25 cakes, cookies and pies I’d make instead of dinner

25 cakes, cookies, and pies to make instead of dinner, because sometimes dessert just wins. Fun, easy, and stress-free recipes that actually work when the craving hits. Go ahead and make dinner if you have to, but save room for dessert and enjoy a slice of a fruity cake, cakey cookies or maybe a creamy pie. They are all extra tasty.

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

A cooling rack with red velvet crinkle cookies.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

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Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are known for their rich, fudgy texture that will leave you craving more. With their vibrant red color and delectable powdered sugar crackle top, these cookies are a feast for the eyes. They make a delightful addition to any dessert table and are so easy to bake!
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Lemon Lime Cream Pie with Blackberries

Lemon lime cream pie in a white pie plate with blackberries on top.
Lemon Lime Cream Pie with Blackberries. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Enjoy the bright flavors of this Lemon Lime Cream Pie, complemented by a delightful graham cracker crust. Topped with juicy blackberries and fluffy whipped cream, each bite bursts with refreshing citrus and berry goodness. This dessert is sure to please anyone who loves vibrant treats!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Lime Cream Pie with Blackberries

Chocolate Cream Pie

A slice of chocolate cream pie topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings on a white plate, with a silver fork beside it.
Chocolate Cream Pie. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This decadent homemade Chocolate Cream Pie is a rich and comforting homemade treat. The velvety smooth chocolate filling paired with a buttery, flaky crust will surely hit the sweet spot.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cream Pie

Lemon Shortbreads

Lemon cookies on a wire rack.
Lemon Shortbreads. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This easy recipe for Lemon Shortbread Cookies is a must for lemon enthusiasts. Infused with zesty lemon flavor, these buttery slice-and-bake cookies offer a delightful crunch with yellow sanding sugar. Experience the timeless joy of making these simple cookies!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Shortbreads

Banana Cake Roll

A sliced banana cake roll on a white platter.
Banana Cake Roll. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This cake is easy to bake and is always a favorite, featuring a light sponge filled with rich cream cheese. The delightful crunch from pecans, dried cranberries, and candied ginger adds a unique twist to this classic banana treat. Skip the boring dessert and make this eye-catching roll for your next gathering!
Get the Recipe: Banana Cake Roll

Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate shortbread cookies with sprinkles on the edges in a white dish.
Chocolate Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Treat yourself to Dark Chocolate Shortbread Cookies rolled in pretty sprinkles for a festive touch. These cookies are all about rich, dark chocolate goodness that melts in your mouth. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or as sweet gifts for special occasions, they are so easy to make!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Banana Caramel Cake

Iced banana cake with pecans on top.
Banana Caramel Cake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

The Easy Banana Caramel Cake is so delicious and so easy to prepare, highlighting the moistness of ripe bananas. Starting with a boxed mix for convenience, it’s topped with a rich caramel layer that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery. This impressive dessert is sure to wow anyone who tries it!
Get the Recipe: Banana Caramel Cake

Black Cocoa Powder Cupcakes

A group of black cupcakes decorated with black frosting.
Black Cocoa Powder Cupcakes. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Rich and decadent, these Black Cocoa Powder Cupcakes are incredibly delicious and visually striking. With just seven ingredients, including a boxed cake mix, this cake is easy to bake yet impressive enough for any occasion. Treat your guests to this delightful dessert with minimal effort!
Get the Recipe: Black Cocoa Powder Cupcakes

Butterscotch Pie

A butterscotch pie with meringue on a wire cooling rack.
Butterscotch Pie. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This classic Butterscotch Pie is a creamy indulgence topped with a fluffy meringue, making it extra special. The rich butterscotch flavor paired with light meringue creates a perfect balance that’s hard to resist. If you love vintage desserts, this is a must-try that will leave you wanting more!
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Pie

Cherry Apricot Upside Down Cake

Cherry and apricot upside down cake on a white plate.
Cherry Apricot Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

The Cherry Apricot Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert that showcases the irresistible combination of stone fruits. A tender yellow cake serves as the base, topped with caramelized cherries and apricots for a mouthwatering flavor. This easy-to-bake dessert is perfect for any occasion!
Get the Recipe: Cherry Apricot Upside Down Cake

Cherry Pandowdy

Cherry pandowdy in a baking pan.
Cherry Pandowdy. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This vintage Cherry Pandowdy is a simpler alternative to pie, featuring sweet cherries beneath a flaky crust. It’s so easy to make and bursting with fruity goodness that you’ll want to savor every bite. This rustic dessert is perfect for comforting family gatherings!
Get the Recipe: Cherry Pandowdy

Lemon Cake Pie

A slice of lemon pie with raspberries on top.
Lemon Cake Pie. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

With this Lemon Cake Pie, you won’t have to choose between cake and pie ever again! It features a light cake layer atop a tangy lemon custard, delivering the best of both worlds. This dreamy dessert is perfect for citrus lovers looking to impress!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cake Pie

Chocolate Mug Cake

A chocolate mug cake topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with caramel sauce, placed on a woven placemat next to a gold spoon.
Chocolate Mug Cake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Who says you need fancy equipment or a pile of dishes to satisfy your chocolate cravings? I certainly don’t. This microwave chocolate mug cake recipe is my go-to for satisfying those chocolate cravings or when I need a quick dessert for one.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Mug Cake

Chocolate Fudge Cake

A three layer chocolate cake on a white platter.
Chocolate Fudge Cake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This layered Chocolate Fudge Cake is a chocolate lover’s dream and so delicious that everyone will adore it. Baked in a sheet pan and stacked with rich chocolate fudge frosting, each bite is a fudgy delight. Don’t miss out on this easy-to-bake chocolatey goodness!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Fudge Cake

Sweet Cherry Hand Pies

Two cherry handpies on a white plate.
Sweet Cherry Hand Pies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Sweet Cherry Hand Pies are the ultimate grab-and-go dessert, featuring flaky pastry filled with sweet cherry goodness. These handheld delights are so easy to prepare and require no utensils, allowing you to enjoy fruity bliss effortlessly. They’re perfect for any occasion!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cherry Hand Pies

Mint Sprinkle Cookies

A plate of green and white sprinkled cookies, some cut in half to show green centers, next to a cup of tea on a table with a lacy placemat.
Mint Sprinkle Cookies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Indulge in these delightful mint cookies adorned with vibrant green and white sprinkles, adding color and flavor to every bite. This scrumptious combination of refreshing mint and festive fun will surely be a hit at any gathering. Skip the boring dessert and make these vibrant treats instead!
Get the Recipe: Mint Sprinkle Cookies

Red Velvet Cake

A red velvet cake on a white plate.
Red Velvet Cake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Bake a traditional red velvet cake with butter roux frosting for a celebration cake. This classic cake recipe never goes out of style. With its hint of cocoa, slight tang, and signature velvety texture, red velvet has a unique flavor that stands out from the rest.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cake

Oatmeal Crumbl Cookies

A stack of iced oatmeal cookies.
Oatmeal Crumbl Cookies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Enjoy a batch of these Oatmeal Copycat Crumbl Cookies that bake up soft and chewy, topped with sweet icing that coats every nook and cranny. They offer a comforting and satisfying treat for any cookie lover. These cookies are sure to become a favorite among your family and friends!
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Crumbl Cookies

Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies with chocolate chips on a marble board.
Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Calling all cookie lovers! In just minutes, you can enjoy a batch of 12 warm, fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies. This Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe is so delicious and offers instant gratification for a quick and delightful treat!
Get the Recipe: Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

Coconut Cupcakes With Coconut Buttercream Frosting

Frosted coconut cupcakes on a white board.
Coconut Cupcakes With Coconut Buttercream Frosting. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Calling all coconut enthusiasts! Prepare for a tropical delight with our irresistible Coconut Cupcakes crowned with luscious Coconut Buttercream Frosting. This dreamy dessert starts with a boxed cake mix but transforms into a moist, decadent masterpiece that’s so easy to bake!
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cupcakes With Coconut Buttercream Frosting

Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Buttercream

A slice of homemade strawberry cake with icing and strawberry on top.
Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Buttercream. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Create a homemade, moist, and tender Strawberry Cake bursting with fresh strawberries. Topped with luscious strawberry buttercream, this delightful dessert is perfect for any time of the year. Skip the boring dessert and indulge in this fruity treat!
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Buttercream

Easy Apple Pie

Apple pie with a lattice crust on a marble surface, one slice on a
Easy Apple Pie. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Easy Apple Pie features a homemade double crust and warming spices that will remind you of classic comfort. It’s everything you want in a traditional apple pie, making it a must-have dessert for any gathering. Enjoy every slice of this timeless favorite!
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Pie

Blackberry Crumble Pie

Overhead shot of blackberry crumble pie with one slice on a serving plate
Blackberry Crumble Pie. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Blackberry Crumble Pie features a spiced crumb topping over a homemade filling. It’s rich, satisfying, and great for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Crumble Pie

Cut-Out Chocolate Chip Cookies

Heart shaped chocolate chip cookies.
Cut-Out Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Transform classic Chocolate Chip Cookies into fun cut-out shapes with this easy recipe! Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Skip the boring dessert and make these delightful
Get the Recipe: Cut-Out Chocolate Chip Cookies

Mississippi Mud Pie

Slice of chocolate brownie with nuts, topped with melting vanilla ice cream on a plate. Spoon with a bite of the dessert beside it.
Mississippi Mud Pie. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Mississippi Mud Pie is a classic Southern dessert that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and shared laughter around the dinner table. This delicious pie combines rich chocolate brownie layers, creamy pudding and a crunchy Oreo crust.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie

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