If you’re just starting out in the world of confectionery, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. However, with a few simple and easy dessert recipes, you’ll soon be able to create delicious treats that will impress friends and family. Here are five beginner-friendly dessert recipes that will help you build your skills and confidence in the kitchen.
1. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic and one of the easiest desserts to make. The best part is that you only need a few basic ingredients. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (165g) packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. No-Bake Cheesecake
No-bake cheesecakes are a great option for beginners because they don’t require any baking. The creamy filling and crunchy crust are a perfect balance of textures.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
Instructions:
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch (23cm) pie pan or springform pan to form a crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Then fold it into the cream cheese mixture gently.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Top with your favorite fruit, jam, or chocolate drizzle before serving.
3. Brownies
Brownies are another easy dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers big flavor. This recipe gives you a rich, fudgy texture that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, and mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool before cutting them into squares and serving.
4. Apple Crumble
Apple crumble is a comforting dessert that’s perfect for beginners. The sweetness of the apples combined with the crunchy topping creates a delightful texture contrast.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups (500g) apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup (120g) rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Place the mixture into a greased 9-inch (23cm) baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, and brown sugar. Add the butter and rub it into the dry ingredients with your fingers until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the apples in the baking dish.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
5. Lemon Bars
Lemon bars are a refreshing dessert that balances sweet and tangy flavors perfectly. They’re easy to make and great for any occasion.
Ingredients for the crust:
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
Ingredients for the filling:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- For the crust, mix the flour, powdered sugar, and butter in a bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan.
- Bake the crust for 15–20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden.
- For the filling, whisk together the sugar, flour, baking powder, eggs, and lemon juice in a separate bowl.
- Pour the filling over the baked crust and return to the oven.
- Bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Let the bars cool, then dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.