Everyday dessert favourites

Sweet but simple, everyday desserts can turn even the most mundane Monday into something rather special. If you're a keen baker, try making a cake at the weekend to enjoy for several days. Simple, much-loved crowd pleasers like a banana loaf always go down well and, as a bonus, are a great way of using up fruit that's on the turn. A chilled cheesecake is another popular choice, and can be prepared in advance in just a few minutes.

You might not want to eat too much sugar for an everyday pudding, so try fruit recipes. Quick crumbles are lovely in winter, while layers of fruit and thick Greek yoghurt — a sort of mini parfait — work well at any time of year. Fruit salad is a waistline-friendly option that always tastes great.

Techniques for easy dessert making

A few core techniques can make dessert preparation feel far more manageable, even for beginners:

• Whisking adds air to ingredients like egg whites or cream, helping desserts achieve a lighter texture
• Folding gently combines light and heavy mixtures without knocking out air
• Chilling allows desserts to set properly and develop the right consistency

Many desserts involve separating eggs, then whisking the whites until they stiffen. An electric whisk makes this much easier, although it can also be done by hand with a bit of effort. Folding, on the other hand, requires a lighter touch. It involves carefully mixing whipped cream or egg whites into a heavier base using slow, deliberate movements to preserve texture.

Desserts often need time in the fridge to set, and this step can’t be rushed. Planning ahead helps here. Make desserts several hours or even a day in advance, cover them well, and chill until ready to serve.

Lighter and alternative dessert ideas

The good old-fashioned British pudding is now an endangered species. Instead, generations of cooks are turning to new, lighter desserts which satisfy a sweet tooth but aren't stodgy or overly sugary. Best of all, they can often be made quickly, so you won't need to waste your precious time in the kitchen.

Sugar-free dessert ideas

Sugar-free desserts might more accurately be called low-sugar desserts. They don't contain any added sugar, but they do rely on natural sweetness from fruit. Pretty much any fruit can be made into a tasty dessert with a bit of preparation work. Apple recipes are particularly popular. Try baked apples stuffed with nuts and raisins — a real treat on a cold winter's day — or apple wedges stir-fried with honey and ginger.

Some low-sugar desserts use very dark chocolate, the type that has a deep, bittersweet flavour. This can be an acquired taste, as it's very different from a standard chocolate bar, but fans love its almost coffee-like complexity.

Dairy-free dessert inspiration

Whether you're lactose-intolerant, vegan, or just curious about trying new recipes, dairy-free desserts are tasty treats. Coconut milk is one of the best substitutes for milk. It's vegan-friendly and has a wonderfully thick, creamy texture. Keep in mind that it does have its own distinctive flavour. Another unexpected substitute is avocado, which is rich and creamy. Don't tell the kids!

There are also many desserts that are naturally dairy-free, so they don't require any kind of substitution. Sorbets are a great alternative to ice cream, with a wonderfully light texture. A classic carrot cake is traditionally made without dairy, using oil rather than milk. Just make sure to top it with a dairy-free alternative to cream cheese icing.

No-bake desserts for easy family sharing

On a weekday evening, turning the oven on can feel like a chore, as well as a waste of electricity. After enjoying family meals with the kids, consider trying one of these no-bake desserts. Many can be made in advance and chilled, like an elegant parfait or a classic trifle.

Some no-bake desserts are particularly suitable for making with kids. Fridge cake is great fun, especially if yours includes digestive biscuits, which the young ones can smash up with a rolling pin.

Building confidence making desserts at home

Everyone loves a home-cooked dessert. It feels special, almost magical, and it's a reminder of the love and care that previous generations used to cook up. However, many people never make desserts themselves, worried about difficulty levels and timing.

Bring some of the magic back to your kitchen with homemade desserts that are suitable for everyday occasions. They don't need to be elaborate. Simple dishes like trifle and crumble are popular with young and old alike and will never go out of fashion. These tasty treats can add a touch of cheer to a dreary weekday and are a great addition to any keen cook's meal plan.

Dessert FAQs

What are the most popular desserts to make at home?

Apple crumble, cheesecake and trifle are among the most popular desserts to make at home. Many people also like making baked goods such as brownies or sponge cake for tasty desserts, although these can be quite time-consuming.

What are some easy desserts that don’t require baking?

Trifle, parfait, and chilled cheesecakes don't need baking. One of the best no-bake desserts is fridge cake. It’s simple to make, keeps well and is an ideal recipe to try with the kids.

What desserts can be made with simple ingredients?

Many desserts can be made with simple ingredients. For example, you can mix pretty much any kind of fruit with Greek yoghurt to make a simple take on a fool. Soft berries or bananas work particularly well.

What are good dessert ideas for family meals or gatherings?

For a family meal, go for a dessert that can easily be scaled up, like a cheesecake or a large trifle. Tiramisu is a sophisticated option, but the coffee content makes it unsuitable for children.

How can desserts be prepared ahead of time?

A huge number of desserts can be prepared ahead of time and left to chill in the fridge. Many desserts require setting time. Make sure you make them far enough in advance so they set completely.