No-Bake Easy Dessert Recipes: 10 Best Treats You Can Make Without an Oven
When the weather heats up or you need a quick dessert, turning on the oven is the last thing you want to do. Thankfully, there are plenty of no-bake easy dessert recipes that require little effort, few ingredients, and no oven! These quick no-bake desserts are perfect for everything from casual family dinners to summer parties. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a fruit fan, or looking for healthier options, these easy no-bake treats will satisfy your sweet tooth without the hassle.
In this article, we’ll share ten of the best no-bake dessert recipes that are quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. From creamy cheesecakes to crispy cereal treats, there’s something for everyone. These recipes are ideal when you’re short on time but still want a show-stopping dessert.
What Are No-Bake Desserts?
No-bake desserts are sweet treats that don’t require any oven time. They usually rely on ingredients that set in the fridge or freezer, like cream cheese, whipped cream, or gelatin. Many easy no-bake dessert recipes use staples like cookies, graham crackers, or pudding mixes. With minimal tools and ingredients, these desserts are perfect for busy days or when you need to whip something up in a flash.
Some common no-bake dessert types include:
- Icebox cakes: Layers of cookies and whipped cream set in the fridge to create a cake-like texture.
- No-bake cheesecakes: Creamy, rich, and perfect with a graham cracker crust.
- Rice Krispies treats: A childhood favorite made with cereal and marshmallows.
No-bake desserts are perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven. They’re also great for last-minute entertaining, as many can be prepared ahead of time and chilled until you’re ready to serve.
Top 10 No-Bake Easy Dessert Recipes
1. Oreo Icebox Cake
If you’re a fan of Oreo cookies, you’ll love this no-bake Oreo icebox cake. It’s made by layering crushed Oreos with whipped cream and cream cheese, creating a creamy and crunchy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The best part? It takes only 15 minutes to assemble!
Ingredients:
- 1 package Oreo cookies
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Crush the Oreos into small pieces.
- Mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Fold in the whipped cream.
- Layer crushed Oreos and the cream cheese mixture in a dish.
- Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
For a fruity twist, you can add fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate syrup to the layers.
Check out a full Oreo Icebox Cake recipe here.
2. No-Bake Cheesecake
This simple no-bake cheesecake is a classic, easy dessert. Made with a graham cracker crust and a creamy filling, it’s a great option for summer gatherings or whenever you need a quick yet impressive dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 package graham crackers (crushed)
- 1/4 cup butter (melted)
- 1 package cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Mix the crushed graham crackers and melted butter, then press into a pie dish to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the crust and chill for 4 hours.
For variations, try adding fresh strawberries or lemon zest to the filling for a bright flavor.
Learn more about this no-bake cheesecake recipe here.
3. Chocolate Peanut Butter Scotcheroos
For a rich and indulgent treat, these chocolate peanut butter Scotcheroos are a go-to. Combining peanut butter, butterscotch, and chocolate makes this dessert irresistible. These no-bake bars are perfect for parties or family gatherings, and they come together in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions:
- Melt the peanut butter and butterscotch chips together in a saucepan.
- Stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated.
- Press the mixture into a greased pan.
- Melt the chocolate chips and spread them over the top of the bars.
- Chill until the chocolate sets, then slice and serve.
These treats are perfect for both kids and adults, offering a delightful mix of sweet and salty flavors.
4. No-Bake Nutella Krispie Treats
Nutella lovers, this one’s for you! These Nutella Krispie treats are easy to make and pack a punch of chocolatey flavor. With the combination of Nutella, Rice Krispies, and marshmallows, these treats are quick, easy, and sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions:
- Melt the butter and marshmallows together in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in the Nutella until smooth.
- Add the Rice Krispies cereal and mix until fully coated.
- Press the mixture into a greased pan and let it cool before slicing.
Get the full recipe for Nutella Krispie Treats here.
5. Chocolate Mousse
If you’re looking for an indulgent, creamy dessert, chocolate mousse is a must-try. It’s rich and airy, making it the perfect ending to any meal. Best of all, you don’t need an oven to make it!
Ingredients:
- 6 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler).
- Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together, then slowly add them to the melted chocolate.
- Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form and fold them into the chocolate mixture.
- Whip the cream and fold it into the chocolate mixture as well.
- Spoon the mousse into serving dishes and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
This no-bake dessert is perfect for dinner parties, as it can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge until ready to serve.
6. Lemon Icebox Pie
A tangy, refreshing treat that’s perfect for summer, lemon icebox pie is a classic Southern dessert that’s easy to make. With its creamy lemon filling and graham cracker crust, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Ingredients:
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Pour the mixture into the graham cracker crust.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Top with whipped cream before serving.
This no-bake lemon pie is perfect for hot days when you want something cool and refreshing.
7. No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
Rich, creamy, and full of peanut butter flavor, this no-bake peanut butter pie is a crowd favorite. It’s incredibly easy to make, and the chocolate cookie crust adds a nice contrast to the smooth peanut butter filling.
Ingredients:
- 1 package chocolate cookies (crushed)
- 1/4 cup butter (melted)
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 package cream cheese
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions:
- Mix the crushed cookies and melted butter to form the crust. Press it into a pie dish.
- In a bowl, combine the peanut butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Fold in the whipped cream and pour the mixture into the crust.
- Chill the pie for at least 4 hours before serving.
You can also drizzle melted chocolate or caramel on top for an extra touch of indulgence.
8. Tiramisu Icebox Cake
This no-bake tiramisu icebox cake is a simplified version of the classic Italian dessert. It features layers of coffee-soaked cookies and creamy mascarpone filling, making it a delicious and impressive dessert without the need for baking.
Ingredients:
- 1 package ladyfinger cookies
- 1 cup brewed coffee
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions:
- Dip each ladyfinger into the brewed coffee and arrange them in a single layer in a dish.
- In a bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese, whipped cream, and sugar until smooth.
- Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the layer of ladyfingers.
- Repeat the layers and dust with cocoa powder.
- Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
This icebox cake has all the flavors of traditional tiramisu but is much easier to make.
9. No-Bake Key Lime Pie
For fans of citrus desserts, no-bake key lime pie is a must-try. It has the perfect balance of tart key lime juice and sweetened condensed milk, all in a buttery graham cracker crust.
Ingredients:
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 1 tbsp key lime zest
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the condensed milk, key lime juice, and zest.
- Pour the mixture into the graham cracker crust.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Top with whipped cream before serving.
This no-bake dessert is perfect for summer barbecues or any time you crave something light and refreshing.
10. Banana Pudding
A classic Southern dessert, banana pudding is one of the easiest no-bake desserts you can make. Layers of vanilla pudding, bananas, and vanilla wafers come together for a sweet and creamy treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafers
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions:
- In a dish, layer the vanilla wafers, banana slices, and vanilla pudding.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of pudding.
- Top with whipped cream and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
This easy no-bake dessert is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any time you need a quick and delicious treat.
FAQs: People Also Ask
What is the easiest no-bake dessert to make?
The easiest no-bake dessert is Oreo icebox cake. With just three ingredients, it comes together quickly and requires no baking.
What desserts require no baking and only a few ingredients?
Nutella Krispie treats and no-bake cheesecake are two great examples of no-bake desserts that only need a handful of ingredients.
How can I make a no-bake dessert for a party?
For a party, you can make no-bake key lime pie or Oreo icebox cake. These desserts are easy to scale and can be prepared in advance.
Customizing No-Bake Desserts
One of the best things about no-bake desserts is how easy they are to customize. You can swap out ingredients, add flavors, or try different toppings to suit your taste.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re making a no-bake cheesecake, you can easily change the flavor by adding lemon zest, cocoa powder, or fruit puree.
- Flavor Additions: Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of espresso powder to intensify the flavors of your no-bake desserts.
- Extra Toppings: Top your desserts with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, crushed cookies, or fresh fruit for added texture and flavor.
These options let you create your own unique variations of your favorite no-bake treats.
Healthy No-Bake Dessert Options
If you’re looking for healthier no-bake desserts, there are plenty of options that skip the added sugar and heavy ingredients. Here are a few ideas:
- Chia Pudding: A healthy, nutrient-rich option made from chia seeds and almond milk. Top with fresh fruit for extra flavor.
- Fruit Parfaits: Layer yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit for a simple, nutritious treat.
- Frozen Banana Bites: Slice bananas, dip them in dark chocolate, and freeze them for a healthy, bite-sized dessert.
These healthy no-bake desserts are perfect when you want something sweet but still want to stick to a healthier diet.
Conclusion
With these no-bake easy dessert recipes, you’ll never have to stress over making sweet treats. Whether you’re hosting a summer party, looking for something quick to whip up, or just avoiding the oven, these desserts are perfect for any occasion. Try one of these quick no-bake desserts today and enjoy a delicious homemade treat with minimal effort!