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17 Low Effort, High Reward Desserts for the Lazy Baker

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We’ve all had those moments when the craving for something sweet hits, but the thought of preheating the oven, measuring out ingredients, and waiting for dough to rise just seems like too much effort. Fear not, my fellow lazy bakers, because I’ve got a treat for you!

chocolate dump cake with M&Ms on top in a glass baking dish.
Chocolate Dump Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These 17 low effort, high reward desserts are as easy to make as they are delightful to eat. These recipes are the perfect solution for anyone who wants to enjoy homemade goodness without the time-consuming steps and kitchen mess.

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Chocolate Dump Cake

For a dessert that’s as easy as it is indulgent, try this Chocolate Dump Cake with M&Ms. Just dump the ingredients into a pan, and let the oven transform them into a gooey, chocolatey delight. It’s a sinfully delicious treat with minimal effort and maximum reward.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dump Cake

Mini Rum Cake

Adding cherries to mini rum cakes on a white plate.
Mini Rum Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Mini Rum Cakes are a breeze to make, starting with a simple cake mix base that’s jazzed up with a rum soak. They’re topped with powdered sugar and cherries for a no-fuss yet festive presentation. Perfect for the holidays, they deliver a luxurious taste with low effort.
Get the Recipe: Mini Rum Cake

Christmas Cake Mix Cookies

Red and green cake mix cookies on a wooden cutting board.
Christmas Cake Mix Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Whip up a batch of festive Christmas Cake Mix Cookies with just six ingredients and a dash of holiday spirit. Using a cake mix cuts the prep time down significantly, so you can have homemade cookies ready in a jiffy. They’re the perfect solution for last-minute holiday baking that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cake Mix Cookies

Icebox Cake

Icebox cake with raspberries, blueberries and strawberries on a pink plate.
Icebox Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dive into the simplicity of this old-fashioned Icebox Cake, where no baking is required to achieve dessert bliss. Just layer graham crackers, fresh berries, and whipped cream, then let the fridge do the rest. You’ll be rewarded with a cool, creamy treat that’s perfect for any lazy day.
Get the Recipe: Icebox Cake

Haystack Cookies

No bake haystack cookies on a white cake stand.
Haystack Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With just four ingredients and a few minutes, you can create these tasty no-bake Haystack Cookies. They’re packed with chocolate and peanut butter flavors, making them a hit for any occasion. These cookies are the definition of easy yet satisfying—ideal for when you want a sweet fix without the work.
Get the Recipe: Haystack Cookies

Frozen Lemonade Pie

Slice of lemonade pie on a plate with lemonade in the background.
Frozen Lemonade Pie. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Frozen Lemonade Pie is a no-bake dessert that’s as refreshing as it is easy to make. With only four ingredients and five minutes of prep time, you’ll have a zesty, cool pie that’s ready to enjoy after a quick freeze. It’s the ultimate lazy baker’s solution.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Lemonade Pie

Bisquick Banana Bread

Sliced loaf of Bisquick banana bread on a cutting board with bananas in the background.
Bisquick Banana Bread. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Shortcut your way to deliciousness with this Bisquick Banana Bread, using a convenient baking mix to save time and effort. It’s a foolproof recipe that yields a moist, flavorful loaf every time. Enjoy the classic taste of homemade banana bread without the hassle of measuring dry ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Bisquick Banana Bread

Blueberry Pie Bites

Blueberry pie bomb cut in half to show the filling.
Blueberry Pie Bites. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Blueberry Pie Bites are the perfect quick fix for your dessert cravings, requiring only four ingredients to deliver a burst of blueberry goodness. They’re incredibly easy to make and even easier to devour.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Pie Bites

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Santa claus cinnamon rolls on a cooling rack.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Transform store-bought cinnamon rolls into a holiday treat with your air fryer in just 10 minutes. They come out perfectly puffed and golden, ideal for a lazy morning or a sweet snack. Shape them into Santa hats or Christmas trees with almost no extra work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Bisquick Chocolate Chip Cookies

Bisquick chocolate chip cookies on a cooling rack.
Bisquick Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Satisfy your cookie cravings with these Bisquick Chocolate Chip Cookies that come together in a snap. With just six simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you’ll be enjoying chewy, chocolatey cookies that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s the ultimate shortcut to homemade goodness.
Get the Recipe: Bisquick Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Cherry Cake

Slice of chocolate cherry cake topped with cherry pie filling.
Chocolate Cherry Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Chocolate Cherry Cake is a lazy baker’s dream, mixing a box of cake mix with cherry pie filling for a ridiculously easy dessert. Top it off with a rich chocolate glaze, and you’ve got a cake that tastes like a lot more work than it actually was. It’s the perfect cheat for a delicious cake that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Cake

Chocolate Cake Mix Donuts

halloween cake mix donuts on a cutitng board
Chocolate Cake Mix Donuts. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Indulge in homemade donuts the easy way with this Chocolate Cake Mix Donut recipe. Four ingredients and a donut pan are all you need to create a batch of chocolatey treats that can be decorated for any occasion. They’re so simple, you’ll find any excuse to make them.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cake Mix Donuts

Cool Whip Cookies

Cool whip cookies on parchment with powdered sugar.
Cool Whip Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cool Whip Cookies are the ultimate in simplicity, combining a box of cake mix with Cool Whip and an egg for a quick cookie fix. You’ll have a batch of soft, chewy cookies in no time, ready to satisfy your sweet tooth. They prove that delicious doesn’t have to be difficult.
Get the Recipe: Cool Whip Cookies

Chocolate Raspberry Ho Ho Trifle

No bake dessert trifle with Ho Hos, raspberries, pudding and whipped topping.
Chocolate Raspberry Ho Ho Trifle. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Assemble a Chocolate Raspberry Ho Ho Trifle with ease for a dessert that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. Layer Ho Ho treats with whipped cream and fruit for a decadent treat that’s sure to please. It’s a lazy baker’s dream with layers of flavor and no baking required.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Raspberry Ho Ho Trifle

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Pumpkin Dump Cake on a plate with whipped cream.
Pumpkin Dump Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This easy Pumpkin Dump Cake is a family favorite that is great for fall baking. You just dump the ingredients, mix and bake for a simple yet tasty dessert that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake

Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites

Apple pie bites cut open to show the apple filling inside.
Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites are a game-changer for anyone with a sweet tooth and a busy schedule. Wrap cinnamon apple filling in biscuit dough, air fry, and you have a flaky, comforting dessert in no time. Just five ingredients are all you need for this quick and delicious dessert.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites

Lazy Peach Cobbler

Plate with peach cobbler and a blue napkin.
Lazy Peach Cobbler. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

When you’re feeling laid-back but still want to whip up something sweet, this Lazy Peach Cobbler is your go-to dessert. It’s a cinch to throw together using fresh, frozen, or canned peaches and a handful of pantry staples. This cobbler is a warm, bubbly, and utterly comforting treat that’s ready with almost zero work.
Get the Recipe: Lazy Peach Cobbler

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17 short cut desserts for the lazy baker.
anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

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