9 Easy No Bake Desserts Anyone Can Make

We’ve all been there. It’s the end of a long day, or maybe a lazy Sunday afternoon, and a powerful craving for something sweet strikes. You picture a delicious, homemade dessert, but then reality hits: the thought of preheating the oven, heating the entire kitchen, and dealing with a complex recipe is just too much.

The dread of turning your comfortable kitchen into a sauna, especially on a hot summer day, is real. You might think your only options are a pint of store-bought ice cream or just giving up on the dessert dream altogether. But what if you could have a show-stopping, decadent, homemade sweet treat without ever touching the oven dial?

Here’s the deal: no-bake desserts are your secret weapon. These are incredible sweet treats like rich cheesecakes, creamy pies, chewy bars, and elegant truffles that come together using your refrigerator or freezer instead of an oven. They are the brilliant, hassle-free solution to satisfying your sweet tooth. In this guide, we’ve perfected and curated a go-to list of foolproof recipes that guarantee success without the sweat.

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Craving a Sweet Treat Without Turning On the Oven?

The best solution for a dessert craving without the heat is a no-bake dessert, which is a type of sweet treat that sets and chills in the refrigerator or freezer instead of being baked in an oven. This method is perfect for making cheesecakes, pies, bars, and truffles, especially during hot weather or when you need a quick, simple recipe. We’ve all been there—craving something sweet but dreading a hot kitchen. That’s why we’ve perfected these go-to recipes that guarantee success without the sweat.

These recipes are your ticket to keeping your cool while still enjoying incredible homemade desserts. From last-minute get-togethers to planned celebrations, or simply a Tuesday night treat, there’s a no-bake option that fits the bill. Get ready to discover your new favorite dessert that’s big on flavor and low on fuss.

9 Easy No-Bake Desserts Anyone Can Make

The best easy no-bake desserts that anyone can make include classics like Oreo Cheesecake, 5-Minute Chocolate Mousse, and simple Peanut Butter Bars. These recipes are celebrated for their straightforward instructions, easily accessible ingredients, and consistently delicious, crowd-pleasing results. This list covers everything from rich and chocolaty to light and fruity, ensuring there’s a perfect no-bake dessert for every taste, occasion, and skill level.

1. Classic No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake

A Classic No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake is a creamy, velvety dessert featuring a buttery Oreo cookie crust and a rich, no-bake cream cheese filling loaded with chopped Oreo pieces. It’s a fan-favorite that delivers that iconic cookies-and-cream flavor without any baking.

What You’ll Need:
* 32 Oreo cookies, crushed into fine crumbs
* 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 1 cup heavy whipping cream, very cold
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 12 Oreo cookies, roughly chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Oreo crumbs with the melted butter and mix until fully moistened.
2. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create the crust. Place it in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
3. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the room-temperature cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and free of lumps.
4. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. In a separate, chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream on high speed until stiff peaks form.
6. Gently fold the whipped cream and the chopped Oreo pieces into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust.
8. Refrigerate for a minimum of 6-8 hours, or preferably overnight, until the cheesecake is completely firm.
9. Before serving, you can garnish with additional crushed Oreos or whipped cream swirls.

Pro-Tip: For an extra tangy and incredibly stable filling, ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature before beating to prevent lumps, but your heavy cream must be very cold straight from the fridge. This temperature contrast is the key to creating the perfect, fluffy-yet-firm texture.

Pin this classic recipe for your next celebration!

2. 5-Minute Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Chocolate Avocado Mousse is a surprisingly rich and fudgy dessert made by blending ripe avocados with cocoa powder and a sweetener. It’s a healthy, dairy-free dessert hack that comes together in under 5 minutes and tastes incredibly decadent, not like avocado.

What You’ll Need:
* 2 large, perfectly ripe avocados
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
* 1/4 cup milk (any kind: dairy, almond, oat)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Slice the avocados, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a high-speed blender or food processor.
2. Add the cocoa powder, maple syrup, milk, vanilla extract, and salt to the blender.
3. Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender with a spatula as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
4. Continue blending until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and silky. There should be no visible green specks.
5. Do a quick taste test and add more sweetener if you prefer.
6. Spoon the mousse into individual serving glasses or small bowls.
7. You can serve it immediately for a softer, pudding-like texture, or chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour to let it firm up slightly.

Pro-Tip: The key to a non-avocado taste is using perfectly ripe avocados (they should be soft to the touch but not mushy or brown inside) and a high-quality, dark cocoa powder. The better the cocoa, the richer and more dominant the chocolate flavor will be, completely masking the avocado.

Save this healthy hack for your next chocolate craving!

3. Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars are a simple, chewy dessert featuring a sweet and salty peanut butter base topped with a smooth, rich chocolate layer. Made with just a few ingredients, they taste like a homemade Reese’s cup in bar form and are a perennial favorite.

What You’ll Need:
* 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
* 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 1 cup creamy peanut butter
* 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (for the topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Line an 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to use as handles later.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and powdered sugar until well combined.
3. Mix in 1 cup of peanut butter until the mixture is uniform.
4. Press the peanut butter mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
5. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter.
6. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
7. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer and use a spatula to spread it into an even, glossy top coat.
8. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate layer is completely firm.
9. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper handles and cut into squares to serve.

Pro-Tip: For perfectly clean-cut bars that look bakery-quality, lift the entire chilled block out of the pan. Fill a tall glass with hot water. Dip a large, sharp knife into the hot water, wipe it completely dry with a paper towel, and make one clean slice. Repeat this process—dip, wipe, slice—for every single cut.

The perfect easy treat! Pin it for later.

4. Refreshing Lemon Icebox Pie

A Lemon Icebox Pie is a classic Southern dessert known for its tart, sweet, and incredibly creamy filling that sets without baking. It’s made with a simple mixture of condensed milk and lemon juice in a graham cracker crust, making it the ultimate refreshing treat for warm weather.

What You’ll Need:
* 1 (9-inch) pre-made graham cracker crust
* 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
* 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
* Whipped topping and extra lemon zest for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the room-temperature cream cheese on medium speed until it is light, fluffy, and has no lumps.
2. Reduce the speed to low and gradually beat in the sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is smooth.
3. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. You will notice the mixture begin to thicken almost immediately as the acid from the lemon reacts with the milk.
4. Pour the lemon filling into the pre-made graham cracker crust and use a spatula to smooth the top.
5. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until it is completely firm and set.
6. Just before serving, garnish with dollops of whipped topping and a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest.

Pro-Tip: My number one rule for this pie: do not use bottled lemon juice. The flavor of fresh-squeezed lemon juice is absolutely essential for that bright, zesty taste. More importantly, its natural acidity is what chemically reacts with the condensed milk to help the pie thicken and set properly.

Save this ray of sunshine for a hot day!

5. Decadent Tiramisu Truffles

Tiramisu Truffles are elegant, bite-sized desserts that capture all the classic coffee-and-cream flavors of Tiramisu in an easy, no-bake ball. They are made by combining crushed ladyfinger cookies with mascarpone cheese and espresso, then rolling them in cocoa powder for a sophisticated finish.

What You’ll Need:
* 1 (7-ounce) package of crisp ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
* 1/4 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled completely
* 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
* 1/2 cup powdered sugar
* 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Place the ladyfinger cookies in a food processor and pulse until they are crushed into fine crumbs.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the ladyfinger crumbs, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and the cooled espresso.
3. Mix with a spatula or your hands until a thick, cohesive, dough-like consistency forms.
4. Cover the bowl and chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will make it much less sticky and easier to roll.
5. Use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion the mixture and roll it between your palms into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Place the cocoa powder in a shallow bowl. Roll each truffle in the cocoa powder until it is generously coated on all sides.
7. Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best served chilled.

Pro-Tip: In my experience, a small addition of liqueur elevates these from great to unforgettable. Add one tablespoon of a coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa), dark rum, or Amaretto to the mixture along with the espresso for an extra kick of authentic Tiramisu flavor.

Pin this elegant idea for your next dinner party!

6. Kid-Friendly Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)

Puppy Chow, also known as Muddy Buddies, is a classic kid-friendly snack mix made by coating Chex cereal in a melted mixture of chocolate and peanut butter, then shaking it all in powdered sugar. It’s a crunchy, sweet, and highly addictive no-bake treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

What You’ll Need:
* 9 cups Rice Chex or Corn Chex cereal
* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
* 1/4 cup unsalted butter
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Measure the cereal into a very large bowl and set it aside. This is important—you need room to stir!
2. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. If needed, microwave for another 15 seconds.
3. Stir the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture.
4. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal in the large bowl. Use a rubber spatula to stir gently until all the cereal pieces are evenly coated.
5. Pour the powdered sugar into a large (2-gallon) zip-top plastic bag. Add the chocolate-coated cereal to the bag.
6. Seal the bag securely, leaving some air inside, and shake vigorously for a minute or two until all the cereal is completely coated in powdered sugar.
7. Spread the finished Puppy Chow onto a large sheet of wax paper or parchment paper to cool and allow the coating to set completely.

Pro-Tip: To avoid a clumpy, pasty mess, let the chocolate-coated cereal cool for about 5-10 minutes before adding it to the powdered sugar bag. If the cereal is too hot, it will melt the powdered sugar on contact and create clumps instead of that perfect, dusty coating.

The ultimate kid-friendly treat! Save this recipe for a rainy day.

7. No-Churn Dunkaroos Ice Cream

No-Churn Dunkaroos Ice Cream is a creamy, nostalgic frozen dessert that tastes just like the frosting from the classic 90s snack. It’s made without an ice cream machine by folding Funfetti cake mix and sprinkles into a simple base of whipped cream and condensed milk.

What You’ll Need:
* 2 cups heavy whipping cream, very cold
* 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk, chilled
* 1/2 cup dry Funfetti cake mix
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles, plus more for topping
* Animal crackers or vanilla wafers, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large, chilled bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the very cold heavy cream on high speed until stiff peaks form.
2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the chilled sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and the dry Funfetti cake mix until smooth.
3. Gently fold the condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream with a spatula until they are just combined. Don’t overmix or you will deflate the cream.
4. Carefully fold in the 1/2 cup of rainbow sprinkles.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9×5 inch loaf pan or another freezer-safe container. Smooth the top and add more sprinkles.
6. Cover the container tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze for at least 6 hours, or until the ice cream is firm.
7. Serve scoops with animal crackers for dipping, just like the original!

Pro-Tip: To ensure your cake mix is safe to eat raw (as raw flour can carry bacteria), you should heat-treat it first. It’s easy: just spread the dry cake mix on a baking sheet and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Let it cool completely before mixing it into your ice cream base.

Unleash your inner 90s kid! Pin this recipe now.

8. Crowd-Pleasing No-Bake Eclair Cake

A No-Bake Eclair Cake is a layered, chilled dessert made in a casserole dish that brilliantly mimics the taste and texture of a classic French eclair. It features layers of graham crackers that soften into a cake-like consistency, a creamy vanilla pudding filling, and a rich, pour-on chocolate frosting.

What You’ll Need:
* 2 (3.4-ounce) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
* 3 1/2 cups cold milk
* 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
* 1 box (about 14.4 ounces) graham crackers
* 1 (16-ounce) container pre-made chocolate frosting

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the two boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix and the cold milk. Whisk for 2 minutes until it starts to thicken.
2. Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture until it’s uniform and smooth.
3. Arrange a single, tight layer of whole graham crackers to completely cover the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham cracker layer.
5. Top the pudding with another single layer of graham crackers.
6. Spread the remaining pudding mixture over the second layer of crackers.
7. Top with a final, third layer of graham crackers.
8. Remove the foil lid from the container of chocolate frosting. Microwave it for about 30-45 seconds, until it becomes soft and easily pourable (but not hot).
9. Pour the frosting over the top layer of graham crackers and quickly spread it into an even layer before it begins to set.
10. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight. This is the magic step where the crackers soften.

Pro-Tip: I cannot stress this enough: the 8-hour chill time is not optional! This extended rest is what transforms the crunchy, crisp graham crackers into the soft, tender, cake-like layers that truly mimic the texture of a pastry eclair. Rushing this step will leave you with a crunchy, layered pudding, not an eclair cake.

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9. Blueberry Cheesecake Icebox Cake

A Blueberry Cheesecake Icebox Cake is a fruity, creamy, layered dessert that combines the flavors of blueberry cheesecake with the simple assembly of an icebox cake. It features layers of graham crackers, a no-bake cheesecake filling, and sweet blueberry pie filling, all chilled until firm.

What You’ll Need:
* 1 (14.4-ounce) box graham crackers
* 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 1 (12-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
* 1 (21-ounce) can blueberry pie filling or preserves

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some to hang over the sides for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and beat again until combined.
3. Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture.
4. Spread a very thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on the bottom of the pan (this helps the first layer of crackers stay put).
5. Place a single layer of graham crackers on top.
6. Spread one-third of the remaining cream cheese mixture over the crackers. Dollop one-third of the blueberry pie filling over the cream cheese layer and gently swirl it in.
7. Repeat the layers two more times: graham crackers, cream cheese mixture, and blueberry filling.
8. You can finish with a final layer of graham crackers or with a final swirl of the cream and blueberry fillings.
9. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours for a firm, ice-cream-like texture, or refrigerate for at least 8 hours for a softer, more cake-like texture.

Pro-Tip: For a more vibrant and intense blueberry flavor, make a quick homemade blueberry sauce instead of using canned filling. In a small saucepan, simply simmer 2 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries with 1/4 cup of sugar and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice until the berries start to burst and the sauce thickens (about 10-15 minutes). Let it cool completely before layering it in your cake.

Pin this beautiful layered dessert for a fresh treat!

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Perfect No-Bake Desserts

To get the best results every time you whip up an oven-free treat, keep these essential tips in mind. They are the difference between a good no-bake dessert and a great one.

Chill Time is Crucial: Don’t rush it! Most no-bake desserts rely on time in the refrigerator or freezer to firm up, meld flavors, and achieve the correct texture. This is an ingredient you can’t skip, so always plan ahead.
Ingredient Quality Matters: Since there’s no baking to alter flavors, the taste of your core ingredients will shine through. This is the time to use good quality chocolate, pure vanilla extract instead of imitation, and fresh-squeezed lemon juice.
Room Temp vs. Cold: Pay close attention to ingredient temperatures listed in the recipe. In my experience, cream cheese blends best when it’s at room temperature to avoid lumps, while heavy cream whips to its highest, fluffiest volume when it’s very cold.
Make-Ahead Friendly: One of the biggest advantages of no-bake desserts is that most can (and should) be made a day in advance. This makes them absolutely perfect for entertaining, saving you time and stress on the day of your event.

Final Thoughts

You now have 9 amazing, foolproof recipes to satisfy any sweet tooth, no oven required. These desserts prove that creating something delicious and impressive doesn’t have to involve complicated steps or a hot kitchen. Whether you need a quick fix for a chocolate craving or a show-stopping centerpiece for a party, the perfect no-bake solution is waiting for you.

Now you have 9 amazing recipes to satisfy any sweet tooth, no oven required. Which one are you excited to try first? Let us know in the comments below

9 Easy No Bake Desserts Anyone Can Make

Craving a Sweet Treat Without Turning On the Oven?