18 Elegant No-Bake Desserts That Are Easy to Make

Safe-to-Eat Monster Cookie Dough

No-bake desserts can't get much easier than this cookie dough. Since this stir-and-serve treat is egg-free, and calls for oat flour rather than white, you have full permission from our Test Kitchen staff to eat it in raw form. Our base recipe can act as a canvas for you to get creative with additions. Might we recommend chocolate chips, shredded coconut, candy pieces, toasted nuts, and sprinkles?

Dessert Pizza with Banana Ice Cream

You only need a food processor and a freezer to make this dessert magic, which also happens to be one of the best no-bake recipes to make ahead. Prepare the three-ingredient banana ice cream the night before, so it can set overnight. The next day, stir together the crust and ask the kids to help decorate with their favorite fruit and nut combos.

Pumpkin-Spice Icebox Cake

Lattes shouldn't have all the fall fun. This no-bake dessert recipe takes the trendy fall spice blend and turns it into a showstopping cake. Don't be intimidated by its intricate-looking layers; this icebox cake is essentially layer upon layer of store-bought gingersnap cookies and pumpkin spice-spiked whipped cream.

Copycat Musketeer Bars

If you consider yourself a true chocolate fiend, you must make this candy-aisle copycat dessert. With chocolate cookies, malted milk powder, and fluffy marshmallow crème, these easy no-bake dessert bars taste almost exactly the same as the candy bar the kid in you remembers devouring on Halloween night. Good thing they're freezer-friendly for up to a month, because otherwise your entire pan might disappear in a single day.

Sparkling Rosé Blueberry Floats

Icy blueberry granita, creamy coconut gelato, and fresh fruit are topped off with a splash of sparkling rosé (or club soda for a spirit-free drink). The bubbly helps cut a bit of the sweetness—and makes this easy no-bake dessert festive.

Test Kitchen Tip: We call for a splash of rosé in the granita recipe, but when you're seeking an alcohol-free option, perk it up with sparkling cider instead.

Viola Candy Bark

You don't even need a stove or a pan to make this beautiful, blooming chocolate bark recipe. When you pop it into the microwave, chocolate melts like ice cream on a warm summer day. Stir it at 30-second intervals, then spread it on a sheet pan, sprinkle on edible flowers, and your dinner party dessert is done.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Bites

Each of these no-bake mini desserts delivers a bit of fiber, protein, and healthy fat. With that in mind, we give you full permission to enjoy one—either for dessert, or alongside breakfast. Whether you grab a bite to refuel after a workout or to wrap up a meal, you'll find yourself craving another, thanks to the salty-sweet combination of peanut butter and honey, along with the textural boosts from oats and coconut.

Sweet Cream Ice Cream

Little is cooler on a warm summer day than a scoop (or two) of ice cream. Start with the classic sweet cream base, then try our no-bake dessert variations with fudge swirls, wine-infused fruit, caramelized pineapple, and more. In a bowl or in a cone, you can't go wrong.

Berry Trifle

Fresh berries give this spectacular dessert its color and flavor. And the best part? It's ready in a flash—just put it in the fridge until serving time. The secret to this no-bake "baking" idea: A store-bought frozen pound cake.

Buy It: Sara Lee Pound Cake ($6, Target)

Frosted Animal Cookie No-Bake Cheesecake

We can't be the only ones who ate one (okay, dozens) too many of those pink-and-white animal cookies during childhood, right? This no-bake cream-cheese dessert gives the those itty-bitty cookies the treatment we always thought they deserved, complete with a strawberry-flavored cheesecake, rainbow sprinkles, and a frosted animal cookie crust.

Buy It:Mother's Circus Animal Cookies ($5, Target)

Sweet and Salty Scotcheroos

Chewy and chocolate-topped scotcheroos are a Midwestern potluck classic, and for good reason. The candy bar-like slices or squares are no sweat to make, and can satisfy your cravings for both crunch and sweetness. Instead of the classic cereal that normally stars in these no-bake dessert bars, we call for salty corn chips as the foundation, to balance the sweet peanut butter, chocolate, and butterscotch.

Ice Cream Tacos

No need to buy this dessert from the supermarket freezer aisle. Build your own chocolate-rimmed ice cream tacos to end your next fiesta on a sweet note. For a churro-inspired twist on this quick no-bake dessert, consider stuffing your dessert taco with cinnamon ice cream.

Fruity Waffle Bowls

If you're looking for a light no-bake dessert, try these waffle bowls. They're sweet, fresh, and easy to prepare. Simply sprinkle your favorite fresh fruits on a serving of creamy pudding.

Cute Watermelon Bombe

The most difficult part about this watermelon sherbet dessert? Being patient enough to allow the layers to freeze before digging into a big slice. Luckily, no one needs to know if you steal a spoonful from each pint as you build the easy no-bake dessert. The "seeds" look surprisingly realistic, but taste so much better—they're chocolate chips in disguise.

Walnut Butter Fruit Bites

If you prefer walnut or pecan pie over pumpkin, we'd be willing to wager that this holiday season, you'll enjoy these no-bake mini desserts. Fully loaded with nuts, dried apricots, Medjool dates (a common sugar swap), and whole grain cereal, these healthy bars are like the pint-size, healthy (ish) cousins of popular nut pies. This dessert can chill out in the refrigerator for up to a week—although they almost never last that long in our houses.

Watermelon-Kiwi Pops

The name almost says it all: Watermelon, kiwi, sugar, and water are all you need to make this easy no-bake dessert recipe. Oh yes, you'll also need paper cups and popsicle sticks. Think of these sweet-tart ice pops as a starting point for all of your favorite flavor experiments. We're wild about our pineapple-blueberry and mango-raspberry variations.

Buy It: Wood Popsicle Sticks ($7, Walmart)

Tiramisu Bites

Tiramisu translates from Italian to English as "pick me up." And this makeover of the coffee-infused treat is one you can pick up with your hands and enjoy in one bite. It's one of the best choices for those who enjoy wrapping up a meal with a cup of coffee or espresso alongside dessert.

Whipped Key Lime Pie

It's a classic you can't resist—and shouldn't have to. "On a very hot day, I served this no-bake dessert for company. It was perfect, delicious, cool, and refreshing." And even better: This zingy and creamy lime pie calls for just 25 minutes of prep time.