Raid your kitchen and make something sweet! Each of these pantry desserts are made with basic ingredients and come together in a snap.
50 Easy Desserts to Make with What’s in Your Pantry
Updated on Sep. 20, 2024
Scottish Shortbread
My mother, who is of Scottish heritage, passed this shortbread recipe, along with other favorite recipes, on to me. When I entered this treat at our local fair, it won a red ribbon. —Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba
1/50
2/50
Icebox Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
7 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This cookie recipe from my 91-year-old grandmother was my grandfather's favorite. She still makes them and sends us home with the dough so that we can make more whenever we want, I love to make a fresh batch when company drops in. —Chris Paulsen, Glendale, Arizona
3/50
Chocolate Chip Brownies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
People love these rich chocolate chip brownies so much that I never take them anywhere without bringing along several copies of the recipe to hand out. The treats are wonderful to take on a picnic because you don't have to worry about melted frosting. —Brenda Kelly, Ashburn, Virginia
4/50
Marshmallow Puffs
Total Time
10 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
With peanut butter, chocolate and marshmallows, these treats were very popular with our three kids as they were growing up—and now I make them for our two grandchildren. They're perfect for the holidays when time is so precious. —Dody Cagenello, Simsbury, Connecticut
5/50
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
6/50
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Total Time
10 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have to be super careful when cooking for my daughter because of food sensitivities, so I make these no-bake peanut butter oatmeal bars with certified gluten-free oats. Everyone loves these bars when we go to picnics or potlucks, and I know there will be a dessert for my daughter! —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
7/50
Peanut Butter Fudge Cups
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband often travels during the week, and this fast-to-fix microwave peanut butter fudge recipe is perfect for just my 2-year-old and me. —Lori Brow, Manhattan, Illinois.
8/50
Raspberry Almond Strips
Total Time
35 min
Servings
32 cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Get ready to pour yourself a cup of tea, because you won’t be able to resist sampling one of these cookies. Almonds add taste and texture to the simple strips that are dressed up with raspberry pie filling. —<i>Taste Recipes</i>Test Kitchen
9/50
Tapioca Pudding
Total Time
4 hours 40 min
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves traditional tapioca, but I don’t always have time to make it. So I came up with this simple recipe that lets us enjoy one of our favorites without all the hands-on time. —Ruth Peters, Bel Air, Maryland
10/50
Cashew Clusters
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this recipe for many bake sales at the local community college where I work. They are always the first to sell out.—Betsy Grantier, Charlottesville, Virginia
11/50
Chocolate Bread Pudding
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a fun recipe because the chocolate makes it different from traditional bread pudding. It's a rich, comforting dessert. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
12/50
Crisp Sugar Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother always had sugar cookies in her pantry, and we grandchildren would empty that big jar quickly because they were the best! I now regularly bake these wonderful cookies to share with friends. —Evelyn Poteet, Hancock, Maryland
13/50
Fudgy Brownie Recipe
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Coffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor in these amazingly fudgy brownies. Add chocolate chips to the batter and you’ve got some seriously irresistible treats. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin
14/50
Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This comforting dessert is a wonderful way to end any meal. As a girl, I always waited eagerly for the first heavenly bite. Today, my husband likes to top his with a scoop of ice cream. —Sandra Melnychenko, Grandview, Manitoba
15/50
Saltine Cracker Candy with Toasted Pecans
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids and grandchildren love this saltine cracker candy recipe. The neighbor kids rush right over when they find out I have them. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
16/50
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When my mother (who's now a great-grandmother) gave me this recipe for no-flour peanut butter cookies about 15 years ago, I was skeptical, because it calls for only three ingredients (and no flour). But since then I've never had a failure, and I make them all the time! —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
17/50
Potato Chip Clusters
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Just three offbeat ingredients add up to one unique, delectable, no-bake treat. These super easy, sweet-and-salty candy clusters make for merry munching during holiday trips or parties. They travel well in containers without melting or getting soft. —Donna Brockett, Kingfisher, Oklahoma
18/50
Russian Tea Cakes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to present my favorite holiday cookies in a special way. I pile this fresh-baked Russian tea cakes recipe on pretty plates that I buy throughout the year, then wrap them with colored cellophane to give friends. —Valerie Hudson, Mason City, Iowa
19/50
Chewy Pecan Pie Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This treat is one of my husband's favorites. I've been making these bars for many years, and we still can't get enough. I never mind making this recipe—it's about as easy as baking can be! —Judy Taylor, Shreveport, Louisiana
20/50
Fudge
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6-3/4 pounds (19-1/2 dozen pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe makes more than enough to share with family and friends. It's the ultimate fudge! —Linette Shepherd, Williamston, Michigan
21/50
Creamy Rice Pudding
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was fortunate to grow up around fabulous cooks. My mother and grandmother taught me to experiment with recipes, and we tried a lot of variations on this one. No matter how we chose to embellish it, it was always tasty. When I make this, it brings fond memories to mind. —Laura German, North Brookfield, Massachusetts
22/50
Orange Crispies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Add a splash of little sunshine to your cookie jar with this recipe. When I want to spread some cheer, I'll bake up a double batch to share. —Ruth Gladstone, Brunswick, Maryland
23/50
Apple Brown Betty Recipe
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This apple brown betty can be whipped up in hardly any time. It costs little to prepare, but it's big on flavor. —Florence Palmer, Marshall, Illinois
24/50
Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 8 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I had been searching for a dessert to make for my brother's girlfriend (who is gluten intolerant), and I came across a naturally gluten-free dessert—a flourless peanut butter cookie. After tweaking the recipe a bit and adding Nutella and a sprinkling of sea salt, I finally found the perfect cookie for her. —Dana Hinck, Pensacola, Florida
25/50
Nut Fruit Bark
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1-1/2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a sophisticated version of fruit bark. Dark chocolate turns into a rich mocha flavor with the espresso powder. If you're a fan of sweet-salty tidbits, make sure to use the sea salt. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
26/50
Peanut Butter Whipped Cream Frosting
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
A luscious peanut butter whipped cream frosting is just a few ingredients away. Try it piped over your favorite chocolate cupcakes or dolloped onto hot chocolate. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
27/50
Scottish Shortbread
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother, who is of Scottish heritage, passed this shortbread recipe, along with other favorite recipes, on to me. When I entered this treat at our local fair, it won a red ribbon. —Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba
28/50
Peanut Butter Fudge with Marshmallow Creme
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 pounds (64 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister shared the recipe for this unbelievably easy peanut butter fudge with marshmallow cream. I prefer using creamy peanut butter for this mouthwatering dessert, but the chunky style works just as well. —Mary Jane Rummel, Linglestown, Pennsylvania
29/50
Kipplens
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My Great-Aunt Hilda makes this recipe every Christmas, and everybody loves them! Kipplens taste a lot like Mexican wedding cakes, but I like my aunt's version better. —Susan Bohannon, Kokomo, Indiana
30/50
Brownie Batter Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m all about the sweeter side of dips, and this brownie-batter variety fits in with my life’s philosophy: Chocolate makes anything better. Grab some fruit, cookies or salty snacks and start dunking. —Mel Gunnell, Boise, Idaho
31/50
Peanut Butter, Apple and Raisin Sandwich
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Tart, sweet and crunchy, these open-faced sammies are a perfect after-school (or after-work) snack. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
32/50
Microwave Fudge
Total Time
10 min
Servings
about 2-1/3 pounds (81 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
33/50
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's proof that peanut butter and chocolate just belong together. These peanut butter blossom cookies are an easy family favorite and never fails to make my children smile. —Tammie Merrill, Wake Forest, North Carolina
34/50
Chocolaty Chips
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My two little guys can't get enough of this sweet and salty snack that uses just three ingredients and is ready to eat in 15 minutes. The boys like to drizzle on the melted chocolate. Sometimes we replace the potato chips with apple slices. —Jami Geittmann, Greendale, Wisconsin
35/50
Sugar N Spice Popcorn
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family can't get enough of this light, cinnamon-sweet popcorn. The baked kernels are wonderfully crunchy and coated just right. Try mixing some to have on hand as an anytime nibble.
36/50
Slice & Bake Coconut Shortbread Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Light and buttery, these delicate shortbread cookies are melt-in-your-mouth good. The coconut flavor makes them extra special. —Roberta Otto, Duluth, Minnesota
37/50
Fudge Pops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This chocolate frozen dessert is the perfect summer treat! Invite your kids into the kitchen to help you stir the pudding. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta
38/50
Lemon Pudding Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband, Lloyd, loves this cake because it tastes like lemon meringue pie. The cake is no-fuss and makes just enough for the two of us.—Dawn Fagerstrom, Warren, Minnesota
39/50
Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I packed chocolate chips, raisins, nuts and cinnamon into my oatmeal cookie recipe. These soft cookies are easy to make. Best of all, our kids love them! —Janis Plageman, Lynden, Washington
40/50
Puppy Chow
Total Time
15 min
Servings
13 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy puppy chow recipe uses a whole package of cereal, so there's less messy measuring. And it makes enough to feed a hungry crowd. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
41/50
Peanut Butter, Krispies and Chocolate Sandwich
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
This crispy, chocolaty sandwich is like a Saturday-morning cartoon cereal without the bowl. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
42/50
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It is amazing how much flavor is in these simple 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies without brown sugar. I make them very often because I always have the ingredients on hand. —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
43/50
Easy Blueberry Muffins
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Ardyce Piehl of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin relates, "These moist muffins are chock-full of blueberries. I keep frozen berries on hand-it's so convenient to be able to fold them frozen into the muffin batter."
44/50
Chocolate Chip Bread
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
My family hops out of bed on Valentine’s Day because they know I’m baking this quick bread for breakfast. They’re major chocoholics, and the easy bread always hits the spot. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
45/50
Almond Sandies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Buttery, rich and delicious, these classic almond sandies are my husband's favorite cookie and very popular wherever I take them. —Joyce Pierce, Caledonia, Michigan
46/50
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law loves chocolate-covered cherries, and I used to make this chocolate cherry dump cake every year for her birthday. Now we've moved away, but I make this for my kids on her birthday and they still feel near her. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
47/50
Quick Double Chocolate Biscotti
Total Time
30 min
Servings
About 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Refrigerated cookie dough gives you a head start on making biscotti from scratch. For true chocolate lovers, substitute chocolate chips for the vanilla. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
48/50
Deep-Fried Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love this delicious, indulgent treat. I like to give the batter a kick by adding a pinch of cinnamon and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. — Margarita Torres, Bayamon, Puerto Rico
49/50
Peanut Butter S'Mores Sandwich
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Favorite flavors from s'mores come together in this tasty peanut butter sandwich—no campfire required. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
50/50
Sinterklaas Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
After opening our gifts on Christmas Eve as children, we would make these cookies for Santa Claus to snack on with his glass of milk. The crisp spice cookies are delicious dipped in that milk—or in your coffee on Christmas morning. —Charli Fontana, Pella, Iowa
