10 Desserts You Can Make Without Ever Turning On the Oven

There’s a certain freedom in desserts that skip the oven. No waiting for timers, no watching for burning edges; just easy steps and delicious results, fast. No-bake treats are perfect for weeknight cravings, summer parties, or anytime you want something sweet with zero fuss. They run the gamut from creamy to crunchy, fruity to chocolatey, so there’s always something for every taste. Whether you love chilled pies, mousse, or loaded snack bars, no-bake desserts are as versatile as they are delicious. Here are ten desserts that prove the oven isn’t the only way to sweet victory.

1. No-Bake Cheesecake

No-bake cheesecake wins on both ease and flavor. It starts with a buttery graham cracker crust pressed into a pan, then topped with a filling of whipped cream cheese, sugar, and sometimes whipped cream for extra lightness. The cake sets in the fridge, coming out smooth and rich without a hint of grainy texture. Customize with fruit, caramel, or cookie pieces as toppings. Best of all, it takes just 20 minutes to assemble and can be made the day before, making it a true stress-free showstopper for any occasion.

2. Icebox Cake

Icebox cake is comfort food at its easiest. Layer cookies or graham crackers with softly whipped cream or instant pudding, then chill until everything melds into a tender, cake-like slice. Whether you keep it classic (like chocolate wafers and cream) or mix in fruit, nuts, or caramel, the options for flavor are endless. Letting it rest overnight intensifies the flavors and makes for minimal last-minute work; just slice and serve straight from the fridge.

3. Chocolate Fudge

Few things beat the simplicity (or decadence) of classic chocolate fudge. Melt together chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and a bit of butter until silky smooth. Pour into a lined pan and chill until firm. For extra flair, stir in chopped nuts, marshmallows, or a swirl of peanut butter before setting. Once cut into squares, the result is creamy, deeply chocolaty fudge that tastes like you spent hours, not minutes.

4. Peanut Butter Oat Bars

Peanut butter oat bars are a happy medium between dessert and snack. Mix rolled oats with peanut butter, honey, and a handful of chocolate chips for a naturally sweet treat that needs just chilling, not baking. The bars set up in the fridge, perfect for slicing and packing for lunch, road trips, or quick after-dinner bites. Throw in coconut, dried berries, or seeds to make each batch unique and hearty.

5. Tiramisu

Tiramisu feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to assemble at home. Layer coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a creamy mascarpone mixture, dust with cocoa, and let it all chill until set. The beauty: it comes together in about 20 minutes and tastes even better after a few hours (or overnight). Impressive to serve, yet flexible in flavor you can play with different flavors (think orange or almond) or top with grated chocolate for a special touch.

6. Banana Pudding

Banana pudding layers vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and pudding into a bowl of pure nostalgia. Each spoonful is creamy and full of texture, especially if topped with whipped cream or, Southern-style, meringue. Chill overnight for the most flavor; the cookies turn perfectly soft and the bananas infuse their sweetness throughout. It’s a crowd-pleaser that only gets better with time, making it a make-ahead favorite.

7. No-Bake Cookie Dough Bites

Safe-to-eat cookie dough bites solve the universal craving for raw dough. Mix flour (heat-treat if desired), butter, sugar, and chocolate chips for classic flavor; no eggs needed. Chill and roll into bite-sized pieces you can stash in the fridge or freezer for snacking. The fun is in the mix-ins: try sprinkles, chopped nuts, or dried fruit. They’re quick to make and even quicker to disappear.

8. Chia Seed Pudding

For something lighter, chia seed pudding is the answer. Stir chia seeds into milk (dairy or plant-based), add a little sweetener, and wait—it thickens into a cool, creamy treat by morning. Flavor it up with cocoa, vanilla, or fruit, and finish with granola or coconut for crunch. It’s healthy enough for breakfast yet satisfying enough for dessert, and perfectly chilled for hot weather.

9. Rice Krispies Treats

Chewy and nostalgic, Rice Krispies treats never go out of style. Melt marshmallows and butter, stir in crisp rice cereal, and press into a pan—done. Customize with swirls of nut butter, chocolate, or even a dash of sea salt. Easy to cut and share, they’re ideal for parties, bake sales, or a sudden craving that doesn’t want to wait for the oven.

10. Frozen Yogurt Bark

Frozen yogurt bark is as easy as it is showy. Spread creamy yogurt over a lined tray, sprinkle with colorful toppings like fruit, granola, or chocolate chips, and freeze until solid. Break into pieces for a refreshing treat that delivers coolness, sweetness, and crunch in each bite. It’s light, customizable, and an ideal way to use up extra fruit before it spoils.