Brown Sugar Icebox Cookies
My daughters and I have been "fair-ly" successful competitors at county fairs and bake-offs for more than 20 years. This is one of the those winning recipes.—Eilene Bogar, Minier, Illinois
Chocolate Chip Brownies
People love these rich chocolate chip brownies so much that I never take them anywhere without bringing along several copies of the recipe to hand out. The treats are wonderful to take on a picnic because you don't have to worry about frosting melting. —Brenda Kelly, Ashburn, Virginia
Marshmallow Puffs
With peanut butter, chocolate and marshmallows, these treats were very popular with our three kids as they were growing up—and now I make them for our two grandchildren. They're perfect for the holidays when time is so precious. —Dody Cagenello, Simsbury, Connecticut
Scottish Shortbread
Scottish settlers first came to this area over 150 years ago. My mother herself was Scottish, and—as with most of my favorite recipes—she passed this on to me. I make a triple batch of it each year at Christmas, to enjoy and as gifts. —Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba
Peanut Butter Fudge
This peanut butter fudge is a favorite "never fail" quickie recipe. —Eleanore Peterson, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin
Grandma's Rice Pudding
My sisters and I always loved the recipe for rice pudding our grandma made. After she passed away, I took it upon myself to try and find the secret to her rice pudding. It took quite a bit of experimentation, but I finally got it right! And I'm glad to share this easy recipe here. —Margaret DeChant, Newberry, Michigan
No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
I have to be super careful when cooking for my daughter because of food sensitivities, so I make these no-bake peanut butter oatmeal bars with certified gluten-free oats. Everyone loves these bars when we go to picnics or potlucks, and I know there will be a dessert for my daughter! —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Peanut Butter Fudge Cups
My husband often travels during the week, and this fast-to-fix microwave peanut butter fudge recipe is perfect for just my 2-year-old and me. —Lori Brow, Manhattan, Illinois.
Raspberry Almond Strips
Get ready to pour yourself a cup of tea, because you won’t be able to resist sampling one of these cookies. Almonds add taste and texture to the simple strips that are dressed up with raspberry pie filling.
Old-Fashioned Tapioca
My family loves old-fashioned tapioca, but I don’t always have time to make it. Instead, I came up with this simple recipe that lets us enjoy one of our favorites without all the hands-on time. —Ruth Peters, Bel Air, Maryland
Cashew Clusters
I make this recipe for many bake sales at the local community college where I work. They are always the first to sell out.—Betsy Grantier, Charlottesville, Virginia
Chocolate Bread Pudding
This is a fun recipe because the chocolate makes it different from traditional bread pudding. It's a rich, comforting dessert. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Crisp Sugar Cookies
My grandmother always had sugar cookies in her pantry, and we grandchildren would empty that big jar quickly because they were the best! I now regularly bake these wonderful cookies to share with friends. —Evelyn Poteet, Hancock, Maryland
Chocolate Fudge Brownies
My children always looked forward to these fudge brownies as an after-school snack. They're so fudgy they don't need icing. —Hazel Fritchie, Palenstine, Illinois
Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding
This comforting dessert is a wonderful way to end any meal. As a girl, I always waited eagerly for the first heavenly bite. Today, my husband likes to top his with a scoop of ice cream. —Sandra Melnychenko, Grandview, Manitoba
Saltine Cracker Candy with Toasted Pecans
My kids and grandchildren love this cracker candy recipe. The neighbor kids rush right over when they find out I have them. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
When my mother (who's now a great-grandmother) gave me this no-flour , gluten-free peanut butter cookie recipe about 15 years ago, I was skeptical, because it calls for only three ingredients (and no flour?!). But since then I've never had a failure. For these gluten-free peanut butter cookies—3 ingredients are all you need! —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Potato Chip Clusters
Just three offbeat ingredients add up to one unique, delectable, no-bake treat. These super-easy, sweet-and-salty candy clusters make for merry munching during holiday trips or parties. They travel well in containers without melting or getting soft. —Donna Brockett, Kingfisher, Oklahoma
Russian Tea Cakes
I like to present my favorite holiday cookies in a special way. I pile these fresh-baked tea cakes on pretty plates that I buy throughout the year, then wrap them with colored cellophane to give friends.—Valerie Hudson, Mason City, Iowa
Chewy Pecan Pie Bars
This is one of my husband's favorite recipes, and he suggested I send it in to your contest. I've been making it for many years. —Judy Taylor, Shreveport, Louisiana
Double Chocolate Walnut Fudge
Anyone who's fond of chocolate will like this smooth, nutty fudge twice as much. I enjoy making several batches when Christmas rolls around. It doesn't last long at our house during the December festivities! —Florence Hasty, Louisiana, Missouri
Creamy Rice Pudding
I was fortunate to grow up around fabulous cooks. My mother and grandmother taught me to experiment with recipes, and we tried a lot of variations on this one. No matter how we chose to embellish it, it was always tasty. When I make this, it brings fond memories to mind. —Laura German, North Brookfield, Massachusetts
Orange Crispies
When I want to drop a little sunshine into my cookie jar, I bake up a double batch of these citrusy and sweet treats. —Ruth Gladstone, Brunswick, Maryland
Cinnamon Apple Pan Betty
I found this recipe soon after I was married decades ago. You'll need just a few ingredients that you probably have on hand. It's super quick to put together and a favorite of ours during fall and winter, when apples are at their best. —Shirley Leister, West Chester, Pennsylvania
Chocolate Lava Cakes
Since this dessert is served hot, you can bake it while you enjoy your main course. And it’s easy to increase the recipe to serve more people. It’s a great choice for chocolate lovers. —Heidi Wilcox, Lapeer, Michigan
Flourless Peanut Butter Thumbprints
I had been searching for a dessert to make for my brother's girlfriend (who is gluten intolerant), and I came across a naturally gluten-free dessert—a flourless peanut butter cookie. After tweaking the recipe a bit and adding Nutella and a sprinkling of sea salt, I finally found the perfect cookie for her. —Dana Hinck, Pensacola, Florida
Nut Fruit Bark
Here's a sophisticated version of fruit bark. Dark chocolate turns into a rich mocha flavor with the espresso powder. If you're a fan of sweet-salty tidbits, make sure to use the sea salt. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Peanut Butter Whipped Cream Frosting
A luscious peanut butter whipped cream frosting is just a few ingredients away. Try it piped over your favorite chocolate cupcakes or dolloped onto hot chocolate. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Scottish Shortbread Cookies
This simple three-ingredient shortbread cookie recipe makes wonderfully rich, tender cookies. Serve them with fresh berries of the season for a nice, light dessert. You'll get miles of smiles when friends see these at an afternoon tea or a bridal shower. —Marlene Hellickson, Big Bear City, California
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge
My sister shared the recipe for this unbelievably easy peanut butter fudge with marshmallow cream. I prefer using creamy peanut butter for this mouthwatering dessert, but the chunky style works just as well. —Mary Jane Rummel, Linglestown, Pennsylvania
Kipplens
My Great-Aunt Hilda makes this recipe every Christmas, and everybody loves them! Kipplens taste a lot like Mexican wedding cakes, but I like my aunt's version better. —Susan Bohannon, Kokomo, Indiana
Brownie Batter Dip
I’m all about the sweeter side of dips, and this brownie-batter variety fits in with my life’s philosophy: Chocolate makes anything better. Grab some fruit, cookies or salty snacks and start dunking. —Mel Gunnell, Boise, Idaho
Peanut Butter, Apple and Raisin Sandwich
Tart, sweet and crunchy, these open-faced sammies are a perfect after-school (or after-work) snack. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
5-Ingredient Fudge
You’re moments away from a pan of creamy fudge. Just microwave, stir and spread. This easy homemade fudge recipe is the best. —Sue Tucker, Edgemoor, South Carolina
Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
Baking peanut butter kiss cookies to share doesn't get much easier than this. Stir together four ingredients. Bake. Top with a kiss. Done! Your family will love this Hershey's peanut butter blossom cookie recipe. —Dee Davis, Sun City, Arizona
Chocolaty Chips
My two little guys can't get enough of this sweet-and-salty snack, which uses just three ingredients and is ready to eat in 15 minutes. The boys like to drizzle on the melted chocolate, too. Sometimes we replace the potato chips with apple slices. —Jami Geittmann, Greendale, Wisconsin
Sugar N Spice Popcorn
Our family can't get enough of this light, cinnamon-sweet popcorn. The baked kernels are wonderfully crunchy and coated just right. Try mixing some to have on hand as an anytime nibble.
Slice & Bake Coconut Shortbread Cookies
Light and buttery, these delicate shortbread cookies are melt-in-your-mouth good. The coconut flavor makes them extra special. —Roberta Otto, Duluth, Minnesota
Fudge Pops
This chocolate frozen dessert is the perfect summer treat! Invite your kids into the kitchen to help you stir the pudding. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta
Lemon Pudding Cake
My husband, Lloyd, loves this cake because it tastes like lemon meringue pie. The cake is no-fuss and makes just enough for the two of us.—Dawn Fagerstrom, Warren, Minnesota
Rolled Oat Cookies
I like to keep some of this dough in the freezer at all times since it's so handy to slice, bake and serve at a moment's notice. These wholesome cookies are super with a cup of coffee - in fact, we occasionally grab a few for breakfast when we're in a hurry. -Kathi Peters, Chilliwack, British Columbia
Easy Puppy Chow
This easy puppy chow recipe uses whole packages so there are no fussy leftovers. Plus, it makes enough to feed a hungry crowd. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Peanut Butter, Krispies and Chocolate Sandwich
These crispy, chocolaty sandwich is like a Saturday-morning cartoon breakfast without the bowl. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Peanut Butter Cookies
It is amazing how much flavor these simple peanut butter cookies without brown sugar have. I make them very often because I always have the ingredients on hand. —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Frozen Blueberry Muffins
Ardyce Piehl of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin relates, "These moist muffins are chock-full of blueberries. I keep frozen berries on hand-it's so convenient to be able to fold them frozen into the muffin batter."
One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Bread
My family hops out of bed on Valentine’s Day because they know I’m baking this quick bread for breakfast. They’re major chocoholics and it always hits the spot. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Almond Sandies
Buttery, rich and delicious, these classic almond sandies are my husband's favorite cookie and very popular wherever I take them. —Joyce Pierce, Caledonia, Michigan
Dutch Oven Chocolate Dump Cake
Looking for a quick dessert that will make people think you spent all day in the kitchen? This Dutch oven dump cake will wow your guests. Feel free to use your favorite pie filling in place of cherry. — Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Quick Double Chocolate Biscotti
Refrigerated cookie dough gives you a head start on making biscotti from scratch. For true chocolate lovers, substitute chocolate chips for the vanilla. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Deep-Fried Cookies
My kids love this delicious, indulgent treat. I like to give the batter a kick by adding a pinch of cinnamon and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. — Margarita Torres, Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
Crisp and chewy with a creamy filling, these perfectly pepperminty cookies taste just like a popular brand. You absolutely cannot eat just one. I always need to double the recipe! —Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona
Peanut Butter S'Mores Sandwich
Your favorite s'more flavors come together in this tasty peanut butter sandwich—no campfire required. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Surefire Sugar Cookies
You can invite kids to help make these easy treats. Sometimes I melt white coating instead of chocolate chips because it can be tinted to match the season. —Victoria Zmarzley-Hahn, Northhampton, Pennsylvania.
Sinterklaas Cookies
After opening our gifts on Christmas Eve as children, we would make these cookies for Santa Claus to snack on with his glass of milk. The crisp spice cookies are delicious dipped in that milk—or in your coffee on Christmas morning. —Charli Fontana, Pella, Iowa
The post 54 Easy Desserts to Make with What’s in Your Pantry appeared first on Taste of Home.
Caroline Stanko