43 Make-Ahead Desserts for Effortless Entertaining
Make-ahead desserts are pretty much the only dinner party desserts we consider when we're planning a gathering; when friends are together, we don't want to miss out on the conversation because we're hidden in the kitchen fussing with last-minute prep. The recipes below, which include a few no-bake desserts, also give you a way to avoid cranking your oven in the heat of the afternoon. You'll find crowd-pleasing frozen desserts, cakes that actually taste better as they sit, and creamy prep-ahead cheesecakes that seem to appear miraculously just as the dinner dishes are cleared. Scroll down so you can prep these sweets in advance, focus on the rest of your menu, and settle in for a good time.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich1/43Philly Fluff Cake
A lot of cake recipes count as make-ahead desserts—they don't need to be served hot out of the pan. But a Philly Fluff might be even better the day after it's made, since the flavor concentrates and the crumb softens nicely.
- Photo by Andrew Purcell, Prop Styling by Paige Hicks, Food Styling by Carrie Purcell2/43
Lemon Curd Tart With Olive Oil
Olive oil in the crust gives this tart's shell a rich, crumbly texture. But the tangy lemon curd, which needs at least two hours in the fridge to set, will really steal the show.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Molly Baz3/43
3-Ingredient Fudge Pops
Better than store-bought, but as easy as easy desserts could be.
- Ellen Silverman4/43
Banana Pudding
Boxed pudding mix is fine, but homemade custard makes this banana pudding truly special. Prep it up to a few days in advance, and just add the crumble before serving.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Stevie Stewart5/43
Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake
The best graham cracker crust for a pre-ahead cheesecake starts by browning your butter. A swirl of raspberry purée adds tangy flavor. Active prep time here is under an hour, and it can all happen earlier in the day or up to three days in advance.
- Photo by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Yekaterina Boystova6/43
Panna Cotta
This classic, simple prep-ahead dessert can paired with any fruit that's in season—or shavings of chocolate if you prefer.
- Photo by Louise Hagger7/43
Tamarind Caramel Brownies
These swirled brownies harness the tangy-sweet power of tamarind caramel.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Nathaniel James, Food Styling by Simon Andrews8/43
Chocolate Mousse
This restaurant-worthy chocolate mousse first appeared in the December 2002 issue of Gourmet, and it's been a reader favorite ever since.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton9/43
Blackberry and Chocolate Ice Cream Icebox Cake
This layered summer dessert requires no baking, and can be made two days before next bbq or dinner party.
- Photo by Caleb Adams, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell10/43
Three Cities of Spain Cheesecake
Of all the cheesecake recipes on Epicurious, this one has been called The Best Ever by one of our editors.
- Photo by JP Bevins, Food Styling by Molly Baz11/43
3-Ingredient Blueberry Champagne Granita
This cooling granita starts with frozen blueberries, which offer intense, concentrated flavor.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton12/43
Peach and Butter Pecan Ice Cream Icebox Cake
Icebox cake is even better when there's ice cream involved. This one's a great move after a dinner of grilled chicken and tomato salad.
- Photo by Isa Zapata, Prop Styling by Stephanie De Luca, Food Styling by Yekaterina Boystova13/43
Flourless Chocolate Cake
This deeply chocolaty cake feels elegant, despite its simple prep.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Christopher Barsch14/43
Chocolate–Peanut Butter Sheet Pan Ice Cream Sandwiches
We suggest you make these before you've even considered having a party, barbecue, or stoop hang—it's the kind of freezer stash you should never be without.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell15/43
Olive Oil Apple Cake With Spiced Sugar
This dairy-free cake keeps well stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Photo and Food Styling by Edd Kimber16/43
Hazelnut Rocher Cheesecake Bars
If you like Klondike bars, this homemade milk-chocolate-coated delight is going to be right up your alley.
- Photo by Liz & Max Haarala Hamilton17/43
Pomegranate-Yogurt Ice Pops
The stunning swirls on these 5-ingredient pops are all thanks to a bottle of pomegranate juice.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson18/43
No-Bake Pistachio–White Chocolate Cookies
When it's simple too hot to even consider turning on your oven, these cookies are the right plan.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Simon Andrews19/43
Frozen Margarita Pie
Tart, creamy, and boozy—this is your favorite summer cocktail in pie form.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Samantha Seneviratne and Jason Schreiber20/43
Lebkuchen
Ever heard of aging your cookies? These German spiced honey bars benefit from a rest before baking—and they taste best at least two weeks after they're cooked.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks21/43
Diner-Style Rice Pudding
Comfort in a bowl, coming right up. Swirl in some molasses at the end, or top with a dusting of nutmeg.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich22/43
Chocolate Pots de Crème
These chocolate pots look fancy, but making them is a cinch—and all the work happens up to two days ahead.
- Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Emilie Fosnocht23/43
Tiramisu
This old school dessert is a classic for a reason—everyone simply loves it. Serve with frozen amaro to really wow your guests.
- Photo by Roland Bello24/43
Lemon Ice Cream Sandwiches with Blueberry Swirl
Meet your new go-to make-ahead treat: Chewy blondie cookies bookend a thick layer of lemony ice cream (store-bought vanilla bumped up with lemon juice and zest) ribboned with a quick blueberry compote.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Judy Haubert25/43
Vanilla No-Bake Cheesecake With a Chocolate Cookie Crust
Active prep time here is just 15 minutes. Now, what are you going to do with the rest of your day?
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne26/43
Nanaimo Bars
Everyone should make this iconic Canadian confection at least once.
- Photo by Angie Mosier27/43
Drunk Blondies
Bourbon, toasted coconut, pecans, chocolate chips—these loaded blondies from baking expert Cheryl Day have pretty much everything.
- Photo by Alana Kysar and Brooklyn Dombroski29/43
Butter Mochi
This cake is perfectly chewy, slightly sticky, buttery and coconutty. In another word: perfection.
- Photo by Rachel Tolosa Paz30/43
Chocotorta
This no-bake wonder brings together dulce de leche, cream cheese, cocoa powder, chocolate cookies, and a simple chocolate ganache.
- Jonny Valiant31/43
Berries and Buttermilk Puddings
This easy pudding is a great way to use up any leftover buttermilk after you've made pancakes.
- Photo by Haraala Hamilton32/43
No-Churn Hazelnut Espresso Ice Cream
No ice cream maker is required for this creamy frozen dessert.
- Michael Graydon and Nikole Herriott33/43
Bourbon-Butterscotch Pudding
This pudding is a great excuse to get out your cutest ramekins.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell34/43
Mochi Cake, Any Way You Want It
This chewy cake can be flavored however you like. Try mixing in cocoa, matcha, or malt powder or throw in some cinnamon, cardamom, or turmeric.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, food and prop styling by Ali Nardi35/43
Yogurt-Peach Semifreddo
Here's an easy way to celebrate peach season.
- Tina Rupp36/43
Nutella Pie
Nutella meets mascarpone in this nutty, chocolaty pie. Chopped hazelnuts on top gild the lily just enough.
- Photo by David Japy37/43
Ginger and Almond Bars
These chewy, zesty bars have a double hit of fresh plus candied ginger.
- Photo by Waterbury Publications, Inc.38/43
Chocolate Cream Pie Squares
No pie plate is needed for this easy sheet-pan sweet. Plus, you only need six ingredients to make it happen.
- Photograph by Emma Fishman, food styling by Caroline Hwang, prop styling by Elizabeth Jaime.39/43
Vanilla Berry Pudding
Love a lush pudding but not into bananas? This dessert from Bon Appétit will make your dreams come true.
- Photo by JP Bevins, Food Styling by Molly Baz40/43
3-Ingredient Frozen Mud Pie
Start with a store-bought pie crust to make life—and dessert—truly no-fuss.
- Photo by Sarah Kieffer41/43
Lemon Oat Bars
These bars from cookbook author Sarah Kieffer are filled with a luscious mix of sweetened condensed milk, cream, vanilla, lemon juice and zest.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Susan Kim42/43
No-Bake Peach Cheesecake With Wheat Thins Crust
We're all about the salty-sweet crust on this no-bake peach cheesecake.
- Photo by Alex Lau43/43
Salted Caramel–Chocolate Tart
We've brought many make-ahead desserts to parties over the years. This one is always, always a hit.
Stephanie Loo
Jarrett Melendez
Zoe Denenberg
Li Goldstein
Jesse Szewczyk
Emily Johnson