17 Desserts to Make You the Kitchen Hero

Make something sweet and satisfying with these dessert recipes that bring classic flavors together in the best way. These desserts are perfect for when you want something easy to whip up that still feels special. From tried-and-true favorites to treats with a little twist, these recipes are great for any occasion, whether you’re sharing or just treating yourself.

Coconut Cupcakes with Coconut Buttercream Frosting

Coconut cupcakes with whipped cream and coconut flakes. — Coconut Cupcakes. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

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These Coconut Cupcakes, made from a boxed mix, are super moist and rich. The coconut buttercream frosting on top makes them a coconut hit for dessert. Skip the store-bought cupcakes and make these!
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cupcakes with Coconut Buttercream Frosting

Peach Almond Tart

A slice of stone fruit tart being served with a pie server. — Peach Almond Tart. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Peach Almond Tart combines sweet peaches with a nutty almond filling in a flaky crust. Ready to make, this dessert is a standout for dessert and way better than store-bought options.
Get the Recipe: Peach Almond Tart

Apple Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream

Apple spice cupcakes in a muffin tin with frosting rosettes. — Apple Spice Cupcakes. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Enjoy these easy Apple Cupcakes, topped with smooth Maple Buttercream Frosting. Cinnamon, ginger, and cloves bring just the right touch of warm spice to these apple-filled treats.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

A plate of brownies on a white plate. — Peanut Butter Cup Brownies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies, made with a boxed mix and peanut butter cups, are a quick and chocolaty treat. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re ideal for busy days and last minute gatherings and way better than store-bought.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Cherry Pandowdy

A round pie with a golden crust and a lattice pattern filled with a dark red fruit filling is shown in a light blue pie dish. The pie's edges are slightly browned. — Cherry Pandowdy. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Cherry Pandowdy features a sweet cherry layer with a simple crust, making it a breeze to prepare. Perfect for a fruity dessert or take to potlucks, it's a crowd-pleaser and a dessert you won't find in a store.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Pandowdy

Browned Butter Blondies

A close-up of a spiced dessert bar with a glaze and pecans on a white plate, set on a table with a light purple cloth. — Butter Pecan Blondies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Rich and buttery Brown Butter Blondies with Pecans are glazed with cinnamon. They add a touch of decadence to any dessert table and are a fantastic alternative to store-bought treats.
Get the Recipe: Browned Butter Blondies

Lemon Lime Cream Pie

A key lime cheesecake garnished with lime slices, orange slices, blackberries, and whipped cream sits on a white plate with a blue checkered cloth underneath. — Lemon Lime Cream Pie. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Refreshing Lemon Lime Cream Pie is filled with lemon-lime cream and topped with blackberries on a graham cracker crust. Finished with whipped cream rosettes, it’s a perfect summer dessert that’s better than store-bought pies.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Lime Cream Pie

Apple Cake with Cinnamon

A round apple tart in a cast iron skillet, with one triangular slice partially removed. A knife and an apple are seen on the side. — Apple Cinnamon Skillet Cake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Apple Cake with Cinnamon is baked in a skillet with fresh apple slices on top. It’s a comforting and delicious dessert that everyone will love and is perfect for a fall treat.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cake with Cinnamon

Cinnamon Bread Pull Aparts

A slice of cinnamon bread with icing on a plate. — Cinnamon Bread Pull-Aparts. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This homemade bread is fun to make and fun to eat. Everyone loves the soft yeasty cinnamon-coated bread with a sweet icing drizzle.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Bread Pull Aparts

Close-up of frosted sugar cookie bars with red, white, and blue sprinkles, stacked on parchment paper. — Sugar Cookie Bars. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Sugar Cookie Bars are soft and chewy, decorated with your favorite sprinkles and creamy frosting. They’re a fun and easy treat to share and definitely better than store-bought versions.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Cookie Bars

Vanilla Skillet Cake

A slice of powdered sugar-topped cake on a plate, with the rest of the cake in a skillet in the background. A serving utensil is nearby. — Vanilla Skillet Cake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This easy Vanilla Skillet Cake is made with simple ingredients and baked in a skillet. It has a crispy crust and a tender interior, making it a homemade dessert that’s better than store-bought.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Skillet Cake

Peach Pandowdy

Peach Pandowdy is a nostalgic summer treat that combines spiced, ripe peaches with a flaky crust. This homemade dessert adds a delicious fruity touch to your dessert table and beats anything store-bought.
Get the Recipe: Peach Pandowdy

Mountain Dew Bundt Cake

A bundt cake with icing on a plate. — Mountain Dew Bundt Cake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Mountain Dew Bundt Cake offers a lemony twist with creamy icing. This easy-to-make cake is a perfect treat for lemon lovers. It's so easy to make with a box cake mix and a can of soda.
Get the Recipe: Mountain Dew Bundt Cake

Maple Snickerdoodles

A stack of six round cookies tied with a string next to a glass of milk on a wooden surface. — Maple Snickerdoodles. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Forget store-bought cookies—maple Snickerdoodles are a treat you can enjoy all year long. With their cinnamon swirls and rich maple flavor, these homemade cookies are perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Maple Snickerdoodles

Cherry Apricot Upside Down Cake

A apricot cherry cake is sitting on a plate. — Apricot Cherry Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Cherry Apricot Upside Down Cake pairs tender yellow cake with caramelized cherries and apricots. Ready to make, it’s a simple and delicious cake, definitely better than store-bought.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Apricot Upside Down Cake

Banana Caramel Cake

A banana cake with icing and nuts on a plate. — Banana Caramel Cake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Banana Caramel Cake, made from a boxed mix, has a tender, flavorful texture. It’s easy to make and perfect for impressing the family with minimal effort, a definite upgrade from store-bought cakes.
Get the Recipe: Banana Caramel Cake

Lemon Bundt Cake

A slice of cake with icing and lemon zest on a white plate, accompanied by sliced strawberries. A yellow napkin and white teapot are visible in the background. — Lemon Bundt Cake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Lemon Bundt Cake, made from scratch, features juicy lemon pieces and a creamy glaze. It’s a refreshing and delightful dessert that feeds a crowd. You won't find this cake at the store.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Bundt Cake