No-Bake Holiday Desserts

Vegan Mini Pumpkin Spice Bites Recipe

For a guilt-free, vegan dessert that's sure to get you in the fall spirit, there's no better option than these adorable mini pumpkin spice bites. Encased in a simple walnut-pecan-date crust, the key to this autumnal treat lies in the silken tofu filling. Providing a creamy consistency without affecting flavor, silken tofu is the best kept vegan dessert secret.

No-Bake Fudgy Toffee Bars Recipe

These gooey bars will be your new favorite no-bake cookie. Serve chilled for less mess.

Vegan Mini Peanut Butter Pies Recipe

Love peanut butter cups? This is the treat for you. With a rich, chocolatey crust and a deep, nutty, creamy inside, this dessert is for all the peanut butter and chocolate lovers, whether you're vegan or not. Silken tofu acts as a smooth, thickening component for the filling, as well as canned coconut cream. This easy, no-bake dessert packs all the indulgent flavors of your favorite candy bar, yet it's still dairy-free, gluten-free, and made with natural sweeteners.

Vegan Chocolate-Hazelnut Tart with Fresh Berries  Recipe

Take one bite of this chocolatey, decadent “clean eating” dessert, you might not believe that it’s raw, vegan, gluten-free and paleo… but low and behold, you don’t need excessive sugar or other processed ingredients to make a next-level dessert. Easy to prep, and filled with rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor, this vegan dessert is perfect for anyone following a special diet or simply trying to clean their eating habits up a bit. Serve it for a special occasion, or just as a “treat yo-self” indulgence—since there’s no need to crank up the oven, it’s especially ideal to satisfy a summertime sweet tooth. 

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bugle Bars Recipe

Creamy, crunchy, rich, salty, and sweet all at the same time—these no-bake, chocolate-peanut butter bars are everything. Crisp crushed Bugles (one of our staffs’ junk food favorites) make for an fun and amazingly delicious twist on a typical crumb crust. They lend the perfect hit of salty, crispy, buttery goodness in the base of this cookie bar, and topping the assembled bars with a another handful of the the whole chips is a playful touch that lets folks know what’s in store when they bite into this salty-sweet situation. These decadent cookie bars were a huge hit in the test kitchen, and recipe developer Ivy Odom notes that they would be “perfect for tailgates, school parties, or for eating in front of the TV, with wine and the rest of the bag of Bugles, after a long day at work.”

Mini Vegan Key Lime Icebox Pies RecipeThis “custard” has an insanely rich and silky mouthfeel born from a partnership between avocado (which also provides the natural green coloring) and tofu. The blend of fats released from the ground nuts and a bit of added coconut oil combined with the sugary moisture of the dates create not only a cohesive crust, but one that is deep in flavor and wonderfully crisp once chilled. 

No-Bake Samoa Pie Recipe

Save a stash of Samoas (or Caramel DeLights) in order to make an epic pie that looks, and tastes, just like the classic Girl Scout cookie. Use the back of a measuring cup to press the crust into the pie plate and add heavy cream to the caramel when melting for a smoother, drizzle-with-ease consistency. Serve chilled, as you would a coconut creme pie.

No-Bake Strawberry Nutella Cheesecake Recipe

Strawberry season is an indicator of two things; it means the sun is out and the oven is off. Take a break from a hot kitchen to make this easy, fresh and stress-free no-bake Nutella flavored cheesecake. The hazelnut spread not only gives the cheesecake a velvety texture and chocolatey taste, but it also helps stabilize the pie to set up a creamy yet firm consistency when chilled. The addition of condensed milk adds a touch of milky sweetness and the lemon juice creates a mellow, zesty flavor that balances the cheesecake’s sweetness. You can prepare the crust a day ahead and also chill cheesecake overnight. This cheesecake will be a hit at any summer event, and it’s a great way to use up the season’s favorite berry.  

The Ultimate Unbaked Brownies Recipe

These incredible brownies are a lot of things all at once: they're no-bake, vegan, and gluten-free. They're also incredibly delicious, and feature a luxurious layer of chocolate ganache on top. 

Chocolate Infinity Pie Recipe

This pie has it all. It's full of chocolate flavor, has a silky-smooth texture, and it's also gluten-free. Also, to make this pie vegan, be sure to use vegan chocolate chips. With this fantastic pie recipe, everyone gets to indulge.

Lizard Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Everybody loves pie! The caramel ice cream topping adds phenomenal flavor and leaves your mouth watering for more.

Bourbon Balls Recipe

Need an easy dessert for holiday guests or potluck parties? Spice things up with these simple sweets that come together in no time. For less intense bourbon flavor, prepare at least one week ahead.

Chocolate Parfaits Recipe

You'd never know this decadent chocolate parfait contains fat-free, sugar-free instant pudding, but it's true. The Southern Living Test Kitchen made the creamy dessert with both regular and sugar-free pudding mixes and were pleasantly surprised to find they preferred the taste of sugar-free. Seconds, anyone?

Sweet Chocolate Log Recipe

If you're looking for Christmas dessert recipes that satisfy, savor a super-rich bite of this chocolatey treat. Crushed vanilla wafers, grated orange rind, Marsala wine, and honey add bright punches of flavor. Serve with a cup of espresso and dessert is done.

Uptown Figs Recipe

Dress up plain figs with almonds and an orange-and-cream-cheese filling for a simple, elegant-looking dessert that's perfect for a crowd. The figs can be made ahead, but let them stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Key Lime Coconut Snowballs Recipe

A quick roll in shredded coconut gives these sweet-and-tart treats a snow-dusted presentation. Graham cracker crumbs lend this dessert its crunchy texture. If you can’t find Key limes, use regular limes instead.

Banana Cream Pie Smoothie Recipe

Plan a quintessential quick-and-easy, no-bake dessert: a rich and tasty smoothie. Make a pitcher for a special on-the-go snack during the holiday season, or for a smooth treat on late nights while listening for reindeer on the rooftop.

Ambrosia Recipe

Breeze through dessert by picking up a few key ingredients ahead of time. Purchase a pound cake from your local supermarket, then jazz it up with toppings, sauces, and drizzles. This fruit-filled ambrosia, spiked with sweetened coconut and dark rum, makes for a colorful—and tasty—cake topper.

Strawberry Zinfandel Trifle Recipe

Serve this colorful trifle in a large glass bowl to showcase the combination of sliced strawberries, lemon pound cake, and whipping cream. A splash of dry red Zinfandel gives this strawberry shortcake an upscale punch.

Chocolate-Raspberry Tiramisu Recipe

Shortcut this classic Italian dessert by using split ladyfingers, a rich mascarpone cheese filling, and a hint of raspberry-flavored liqueur. Dust the plate with cocoa and garnish with mint sprigs for a beautiful presentation. If your sweet tooth needs another hit, drizzle chocolate sauce over the dessert before serving.

Pears with Rosemary Sugar Recipe

Top pear wedges with a drizzle of orange juice and a sprinkle of rosemary and sugar for a sweet and savory treat that's ready in about five minutes.

Brandy-Vanilla Cheesecake Dip Recipe

Refrigerated cheesecake filling is sold in a tub near the cream cheese. It is fully cooked and ready to use. Serve this incredibly easy but equally impressive dessert dip with sliced pears, apricots, cherries, strawberries, and assorted cookies.

No-Cook Pumpkin Chocolate Icebox Cake Recipe

Make a picture-perfect fall dessert for your holiday open house or neighborhood block party. It's pretty from the top, and even prettier when you remove a slice.