17 Desserts Better Baked Than Bought

You know that feeling when you walk into a kitchen and catch a whiff of something incredible baking in the oven? That’s the magic of homemade desserts. And let’s be real, nothing beats sinking your teeth into a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven dessert. Whether it’s a gooey cookie, a flaky pastry, or a moist cake, homemade always wins.

Three pieces of pecan pie brownies on slate coasters.
Pecan Pie Brownies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Lemon Goldies

Three square pieces of lemon goldies on a white plate.
Lemon Goldies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

When life gives you lemons, make lemon goldies. These tangy-sweet bars are a burst of sunshine on even the cloudiest day. And since they’re homemade, you can adjust the level of tartness to your liking. Whip up a batch of these golden beauties and watch them disappear before your eyes.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Goldies

Turtle Brownies

A piece of Turtle Brownie with ice cream on a plate.
Turtle Brownies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Indulge your chocolate cravings with these decadent turtle brownies. Whether you enjoy them as a dessert after dinner or as a sweet treat with your morning coffee, these brownies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So go ahead, treat yourself to a batch of chocolatey, caramel-y goodness.
Get the Recipe: Turtle Brownies

Cookie Dough Milkshake

Cookie Dough Milkshake with a spoon and syrup in the background.
Cookie Dough Milkshake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving something indulgent? Look no further than a cookie dough milkshake. Creamy vanilla ice cream blended with chunks of cookie dough and topped with whipped cream – need we say more? So grab a straw and treat yourself to a sip of pure bliss.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Dough Milkshake

Lemon Loaf

A slice of lemon pound loaf on a plate with daffodils.
Lemon Loaf. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something comforting about a slice of lemon loaf with its moist crumb and tangy citrus flavor. Homemade lemon loaf is a far cry from the dry, overly sweet versions you find in stores. Plus, baking it at home means you can enjoy it fresh out of the oven, when it’s at its absolute best.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Loaf

Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits

Four glasses of raspberry cheesecake parfait.
Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Indulge your sweet tooth with these decadent raspberry cheesecake parfaits. Plus, assembling them in individual glasses makes for an elegant presentation. Whether you serve them at a dinner party or enjoy them as a special treat for yourself, these parfaits are sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits

Butter Scones

Two butter scones on a plate with a cup of tea on a marble surface.
Butter Scones. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Think of a warm, flaky scone, fresh out of the oven, with just the right amount of buttery goodness. Homemade scones have a texture and flavor that store-bought ones can’t quite match. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a dollop of jam and cream, these buttery delights are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Get the Recipe: Butter Scones

Lemon Cake Pops

Lemon cake pops on a white plate.
Lemon Cake Pops. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Cake pops are always a hit at parties, and these lemon-flavored ones are no exception. Plus, their bite-sized form makes them perfect for snacking on the go. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party or just craving something sweet, these lemon cake pops are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cake Pops

Double Chocolate Brookies

A plate of chocolate cookies with walnuts and chocolate pieces on the side.
Double Chocolate Brookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Can’t decide between cookies and brownies? Why not have both? Double chocolate brookies are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. With a fudgy brownie layer on the bottom and a chewy chocolate chip cookie layer on top, they’re a match made in dessert heaven. So go ahead, treat yourself to a batch of these irresistible brookies – you deserve it.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Brookies

Yellow Plum Crumble Bars

Yellow plum crumb bars on a black slate.
Yellow Plum Crumble Bars. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

When yellow plums are in season, it’s time to whip up a batch of these irresistible crumble bars. With a buttery shortbread crust, a layer of juicy yellow plums, and a crunchy oat topping, they’re a symphony of flavors and textures. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or dessert, these crumble bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Plum Crumble Bars

Pecan Pie Brownies

Three pieces of pecan pie brownies on slate coasters.
Pecan Pie Brownies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Who says you have to choose between pecan pie and brownies? With pecan pie brownies, you can have the best of both worlds. Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, fudgy brownie studded with crunchy pecans and topped with a gooey pecan pie filling. It’s a decadent dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Brownies

Raspberry Crumb Cake

A piece of cranberry crumb cake on a plate.
Raspberry Crumb Cake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

There’s something irresistible about the combination of sweet raspberries and buttery crumb topping. Raspberry crumb cake is a deliciously nostalgic treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast with a cup of coffee or as a dessert after dinner, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whip up a batch of this classic cake and watch it disappear in no time.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Crumb Cake

Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans

Zucchini Cookies on a parchment-lined tray.
Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sneak some veggies into your dessert with these zucchini cookies. Moist and chewy with chunks of chocolate and crunchy pecans, they’re a healthier alternative to traditional cookies. Whether you’re trying to use up excess zucchini from your garden or just looking for a guilt-free treat, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans

Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Chocolate Caramel Cookies.
Chocolate Caramel Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chocolate and caramel are a match made in dessert heaven, and these cookies are proof of that. Rich, chocolaty dough studded with gooey caramel pieces – need we say more? Whether you enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So go ahead, treat yourself to a batch of chocolate caramel goodness.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

An apple cinnamon roll on a plate with a spoon.
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Is there anything more comforting than the scent of cinnamon and apples wafting through your kitchen? Plus, baking them at home means you can enjoy them warm and fresh from the oven, with a generous drizzle of icing on top. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to indulge in a slice of apple pie bliss.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Buttermilk Banana Cake

Banana-Buttermilk Cake on a platter.
Buttermilk Banana Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When life gives you overripe bananas, make buttermilk banana cake. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or as a midday snack, this homemade cake is sure to hit the spot. So preheat your oven and get ready to bake up a slice of banana heaven.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Banana Cake

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles in a circle on a grey and blue plate.
Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Embrace the flavors of fall with these pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies. Soft, chewy, and packed with pumpkin spice goodness, they’re the perfect treat for crisp autumn days. These cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite. So break out the pumpkin puree and get ready to bake up a batch of autumnal bliss.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Pumpkin Chocolate Cake

Pumpkin Chocolate Cake on a white circular plate with gold rim.
Pumpkin Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combine two classic flavors of fall with this pumpkin chocolate cake. Whether you enjoy it for a Halloween party or as a Thanksgiving dessert, this homemade cake is sure to impress. So grab your pumpkin puree and get ready to indulge in a slice of autumnal decadence.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Cake

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