When you need a cool, creamy dessert ASAP, check your freezer for a tub of Cool Whip. You’ll find the recipe details for the sweets in this video in the following 5 slides. Want more cool ideas? Check out our best no-bake desserts.
Creamy and rich, this homemade banana pudding recipe is so easy. Layer it in a trifle bowl for a pretty presentation. —Ruth Kizer, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
(If you’re avoiding processed foods, try this whipped topping substitute instead of Cool Whip.)
The desserts of my dreams have both chocolate and peanut butter. So when I came up with this chocolate peanut butter dessert, it quickly became my all-time favorite. It’s a cinch to whip together because it doesn’t require any baking. My family loves this chocolate peanut butter cup lasagna! —Debbie Price, LaRue, Ohio
One day a friend showed me how to make a traditional icebox cake with just cream and graham crackers. I make it extra special with the fruit. Now everyone at the potluck can have a banana split with no fuss! —Shelly Flye, Albion, Maine
I love eclairs, but making the actual pastry is difficult. So I came up with this recipe as a substitute. It still satisfies my cravings with the same wonderful flavors. —Thelma Beam, Esbon, Kansas
You will detect a definite lemonade flavor in this refreshing lemon icebox pie. High and fluffy, this dessert has a creamy smooth consistency that we really appreciate. It’s the dessert that came to mind immediately when I put together my favorite summer meal. —Cheryl Wilt, Eglon, West Virginia
Everyone will love this thick cream cheese fruit dip. Serve it alongside apple wedges, pineapple chunks, strawberries and grapes. —Anna Beiler, Strasburg, Pennsylvania
This is a simple chocolate delight recipe for any type of potluck occasion, and the pan always comes home empty. —Diane Windley, Grace, Idaho
Light and airy and drenched in flavor, this is truly something extra special for the mom in your life. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
These delicious ice pops can also be made with raspberries or blackberries. The rosemary sprig and lemon zest bring another layer of flavor. The pops are quick, easy, kid-friendly and freezable. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
This terrine can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer. When served, it cuts easily, revealing the lovely layers of banana, peanut butter and chocolate. —Jennifer Jackson, Keller, Texas
My grandmother used to make this pie when I was a small child. A Brooklyn woman gave her the recipe, but my grandmother could never remember the woman’s name or the name of the pie, comically dubbing it Lady from Brooklyn’s Pie. Feel free to use any flavored gelatin, or try walnuts or pecans instead of pistachios. I use a store-bought graham cracker crust, but you can also use a chocolate graham cracker crust. —Judy DeGrottole, New York, New York
What could be better than bananas, cookies and Kahlua? You can adjust this to suit your taste, depending on whether you like a stronger or weaker Kahlua flavor. —Laurie Handlin, Ocean View, Delaware
One of my first entries in the National Pie Championship was this impressive pie with coffee flavor and cool chocolate curls on top. —Amy Mills, Sebring, Florida
Who doesn’t love a frozen margarita? This creamy frozen mousse combines ready-to-drink margarita mix and whipped topping (you could use this whipped topping substitute instead). It’s easy to put together and the freezer does all the work. Garnish with additional crushed pretzels and kosher salt to enhance the sweet and salty flavor. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
This recipe is a busy mom’s twist on a favorite dessert—tiramisu. The dish is simple to assemble and perfect to make the day before you want to serve it. The hardest thing about this recipe is waiting for it to chill so you can eat it! —Cheryl Snavely, Hagerstown, Maryland
Three simple ingredients mixed together and spread into a graham crust make magic while your freezer does the all the work. Prep this pie ahead and freeze it overnight or even longer. Feel free to vary the fruit if you’d like! —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
During a cookout with friends, I forgot about dessert. I had a fresh pineapple and coconut, so I improvised. Now I grill pineapple at every cookout. —Josee Lanzi, New Port Richey, Florida
To make these cute tarts more quickly, add the filling to store-bought phyllo tart shells. —Sarah Gilbert, Beaverton, Oregon
Oreo cookies and cheesecake — how can you go wrong? I made 20 of these crowd-pleasing desserts in all different sizes for my wedding, and they were a big hit.—Leanne Stinson, Camduff, Saskatchewan
Pair crunchy toppings with smooth vanilla in this apple salad with yogurt recipe. You’ll love this creative combination! —Kathy Armstrong, Post Falls, Idaho
This recipe is quick and easy to whip up and the kids will love it! They are perfect to pack for a picnic or to have as a snack for family game night I guarantee you can’t eat just one…hey are so addicting & they’re perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth! —Jennifer Erwin, Reynoldsburg, Ohio
For a fun, fuss-free dessert, try these darling tarts. They’re a satisfying, rich family favorite. —Mary Kelley, Wilmington, North Carolina
I’ve spent a few years perfecting this recipe to get the cookie soft and full of flavor and to balance the marshmallow and chocolate without overpowering the cookie. I think I finally got it where I want it!
—Lynsay Benson, Minnetonka, Minnesota
Creamy chocolate pie makes for an indulgent dessert. My light version let’s you have this treat without any guilt. Sometimes I add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the sugar-cocoa mixture for a mocha pie.— Mary Ann Ring, Bluffton, Ohio
Creamy Pineapple Pie is a light and refreshing dessert that’s quick to make and impressive to serve. This is one of our favorite ways to complete a summer meal. —Sharon Bickett, Chester, South Carolina
Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan
These pretty fruit pizzas have been a hit every time I’ve served them. They start with pre-made cookie dough making them super simple! —Janet O’Neal, Poplar Bluff, Missouri
Colorful gelatin salad adds a spot of brightness to any table. It blends well with this holiday feast. We children didn’t know if it should be a salad or dessert, with its smooth texture and delicate flavor.—Fae Fisher, Callao, Virginia
During the warm months, it’s nice to have this fluffy, no-bake peanut butter pie that’s a snap to make. Packed with flavor, this pie gets gobbled up even after a big meal! —Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
I first served this treat to my family on St. Patrick’s Day, and it was an instant success. Now I serve it year-round; in the winter, I leave out the green food coloring to make a cool white mint pie. —Karen Hayes,Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania.
I love to prepare these cool, fluffy fruit cups to give a refreshing boost to many meals. They’ve been well received at family gatherings and summer barbecues. There’s no last-minute fuss since you make them well in advance. —Karen Hatcher, St. Amant, Louisiana
Cool summer pies are one of Mom’s specialties. This version offers pineapple, maraschino cherries and walnuts that are folded into a fluffy filling. It’s an easy yet tempting no-bake dessert. —Jennifer Mcquillan, Jacksonville, Florida
This lovely and delightful dessert has the classic flavor of a banana split. It’s a cool, creamy treat with no last-minute fuss since you just pull it from the freezer. It always solicits praise from our big family.
-Marye Franzen, Gothenburg, Nebraska
I like this recipe since I can prepare it in advance when entertaining. Even people who don’t care for cranberries usually like this treat.—Christine Halandras, Meeker, Colorado
My sister Brenda and I made up this recipe while talking on the phone! My family loved the classic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter presented in a whole new way. —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma
Pretty slices of this refreshing salad are dotted with colorful cherries for a festive look. The flavor is pleasant and not overly sweet like some frozen cherry recipes. Prepared in advance and frozen, it’s a treat that fits into many different menus. I serve it throughout the year. —Gail Sykora, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
By using instant pudding and a convenient box of brownie mix, there’s nothing to the preparation. The result is moist and chewy. And the layers look so pretty spooned into a glass trifle bowl. —Louise Fauth, Foremost, Alberta
After a big meal, folks really go for this light lemon treat. The shortbread crust is the perfect base for the fluffy top layers. I’ve prepared this sunny dessert for church suppers for years and I always get recipe requests.
—Muriel DeWitt, Maynard, Massachusetts
This pretty pink mixture, rich with yummy fruit and nuts, is sure to disappear in a hurry. It’s a sweet and speedy treat that can be served as a dessert or salad. —Anne Powers, Munford, Alabama
Jazz up plain cake with raspberry gelatin and frozen berries. Spread with a light, fruity whipped topping (or this whipped topping substitute), the festive results make a cool and refreshing dessert. —Marion Anderson, Dalton, Minnesota
I add root beer to both the cake batter and fluffy frosting of this summery dessert to get that great root beer float taste. Serve this moist cake to a bunch of hungry kids and watch it disappear! —Kat Thompson, Prineville, Oregon
Leftover crushed cookies create the yummy crust for this crowd-pleasing dessert. It’s covered with a smooth cream cheese mixture, chocolate pudding and whipped topping (or this whipped topping substitute) for a lovely layered look. —Nancy Mueller, Bloomington, Minnesota
I often bring this special salad to potlucks, and everyone goes crazy for the sweet and crunchy combination. Be sure to add the pretzel mixture right before serving to keep it crispy. —Beth Olby, Ashland, Wisconsin
Cool, smooth and creamy, this pretty pie is a slice of heaven for people with diabetes and anyone who likes an easy yet impressive dessert. The lovely pudding layers feature a yummy combination of vanilla, chocolate and butterscotch. —Doris Morgan, Verona, Mississippi
My family often has company over for breakfast or brunch, and these light fruit-topped crepes are our favorite. The sweet sensations are as fast to make as they are fabulous. You can cook the crepes the night before, refrigerate them with waxed paper in between, then fill and top them in the morning.
—Shelly Soule
Las Vegas, Nevada
People are amazed that this luscious, moist and tender cake is a light dessert. I love the rich chocolate flavor and fruity sauce. —Mike Pickerel, Columbia, Missouri
This fluffy pistachio salad is a real treat since it’s creamy but not overly sweet. It’s easy to mix up, and the flavor gets better the longer it stands. It’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, served in a green bowl.
-Pattie Ann Forssberg, Logan, Kansas
This fruity, luscious dessert makes a wonderful ending to a special dinner. When fresh strawberries are not available, substitute two packages frozen unsweetened strawberries, thawed and drained, for the fresh. —Joyce Cooper, Mount Forest, Ontario
The only drawback to this lovely dessert is that there are never any leftovers. For a patriotic look, replace one of the layers of strawberry pie filling with blueberry—or use whatever filling you prefer. —Lori Thorp, Frazee, Minnesota
Our family has enjoyed this remarkable layered cake for years. It’s a favorite for many occasions. —Barbara Humiston, Tampa, Florida
This decadent combination of pantry items is a terrific way to dress up a brownie mix. Try this trifle with other flavors of pudding or substitute your favorite candy bar. It tastes great with low-fat and sugar-free products, too. —Wendy Bennett, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
I threw this dessert together when I needed something quick to take to my in-laws’. Because it’s beautiful, everyone thinks it requires a lot of effort. It’s easy. And the recipe makes a lot, making this perfect for potlucks and large gatherings. —Kristi Judkins, Morrison, Tennessee
I only need six ingredients to whip up this fluffy and refreshing grasshopper pie. I usually make two of the minty treats for our family, since we’re never satisfied with just one slice. —LouCinda Zacharias, Spooner, Wisconsin
Cheesecake lovers will savor every bite of this light and pretty pie, even if they don’t have to watch their diets. Our whole family enjoys it. —Kim Van Rheenen, Mendota, Illinois
With layers of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and creamy filling, this is definitely a rich dessert. You can decorate the top with a few wrapped chocolate coins. —Betty Jean Jordan, Monticello, Georgia
This creamy pie gets dressed up with berries to make a showstopping display at any Fourth of July party or summer get-together. It’s as pretty as it is tasty! —Kimberly McFarland, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
This frosty orange pie is so easy to make. I have tried lemonade, mango and pineapple juice concentrates instead of orange, and my family loves each one. —Marie Przepierski, Erie, Pennsylvania
Have the urge to splurge? Try Deborah Protzman’s moist and mouthwatering cake. “No one who’s ever eaten a piece can believe it’s lower in fat”—Deborah Protzman, Bloomington, Illinois.
A tasty brownie is the base for layers of cream cheese and chocolate pudding in this make-ahead dessert. —Muriel Ledeboer, Oostburg, Wisconsin
This cool and creamy no-bake dessert is perfect for hot summer days. I sometimes replace raspberries for half of the blueberries to make it look more patriotic. —Jodie Cederquist, Muskegon, Michigan
It’s easy to stir mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips and crushed sandwich cookies into coffee ice cream to create this irresistible frozen dessert. —Cherron Nagel, Columbus, Ohio
This is one of my mother’s absolute favorite desserts. The salty pretzel crust is the perfect complement to the sweet cream cheese filling. —Erin Frakes, Moline, Illinois
I was given a bottle of Irish cream liqueur as a gift and had leftover peppermint candy, so I created this delicious trifle. It’s always rich and decadent. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
Are you ‘sweet on’ someone who’s counting calories? Show them you care with this light and refreshing dessert. It’s sinfully creamy and so pretty with the tart raspberry sauce. No one would ever guess that it’s fat-free! —Judi Janczewski, Berwyn, Illinois
This is a great ending for almost any meal that kids and adults all enjoy. The creamy lemon filling is always a hit with my husband. —Elizabeth Yoder, Belcourt, North Dakota
This angel dessert is a wonderful treat when fresh strawberries are readily available. Every time I make this pretty strawberry angel food cake, someone asks for the recipe. —Theresa Mathis, Tucker, Georgia
People rave about this luscious strawberry pie. Best of all, it’s a low-sugar sensation that you won’t feel guilty eating. —Lou Wright, Rockford, Illinois
This gorgeous make-ahead dessert is a light, refreshing ending to a summer meal. I first made it for my aunt’s 85th birthday dinner and everyone loved it! —Nancy Whitford, Edwards, New York
I just love the combination of fruit, almonds and chocolate that makes this brownie so unique. The fruit lightens the chocolate a bit and makes it feel as though you are eating something sinfully healthy. —Sue Kauffman, Columbia City, Indiana
Inspired by classic cream puffs, this recipe is a wonderful treat. I’ve served it at Cub Scout banquets, birthday parties and holidays. I’m a regular baker, and this dessert is one of my all-time favorites. —Denise Wahl, Homer Glen, Illinois
A highlight of our annual family reunion is the dessert competition. The judges take their jobs very seriously! Last year’s first-place winner was this tempting trifle.—Barb Hausey, Independence, Missouri
Our family loves dessert, and this chocolaty, layered treat is one of Mom’s most-requested recipes. It’s so easy to prepare this Oreo ice cream cake! —Kimberly Laabs, Hartford, Wisconsin
This lovely torte features ladyfingers, a creamy filling and a crushed pineapple topping. It’s a special treat for my large family and a must at Christmas. —Barbara Joyner, Franklin, Virginia
Here’s a fun layered dessert that will appeal to all ages. If you want it even nuttier, you can use chunky peanut butter, and if you’re not a fan of cashews, substitute your favorite nut. This peanut butter lasagna is one of my favorite pudding desserts. —Barbara Schindler, Napoleon, Ohio
These mouthwatering mini cakes make the perfect treat for a twosome. My mom used to make these when I was a little girl. Now I whip them up for a speedy dessert. —Debora Simmons, Eglon, West Virginia
This sweet berry dessert makes an especially pretty final course in the spring. With berries, a creamy topping and a sprinkle of meringue cookies, it always earns praise. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Creamy and airy, this gorgeous dessert is the perfect special something for a summer dinner party. I love the mix of smooth strawberry cheesecake and crumbly chocolate crust—and how elegant it looks on the table. —Kathy Berger, Dry Ridge, Kentucky
You can whip up this sweet and creamy dip in just 10 minutes. I like to serve it in a bowl surrounded by fresh-picked strawberries at spring brunches or luncheons. —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin.
For an airy delight on a summer afternoon, try this mouthwatering cheesecake from Hastings, Nebraska’s Ken Gallagher. Because it doesn’t contain eggs, it’s lighter but also very creamy and refreshing.—Ken Gallagher, Hastings, Nebraska
Salty pretzels pair nicely with the sweet fruit in this refreshing layered salad. It’s a family favorite that is a slam-dunk at potlucks. —Peggy Boyd, Northport, Alabama
I made a few updates to a great recipe and ended up with an impressive dessert. Everyone loves its light texture and chocolaty flavor. —Lynne Bargar, Saegertown, Pennyslvania
For a taste of paradise, try this no-bake Key lime pie recipe. It’s low in fat, sugar and fuss. It truly is the best Key lime pie recipe ever! —Frances VanFossan, Warren, Michigan
The summer berry season is a real treat. This is an easy way to enjoy berries with cheesecake, which is a refreshing change from traditional pudding and fruit parfaits. —Patricia Schroedl, Jefferson, Wisconsin
This dessert is special enough to make hamburgers and fries a meal to remember! It’s so tall and pretty and just like eating a frozen banana split. Make it ahead to save time. —Joy Collins, Birmingham, Alabama
This creamy, sweet salad with crisp apple crunch is a real people-pleaser. It makes a lot, which is good, because it will go fast! —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Guests of all ages will gravitate to this traditional “fluff” salad, chock-full of pineapple, marshmallows and cherry bits. —Janice Hensley, Owingsville, Kentucky
When I’m planning party menus, I appreciate dessert recipes like this; you can make and freeze it up to two weeks before serving. A refreshing slice is welcome after a big meal.—Cassie Alexander, Muncie, Indiana
We made this frozen treat for a family birthday party, and we received endless comments on it. It’s truly fantastic! Be sure to try the recipe with other ice cream flavors.—Tina Stelzl, Waxhaw, North Carolina
With fiber-rich fruit, light dressing and crunchy walnuts, this is a great side dish or snack. Try it with low-fat granola. —Kathy Armstrong, Post Falls, Idaho
You can speed up this recipe by using a store-bought pound cake or baking and freezing one ahead of time. The sugared pecans can also be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container.—Becky McClaflin, Blanchard, Oklahoma
Whip up this simple chocolaty pie the day before and you’ll feel just like the champ when you serve it on party day. —Addrenne Roth, Donna, Texas
This is the kind of recipe your kids will look back on and always remember. And you don’t even need to use an oven. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Using just five ingredients makes this recipe so simple. You can add a little extra decoration with chocolate jimmies, too. —Chris Nelson, Decatur, Arkansas
It’s amazing how the layers of this eclair torte soften overnight into a cakelike texture. Just before serving this dessert, I like to dust the top with cocoa. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
I use cherry gelatin to give a boxed cake mix an eye-appealing marbled effect. It’s so festive-looking. Top it with whatever fruit you like! —Margaret McNeil, Germantown, Tennessee
Here’s a recipe that will bring back memories of your childhood. Banana flip snack cakes taste just like the banana flips we used to eat when we were kids. —Berta Hagen, Int’l Falls, Minnesota
Get ready for fluffy lemon-lime goodness. My family calls it “flop Jell-O” because most of the time a clear gelatin layer that tastes like lemon-lime soda falls to the bottom of the dish. Try it with any flavor gelatin! —Michelle Gauer, Spicer, Minnesota
This dream of a dessert tastes extra good on a busy day—you can make it ahead of time! If you don’t have fresh peaches handy, subbing three cups of the canned ones works, too. —Christina Moore, Casar, North Carolina
My mom and I made this chocolate pie, just the two of us, and our whole family got to enjoy it. We think you will, too. —Steve Riemersma, Allegan, Michigan
My mother made a chewy, gooey peanut butter pie I loved as a child. Now I continue the tradition for the next generation of peanut butter lovers. —Brianna DeBlake, Fremont, Michigan
Out of all the easy chocolate desserts I make, these nutty, chocolaty layered treats have become my family’s favorite. I make sure to whip up my mom her very own batch, since she loves this chocolate delight so much! —Kristen Stecklein, Waukesha, Wisconsin
I’ve always been a big fan of peanut butter. Then I found chocolaty Nutella hazelnut spread and I was hooked! I even changed one of my all-time favorite pie recipes by substituting that ingredient. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
I’ve prepared these for many brunches—peaches are my favorite fruit to add, but you can use strawberries or blueberries. People of all ages enjoy dunking crispy waffle strips into creamy dip. —Bonnie Geavaras-Bootz, Chandler, Arizona
My mother gave me this simple and delicious recipe years ago. The recipe makes two pies, so it’s perfect for a potluck. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t like it! —Robyn Appenzeller, Portsmouth, Virginia
After my son called and said he was bringing home his college roommates, I was able to whip up this quick yet impressive dessert in only a few minutes. It’s been a family favorite ever since. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Everyone in our family enjoys this cranberry salad at holiday gatherings. It is so cool and refreshing—perfect with a big holiday meal! —Julie Currington, Gahanna, Ohio
This sweet-tart cake recipe is so much fun to make with my grandkids. They love just “dumping it all in” and watching it magically become a pretty, delicious dessert. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
I added something special to the classic banana cream pie by topping it off with a crunchy, peanut-buttery streusel. —Matthew Hass, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin
If you like pina coladas, you’ve gotta try this fluffy fruit dip. Scooped up with a slice of fresh pineapple, it tastes just like the beloved beachside drink. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee Wisconsin
I like to experiment and make new and unusual-flavored cheesecakes. When I tried RumChata at a friend’s party, I knew it would make a great cheesecake. For a pretty presentation, drizzle it with caramel syrup or topping, or sprinkle on some toasted coconut. —Christine Talley, Hillsboro, Missouri
This southern favorite is one my family can never get enough of and there are never any leftovers. My grandmother, mother and aunts always made this recipe for family gatherings. Now I make it for everyone because it’s so easy to prepare and everyone loves it! —Elizabeth Williston, Thibodaux, Louisiana
I love chocolate, caramel and hazelnuts, so I came up with a recipe that has all three. If you don’t have a food processor, place crust ingredients in a zip-top freezer bag and smash with a rolling pin. —Debbie Anderson, Mount Angel, Oregon
This icebox cake has all of the flavors of a pina colada. It takes just one bite to escape to a tropical island! —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
