19 Easy Desserts I Make When Company’s Coming

Nothing brings a table to life like a sweet spread that’s easy to make. Simple steps, quick prep, and a few clever tricks turn basic ingredients into crowd-pleasers. The kitchen fills with the kind of joy that makes company feel special. Every bite of these 19 easy desserts feels like a little celebration.

Perfect Peach Sorbet

Guests never turn down something cold and refreshing after dinner. That's when Perfect Peach Sorbet comes in handy from the freezer. No prep needed once it's made ahead, which is exactly what I want when people are over.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Peach Sorbet

Easy Lemon Tiramisu

A slice of creamy tiramisu topped with shredded orange zest on a white plate. — Easy Lemon Tiramisu. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

This one goes in the fridge a few hours before anyone shows up, which keeps things low-stress. Nobody expects Easy Lemon Tiramisu, but once it’s out, it’s the first to go. I like how it cuts clean and stacks nicely on a dessert tray.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Tiramisu

Banana Cake Roll

When I’ve got overripe bananas and guests coming, this is where they end up. Banana Cake Roll fits well into a fridge and even better onto a plate. I slice it cold and serve it plain because it doesn’t need anything else.
Get the Recipe: Banana Cake Roll

Creamy Cherry Mango Popsicles

Freezer desserts make everything easier when guests include kids or a hot day sneaks up. I keep Creamy Cherry Mango Popsicles in molds so they’re ready whenever I need to pull out something fast. They're easy to grab, no plate required.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cherry Mango Popsicles

Strawberry Shortcake with Brown Sugar Biscuits

I wait until the last minute to layer everything so it doesn’t get soggy. Strawberry Shortcake with Brown Sugar Biscuits feels like something you’d get at a gathering that took all day to prep, even though it didn’t. It works every time, especially when I’ve got strawberries that need using up.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake with Brown Sugar Biscuits

Torta della Nonna

Once I realized how well this holds up in the fridge, it became part of my go-to list. I bring out Torta della Nonna when I want something that looks like I did more than I actually did. It slices clean, sets well, and always gets eaten.
Get the Recipe: Torta della Nonna

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Horizontal overhead shot of a platter of chocolate chocolate chip cookies. — Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

There’s always someone who expects cookies, and I like having one ready that doesn’t require too much thinking. That’s where Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe fits in and never lets me down. I just let them cool while I finish everything else.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Almond Coconut Bars

I usually make these the night before and forget about them until I need something sweet. Almond Coconut Bars always cut clean and hold up well, even when the kitchen gets busy. They’re one of those easy wins I rely on when time’s tight.
Get the Recipe: Almond Coconut Bars

Eggnog Crème Brûlée

A serving of eggnog creme brulee with sugared cranberries on top. — Eggnog Crème Brûlée. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Holiday crowds call for something easy that still feels planned. I prep Eggnog Crème Brûlée earlier in the day, torch it before serving, and it always gets noticed. It’s one of those desserts that looks like work but isn’t.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Crème Brûlée

Reese's Stuffed Oreos

People usually think I spent more time on these than I actually did, which is exactly why I make them. I stack Reese's Stuffed Oreos on a small platter and they vanish without a word. They’re a no-mess fix for any last-minute get-together.
Get the Recipe: Reese's Stuffed Oreos

Cherry Turnovers

These sit quietly on the counter until someone takes the first bite, and then they’re gone. I keep Cherry Turnovers simple, no drizzle or garnish, just warm and ready. They’ve become a regular move when I’m short on time and need something dependable.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Turnovers

Cherry Cobbler

Warm desserts feel like a win when the weather cools down and people linger after dinner. I usually bake Cherry Cobbler while everyone eats so it’s ready just in time. No extras needed, just a spoon and some bowls.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cobbler

Double Coconut Caramel Cookie Dough Ice Cream

There's always one dessert people keep asking about, and it's usually Double Coconut Caramel Cookie Dough Ice Cream. It hits all the right notes without any extra work once it’s made. I scoop it just before serving so it feels special without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Double Coconut Caramel Cookie Dough Ice Cream

3-Ingredient Pavlova Recipe (Chewy & Crunchy!)

A pavlova topped with berries and figs. — 3-Ingredient Pavlova Recipe (Chewy & Crunchy!). Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Some desserts feel like a backup plan until everyone asks how you made it. That’s what always happens with 3-Ingredient Pavlova Recipe (Chewy & Crunchy!), especially when I top it with whatever fruit I have on hand. It’s flexible, fast, and disappears quickly.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Pavlova Recipe (Chewy & Crunchy!)

Chocolate Chunk Pecan Pie

There are moments when something familiar with a small twist is exactly right. That’s usually when I pull out Chocolate Chunk Pecan Pie and let it do the heavy lifting. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t need dressing up or explaining.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chunk Pecan Pie

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

A jello dessert with berries and white layer on a crumb base. — Strawberry Pretzel Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

There’s something about the mix of textures that makes people go back for seconds. I rely on Strawberry Pretzel Salad when I need a quick cold dessert that holds up well on the counter. It gets more attention than I expect every time.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Light Israeli Cheesecake With Crumb Topping

Side view of cheesecake slice with raspberries. — Light Israeli Cheesecake With Crumb Topping. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Some desserts feel like a smart move when I want to serve something easy but still a little different. That’s when Light Israeli Cheesecake With Crumb Topping ends up on the table, chilled and ready to go. It’s light enough for seconds, and I never have leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Light Israeli Cheesecake With Crumb Topping

Strawberry Lush

I build it the night before and let the fridge handle the rest. By the time guests arrive, Strawberry Lush is chilled and ready to go with zero fuss. It's always one of the first things to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lush

Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Cake

I usually keep a can of pumpkin around just in case I want to throw something together fast. Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Cake is the one I reach for when I need to make something that works for everyone. It’s one of those easy bakes that feels like more than the effort it took.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Cake