Simple Desserts For An After-Dinner Treat

Introduction

After a long, tiring day, the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours in the kitchen crafting a fancy dessert. But that doesn’t mean you have to skip a sweet ending to your meal! Sometimes, all you need is a simple, quick, and delicious dessert to satisfy your cravings after dinner, and it’s easier than you think. Whether you're hosting a midweek dinner for friends or just want something sweet to enjoy while binge-watching your favorite show, there are countless easy-to-make dessert options.

In this guide, we’ve compiled after-dinner treats that are perfect for busy weeknights. These desserts range from tangy lemon slices and rich chocolate caramel treats to fruity delights like passionfruit whip. Best of all, these recipes require minimal effort and time—many can be made in under 20 minutes! Some of these treats are no-bake, others only require a handful of ingredients, but all of them promise to deliver big on flavor. So, let’s dive into some tasty, quick, and easy desserts that you can whip up after a long day.

1. Impossible Lemon Bars

These Impossible Lemon Bars are so easy to make, they almost seem, well, impossible! All you need to do is mix the ingredients, pour them into a pan, and let the oven do the rest. The key is to let the bars cool for an hour or two after baking before placing them in the fridge to firm up. The result? Perfectly tangy, firm lemon bars that will brighten up your evening.

Why You’ll Love Them:

• Effort Level: Low – minimal prep and simple baking.
• Pro Tip: For cleaner slices, chill them for an hour before cutting.
• Perfect Pairing: Pair with a cup of chamomile tea for a relaxing dessert experience.

2. Florentines

If you love crunchy, nutty treats, then Florentines are right up your alley. These crispy, caramelized sweets are loaded with almonds and dried fruit, then finished with a layer of dark chocolate on the bottom. They’re the perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love Them:

• Effort Level: Medium – requires some careful stirring and shaping.
• Pro Tip: Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor of the chocolate.
• Perfect Pairing: Serve with espresso for a European-inspired after-dinner treat.

3. Apple & Cinnamon Slice

Nothing beats the cozy flavors of apple and cinnamon, and this Apple & Cinnamon Slice hits the spot every time. It’s a cross between a cake and a slice, with tender apples layered on a buttery, coconut-infused base. The best part? It only requires a few simple ingredients, including a pre-made cake mix.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Effort Level: Low – made easy with a store-bought cake mix.
• Pro Tip: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
• Perfect Pairing: A warm cup of spiced chai tea enhances the cinnamon flavors.

4. Jelly Cakes

Get the kids involved with this fun and colorful dessert. Jelly Cakes are playful little sponge cakes coated in jelly and rolled in coconut. They’re light, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet to round off any meal.

Why You’ll Love Them:

• Effort Level: Low – minimal baking and lots of fun.
• Pro Tip: Use different jelly flavors for a rainbow of colors on your dessert platter.
• Perfect Pairing: Pair with a fruity mocktail or lemonade for a refreshing finish.

5. 3-Ingredient Passionfruit Whip

When you're in the mood for something tropical but don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen, this 3-Ingredient Passionfruit Whip is your answer. The tangy passionfruit balances out the sweetness of the creamy base, making it a refreshing dessert that requires only 15 minutes to prepare.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Effort Level: Ultra-low – just three ingredients and 15 minutes of work.
• Pro Tip: Allow at least four hours for the whip to chill in the fridge for the best texture.
• Perfect Pairing: Enjoy with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water.

6. Chocolate Caramel Slice

This classic Australian dessert never fails to impress. The Chocolate Caramel Slice consists of three indulgent layers: a buttery biscuit base, a gooey caramel center, and a rich chocolate topping. It’s a decadent treat that takes less than an hour to make and is perfect for any chocolate lover.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Effort Level: Medium – easy to assemble, with three distinct layers.
• Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on the chocolate layer for a salted caramel twist.
• Perfect Pairing: A cold glass of milk balances the richness of this dessert.

7. No-Sugar Banana Honey Biscuits

Looking for a healthier dessert? These No-Sugar Banana Honey Biscuits are a naturally sweetened treat that hits the spot without any refined sugar. The combination of ripe bananas and honey creates a chewy, flavorful biscuit that’s perfect for satisfying those post-dinner cravings.

Why You’ll Love Them:

• Effort Level: Low – only a handful of ingredients needed.
• Pro Tip: Add a handful of oats for extra texture and fiber.
• Perfect Pairing: Serve with a cup of green tea for a light and healthy finish.

8. Healthy Cacao, Coconut, and Date Bliss Balls

These Cacao, Coconut, and Date Bliss Balls are not only delicious but packed with nutrients too. Made with dates, cacao powder, and shredded coconut, these no-bake bites are perfect for a quick after-dinner snack. Plus, they’re vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free!

Why You’ll Love Them:

• Effort Level: Low – just blend the ingredients and roll into balls.
• Pro Tip: Let the bliss balls chill for at least 20 minutes before eating for the best texture.
• Perfect Pairing: Pair with a hot cup of black coffee or tea for a satisfying, guilt-free treat.

9. Choc Caramel Anzac Biscuit Slice

This dessert combines the chewy goodness of Anzac biscuits with layers of rich caramel and chocolate. The Choc Caramel Anzac Biscuit Slice is perfect for those who love a crunchy, chewy treat with a bit of a chocolate twist.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Effort Level: Medium – a little more prep time but so worth it.
• Pro Tip: Make a batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week.
• Perfect Pairing: A flat white coffee pairs beautifully with this chewy delight.

10. Traditional Vanilla Custard

If you’re a fan of creamy, velvety desserts, this Traditional Vanilla Custard will quickly become a favorite. It’s thick, rich, and spiked with just the right amount of vanilla. Serve it warm or cold, depending on your mood, and enjoy it on its own or with a slice of cake.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Effort Level: Medium – requires stirring and patience but is foolproof.
• Pro Tip: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist.
• Perfect Pairing: Pour it over a slice of pie or crumble for the ultimate comfort dessert.

11. 3-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse

Rich, creamy, and quick to make, this 3-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse will satisfy any chocolate craving. It only takes 15 minutes to prepare and looks fancy enough to serve at a dinner party.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Effort Level: Ultra-low – three ingredients and 15 minutes are all you need.
• Pro Tip: Top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate for an elegant touch.
• Perfect Pairing: A glass of red wine complements the rich chocolate flavors perfectly.

12. Passionfruit Slice

This tropical Passionfruit Slice combines a crumbly coconut base with a tangy passionfruit topping. It’s easy to make and perfect for summer nights when you want something light but flavorful.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Effort Level: Low – simple ingredients, quick prep, and a beautiful result.
• Pro Tip: Use fresh passionfruit for the most vibrant flavor.
• Perfect Pairing: Enjoy with a refreshing glass of iced tea or sparkling water.

13. Easy Churros

Bring a taste of Spain into your kitchen with this Easy Churros recipe. These golden, crispy treats are rolled in cinnamon sugar and best enjoyed dipped in chocolate sauce or dulce de leche.

Why You’ll Love Them:

• Effort Level: Medium – frying is required, but they’re easy to make at home.
• Pro Tip: For a fun twist, serve with different dipping sauces like caramel or vanilla cream.
• Perfect Pairing: Dunk them into thick hot chocolate for the ultimate indulgence.

14. Tim-Tamington Slice

This fun hybrid dessert combines Australia’s beloved Tim Tams with the classic lamington. The Tim-Tamington Slice is a rich, chocolatey dessert that’s easy to make with just a few ingredients.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Effort Level: Low – minimal prep and a lot of flavor.
• Pro Tip: Use dark chocolate Tim Tams for a more intense chocolate experience.
• Perfect Pairing: Enjoy with a steaming cup of hot cocoa.

15. Golden Syrup ANZAC Tart

This Golden Syrup ANZAC Tart offers the chewy, coconutty goodness of ANZAC biscuits combined with a sweet toffee-like filling. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a unique dessert that brings a classic Aussie flavor to the table.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Effort Level: Medium – requires some baking, but the results are worth it.
• Pro Tip: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the best experience.
• Perfect Pairing: Pair with a strong black tea or coffee for a delicious contrast.

16. White Chocolate and Macadamia Rocky Road

For a no-fuss, no-bake dessert, try this White Chocolate and Macadamia Rocky Road. Packed with crunchy macadamia nuts and fluffy marshmallows, it’s a crowd-pleaser that takes minutes to prepare.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Effort Level: Low – just melt, mix, and chill.
• Pro Tip: Add dried cranberries or apricots for a fruity twist.
• Perfect Pairing: Serve with a sparkling dessert wine for an extra-special treat.

17. White Chocolate Crackle Fudge Slice

This White Chocolate Crackle Fudge Slice is perfect for kids and adults alike. It combines the nostalgic flavors of a classic white chocolate crackle with the creamy texture of sweetened condensed milk fudge.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Effort Level: Low – simple assembly and chilling time.
• Pro Tip: Decorate with sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch.
• Perfect Pairing: Pair with a glass of cold milk for a delightful dessert.

18. Mini Lemon and Raspberry Cakes

These Mini Lemon and Raspberry Cakes are light, zesty, and just the right size for an after-dinner treat. They’re perfect for celebrating small occasions or just because you’re in the mood for something sweet and fruity.

Why You’ll Love Them:

• Effort Level: Medium – a little more baking time but totally worth it.
• Pro Tip: Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
• Perfect Pairing: Serve with a cup of Earl Grey tea for a sophisticated touch.

19. Egg Custard Tarts

These Egg Custard Tarts are creamy, custardy, and baked in a buttery pastry shell. They’re a classic dessert that’s perfect for a tea party or just to enjoy as an after-dinner treat.

Why You’ll Love Them:

• Effort Level: Medium – requires careful mixing and baking.
• Pro Tip: Sprinkle nutmeg on top before baking for a fragrant finish.
• Perfect Pairing: Serve with a cup of hot tea for a traditional dessert experience.

20. Famous Lemon Slice Recipe

Australia’s love affair with lemons continues with this Famous Lemon Slice Recipe. It’s a zesty, creamy slice with a coconut base and a tangy lemon topping that is a hit at every gathering.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Effort Level: Low – easy to make and no-fuss.
• Pro Tip: Let it chill overnight for the best texture and flavor.
• Perfect Pairing: Pair with a glass of chilled lemonade for a double dose of citrus.

Conclusion

There’s no need to skip dessert, even on the busiest nights! With these quick and easy after-dinner treats, you can enjoy a delicious sweet treat without spending hours in the kitchen. From zesty lemon slices to decadent chocolate caramel slices, these recipes offer something for every craving, whether you prefer fruity, chocolaty, or something in between. These desserts are perfect for when you’re hosting guests, treating your family, or just indulging yourself after a long day. The best part? Most of them can be whipped up in under 30 minutes! So, whether it’s a refreshing passionfruit whip or a comforting apple cinnamon slice, there’s a simple dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. Give these recipes a try and make your weeknight dinners even more delightful!