Easy as Pie: 13 Dessert Recipes for Lazy Afternoons

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Easy as Pie: 13 Dessert Recipes for Lazy Afternoons

When the afternoon calls for some sweetness but energy levels are running on empty, these 13 dessert recipes are your go-to. They’re as easy as pie—literally, no baking marathons required! Whip them up with minimal fuss and enjoy a delicious treat that feels like a win. These recipes make it so simple, you might even have time left over for a nap!

Smoked peaches topped with spiced rum whipped cream on a platter.
Smoked Peaches with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turtle Brownies

A piece of Turtle Brownie with ice cream on a plate.
Turtle Brownies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Think of the most indulgent, caramel-laden, nutty creation you can sink your teeth into—yep, that’s Turtle Brownies for you. These guys are the chocolatey-outlaws of the dessert world, always ready to bust dessert boredom with their rich, gooey greatness. Don’t be fooled by the name; there’s nothing slow about the way these bad boys will disappear from your plate. I mean, who needs self-control anyway when these are on the menu?
Get the Recipe: Turtle Brownies

Strawberry Upside Down Cake

Strawberry Upside Down Cake with a slice missing.
Strawberry Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You’ve turned everything upside down and—ta-da!—Strawberry Upside Down Cake makes its grand entrance. The strawberries get all caramelized and jammy, creating a red carpet atop a fluffy cake that’s dressed to impress. It’s like sending your palates on a summer holiday in the middle of a dreary day. Sharing is optional, but bragging rights are guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Upside Down Cake

Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Two brown butter apple blondies were placed on a white surface.
Brown Butter Apple Blondies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Hey, why should chocolate have all the fun? Brown Butter Apple Blondies are here to shake things up with a fruity twist on the classic treat. You’re two bites away from wondering why apples and brown butter haven’t been your go-to all along. Trust me, your snack game is about to level up—big time.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Triple Ginger Cake

A plate with four squares of triple ginger cake bars on it.
Triple Ginger Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Let’s kick it up a notch, or three, with Triple Ginger Cake—because why settle for one type of ginger when you can have triple the fun? This is the cake that’s not afraid to put a little zing in your spring. And if your socks weren’t knocked off the first time, just wait for the ginger comeback in every single bite. Mark my words: it’s a zesty ride on the spice express you won’t want to miss.
Get the Recipe: Triple Ginger Cake

Rhubarb Bread

A loaf of Rhubarb Bread with a few slices on a white plate.
Rhubarb Bread. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re thinking rhubarb’s only for pies, Rhubarb Bread is ready to change your mind with its sweetly tart, cakey goodness. This bread’s marching into your kitchen, ready to show off rhubarb in a whole new light. Perfect for when you want a slice of something different with your coffee—because, let’s face it, variety is the spice of life. And this is one slice of life you’ll want to enjoy every crumb of.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Bread

Mango Curd

A jar of mango curd next to a mango and a mint leaf.
Mango Curd. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Break out of the boring breakfast routine and slather some Mango Curd on your toast to bring the tropics to your palates. It’s the little jar of sunshine that’s ripe for the taking, turning any dessert into an exotic vacation. You’ll be scooping and spreading this curd with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store. After all, who said adulting can’t include a spoonful of mango-licious fun?
Get the Recipe: Mango Curd

Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble

A cast iron skillet with strawberry rhubarb cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a wooden surface with a cloth napkin beside it.
Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble hits the scene, it’s a match made in heaven with that perfect blend of tart and sweet under a crumbly crown. It’s like a deconstructed pie that decided to go rogue and live its best life—as your dessert. Get your spoons ready for a fruit-tastic voyage to the land of ‘Oohs’ and ‘Aahs.’ Bet you can’t wait to crumble into this!
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble

Lemon Loaf

A slice of lemon pound loaf on a plate with daffodils.
Lemon Loaf. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Squeeze the day and let a Lemon Loaf bring some zippy zing to your dessert routine. It’s your trusty sidekick, ready to brighten up tea time, snack time, or basically any time. Just think—somewhere out there a lemon gave its all for this loaf, so honor it with every delicious forkful. Plus, it’s a breeze to bake, so why not zest up your life a little?
Get the Recipe: Lemon Loaf

Maple Pecan Pie Bars

A slice of maple pecan pie bar topped with chopped pecans sits on a floral-patterned plate.
Maple Pecan Pie Bars. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Decide to invite the flavor of Thanksgiving into your home any day with Maple Pecan Pie Bars and let the sweet maple serenade the pecans. It’s a no-fuss, grab-and-go kinda treat that’ll make that pie dish in your cupboard jealous. Every bite is a little “hello” from autumn, even if it’s not sweater weather. And just like that, your dessert becomes the coolest bar in town.
Get the Recipe: Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Cookie Dough Milkshake

Cookie Dough Milkshake with a spoon and syrup in the background.
Cookie Dough Milkshake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those days when choosing between cookies and ice cream is just too much, Cookie Dough Milkshake comes to the rescue. Whip it up, slurp it down, and bask in the glory of this dessert nirvana that’s so wrong, but oh-so-right. It’s the dessert mash-up that will have you wondering why you’d ever drink anything else. Ice cream truck, meet your match.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Dough Milkshake

Buttermilk Banana Cake

Banana-Buttermilk Cake on a platter.
Buttermilk Banana Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Save your bananas from a life of smoothie obscurity and upgrade them to stardom with Buttermilk Banana Cake. It’s like a cozy hug from your favorite fruit, but in cake form, and who wouldn’t want to hug a cake? Whether you’re a baker extraordinaire or a whisk in training, this sweet loaf’s got your back. And if you thought banana bread was the limit, prepare to be cake-ified.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Banana Cake

Smoked Peaches with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream

Smoked peaches topped with spiced rum whipped cream on a platter.
Smoked Peaches with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who says you can’t play with fire and still whip up something amazing? You’ve gotta try brushing some Smoked Peaches with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream, then slathering ’em with spiced rum whipped cream. It’s a combination that’s out to prove desserts can be smoky, spicy, and everything nice-y. And yes, your grill just found its new best friend.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Peaches with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream

Blueberry Shortcake

Close-up shot of Blueberry Shortcakes served on a white plate.
Blueberry Shortcake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Let’s talk about a dessert that’s like the cool cousin of the traditional strawberry shortcake, but decides to show up to the family reunion in a fancy blue suit. Enter Blueberry Shortcake, marching right into the dessert hall of fame without breaking a sweat. Seriously, by the time you’re done, you’ll be looking around to make sure no one’s judging you for licking the plate.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Shortcake

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