Desserts are the perfect way to end a meal or celebrate a special occasion. However, many people shy away from making fancy desserts at home because they assume they’re too difficult or time-consuming to prepare. The good news is that there are plenty of desserts that look fancy but are actually easy to make, even for beginners. In this article, we’ll share 10 impressive dessert recipes that are surprisingly simple to prepare.
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Chocolate Mousse
With just a few ingredients, including whipped cream and melted chocolate, this airy and rich dessert feels luxe but can be whipped up in minutes. Melt chocolate. Whip cream until stiff peaks. Fold chocolate into whipped cream. Chill.
Panna Cotta
This creamy Italian dessert sets in the fridge and can be flavored in various ways, from strawberry, vanilla to lavender. Top with fresh berries or a fruit compote for a stylish finish. Mix gelatin with milk. Heat cream with sugar, then mix in gelatin. Pour into molds. Chill until set.
Cinnamon Palmiers
Made from store-bought puff pastry sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, these butterfly-shaped pastries are crunchy, sweet, and delightful. Simply roll, slice, and bake for an elegant treat. Roll out store-bought puff pastry. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Fold both edges to meet in the center, then fold again. Slice, lay flat, and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden.
Tiramisu
Using store-bought ladyfingers soaked in coffee and layered with a mascarpone mixture, this no-bake dessert is both luxurious and easy. A dusting of cocoa powder completes the look. Dip ladyfingers in coffee. Layer with a mix of mascarpone, sugar, and whipped cream. Repeat. Dust with cocoa. Chill.
Chocolate Fondue
Melt chocolate with a touch of cream, and you have a posh dessert ready to go. Serve with fruit slices, marshmallows, and small cake cubes for dipping. Melt chocolate with cream over low heat. Serve warm with dippers of your choice.
Mini Cheesecakes
Using a muffin tin to create individual servings, these cheesecakes are a breeze. With a graham cracker base and a simple cream cheese filling, they can be topped with fruit, chocolate, or caramel for added flair. Press crushed graham crackers with melted butter into muffin tins. Mix cream cheese with sugar, vanilla, and eggs. Pour over crust. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 20 minutes.
Trifle
Layered desserts in a glass, trifles usually consist of cake, custard, fruits, and whipped cream. They look intricate but are simple to assemble and highly customizable. Layer cake cubes, fruit, custard, and whipped cream in a glass bowl. Repeat. Chill.
Puff Pastry Tart
Using pre-made puff pastry as a base, these tarts can be topped with any sweet (like sliced fruit and custard) or savory (like cheese and vegetables) ingredients, then baked until golden. Lay puff pastry flat. Top with sliced fruit or savory fillings. Bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden.
Molten Lava Cake
A classic that impresses every time, these individual chocolate cakes hide a gooey, liquid center. They’re easier to bake than they seem and are always a hit. Mix melted chocolate, butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. Pour into ramekins. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes.
Raspberry Fool
Puree fresh raspberries and fold them into whipped cream for a light, fruity dessert. Serve in glasses and layer with crushed biscuits or sponge cake for texture. Mash raspberries. Whip cream with sugar. Fold together. Layer with crushed biscuits.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
