weirich, Plains, Kansas
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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 Recipes Test Kitchen
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Cherry Upside-Down Bread Pudding
Total Time
3 hours 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve always loved bread pudding, and I enjoy fixing this for my family on a chilly day. You could use a different flavor of pie filling and omit the chocolate chips to make a completely different dessert. It’s always delicious! —Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland
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Gluten-Free Brownie Bars
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I can’t eat dairy or gluten, but these gluten-free brownie bars are a satisfying substitute. The brownies will still seem soft when you pull them from the oven. They are done when the edges look very lightly browned. And this flourless dessert is so good, no one will kknow it’s gluten-free! —Linda Speranza, Buckeye, Arizona
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Raspberry Mousse
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Flourless desserts don’t require fancy, gluten-free ingredients. Instead try naturally gluten-free recipes like a mousse. This raspberry mousse recipe guarantees a creamy, smooth finale to any summer meal. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
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Slow-Cooked Gingered Pears
Total Time
4 hours 35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My slow cooker allows me to serve a heartwarming dessert without much effort. Topped with caramel sauce, these tender pears feature a surprise filling of nuts and brown sugar.—Catherine Mueller, St. Paul, Minnesota
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Mixed Berry Tiramisu
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Because I love tiramisu, I came up with this deliciously refreshing twist on the traditional coffee-flavored Italian dessert. Fresh softened berries star with crisp ladyfinger cookies and mascarpone cheese. Serve it from a glass bowl or in clear dishes to show off the luscious layers.
—Najmussahar Ahmed, Ypsilanti, Michigan
—Najmussahar Ahmed, Ypsilanti, Michigan
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Easy Almond Joy Chia Pudding
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy making this coconut milk chia pudding recipe because it’s easy and I can find all the ingredients at my local market. No baking is required, and it’s served in individual jars for guests. For more flavor, add shredded coconut. —Ashley Altan, Hanover, Maryland
52/74
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Who doesn't like this dessert duo? Add your favorite combination of candies to garnish the tops of these chocolate peanut butter dream bars. —Cindi DeClue, Anchorage, Alaska
53/74
Grand Marnier Frozen Souffles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious frozen souffle is perfect for summer and will impress just about anyone. It’s a great make-ahead dessert! —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California
54/74
Butterscotch Pudding
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Homemade pudding reminds me of my grandma and how she turned milk and eggs into creamy textures before my eyes. The butterscotch in this recipe adds a caramel-sweet touch. —Teresa Wilkes, Pembroke, Georgia
55/74
Lemon Tiramisu
Total Time
30 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this lemon tiramisu to please everyone in my family. It’s a cross between cheesecake and tiramisu with a refreshing lemony flavor. Garnish with fresh berries if you have them on hand. —Monica Marolt, Willowick, Ohio
56/74
Chocolate Pecan Pavlova
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This will definitely capture your taste buds! This recipe is one of my family’s favorites—especially at the holidays. Although it may take a little longer to make and assemble, it is truly worth the work. It’s a rich-tasting, light dessert that everyone will enjoy. I usually use pecans, but you can substitute walnuts, hazelnuts or other nuts. —Nancy Preussner, Delhi, Iowa
57/74
Rice Pudding
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sisters and I always loved the recipe for rice pudding our grandma made. After she passed away, I took it upon myself to try and find the secret to her rice pudding. It took quite a bit of experimentation, but I finally got it right! And I'm glad to share this easy recipe here. —Margaret DeChant, Newberry, Michigan
58/74
Broken Glass Dessert
Total Time
30 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When it’s cut into squares, this dessert looks just like stained-glass windows. The buttery graham cracker crust pairs perfectly with the lovely creamy topping. —Kathy Crow, Cordova, Alaska
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Air-Fryer Bread Pudding
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This air-fryer bread pudding is a fun dish because the chocolate makes it different from traditional recipes. It’s a rich, comforting dessert. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
60/74
Dirt Dessert
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom used to serve this yummy dessert, and I just loved it. It's so fun to eat and a snap to make. Add some gummy worms on top for the kids if you'd like. —Kristi Linton, Bay City, Michigan
61/74
Semisweet Chocolate Mousse
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend shared this rich velvety chocolate mousse recipe with me. I love to cook and have tons of recipes, but this one is a favorite. Best of all, it’s easy to make. —Judy Spencer, San Diego, California
62/74
Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice Cream
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
What could be better than peanut butter and jelly ice cream? You’ll love the sweet-salty combination. Use your favorite flavor of jelly and switch to crunchy peanut butter if you like extra texture. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
63/74
Buckeyes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These chocolate peanut butter balls (no bake!) are always popular at my church's annual Christmas fundraiser. They resemble chestnuts or buckeyes—hence the name. —Merry Kay Opitz, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
65/74
Strawberry Crunch Ice Cream Cake
Total Time
35 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While growing up, I loved treats from the ice cream truck that rolled through my neighborhood. This ice cream cake is inspired by one of those crunchy, strawberry novelties. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
66/74
Chocolate Espresso-Nut Torte
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love chocolate and nuts, and they come together deliciously in this torte. Serve it with sweetened whipped cream or your favorite ice cream. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
67/74
Pumpkin Charlotte
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law gave me this recipe a while back and I just love it! I make it for my husband and his friends during hunting season and it’s a big hit.
—Lorelle Edgcomb, Granville, Illinois
—Lorelle Edgcomb, Granville, Illinois
68/74
Chocolate Almond Drops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
So much rich, chocolaty flavor, so little time! My trufflelike cookies are deceptively easy to make and look so elegant on a party tray. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
69/74
Frozen Margarita Mousse
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Who doesn’t love a frozen margarita? This creamy frozen mousse combines ready-to-drink margarita mix and whipped topping (you could use this whipped topping substitute instead). It’s easy to put together and the freezer does all the work. Garnish with additional crushed pretzels and kosher salt to enhance the sweet and salty flavor. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
70/74
Dipped Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
15 sandwich cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll love to give tins of these chocolate-coated cookies to your lucky friends. The shortcut holiday recipe is almost too simple to believe! Here’s how to make peanut butter cookies without eggs. —Jackie Howell, Gordo, Alabama
71/74
Berry Rhubarb Fool
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A “fool” is a British dessert that’s usually made with custard. This is a modified, quicker version I created. My kids love it because it doesn’t taste like rhubarb—so I guess it’s well named! —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado
72/74
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
73/74
Cherry No-Bake Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 5-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always loved my no-bake cookie recipe, but I was never able to place at the fair with it. So I mixed in some maraschino cherries, added almond extract and voila! I won a blue ribbon at the county fair in 2010. —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan
74/74
Cool Strawberry Cream
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This fruity, luscious, flourless dessert makes a wonderful ending to a special dinner. When fresh strawberries are not available, substitute two packages frozen unsweetened strawberries, thawed and drained, for the fresh. —Joyce Cooper, Mount Forest, Ontario
