Fruity, nutty and caramel-y, these chocolate-free desserts prove that you don't need cocoa to satisfy your sweet tooth.
1/50
Easy Apple Crisp
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's an easy apple crisp! This is a delicious dessert perfect for young cooks to prepare. It's super simple to make since there's no crust—just a crumbly topping. Plus, with apples and oats, it's a wholesome treat. —Sheri Hatten, Devil's Lake, North Dakota
2/50
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These peanut butter and jelly cookies taste like a sweeter version of your favorite nostalgic sandwich. Now you can have PB&Js for lunch and dessert! —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
3/50
Meyer Lemon Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
The lovely, anticipated flavor of seasonal Meyer lemons shines in these sweet and citrusy Meyer lemon bars. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
4/50
Matcha Tiramisu
From the Recipe Creator:
The fresh and earthy flavor of matcha replaces coffee in this variation on the classic Italian dessert. —Susan Bronson, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
5/50
Portuguese Egg Tart (Pastel de Nata)
From the Recipe Creator:
Pastel de nata has a rich history passed down through generations in Portugal. It's known for its distinctive crispy, flaky, melt-in-your-mouth pastry shell that contrasts beautifully with the luscious and velvety custard filling. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or a snack. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
6/50
Amaretto Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
Sometimes the best-loved recipes are the most basic. Just ask my family who raves over this classic amaretto cheesecake. It's rich, creamy and versatile to boot! —Barbara Caine, Sussex, New Jersey
7/50
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
It is amazing how much flavor is in these simple 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies without brown sugar. I make them very often because I always have the ingredients on hand. —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
8/50
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
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
9/50
Pig Pickin’ Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite cakes. It’s moist and light yet so satisfying. I’ve been adapting it for years and now it’s almost guilt free. —Pam Sjolund, Columbia, South Carolina
10/50
Aperol Spritz Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Our Aperol spritz cookie recipe turns the perfect summer drink into a darling, orange-zested cookie. —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
11/50
Sour Cream Pound Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Because I'm our town's postmaster, I can bake only in my spare time. I especially enjoy making desserts such as this one. It tastes amazing as is, or tuck it under ice cream and chocolate syrup like a hot fudge sundae! —Karen Conrad, East Troy, Wisconsin
12/50
Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
These Oreo cheesecake bites are for true Oreo lovers! Each muffin-sized cheesecake has a cookie crust, crushed Oreos baked into the batter and even more cookie crumbs on top. —Cathy Trochelman, Brookfield, Wisconsin
13/50
Peach Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
This out-of-this-world dessert is one of our favorite, easy peach recipes. I was raised in Oklahoma, and we used Elberta peaches right off our trees when we made this outstanding cobbler. —Virginia Crowell, Lyons, Oregon
14/50
Key Lime Yogurt Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
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
15/50
Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
From the Recipe Creator:
Peanut butter Rice Krispie treats are a recipe that my mom used to make when we were little. She would never share the recipe with anyone; she wanted it to be her little secret. When she passed away, we found it when we cleaned out her house. Every time I make these Rice Krispies, people go crazy over them. —Laura Wilkey, Jeffersonville, Indiana
16/50
Mamaw Emily’s Strawberry Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loved his mamaw's strawberry cake recipe. He thought no one could duplicate it. I made it, and it’s just as scrumptious as he remembers. —Jennifer Bruce, Manitou, Kentucky
17/50
Apple Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
I remember coming home sullen one day because we'd lost a softball game. Grandma, in her wisdom, suggested that maybe a slice of hot apple pie would make me feel better. She was right. —Maggie Greene, Granite Falls, Washington
18/50
Rhubarb Custard Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
Once I tried these rich, gooey bars, I just had to have the recipe so I could make them for my family and friends. The shortbread-like crust and the rhubarb and custard layers inspire people to find rhubarb that they can use to fix a batch for themselves. —Shari Roach, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
19/50
Mango, Passion Fruit and Citrus Sorbet
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this delicious concoction when I had a bag of frozen mango to use up, and my sweet tooth was calling on a hot day. Passion fruit puree really makes the flavors come together, and the lemon adds a bright kick. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
20/50
White Texas Sheet Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This cake gets better the longer it sits, so I try to make it a day ahead. My mother-in-law introduced this deliciously rich sheet cake to me. With its creamy frosting and light almond flavor, no one can stop at just one piece! —Joanie Ward, Brownsburg, Indiana
21/50
Blueberry Crinkle Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
This unusual cookie is bursting with berry flavor! Blueberry crinkle cookies have two kinds of blueberries folded into the dough for lots of luscious flavor and a blue hue, all under a pretty, crinkled coating of confectioners' sugar. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
22/50
Slow-Cooker Cinnamon Roll Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
A slow cooker turns day-old cinnamon rolls into a comforting, old-fashioned dessert. It tastes wonderful topped with lemon or vanilla sauce or whipped cream. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
23/50
Biscotti Recipe
From the Recipe Creator:
I've learned to bake a double batch of these crisp dunking cookies, because one batch goes too fast! —H. Michaelsen, St. Charles, Illinois
24/50
Buttermilk Pound Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Now that I've retired from teaching, I have more time to bake. This buttermilk pound cake is the one I make most often. It is a truly southern recipe, and one I think can't be topped—once people taste it, they won't go back to their other recipes with buttermilk. —Gracie Hanchey, De Ridder, Louisiana
25/50
Ube Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Ube cake highlights the sweet, yet earthy flavors of the purple yam with ube extract and ube jam. Coconut macapuno tops the two-tiered cake for a striking, traditional finish to the Filipino dessert. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
26/50
Snickerdoodles
From the Recipe Creator:
The history of these whimsically named treats has been widely disputed, but their popularity is undeniable. Help yourself to one of our soft cinnamon-sugared cookies and see for yourself. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
27/50
Root Beer Float Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
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
28/50
Strawberry Custard Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
"This elegant dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious," says Brenda Bodnar from Euclid, Ohio. "Not only is it ultra-easy to prepare, but it's a make-ahead recipe, so there's no last-minute fussing when company is coming."
29/50
Pecan Cheesecake Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
In fall or at any time of year, this nutty, rich and delicious pecan pie recipe is one I'm proud to serve. While it seems very special, the caramel pecan cheesecake is a snap to make. —Becky Ruff, Monona, Iowa
30/50
Peanut Brittle
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever my grandmother was in the kitchen, everything had to be "just so" to guarantee her time-tested results. Watching her make this peanut brittle is one of my favorite memories, and I'm glad I can pass on this delicious recipe. —Karen Grenzow, Sumas, Washington
31/50
Big Soft Ginger Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These nicely spiced, big soft ginger cookies are perfect for folks who like the flavor of ginger but don't care for crunchy gingersnaps. —Barbara Gray, Boise, Idaho
32/50
Limoncello Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This bright and moist lemon cake is topped with a mascarpone frosting. Garnish it with lemon zest for an extra pop of color. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
33/50
Creamy Dreamy Fruity Popsicles
From the Recipe Creator:
I loved the Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake ice cream bars as a kid. Now that I'm an adult and watching my diet, I wanted to revisit my childhood in a healthy way. These bars are dairy-free, gluten-free and low in sugar. —Lisa Marie Vallas, Magnolia Springs, Alabama
34/50
Earl Grey Tiramisu
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of dipping ladyfingers into coffee or espresso and topping the dessert with cocoa powder, Earl Grey tiramisu coats the rounded cookies in a sweetened tea mixture and mixes infused Earl Grey whipped cream into the traditional mascarpone cheese layer. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
35/50
Strawberry-Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
I prepare this colorful dessert quite often in the late spring or summer when fresh rhubarb is abundant. I make this rhubarb cake with cake mix and take it to church potlucks. People actually line up for a piece. —Bonnie Krogman, Thompson Falls, Montana
36/50
Regañadas
From the Recipe Creator:
My extended family shares a meal every Sunday. The aunts and uncles take turns bringing everything from main dishes to desserts like this traditional Mexican cinnamon cookie called reganadas. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
37/50
Pineapple Pudding Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother used to love making this easy pineapple sunshine cake in the summertime. It's so cool and refreshing that it never lasts very long! —Kathleen Worden, North Andover, Massachusetts
38/50
Pumpkin Roll
From the Recipe Creator:
This pumpkin roll recipe is great to keep in the freezer for a quick dessert for my family or unexpected guests, to take to a gathering, or to give as a yummy gift. —Erica Berchtold, Freeport, Illinois
39/50
Strawberry Shortcake
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up helping my mom make a lot in our farmhouse kitchen; strawberry shortcakes, roasts, soups and pies. This sunny strawberry shortcake recipe brings back memories of family summers on the farm. —Janet Becker, Anacortes, Washington
40/50
Amish Sugar Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These easy-to-make, old-fashioned Amish sugar cookies simply melt in your mouth! I've passed this recipe around to many friends. After I gave it to my sister, she entered the cookies in a local fair and won best of show. —Sylvia Ford, Kennett, Missouri
41/50
Pumpkin Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are the ultimate fall treat. But my family likes them so much, they ask me to make them all year long! —Brenda Keller, Andalusia, Alabama
42/50
Cardamom Pound Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
The aroma and warm flavor of cardamom paired with an orange glaze make cardamom pound cake a lovely dessert for winter gatherings, but my husband and I also like slices of this spiced cake with our afternoon coffee. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
43/50
Banana Pudding Poke Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Every bite of banana pudding poke cake is packed with the beloved flavors of banana pudding. Instant banana pudding seeps into each slice of yellow cake, while sliced bananas and crushed vanilla wafers perch on top of whipped cream frosting! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
44/50
First-Place Coconut Macaroons
From the Recipe Creator:
These coconut macaroon cookies earned me a first-place ribbon at the county fair. They remain my husband's favorites—whenever I make them to give away, he always asks me where his batch is! I especially like the fact that this recipe makes a small enough batch for the two of us to nibble on. —Penny Ann Habeck, Shawano, Wisconsin
45/50
Karpatka Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This Polish cream puff cake, otherwise known as karpatka cake, is meant to resemble the Carpathian Mountains with its craggly top and dusting of confectioners' sugar, meant to look like snow. —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
46/50
Cherry Pie Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
Whip up a pan of these festive bars in just 20 minutes with staple ingredients and cherry pie filling. Between the easy preparation and the pretty colors, they're destined to become a holiday classic. —Jane Kamp, Grand Rapids, Michigan
47/50
Whipped Shortbread Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These whipped shortbread cookies melt in your mouth. Mostly I make them for the holidays, but I'll also prepare them year-round for wedding showers and afternoon teas. —Jane Ficiur, Bow Island, Alberta
48/50
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy oatmeal cookie recipe is great with a glass of cold milk! With their peanutty flavor, these scrumptious cookies hit the spot. Plus, they couldn't be easier to make! —Marilyn Blankschien, Clintonville, Wisconsin
49/50
Blueberry Delight
From the Recipe Creator:
Blueberry delight is a no-bake recipe that's a cinch to assemble, making it a perfect dessert for parties and potlucks. Shortcut ingredients like blueberry pie filling keep the trip to the grocery store brief, too! —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
50/50
Zucchini Cupcakes
From the Recipe Creator:
I asked my grandmother for this recipe after trying these irresistible spice cupcakes at her home. I love their creamy caramel frosting. They're such a scrumptious dessert, you actually forget you're eating your vegetables, too! —Virginia Lapierre, Greensboro Bend, Vermont
Desserts Without Chocolate FAQ
What are the best dessert flavors if I can’t eat chocolate?
The best dessert flavors for those who can’t eat chocolate are vanilla, salted caramel, peanut butter, pistachio, strawberry, citrus, cinnamon, cardamom, pumpkin, maple, Earl Grey, matcha, limoncello, coffee and ube. Basically, anything warmly spiced, nutty, fruity or caramel-y is a great option. Just be mindful of sneaky white chocolate recipes—sometimes you can’t tell by the photo alone if it contains white chocolate.
What desserts without chocolate are still rich?
Desserts without chocolate that are still rich are fruit pies and tarts, vanilla cupcakes, ice cream, bread pudding, poke cakes and lemon bars. Pretty much anything with a cooked or baked custard, like creme brulee or cheesecake, will taste very rich. You can add richness quickly to chocolate-free desserts by serving them with homemade whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream or a a drizzle of homemade creme anglaise.
Are there three-ingredient desserts that don’t use chocolate?
Yes, there are many three-ingredient desserts that don’t use chocolate! Try our Scottish shortbread, jelly sandwich cookies, strawberry cake mix cookies, pineapple angel food cake, three-ingredient ice cream, lemon sorbet or our super-easy palmier cookies. All these recipes use three ingredients or fewer, and many have optional mix-ins or toppings like whipped cream and sprinkles, so you can make it your own.
