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.
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Mrs. Sigg's Snickerdoodles
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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.
- Our 21 Best Cookie Recipes of All Time
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Best Brownies
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"These brownies always turn out," according to recipe creator Angie. A 5-ingredient chocolate frosting takes this foolproof dessert over the top.
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One Bowl Chocolate Cake III
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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.
- 15 One-Bowl Cake Recipes to Make Quickly and Easily
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Aunt Teen's Creamy Chocolate Fudge
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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.
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Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler
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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.
- 30 Fresh Fruit Dessert Recipes You'll Want to Make All Summer Long
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Five Minute Ice Cream
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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.
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Apple Pie by Grandma Ople
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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.
- 15 Classic Grandma Desserts You'll Love to Make and Share
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Too Much Chocolate Cake
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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.
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Chantal's New York Cheesecake
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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.
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The Best Lemon Bars
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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."
- Pucker Up for Our 21 Best Lemon Desserts
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Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
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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."
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The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies
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"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."
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Coconut Macaroons III
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You need just five ingredients (coconut flakes, all-purpose flour, salt, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract) to make these top-rated cookies.
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Chocolate Trifle
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Brownies are layered with chocolate pudding and homemade whipped cream. Even the pickiest dinner guests will be impressed by this show-stopping dessert.
- 50 Fancy Desserts That You Can Make at Home
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Creamy Rice Pudding
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This classic rice pudding recipe, which has almost 5,000 perfect reviews from the Allrecipes community, is ready to serve in just 45 minutes.
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Banana Pudding IV
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Who doesn't love classic banana pudding? This quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing recipe is a breeze to make in your trusty 9x13 pan.
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Cream Cheese Pound Cake III
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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.
- 15 Luscious Cream Cheese Desserts That Aren't Straight Up Cheesecake
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Big Soft Ginger Cookies
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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.
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Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
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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.
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Classic Peanut Butter Cookies
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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.
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More Inspiration
Try one of Our Favorite Dinner Recipes That Always Work. Plus, explore our entire collections of Hall of Fame Recipes and Dessert Recipes.
- Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Easy Tuna Casserole