20 Decadent Dessert Recipes to End Every Meal on a Sweet Note

A meal feels incomplete without a sweet finish. Whether you love rich chocolate, fruity creations, or creamy indulgences, these 20 dessert recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave everyone at the table smiling. Each recipe is listed below with detailed ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

1. Classic Chocolate Lava Cake

Ingredients:

• 4 oz semisweet chocolate
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Butter and cocoa powder for ramekins

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Grease 4 ramekins with butter and dust with cocoa powder.
• Melt chocolate and butter together until smooth.
• Stir in powdered sugar until fully combined.
• Add eggs and egg yolks, mixing until smooth.
• Fold in flour gently to create a batter.
• Divide batter among ramekins and bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft.
• Let cool slightly, then invert onto plates and serve with ice cream.

Tip: To ensure the center stays molten, avoid overbaking. The edges should be set, but the center should still jiggle slightly when you gently shake the ramekin.

2. Strawberry Shortcake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• 1/4 cup sugar (for strawberries)
• 1 cup whipped cream

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
• Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually stir in cream to form a dough.
• Drop dough onto a baking sheet to form biscuits and bake for 15–20 minutes.
• Toss strawberries with sugar and let sit for 10 minutes.
• Split biscuits, layer with strawberries and whipped cream, and serve.

Tip: For the fluffiest biscuits, handle the dough as little as possible and avoid overmixing. Overworking the dough can make the biscuits dense.

3. Tiramisu

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
• 3 tbsp coffee liqueur
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 package ladyfingers
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Steps:

• Mix coffee and liqueur in a shallow dish.
• Whisk egg yolks and sugar over simmering water until thickened, then cool.
• Fold mascarpone into egg mixture until smooth.
• Whip cream to stiff peaks and fold into mascarpone mixture.
• Dip ladyfingers in coffee mixture and layer in a dish.
• Spread mascarpone mixture over ladyfingers and repeat layers.
• Dust with cocoa powder and chill for at least 4 hours.

Tip: Dip the ladyfingers quickly into the coffee mixture to avoid sogginess. They should be moist but not falling apart.

4. Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup caramel sauce
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Mix graham cracker crumbs and butter; press into a springform pan.
• Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
• Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
• Pour batter over crust and bake for 55–60 minutes.
• Cool completely, then spread caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with sea salt.

Tip: To prevent cracks in the cheesecake, avoid overmixing the batter and let it cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly ajar after baking.

5. Lemon Meringue Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust, pre-baked
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 4 egg yolks
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 egg whites
• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
• 1/4 cup sugar

Steps:

• Combine sugar, cornstarch, salt, and water in a saucepan; cook until thickened.
• Stir in egg yolks, lemon juice, zest, and butter; cool slightly.
• Pour filling into pie crust.
• Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form; gradually add sugar.
• Spread meringue over pie and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until golden.

Tip: Spread the meringue all the way to the edges of the pie crust to seal it. This prevents the meringue from shrinking and weeping as it cools.

6. Molten Peanut Butter Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
• Melt butter and chocolate chips together; let cool slightly.
• Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
• Mix in flour and salt until just combined.
• Pour half the batter into the dish, then dollop peanut butter over it.
• Cover with remaining batter and swirl gently.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes until edges are set but center is slightly gooey.

Tip: For the perfect molten center, slightly underbake the brownies. The edges should be firm, but the center should still look slightly underdone.

7. Berry Pavlova

Ingredients:

• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups mixed fresh berries

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Beat egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form.
• Fold in vinegar, cornstarch, and vanilla.
• Spread meringue into a circle on the parchment and bake for 90 minutes.
• Let cool, then top with whipped cream and fresh berries.

Tip: To prevent the meringue from cracking, let it cool completely in the oven with the door slightly open after baking.

8. Crème Brûlée

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup sugar for topping

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Heat cream with vanilla until steaming, then remove from heat.
• Whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale, then slowly add cream.
• Strain mixture and pour into ramekins.
• Place ramekins in a baking dish and fill with hot water halfway up the sides.
• Bake for 40–45 minutes until set, then chill for at least 4 hours.
• Sprinkle sugar on top and caramelize with a torch before serving.

Tip: When caramelizing the sugar topping, use a kitchen torch in a circular motion for even browning. Avoid holding the torch too close to prevent burning.

9. Apple Cinnamon Crumble

Ingredients:

• 5 large apples, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Toss apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice, then place in a baking dish.
• Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly.
• Sprinkle crumble mixture over apples.
• Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.

Tip: Toss the apples with a bit of flour or cornstarch before baking to thicken the juices and prevent a runny filling.

10. Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Mix melted butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla in a bowl.
• Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until combined.
• Fold in chocolate chips.
• Press dough into a cast-iron skillet and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.

Tip: For a gooey center, slightly underbake the skillet cookie. It will continue to cook slightly as it cools in the skillet.

11. Raspberry White Chocolate Mousse

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 2 cups heavy cream, divided
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
• 2 tbsp sugar

Steps:

• Melt white chocolate with 1/2 cup cream, then cool.
• Whip remaining cream to stiff peaks and fold into the cooled chocolate mixture.
• Blend raspberries with sugar and strain to remove seeds.
• Layer mousse and raspberry sauce in glasses; chill for 2 hours before serving.

Tip: Whip the cream to stiff peaks before folding it into the white chocolate mixture. This ensures a light and airy mousse.

12. Banoffee Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 bananas, sliced
• 1 cup whipped cream
• Chocolate shavings for garnish

Steps:

• Mix graham cracker crumbs and butter, then press into a pie dish.
• Boil condensed milk in a sealed can for 2 hours to make toffee.
• Spread toffee over crust and layer with bananas.
• Top with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings.

Tip: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor, and slice them just before assembling to prevent browning.

13. Flourless Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dark chocolate
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 tsp salt

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Melt chocolate and butter together.
• Stir in sugar and eggs one at a time.
• Add salt and mix until smooth.
• Pour into a greased springform pan and bake for 25 minutes.

Tip: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before removing it. This helps it set and prevents it from breaking apart.

14. Coconut Panna Cotta

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 packet unflavored gelatin

Steps:

• Heat coconut milk, cream, and sugar until steaming.
• Sprinkle gelatin over 2 tbsp water; let bloom, then stir into hot mixture.
• Add vanilla, pour into ramekins, and chill for 4 hours.

Tip: Bloom the gelatin properly by sprinkling it over cold water and letting it sit for 5 minutes before adding it to the warm mixture.

15. Red Velvet Cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Red food coloring
• Cream cheese frosting

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.
• Combine wet and dry ingredients to form batter.
• Spoon into cupcake liners and bake for 18–20 minutes.
• Frost with cream cheese frosting once cooled.

Tip: Use gel-based food coloring for a vibrant red hue without altering the batter’s consistency.

16. Peach Cobbler

Ingredients:

• 6 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Toss peaches with sugar and lemon juice; spread in a baking dish.
• Mix flour, baking powder, salt, butter, milk, and vanilla to form batter.
• Pour batter over peaches evenly.
• Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.

Tip: If using canned peaches, drain them well and reduce the added sugar to avoid an overly sweet filling.

17. Chocolate Éclairs

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
• Heat water, milk, and butter until boiling; add flour and stir until dough forms.
• Remove from heat and stir in eggs one at a time.
• Pipe dough onto baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes.
• Whip cream with powdered sugar; pipe into cooled éclairs.
• Melt chocolate and drizzle over éclairs before serving.

Tip: Poke a small hole in the bottom of each éclair after baking to release steam and prevent sogginess before filling.

18. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter; press into a baking dish.
• Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add pumpkin, eggs, spice, and vanilla.
• Pour mixture over crust and bake for 40–45 minutes.
• Cool completely, then chill for 2 hours before slicing.

Tip: Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth and lump-free filling.

19. Mixed Berry Tart

Ingredients:

• 1 premade tart shell
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups mixed fresh berries

Steps:

• Heat milk and sugar until steaming.
• Whisk egg yolks and cornstarch; gradually add hot milk, then return to heat.
• Cook until thickened, then stir in vanilla and cool.
• Spread custard in tart shell and top with berries.
• Chill for 1 hour before serving.

Tip: Brush the tart shell with a thin layer of melted chocolate before adding the custard. This creates a barrier to keep the crust crisp.

20. Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 2 dozen cookies of your choice
• 1 pint ice cream (any flavor)
• Sprinkles or chocolate chips for garnish (optional)

Steps:

• Let ice cream soften slightly for easy scooping.
• Place a scoop of ice cream on one cookie and top with another to form a sandwich.
• Roll edges in sprinkles or chocolate chips if desired.
• Wrap in parchment paper and freeze for 30 minutes before serving.

Tip: Use slightly softened ice cream for easier assembly, but freeze the sandwiches immediately to prevent melting.

Conclusion

From comforting classics like Peach Cobbler to indulgent delights like Chocolate Éclairs, these 20 decadent dessert recipes are perfect for ending any meal on a sweet note. Experiment with these recipes and treat your loved ones to irresistible desserts that cater to every craving.