6 No-Bake Recipes That Are Not Only Sweet But Also Special

If you love sweet treats but don’t like all the fuss of baking, these no-bake recipes will have you in the kitchen whipping up some classic favorites. Easy to make but with a sprinkle of specialness, all six of these desserts are a sure-fire hit with whoever is lucky enough to eat them.

Tiramisu

A dessert rich in espresso with layered mascarpone and ladyfingers with a dash of marsala wine, tiramisu brings a taste of Italy to the table. 

Prep time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 large egg yolks
• ½ cup sugar + 3 tbsps
• 16 oz. mascarpone cheese (at room temperature)
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 2 ½ cups of strong filter coffee (at room temperature)
• 1 tbsp. marsala wine (substitute with dark rum)
• 40 ladyfingers
• 1 tbsp. Cocoa powder

Step 1 

Fill a saucepan halfway with water and bring to a simmer. In a separate heatproof bowl, whisk the eggs and the ½ cup sugar together. Place the bowl on top of the saucepan and continue to whisk the eggs and sugar until it has doubled in volume—approximately 3-5 minutes. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. Remove from the heat and whisk in the mascarpone. 

Step 2 

In a separate bowl or standing mixer, whisk the cream, vanilla, salt, and the remaining 2 tbsp. of sugar until stiff peaks have formed, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until just combined.

Step 3

In a long glass or measuring jug, mix the coffee and marsala wine and dip the ladyfingers in one at a time.

Step 4 

In the baking dish, place the dipped ladyfingers side by side in an even row. Layer some of the custard mixture on top and smooth out. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight. Dust with cocoa powder once set. 

No Bake Cheesecake

It’s rumored that the first cheesecake was made in Greece over 4000 years ago. This timeless dessert deserves a place in every household, not just because it stood the test of time, but because it’s tasty too! 

Prep time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Crust

• 2 cups Graham crackers
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake filling

• 1 ¼ cups heavy cream, cold
• 24 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp. confectioners sugar
• 2 tsp. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

The base

Blend the Graham crackers until a crumb is formed. In a bowl, mix the brown sugar and melted butter until the sugar has partially dissolved. Add in the Graham crackers and mix. 

In the spring form tin, press the biscuit mixture into the mold and smooth it out until it is evenly spread. Use the back of a tablespoon to pack the mixture into the sides of the tin. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes while you make the filling. 

For the filling

Whisk the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks have formed. In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cream cheese until well combined. Add the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and confectioner’s sugar, and continue to mix for 3 minutes or until the mixture is smooth. 

Remove the pie base from the freezer and spread the filling into it. Smooth out evenly and place in the fridge to set for 6 to 8 hours. The best result would be to let it set overnight. 

Homemade Gelato

Perfect for those hot summer days, this recipe is easy to whip up in no time at all. You can also add fresh fruit, chunks of chocolate, fudge, or candy to make it even more decadent. 

Prep time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract or paste
• 6 egg yolks
• ¾ cup granulated sugar

Method: 

Step 1

Heat the cream, milk, and vanilla over medium heat until an instant-read thermometer reaches 160°F.

Step 2

In a heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until the ribbon stage. The mixture should be pale yellow, and the sugar dissolved. 

Step 3

Slowly pour in the cream mixture while continuously whisking. Place the mixture back into the saucepan and continue to cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the thermometer reads between 170°F and 175°F. Pour the mixture into a loaf pan and let cool until room temperature. 

Step 4

Place in the freezer, whisking 3-4 times every 30 minutes, until the mixture is nearly frozen and the whisk can no longer easily move through. This takes approximately 5-6 hours. 

Panna Cotta

A tasty, easy treat to prepare for the whole family to enjoy, panna cotta is another Italian dessert that’s delicious. If you’re feeling extra decadent, you can serve it with a scoop of your homemade gelato on the side. 

Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup skim milk (low fat)
• 2 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 (.25 ounce) envelope of unflavored gelatin
• 1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract
• ½ cup white granulated sugar

Method

Step 1

In a bowl, combine the milk and gelatin powder. Set aside. 

Step 2

In a saucepan, mix the heavy cream and sugar and bring to a boil. Once at a boil, quickly add the gelatine-milk mixture, stirring until completely dissolved. Cook for 1 minute. 

Step 3

Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into individual ramekins and let cool. Once cooled, cover it and place it in the fridge to set for 6 hours or preferably overnight. 

One Jar Ice Cream

Making ice cream has never been this easy. All you need is a jar, your ingredients, this no-bake recipe, and you’re good to go. 

Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract or paste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Pinch of salt
• 1 ½ tbsp. granulated sugar

Method: 

Step 1

Place all of the ingredients into a mason jar. Screw the lid on and shake until well combined and the cream has doubled in volume, approximately 3-4 minutes. The mixture should be thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon.

Step 2 

Freeze until it hardens, approximately 3-4 hours. Your ice cream is now ready to scoop!

Nutty Chocolate Fudge

A favorite no-bake recipe of everyone with a sweet tooth, you can whip up a batch of fudge to enjoy on its own or incorporate it into some of the other desserts on this list. 

Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract or paste
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 cup walnuts or nuts of your choice (optional)

Method

Step 1

Line an 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave enough of an overlap so you can easily remove the fudge once set.

Step 2

Place a saucepan on low heat and add the condensed milk and chocolate chips. Allow to melt slowly while stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 3

Stir in the vanilla extract or paste, nuts, and salt. Spread evenly into the lined tray and place in the fridge to set for 3 hours or until it is firm. 

Time To Cause a Stir

Whipping up something sweet is just as special as giving someone flowers, no matter what the occasion. With these no-bake recipes, creating desserts has never been easier, and your friends and family will love them as much as you enjoy making them.