25 Desserts That Aren't Cake or Cookies

Welcome to a world of delightful treats that go beyond the usual cakes and cookies! In this collection of dessert recipes, you’ll discover a wide variety of mouthwatering options. This roundup offers diverse choices, from luscious fruity creations to velvety pies and more. So, whether you’re seeking a unique indulgence or a twist on traditional sweets, you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy!

Candy Acorns

Acorn cookies are adorable treats perfect for holiday tables and fall desserts. They’re made with mini vanilla wafers and Hershey Kisses, creating a cute acorn shape. Just put a dab of frosting on the flat side of the Kiss and stick it to the flat side of the wafer. It’s a simple and fun way to add a sweet touch to pumpkin pies and other autumn sweets. Get the Recipe and Directions: Acorn Candy

Apple Crumble

You’ll love the delicious taste of this amazing apple crumble recipe. When you take a bite, you’ll taste the soft green apples under the tasty, crumbly topping with butter and cinnamon. This dessert is perfect for fall, and each spoonful gives you a mix of sweet and tangy flavors and a nice crunch. It’s a favorite for young and old, and it’s a classic recipe that’s always a hit. Get the Recipe: Apple Crumble

Apple Dumplings

Apple dumpling and ice cream on a plate drizzled with caramel sauce — Image Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen.

Whipping up Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings is actually relatively easy. They start with crescent rolls and use Mountain Dew soda! These uncomplicated apple dumplings just need six ingredients. Whenever you’re craving a delicious dessert, you can quickly make them, and they’re tasty whether you enjoy them warm or cold. Get the Recipe: Apple Dumplings

Caramel Apple Ice Cream Topping

Caramel apple sundae in a bowl — Image Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen.

Drizzle some Caramel Apple Pie Ice Cream Topping on your vanilla ice cream and savor a caramel apple sundae. It’s like having apple pie with ice cream and a bit of caramel. This topping works great for other treats too! You can try it on cheesecake or even pound cake for a yummy twist. Get the Recipe: Apple Topping for Ice Cream

Peach Crumb Bars

Peach Crumb Bar topped with ice cream on a plate — Photo Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen.

You’ve got to try this sweet treat with luscious peaches baked on a buttery brown sugar crust filled with oats and walnuts. The crumbly topping takes this peach recipe to the next level. Enjoy these warm peach crumb bars with a scoop of ice cream and a smidge of caramel for an extra special treat. This quick and easy crowd-pleaser is like a peach crisp with two layers of crunchy crust. Using simple pantry ingredients, you can whip up a batch in under 45 minutes. Get the Recipe: Peach Crumb Bars

Pecan Chewies

If unexpected company drops in, you can quickly whip up some delightful Southern Pecan Chewies. All it takes is one bowl, a handful of essential ingredients, and just half an hour. These sweet treats are a perfect companion to a relaxing cup of tea or coffee, offering a warm and inviting flavor that captures the essence of Southern hospitality. Get the Recipe: Pecan Chewies

Lazy Cream Horns

stacked puff pastry squares with cream horn filling — Image Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen.

Discover the Lazy Cream Horns Recipe for an effortless way to savor the traditional cream horn taste. Enjoy the crunch of the pastry shell and the delight of the fluffy cream horn filling without the usual hard work. If you’re seeking a simple yet lavish treat, this recipe is tailor-made for you. Learn how to whip up these heavenly cream horns and craft the scrumptious cream horn filling without breaking a sweat. Treat yourself to an exquisite dessert that’s both a breeze to make and packed with flavor! Get the Recipe: Lazy Cream Horns

Tapioca Pudding

Do you remember old-fashioned Large Pearl Tapioca Pudding diners used to serve? This dessert is a tasty combination of creamy pudding and chewy tapioca pearls. With just a few ingredients, easy steps, and patience, you can create the same creamy goodness of this comforting dessert that everyone will love. Get the Recipe: Tapioca Pudding

Daquiri Ice

Lime sorbet topped with a lime slice and mint sprig in a bowl — Image Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen.

Revel in the nostalgia of Baskin-Robbins with our Daiquiri Ice copycat recipe! Transport yourself back to the beloved ice cream parlor with this homemade version of their famous treat. With just a couple of ingredients, you’ll be recreating the refreshing and tangy flavors of Daiquiri Ice in your own kitchen. Get the Recipe: Daiquiri Ice

Lemon Bars

Lemon Squares stacked on a plate and dusted with powdered sugar — Photo Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen.

Make your own delicious Classic Lemon Bars with an easy recipe! These treats feature a buttery shortbread crust holding a simple lemon filling. After baking until it’s just right, you’ll taste sunshine in every bite. These lemon squares strike a perfect balance between the lemony tang and the sweet shortbread. Not overly sugary or too sour – just right! Get the Recipe: Lemon Bars

Cherry Delight

Try the tasty Cherry Delight – a super easy and delicious no-bake dessert! You can make it ahead of time. This fluffy treat is full of pineapple and sits on a crunchy graham cracker base. Making a no-bake dessert doesn’t get any easier than this! Get the Recipe: Cherry Delight

Chess Pie

Get ready to enjoy a timeless Southern treat with our Chess Pie recipe! This classic dessert is all about simple ingredients combining to create a rich, sweet filling in a flaky crust. This pie will meet your expectations with its old-fashioned charm if you’re a comfort food fan. Get the Recipe: Chess Pie

Butterscotch Meringue Pie

Slice of butterscotch pie with meringue topping — Image Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen.

Enjoy a fabulous Butterscotch Pie topped with a light, baked meringue layer. It’s a taste that brings back memories of the delicious old-fashioned desserts that your grandma and local diners used to create. If you’re looking for a classic pie recipe with homemade meringue topping and nostalgic flavors, this Butterscotch Pie recipe is a delightful choice. It captures the essence of grandma’s pie-making tradition. Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Pie

Peanut Butter Pie

Whip up a homemade peanut butter pie with a creamy filling and a crust made from nutter butter cookies. This treat only takes 15 minutes to assemble, making it one of the fastest dessert recipes you can make. Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Pie

Sugar Cream Pie

I absolutely love Sugar Cream Pie – it’s a classic recipe that always turns out great! This special Midwestern dish features a smooth custard filling without eggs, and it’s sprinkled with cinnamon, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. It’s a vintage gem that’s both simple and delicious. Get the Recipe: Sugar Cream Pie

Knafeh

Knafeh is a delightful Middle Eastern dessert crafted from shredded filo dough that forms a crispy crust. Inside, you’ll find a delicious sweet cheese filling, all crowned with a simple syrup infused with the fragrant essence of rose water. This remarkable dessert can be enjoyed either warm or chilled, offering versatility. While it may seem complex, making Knafeh easier to make than it looks. It’s a treat worth trying for its impressive taste and unique blend of flavors. Get the Recipe: Knafeh

Fried Apples

This classic Southern fried apples recipe is truly something special. The apples burst with an amazing taste and the perfect sweetness and tanginess. They’re perfect with your favorite meat or a topping to enhance desserts. What makes cinnamon fried apples stand out is their texture – they get soft enough while cooking, keeping a nice bite that’s both tender and firm. Whether you like them a bit firmer or softer is up to you! Get the Recipe: Fried Apples

Pumpkin Bread

The traditional pumpkin bread recipe is a real hit with everyone. You’ll need pumpkin puree, pumpkin spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, flour, sugar, eggs, a bit of applesauce, and a small amount of oil. The outcome is a moist and tasty loaf that truly brings out the flavors of pumpkin season in every mouthful. Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bread

Cranberry Orange Bread

Cranberry Bread slices on a plate — Image Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen.

Cranberry Orange Bread – a wonderfully sweet treat that suits the holiday spirit, especially Christmas! Bursting with vibrant orange taste and juicy cranberries, this loaf boasts a crispy top from a sprinkling of turbinado sugar. This sweet quick bread is enriched with dual layers of orange flavor and dotted with cranberries. It’s ideal for festive gatherings and sharing as a thoughtful gift, showcasing its winter-inspired flavors and stunning appearance. Get the Recipe: Cranberry Bread

Lemon Bread

Slice of lemon cake on a plate with a lemon — Image Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen.

Skip the trip to Starbucks and savor this homemade lemon bread instead! This sweet treat has captured their heart, serving as a delightful dessert or a complement to their morning coffee. Its sun-kissed flavor Its airy texture makes it the perfect conclusion to hearty meals or an ideal light snack. Get the Recipe: Lemon Bread

Banana Bread

Moist banana bread is perfect for snacking, breakfast, and lunchbox surprises. Experiment by crafting smaller loaves to share the joy with friends and neighbors. This favored banana bread recipe holds a special place, delivering a balanced texture – not overly heavy nor excessively light. Get the Recipe: Banana Bread

Blueberry Tarts

This delightful mini dessert recipe overflows with the goodness of blueberries encased in a delicate pastry crust, crowned with a delectable coconut streusel. Blueberry Tarts are made in individual portions, ideal for relishing by hand. It’s akin to gifting each guest a personal blueberry pie experience. This culinary delight can be savored elegantly with a fork or enjoyed on the go. Get the Recipe: Blueberry Tarts

Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispie Treats with chocolate drizzle on a cutting board — Photo Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen.

Whipping up Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats is a snap and takes minimal effort and time. The magic lies in combining only 4 uncomplicated ingredients, culminating in a delightful and utterly addictive treat ready to enjoy in approximately 30 minutes. What’s more, these treats boast a gluten-free nature, making them a fantastic choice for bake sales and a rewarding option for post-school snacking. Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Krispie Treats

Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bars

cake layer topped with marshmallows and peanut layer — Image Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen.

Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bars are an easy and delicious treat that tastes like Payday Candy Bars. They’re great for snacks and packing lunches. This favorite dessert recipe is quite sweet, so a little goes a long way. These bars, similar in flavor to PayDay bars, are perfect for adding to lunches or enjoying as an afternoon snack. Get the Recipe: Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bars

Pecan Tassies

plate of mini pecan pies — Image Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen.

Get ready for a tasty treat – Pecan Tassies! These small desserts have a cream cheese crust and a gooey pecan filling. If you love nuts and sweets, you’ll love this recipe. They’re so simple to make you’ll be making them regularly. Get the Recipe: Pecan Tassies

Cake Mix Masterpieces

Cake with pineapple rings and cherries — Image Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen.

Discover the Magic of Cake Mixes: Turn Easy into Amazing Desserts! Explore a variety of yummy treats, from yummy cookies to fancy cakes. These recipes will help you feel like a baking pro. Find Them Here: RECIPES THAT START WITH CAKE MIX

Elizabeth (Beth) Mueller

Elizabeth (Beth) Mueller is a food journalist, CEO of Pear Tree Kitchen, and co-creator of Food Blogger Help. She also has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a registered nurse licensed in the State of Oklahoma. When she has free time between writing, blogging, and cooking, she can be found volunteering as an RN with the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps.

25 Desserts That Aren’t Cake or Cookies