Ten quick and easy desserts intended to impress
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you have to cook dinner for unexpected guests? Or perhaps you were expecting them, but you don't have much time to whip up a three-course gourmet meal. Don't worry - we've got you covered! Here are our top 10 fast and simple dessert ideas that are sure to impress your guests.
1. No-fuss chocolate dip
It's so simple you'll be done in minutes! Step 1 - melt some chopped chocolate in the microwave (a large block should do the trick). Step 2 - arrange a variety of items that can be dipped, such as strawberries, banana slices, marshmallows, and pretzels on a pretty platter. Step 3 - serve the melted chocolate in a bowl for dipping. Voila!
2. No-bake cheesecake
This is a quick and easy recipe you can whip up in next to no time! To make it, mix cream cheese with sugar, lemon or lime zest, and vanilla extract until it becomes smooth (amounts will depend on how many people you're feeding and how sweet or zesty you want it to taste). Then, blend some plain biscuits in a blender to make crumbs. Add melted butter to the crumbs and press the mixture into dessert cups or glasses. Next, spread the cream cheese mixture over the biscuit base and refrigerate for a few hours until it sets. Before serving, add some candied lemon or fresh berries on top. Enjoy!
3. Chocolate lava cakes
Who doesn't love a rich, decadent chocolate cake that's gooey and oozing with flavour? You can easily make this delicious dessert in no time. Start by making a simple chocolate cake batter, or if you prefer, use a chocolate cake mix from the supermarket. Grease some ramekins and fill them halfway with the batter. Then, place a piece of chocolate or truffle in the centre of each ramekin. Bake in the oven at 180°C for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centres are still gooey. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream, and enjoy the heavenly taste!
4. Fruit parfait
Prepare this dish in advance and serve when ready to eat - what could be easier? In a tall glass, layer Greek yoghurt (or coconut yoghurt), chocolate granola, and fresh fruit like berries, kiwifruit, and mango. Repeat the layers until the glass is full. Add some grated chocolate or drizzle honey or maple syrup on top for extra sweetness.
5. Affogato
One of Italy's best desserts to complete a memorable meal is affogato. To prepare it, you need to brew enough good coffee to serve everyone. Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream or gelato in a glass, pour in a small amount of your preferred liqueur (like Frangelico), and then pour the hot coffee on top. Top it off by adding some chocolate shavings or crushed hazelnuts as a garnish.
6. Mini fruit tarts
This recipe is easy and quick to make - you just need to assemble a few store-bought ingredients. Start with some pre-made tart shells bought from your local supermarket. Next, fill each shell with some lemon curd, which you can also buy from the supermarket. Top the tarts with various sliced fresh fruits and dust them with icing sugar for a nice finishing touch. Your tasty and beautiful dessert will be ready in minutes!
7. Easy-peasy peanut butter cookies
This recipe has just three ingredients - all of which can be found in your pantry. To impress your guests with a tasty dessert, try sandwiching these cookies with some indulgent ice cream! To make the cookies, mix 1 cup of peanut butter, 1 cup of sugar, and one egg. Then, scoop small portions of the dough onto a baking sheet, flatten each cookie with a fork, and bake until golden brown (about 10 to 12 minutes at 180°C). Allow them to cool before serving.
8. Berry and cream cheese stuffed French toast
Prepare this quick and delicious dessert by making a sandwich with cream cheese and fresh berries between two slices of bread or brioche. Dip the sandwich in a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon, and cook in a pan until it is golden brown and crispy. Dust with icing sugar and serve with syrup. Not only is this dessert easy and fast to make, but it's also visually appealing, making it perfect for impressing guests (or satisfying your sweet tooth).
9. Tiramisu shooters
Another Italian classic, this dessert is loved across the globe. To make it, you'll need to soak ladyfingers in coffee, then layer them in small cups with a mixture of whipped cream and mascarpone cheese. Before serving, sprinkle with cocoa powder.
10. Grilled pineapple
When it's grilled, something magical happens to pineapple – the sweetness intensifies with charring, making it a perfect dessert for summer dinners or backyard eats. Slice the pineapple into rings and brush them with honey and cinnamon. Grill for a few minutes on each side until caramelised, then serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel.
It's time to get cooking!
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