If you have a serious sweet tooth, you know there’s nothing more disappointing than a dessert fail. That’s why we put together this collection of dessert ideas that always work—so you’ll never waste time or ingredients on a so-so recipe again. From foolproof cakes and cookies to infallible pies and cobblers, you’ll find a new go-to in this collection of top-rated treats that always turn out exactly as planned.
Mrs. Sigg’s Snickerdoodles
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
You can’t go wrong with these famous cinnamon-sugar cookies. With more than 7,000 reviews, this crowd-pleasing snickerdoodle recipe has a perfect 5-star rating.
One Bowl Chocolate Cake
Morgan Glaze / Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Stylist: Pricilla Montiel
The batter for this basic chocolate cake recipe comes together in just one bowl, so cleanup couldn’t be easier. “One of the best cake recipes you’re ever going to find,” raves reviewer NJONG.
Best Brownies
Kim
“These brownies always turn out,” according to recipe creator Angie. A 5-ingredient chocolate frosting takes this foolproof dessert over the top.
Aunt Teen’s Creamy Chocolate Fudge
Allrecipes/Diana Chistruga
Everyone needs a tried-and-true chocolate fudge recipe in their arsenal. This irresistible fudge, which has more than 2,000 rave reviews, is easy to whip up in about half an hour.
Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
This fresh peach cobbler, with a cinnamon-sugar topping, is a sweet Southern favorite. “This is the best cobbler I have tasted,” according to 5-star reviewer Mike Schoenbacher.
Five-Minute Ice Cream
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
You can use any frozen fruit you have on hand to make this 5-minute, 3-ingredient ice cream. To prepare it, just blend your chosen fruit with heavy cream and sugar.
Apple Pie by Grandma Ople
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
This old-fashioned apple pie has almost 15,000 rave reviews from happy home cooks. “It will always be my favorite and has won me several first place prizes in local competitions,” says recipe creator MOSHASMAMA.
Too Much Chocolate Cake
Allrecipes
This decadent chocolate cake starts with two convenient ingredients: a box of devil’s food cake mix and a package of instant chocolate pudding mix.
Chantal’s New York Cheesecake
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
This simple cheesecake tastes just like the ones you’ll find in New York City delis. “I don’t want to be rude, but this is the deal: This is a perfect recipe, and if it fails for you, it’s your fault, not the recipe’s,” says reviewer Morena.
The Best Lemon Bars
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Citrus lovers won’t be able to get enough of these fresh and fruity lemon bars. “Excellent, everything a true lemon bar should be,” according to reviewer MommyFromSeattle. “Buttery, tender and tart.”
Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Almost 18,000 reviewers agree: These chocolate chip cookies are absolutely delicious. Reviewer ANGELFROMHEAVEN says they’re “crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.”
The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies
ekennedy
“Whenever you make these cookies for someone, be sure to bring along several copies of the recipe,” warns recipe creator J. Saunders. “You will be asked for it, I promise.”
Coconut Macaroons
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
You need just five ingredients (coconut flakes, all-purpose flour, salt, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract) to make these top-rated cookies.
Chocolate Trifle
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Brownies are layered with chocolate pudding and homemade whipped cream. Even the pickiest dinner guests will be impressed by this show-stopping dessert.
Creamy Rice Pudding
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
This classic rice pudding recipe, which has almost 5,000 perfect reviews from the Allrecipes community, is ready to serve in just 45 minutes.
Banana Pudding
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Who doesn’t love classic banana pudding? This quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing recipe is a breeze to make in your trusty 9×13 pan.
Easy Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Make this dense pound cake with just six ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen: a block of cream cheese, butter, sugar, eggs, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract.
Big Soft Ginger Cookies
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
These top-rated ginger cookies are perfect for the holiday season, but you’ll want to serve them all year long. “If I could have rated these 10 stars, I would have,” says reviewer StephanieM.
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
Rob Tanner
These gorgeous Italian cookies are easier to make than you think. Serve them with coffee for a sweet mid-morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
Classic Peanut Butter Cookies
Allrecipes/Kim Shupe
There are few desserts more comforting than basic peanut butter cookies. With more than 4,000 glowing reviews, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your friends and family.