11 Delicious Dessert Ideas For When You Crave Something Sweet

a woman enjoying a dessert

Who doesn’t love a good dessert?!

I’m all about eating healthier these days but a girl needs to indulge every once in while!

While I was in university, baking lots of yummy treats used to be one of my escapes from the hustle and bustle of life as a college student. So much so that I became known as the baker in my family! 

Lately with the craziness of graduating and job searching, I haven’t really had the time or mental capacity honestly but I am trying to get back into it.

Regardless of anything, there’s just something so comforting and satisfying about biting into a really nice dessert. I think it’s one of those things that can add so much coziness and deliciousness (pun intended!) to your life especially during the hard times. At least for me.

So if you’ve got a sweet tooth like me and you’re in need of some desserts or sweet treats ideas, here is a list of my all time favs. Some of those I’ve made before and some I can’t wait to get in the kitchen and try eventually. They can be a perfect addition to your next hangout with friends, thanksgiving meal or simply as a treat when you get home from school or work.

Bon appetit!

1. Chocolate Chip Brownies

Photo & Recipe By: Belle of The Kitchen

An absolute go-to all day everyday!

Well…not everyday. That wouldn’t be wise lol.

My point is brownies are amazing! Especially warm brownies straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! I rate it 10/10!

This is one of my go-to snacks during my at-home solo date nights when I’m re-re-re watching Bridgerton! Anyone else??

Here is the recipe: Chocolate Chip Brownies

2. Blueberry Muffins

Photo & Recipe by: Small Town Woman

So I got into those in uni thanks to the Starbucks on my campus.

One day I was looking for something to munch on after my last afternoon class and decided to give the blueberry muffin a try (even though I didn’t care much for blueberries back then). 

I’m so glad I did! 

It was a warm, gooey and slightly crunchy experience and it instantly became one of my fav treats at school. 

Surprisingly enough, I still haven’t made them at home. I should get on that.

Here is the recipe: Best Blueberry Muffins

3. Lemon cake

Photo & Recipe By: Recipes From Leftovers

This is also one of my fav treats to get from Starbucks and has also been a staple dessert my entire life.

Tbh I’m a huge fan of cakes but every once in a while they make me a little bit nauseous probably because of the dairy content in them.

Thankfully, I don’t get that problem with lemon cake which is why it’s one of my absolute favorite cakes to make (and eat)! 

Here is the recipe: Lemon Nothing Bundt Cake

4. Yogurt cake

Photo & Recipe by: Baking Capture

I have very fond memories of yogurt cake from my childhood.

After school, before heading home, my sister and I always used to grab some from a small store not far from school. They actually made them as small yogurt muffins but munching on those was the highlight of my week.

Here is the recipe: French Yogurt Cake

5. Orange cake

Photo & Recipe by: Oh My Veg!

Ever since my sister made an orange cake for us at home, I’ve been a fan.

I feel like you can’t go wrong anytime you add some zestiness to a cake. Besides lemon cake, orange cake is my other must have citrusy cake option.

I also love adding different spices to desserts so I really like the cardamom touch in this recipe.

Here is the recipe: Baby Bundt Cakes with Orange and Cardamom

6. Apple Crisp

Photo & Recipe by: Ask Chef Dennis

I have a friend who is even more into baking than I am.

She made this for me once and it was delicious!

We don’t live close to each other but every time we meet up I have to ask her to make some for me🤣. Until the day I finally learn how to make it myself lol.

Here is the recipe: Easy Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

7. Cinnamon pretzels

Photo & Recipe by: Strength & Sunshine

I’m going to be honest.. I don’t like pretzels. I genuinely just don’t get the appeal.

But when a friend back in high school recommended I try cinnamon pretzels, my curiosity was piqued.

Today I am very grateful for that recommendation.

If you’ve never tried Auntie Anne’s cinnamon pretzels btw, you are seriously missing out!

Anytime I go to a mall in my area, it’s highly likely that I will leave with one of their cinnamon pretzels.

I’m excited to try the at-home version too!

Here is the recipe: Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

8. Churros

Photo & Recipe by: Meriendas De Pasión

I’ve been hooked on churros ever since I tried them for the first time on a trip to New York.

They’re the perfect blend of crunchy exterior and “gooey” interior.

My best friend and I love having those during our girls’ nights. Add in some chocolate sauce to dip em in and you’re good to go!

Here is the recipe: Homemade Churros

9. Madeleines

Photo & Recipe by: Petit Porcini

I’ve been a fan of madeleines since I was a kid and I got so excited when my sister got me a madeleines pan years ago so I could finally learn to make them at home!

I’m not gonna lie though…getting that perfect bump is tricky. I’m still working on that.

But this is the perfect after school (or even late night) snack and it pairs really well with a nice cup of tea in my opinion!

Here is the recipe: French Madeleines with Rose Water

10. Sweet Potato Pie

Photo & Recipe by: The Happier Homemaker

When I first came to America and celebrated my first Thanksgiving and I heard about sweet potato pie, I was like 👀👀👀whaat???

When I heard sweet potato, I thought of sweet potato fries because that’s what I was used to in my home country of Benin. I had no clue you could make a pie with sweet potatoes.

But I had a slice of the pie and was pleasantly surprised by how yummy it was.

And it doesn’t have to just be for Thanksgiving! You can add it to your dessert rotation throughout the year.

Here is the recipe: Homemade Sweet Potato Pie

11. Vanilla cupcakes

Photo & Recipe by: Lemons & Zest

I feel like there’s always a time for vanilla cupcakes! 

And that icing…Now, I love the cupcake but sometimes I look forward to savoring the icing more than the cupcake itself.

Am I a weirdo for this??

Anyway here’s the recipe: Easy Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream

What other sweet treats do you love to treat yourself to? Let me know below!