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13 Desserts I Keep Coming Back to Year After Year

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Some desserts just stick. These are the 13 I keep coming back to year after year because they work, plain and simple. They rely on solid techniques, familiar flavors, and recipes that don’t let you down. Scroll through and see which ones deserve a permanent place in your own rotation.

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Image shows a fork pulling a bite from a molten chocolate cake on a white plate.
Molten Chocolate Cakes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Million Dollar Pie

A cream pie topped with whipped cream, red cherries, and chopped nuts in a foil pie tin.
Million Dollar Pie. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

When it comes to 13 Desserts I Keep Coming Back to Year After Year, Million Dollar Pie stays on the list. The no-bake filling sets into a firm, sliceable texture with minimal effort. Crushed pineapple and whipped topping keep it light but structured. It chills well and travels easily for gatherings. This is the kind of retro dessert that still holds its ground.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Pie

Blueberry Cream Pie

A slice of blueberry cream pie with a graham cracker crust sits on a white plate, garnished with fresh blueberries, with a fork beside it.
Blueberry Cream Pie. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

13 Desserts I Keep Coming Back to Year After Year includes Blueberry Cream Pie for good reason. A creamy layer balances the fruit without overpowering it. The crust stays crisp beneath the filling if assembled thoughtfully. It slices cleanly and looks polished without complicated steps. This is a pie that earns repeat status every summer.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cream Pie

Puff Pastry Apple Pie Pockets

A close-up of baked apple turnovers on a wooden board, with one turnover cut open to show the apple filling. Whole apples are visible in the background.
Puff Pastry Apple Pie Pockets. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

When I think about 13 Desserts I Keep Coming Back to Year After Year, Puff Pastry Apple Pie Pockets always make sense. Store-bought pastry keeps the process manageable. The apple filling softens in the oven while the edges turn crisp. They bake quickly and cool fast enough to serve the same day. This is a shortcut dessert that still feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Pie Pockets

Old Fashioned Chewy Sugar Cookies

Two sugar cookies rest side by side on a black cooling rack, placed over a patterned cloth with green and red designs.
Old Fashioned Chewy Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

13 Desserts I Keep Coming Back to Year After Year wouldn’t be complete without Old Fashioned Chewy Sugar Cookies. The dough comes together quickly and bakes into soft centers with lightly crisp edges. They hold their texture well for days. The flavor is straightforward and reliable. This is the cookie I make when I don’t want to experiment.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Chewy Sugar Cookies

Sugar Cream Pie

A close-up of a slice of custard pie on a floral plate, with the rest of the pie visible in the background.
Sugar Cream Pie. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

When it comes to 13 Desserts I Keep Coming Back to Year After Year, Sugar Cream Pie proves that simple formulas last. The custard-like filling bakes into a smooth, firm slice. Pantry staples do most of the work. It sets cleanly and doesn’t require elaborate decoration. This is a pie that feels steady and dependable.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Cream Pie

Amish Lemon Cake Pie

A slice of lemon pie topped with whipped cream, raspberries, and raspberry sauce sits on a plate with a gold fork.
Amish Lemon Cake Pie. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

13 Desserts I Keep Coming Back to Year After Year includes Amish Lemon Cake Pie for its balance of texture. The batter separates in the oven into a soft cake layer over a lemony base. It slices best once cooled, which makes it easy to plan ahead. The citrus keeps it bright without being sharp. This is a dessert that surprises people in a good way.
Get the Recipe: Amish Lemon Cake Pie

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Molten Chocolate Cakes

Image shows a fork pulling a bite from a molten chocolate cake on a white plate.
Molten Chocolate Cakes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

When I revisit 13 Desserts I Keep Coming Back to Year After Year, Molten Chocolate Cakes always return. The centers stay soft while the edges set just enough to hold shape. They bake in individual portions, which keeps serving simple. Timing matters, but the ingredient list stays short. This is my go-to when chocolate is nonnegotiable.
Get the Recipe: Molten Chocolate Cakes

Caramel Whoopie Pies

A plate of caramel sandwich cookies on a white plate.
Caramel Whoopie Pies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

13 Desserts I Keep Coming Back to Year After Year makes room for Caramel Whoopie Pies. Soft cake-like cookies sandwich a creamy caramel filling. They store well and travel better than frosted layer cakes. The components can be made in stages. This is a dessert that feels nostalgic but still practical.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Whoopie Pies

Rhubarb Cookies

Stacked rhubarb cookies with slices of rhubarb.
Rhubarb Cookies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When it comes to 13 Desserts I Keep Coming Back to Year After Year, Rhubarb Cookies mark the season. The tart fruit softens in the dough and balances the sweetness. They bake into tender rounds that hold their shape. The batter mixes quickly without special equipment. This is how I use up rhubarb every spring.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Cookies

Flourless Chocolate Cookies

Overhead shot of cookies on a white cloth with a glass of milk.
Flourless Chocolate Cookies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

13 Desserts I Keep Coming Back to Year After Year includes Flourless Chocolate Cookies for their texture alone. The crackled tops give way to chewy centers. They rely on egg whites for structure instead of flour. The batter stirs together in one bowl. This is a chocolate fix that never feels dated.
Get the Recipe: Flourless Chocolate Cookies

Crème Brûlée

A bowl of crème brûlée topped with two raspberries and a mint leaf, with a spoon taking a bite.
Crème Brûlée. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

When I think about 13 Desserts I Keep Coming Back to Year After Year, Crème Brûlée stands out for its simplicity. A basic custard base bakes gently in a water bath. The sugar topping hardens into a crisp shell with heat. It can be made ahead and finished just before serving. This is a classic that rewards patience.
Get the Recipe: Crème Brûlée

Champagne Sabayon

A spoon is scooping sabayon with strawberries and blueberries.
Champagne Sabayon. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

13 Desserts I Keep Coming Back to Year After Year includes Champagne Sabayon for lighter occasions. Egg yolks and sugar whisk over gentle heat into a thick, airy sauce. It’s served warm and spooned over fruit or cake. The process requires attention but not many ingredients. This is a dessert that feels special without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Champagne Sabayon

Meringue

Meringue on crumpled parchment paper bag on a wooden table.
Meringue. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

When it comes to 13 Desserts I Keep Coming Back to Year After Year, Meringue remains a staple. Whipped egg whites bake into crisp shells with soft centers. The ingredient list is short, but technique matters. They store well in a dry container. This is a foundational dessert that never really leaves my rotation.
Get the Recipe: Meringue

By on March 3rd, 2026
Photo of Robin Donovan

About Robin Donovan

Robin Donovan is the creative force behind All Ways Delicious. She’s an Associated Press syndicated food and travel writer and the bestselling author of more than 40 cookbooks, including Ramen for Beginners, Ramen Obsession, and Campfire Cuisine. Her work has been featured in major publications including Chicago Sun-Times, Huffington Post, MSN, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Seattle Times, Food & Wine, Cooking Light, PopSugar, Fitness, Mercury News, and many others. More about Robin

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