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My dessert ideas list will help you ensure every dinner party you host ends with something sweet and yummy.
Whether you make them at home or buy them ready-made, these dishes are bound to put smiles on faces. Use this list for inspiration, and don’t spend valuable time pondering what to serve.
Dessert Ideas
I, like my dinner and side dish lists, have this printed off and in my kitchen. That way, I can quickly look, see what I like, and make a quick decision.
Read through to the end of this article to find a download link. You can download this list for free, print it off, and use it in the same way. It makes planning dinner parties and events a lot easier!
Popular Dessert Ideas
These are classic dessert options. You’ll typically find them on most restaurant menus.
- Brownies
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Cupcakes
- Apple Pie
- Pecan Pie
- Pumpkin Pie
- Ice Cream
- Fudge
- Carrot Cake
- Red Velvet Cake
- Bananas Foster
- Crepes
- Lemon Bars
- Banana Bread
- Crumble
- Bread Pudding
- Donuts
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake
- Pound Cake
- Sundae
Easy Dessert Ideas
If the mains and appetizers are taking up a lot of time, make your life easier. These desserts are quicker and easier to make but still really delicious.
- Waffles
- Jello
- Strawberries and Cream
- Tapioca Pudding
- Rice Pudding
- Caramel Pretzels
- Chocolate Salami
- Pancakes
- Yogurt Bark
- Ice Cream Float
Chocolate Dessert Ideas
If, like me, you’ve got a real weakness for chocolate, this is the section for you. These desserts are rich, sweet, and absolutely covered in the good stuff!
- Chocolate Cream Pie
- Chocolate Mousse
- Chocolate Truffles
- German Chocolate Cake
- Chocolate Lava Cake
- Chocolate Souffle
- Chocolate Milkshake
- Chocolate Eclairs
- Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake
- Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows
No-Bake Dessert Ideas
I watch MasterChef a lot. If I had a dollar for every time they mess up the souffle, I’d be very rich!
Baking is all about timing and can be super stressful when the dish doesn’t come out right. So, if you’re pushed for time, try some of these no-bake desserts. You can make them beforehand and keep them in the refrigerator.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
- No-Bake Cheesecake
- Popsicles
- Raspberry Fool
- S’mores
- Banoffee Pie
- Rice Krispie Treats
- Lemon Curd Tart
- Oreo Trifle
- Key Lime Pie
Healthy-ish Dessert Ideas
Okay, desserts are never going to be completely healthy. But if you want to offer something that’s a bit more health-conscious, try some of these desserts.
- Fruit Salad
- Fruit Parfait
- Baked Apples
- Banana Nice Cream
- Smoothie Bowl
- Grilled Peaches
- Greek Yogurt with Walnuts and Honey
- Chia Pudding
- Frozen Grapes
- Dark Chocolate
Italian Dessert Ideas
Italians know how to do dessert! Some of these are classic Italian dishes. You can find recipes to make them at home or pick them up from a store or restaurant.
- Tiramisu
- Panna Cotta
- Biscotti
- Affogato
- Cannoli
- Crostata
- Granita
- Zabaione
- Nougat
- Struffoli
Internationally-Inspired Dessert Ideas
Every country has its own delicious treats to enjoy post-lunch or dinner. Some of these are my favorites. They could go down a real treat at your dinner party.
- Basque Cheesecake
- Pavlovas
- Creme Brulee
- Churros
- Lamingtons
- Baklava
- Flan
- Eton Mess
- Brigadeiros
- Spanish Fried Milk
- Greek Orange Cake
- Tres Leches Cake
- Madeleines
- Mango Sticky Rice
- Macarons
- Kheer
- Knafeh
- Honey Cake
- Napoleon Cake
- Alfajores
- Mochi
- Daifuku
- Blini with Jam
- Profiteroles
- Crema Catalana
- Egg Tart
- Beignets
- Black Forest Cake
- Pastel de Nata
- Gulab Jamun
Dessert time should be a happy time. So make your life a little easier by planning well in advance.
Use the link below to download this list for free. You can print it off, put it on your fridge door, and always have dessert ideas on hand.
Let me know in the comments which of these are your favorites and if you have any go-to desserts for dinner parties.
You Might Also Like to Read
- Side Dishes List Printable (100+ Ideas for Instant Dinner Inspiration)
- Dinner Ideas List Printable (100+ Dishes to Answer “What’s for Dinner?”)
- 100+ Best Brunch Food Ideas Printable (The Ultimate List)
Be sure to have this dessert list on hand by saving it to one of your recipe idea boards. You can always skim the article or download the PDF to help you decide what to treat your dinner guests to.
