14 Best Desserts From Easy Cake Recipes To Homemade Cookies

Meredith Holser
Jul 02, 2024
Best Desserts

Got a strong sweet tooth? Us, too. We can’t resist a sweet treat! This guide to the best desserts will undoubtedly curb your sugary cravings. From rich chocolate desserts to lighter bites, we’ve got you covered. These must-try treats are the perfect nightcap to a hearty dinner party, or just for a casual night with the fam. Get ready to indulge and dive into deliciousness with these 14 best desserts!

Linda Xiao

Ube Coconut Cake

This stacked cake flaunts ube-flavored cake layers smothered in a sweet coconut frosting. It's one of the best desserts to make when you feel like shaking up things from the classic vanilla or chocolate cake. (via Sugarcane: Sweet Recipes from My Half-Filipino Kitchen by Arlyn Osborne for Brit + Co)

Meredith Holser

Taylor Swift's Chai Sugar Cookies

Taylor Swift's very own chai-infused sugar cookies are actually *so* easy to make. The warm spices make them especially crave-worthy for fall time, but they taste exceptionally good year-round. The chai icing is definitely non-negotiable. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Boozy Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Everything is better with chocolate. And alcohol, of course! These decadent berries are soaked in pink champagne before they're dipped in chocolate and coated in crushed pistachios. Big points for presentation here! (via Brit + Co)

Maria Provenzano

Gooey Banana Boat S'mores

Think of these ooey-gooey treats as a hybrid between a banana split and s'mores. They're totally campfire-ready, but you can also bake them in the oven at home to achieve the same melty effect. (via Brit + Co)

Lifestyle of a Foodie

Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Everyone should have a pecan pie bar recipe in their repertoire, and luckily, this one makes prepping them super easy. The shortbread crust only requires 6 ingredients. From there, you'll pour in the ultra-sweet, nutty filling, bake for a bit, and voila! The best dang bars you've ever made are ready to hit the table. (via Brit + Co)

Wonderful Pistachios

Vegan Dark Chocolate Pistachio Pudding

Psst... this vegan dessert is secretly healthy. The creamy base relies on ripe avocados and bananas, and from there, it's sweetened to your liking with cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Serve each cup with some pistachios and even more chocolate to get the good, sugary vibes going! (via Brit + Co)

Emma Fishman

Corn & Strawberry Pop-By Cake

This super-fresh strawberry cake is certifiably shareable, making it one of the best desserts to bring to large gatherings or outdoor BBQs. Prepping it with cornmeal adds a delicious savory-ish flavor and some variety in texture. It goes just as great with Greek yogurt as it does a scoop of ice cream! (via Big Night: Dinners, Parties, and Dinner Parties by Katherine Lewin for Brit + Co)

Sarah Anderson

Red Wine Pear Cake with Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate ganache? We're so in. Although it might just leave you in a dessert coma, this chocolatey cake prepped with fresh pears and red wine is very worth the extra effort in the kitchen. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Lucky Charms Ice Cream

If you've never made your own ice cream before, you need to give this nostalgic dessert recipe a try. Start by making the OG vanilla ice cream base, then toss in some Lucky Charms marshmallows (or any kind of cereal, really) to spark some real dessert-y joy! (via Brit + Co)

Half Baked Harvest

Easy Iced Lemon Loaf

This loaf is as zesty as it is sweet, which makes the perfect flavor pairing for an afternoon treat or post-dinner dessert. in this case, the moist loaf is complemented by a tangy lemon glaze. You'll absolutely wanna lick the bowl after you're done baking. (via Brit + Co)

Sarah Anderson

Sprinkle Brownie Cake Pops

These easy yet decadent cake pops give traditional brownies a run for their money. They're revamped with a decadent chocolate ganache, some skewers, and the most colorful sprinkles you can find! (via Brit + Co)

Angie Caruso

Vegan Strawberries & Cream Banana Bread Bars

These fruity bites will impress vegans and non-vegans alike. They're impressively moist and of course, perfectly sweet for treating yourself any time of day! You'll get hints of both strawberries and bananas, which work wonders when they're together. (via Brit + Co)

Half Baked Harvest

Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake

Peanut butter + chocolate = actual heaven. The two join forces in this hearty, homemade ice cream cake topped with a thick layer of melty chocolate and salty pretzels. Consider your next summer dessert found! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Even the gluten-free babes out there can enjoy some classic chocolate chip cookies, thanks to this easy recipe! The secret is using Cup4Cup's flour for the dough, which boasts a blend of cornstarch, white and brown rice flours, milk powder, tapioca, potato starch, and xanthan gum that emulates actual wheat flour to a tee. (via Brit + Co)

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This Festive Red, White, And Blue Donut Recipe Will Get You In The Fourth Of July Spirit

As a child of immigrant parents, I grew up fascinated by classic Americana motifs. My family may not have celebrated Fourth of July if it weren’t for my annual neighborhood block party, but I love our national holiday for the opportunity to dress up in red, white and blue, munch on flag-bearing cakes, and watch all the fireworks. Don’t get me wrong; I love my Taiwanese heritage, but I embrace the fact that I’m an American as well. This Fourth of July, I want to incorporate some festive patriotism in one of my favorite treats: donuts! Read on to learn how to make this grand ol’ dessert.

Ingredients:

Makes 10 donuts

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ⅔ cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup raw cane sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

Baking the donuts

1. Combine butter, oil, and sugar together in a medium bowl. Add eggs and vanilla and whisk to combine.

2. In another bowl, stir together flours, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and nutmeg. Stir half the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, then stir in buttermilk. Add the rest of the flour mixture and mix. The batter will be thick.

3. Spoon batter into a greased donut pan. Bake for 7-9 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frosting your donuts

1. Melt a tub of vanilla frosting in the microwave to make a glaze. Divide the glaze in three bowls. Add drops of blue food coloring in one bowl and red food coloring in another bowl. Mix to dye glaze.

2. In a shallow dish, spoon glaze in red, white, and blue stripes.

3. Dip donuts in glaze and set on parchment paper for glaze to set.

Combine butter, oil, and sugar together in a medium bowl. Add eggs and vanilla and whisk to combine.

In another bowl, stir together flours, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and nutmeg.

Stir half the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, then stir in buttermilk. Add the rest of the flour mixture and mix. The batter will be thick.

Spoon batter into a greased donut pan. Bake for 7-9 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

While your donuts are cooling, make the glaze. Melt a tub of vanilla frosting in the microwave. Divide the glaze in three bowls. Add drops of blue food coloring in one bowl and red food coloring in another bowl. Mix to dye glaze.

In a shallow dish, spoon glaze in red, white, and blue stripes. Dip donuts in glaze and set on parchment paper for glaze to set.

Time to paint the town red, white, and blue!

As Uncle Sam would say, “I want YOU!”

How will you celebrate the Fourth of July? Share your photos on Instagram using #britstagram, and follow us on Pinterest for more festive recipes. This post has been updated.

DIY Production and Styling: Irene Lee
Photography: Brittany Griffin

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The 10 Best Movies To Watch On An Airplane

I enjoy every single aspect of a vacation: planning, packing, even the journey itself. But there are few things I love more than settling into a flight with my favorite snacks and a movie. Figuring out exactly what to watch can feel like a hassle when there are dozens of movies to pick from, which is exactly why the Brit + Co team rounded up our favorite airplane movies to watch when you jet off on your own vacay!

Crazy Rich Asians

Warner Bros. Entertainment

Crazy Rich Asians is arguably the best airplane movie of all time (even if some airplanes have started removing it — a travesty!). The story follows Rachel, who joins her boyfriend Nick in Singapore for a wedding...then realizes he's the country's most eligible bachelor. It's got everything we want in our own holiday, including romance, travel, and incredible food.

Ocean's Eight

Warner Bros. Entertainment

I've lost count of how many times I've seen this movie, and it's always a good choice when you want a fun watch! Powerhouse women who team up for the ultimate New York City heist? The Met Gala? Rihanna, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, and Mindy Kaling? Count me in.

Eat Pray Love

Sony Pictures Releasing/Columbia Pictures

Even if your summer vacation doesn't include a trip to Italy, your airplane movie can. Eat Pray Love stars Julia Roberts as Liz, a woman who heads to the other side of the world for some soul searching after she realizes how loveless her marriage is. As expected, there's some very tasty food.

Mamma Mia!

Universal Pictures

Mamma Mia really is the gift that keeps on giving. It's an incredible birthday movie, bachelorette party movie, and airplane movie, all in one. The story follows Sophie, who invites all three of her mother's exes to her wedding to figure out which one is her father. And, naturally, they all sing ABBA the entire time.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Warner Bros. Entertainment/Dungaree Productions

For a nostalgic movie that's all about friendship, growing up, and learning how to stick up for yourself, you HAVE to watch The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, which follows Bri, Carmen, Tibby, and Lena. The girls send a single pair of jeans to one another during their first-ever summer apart.

Under the Tuscan Sun

Touchstone Pictures

Diane Lane stars as Frances, a writer who's in serious need of inspiration after her divorce. But instead of going on her own vacation or trying a new dish, she decides to buy a house in Tuscany for a change of scenery. No big deal!

The Devil Wears Prada

20th Century Studios

Fashion, New York City, and the '00s are always a recipe for success, which is why The Devil Wears Prada is one of my favorite airplane movies. Anne Hathaway stars as Andy, whose life get turned upside down when she starts working for magazine mogul Miranda Priestly.

Barbie

Warner Bros. Entertainment

Margot Robbie's Barbie movie follows the titular doll, who has to navigate the real world when her life in Barbieland starts falling apart. Not only did it become THE movie moment of 2023, but it's also an emotional, fun, and colorful summer movie we want to watch all the time.

Crazy, Stupid, Love

Warner Bros. Entertainment

If you want to laugh out loud on your flight, then Crazy, Stupid, Love is definitely the airplane movie you want to choose! It perfectly executes its multiple storylines, and the ensemble cast (which includes Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, and Steve Carrell) are pure magic together.

Harry Potter​

Warner Bros. Entertainment

There are few things more comforting than Harry Potter, so if you suffer from in-flight nerves (you're not alone TBH!!), then opt for this classic story about a boy who learns he's a wizard.

What are your favorite airplane movies to watch when you travel? Let us know on Facebook!

Lead image via Warner Bros. Entertainment

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15 Spangled 4th Of July Cupcake And Cake Recipes

You’ve got your annual Fourth of July cookout responsibilities down pat. One friend brings the pasta salad, another gladly takes care of the grilled veggie sides, and then you are happily in charge of the patriotic flag cake. But this year, you might want to shake things up. We’ve got 15 red, white, and blue cupcakes and cakes with broad stripes and bright stars to celebrate Independence Day in style.

Flag Cake

Oh Sweet Basil

 No dessert is more patriotic than a full-blown flag cake adorned with white icing, ruby raspberries, and blueberries. (via Oh Sweet Basil)

4th of July Cupcakes

The Little Blonde Baker

 Red, white, and blue are twirled to perfection to give you these slightly psychedelic vanilla cupcakes; they’re topped with a finger-lickin’ buttercream that you can easily make on your own. (via The Little Blonde Baker)

Red, White, and Blue Funfetti Cupcakes

Treats and Trends

 Funfetti has become a birthday *must,* but we’re bringin’ it for the Fourth of July with these gloriously festive cupcakes slathered in buttercream frosting. (via Treats and Trends)

Red, White, and Blue Cake Pops

Love Maegan

 With a white chocolate coating and festive sprinkles, these gorgeous cake pops are a total crowd-pleaser. They’re also really fun and easy to make, so get the kids to help! (via Love Maegan)

Red, White, and Blue Cake

What Should I Make For...

 This naked layered red velvet cake skips the festive sprinkles and replaces them with fresh berries. (via What Should I Make For…)

Fourth of July Peanut Butter Cookie Cake

Sweetest Menu

 What your Fourth of July party REALLY needs is an oversized peanut butter cookie cake covered in red and blue chocolate candies. (via Sweetest Menu)

Firecracker Cake

Love Bakes Good Cakes

 With red, white, and blue drips of delicious frosting, this vanilla cake is as exciting on the inside as it is on the outside, thanks to some crafty yet simple techniques. (via Love Bakes Good Cakes)

Patriotic Swirl Cupcakes

Two Sisters Crafting

 It’s hard to beat colorful swirls of buttercream sitting atop moist and crumbly chocolate cupcakes, amirite? Follow the simple tutorial and WOW your pals. (via Two Sisters Crafting)

Low Carb 4th of July Vanilla Berry Cake

It's Autumn's Life

 If this vanilla berry cake proves anything, it’s that you can still be festive while keeping things clean and simple. Decorated with sweet strawberries and blackberries, this dessert is low in carbs but big on flavor. (via It’s Autumn’s Life)

Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

Our Family of Seven

 This recipe brings cupcakes to a whole new level by filling ice cream cones with batter before baking. They’re then topped with icing as usual, and a maraschino cherry for good measure. (via Our Family of Seven)

Easy July 4th Ice Cream Cake

Just A Taste

This cooling ice cream cake is made with frozen pound cake, your choice of raspberry or strawberry sorbet, and a whipped topping that’s decked out in fresh berries and patriotic goodies. (via Just a Taste)

Red Velvet 4th of July Cupcakes

Your Cup Of Cake

 These ruby cakes are brimming with red velvety goodness and whipped cream icing, and topped with fresh blueberries for a touch of blue. (via Your Cup of Cake)

Red, White, and Blue Cake

Preppy Kitchen

 Bring this gawk-worthy petal cake to your Fourth of July cookout and treat your friends to three decadent layers of spongy cake and buttercream. (via Preppy Kitchen)

Red, White, and Blue Patriotic Cupcakes

Pack Momma

 Speared with sparkling stars, these cupcakes boast American pride with colorful icing and cake layers. (via Pack Momma)

American Flag Cake

Cooking Is Messy

 This cake might seem run-of-the-mill at first glance, but when you cut into it and reveal your mad baking skills, guests will be left in a complete state of awe. (via Cooking Is Messy)

This post has been updated.

cake recipescupcake recipesdessert recipes4th of july

8 Dry Shampoos That Will Make Your Day 5 Hair Look Freshly Washed

POV: You're on day 5 of your hair wash routine, and you're trying to decide whether to dry shampoo, or just try to do a slick back bun that you know will take you forever to get right. With option A, you're left with talc-like texture and heavy buildup in your hair, and option B, you're left nervous that the tight hairstyle might not help your hair thinning.

But what if I told you there were dry shampoos that didn't leave behind all that that heavy residue and buildup? What if there were a dry shampoo that felt lightweight and easy, so you could get ready in 5 minutes? Believe it or not, these actually exist, so you don't have to worry about resorting to that hour-long slick back bun process anymore! I've tried and tested these dry shampoos — some of them being completely talc-free — to give you the easiest hair routine in the morning! Here are the 8 I recommend.

Crown Affair

Crown Affair Dry Shampoo

I was gifted this product a few weeks ago, but I can say that I genuinely have fallen in love with it, and I can't wait to purchase it as it runs out. It's a nontoxic, refillable dry shampoo that comes in powder form. This dry shampoo is incredibly lightweight and blends into my roots seamlessly — so much so, that I forgot I even used it! One of my favorite dry shampoos I've used in recent years. Plus, it's an Allure Best Beauty Product Award-Winner, so you know it's good! Definitely worth the hype!

Vegamour

Vegamour Dry Shampoo

This product is an award-winning dry shampoo, not only because of it's ability to make your hair looks freshly washed, but also because of all the volume it adds to your hair. It makes your roots look fuller and more lifted than before, so you'll get a refreshed do with a little height for the day! It's a great product if you're looking for more volume in your roots alongside a more typical dry shampoo.

Amazon

Batiste Dry Shampoo

This dry shampoo is extremely effective and extremely affordable — it's only $6! I've been using this for years because I go through my dry shampoo really fast, so it's nice to have a cheaper alternative that I can go through quickly and not worry about it being too expensive. Plus, it smells amazing! You'll have fresh hair in no time!

Amazon

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo is completely talc-free, so it doesn't have the annoying buildup that a lot of dry shampoos cause. It's designed to completely get rid of excess oil that may accumulate in your hair and on your scalp. It's a great, lightweight option that won't weigh your hair down.

Amazon

Moroccan Oil Dry Shampoo

This dry shampoo is designed with lighter toned-hair in mind! It helps to blend in seamlessly with your lighter hair color, so you don't have traces of dry shampoo left behind for everyone to see. An added bonus with this one? It protects against UV damage! This is a huge plus for me as someone who is very sensitive to UV rays — especially on my scalp. The scent of this dry shampoo is just divine, as well! Grab this one to be protected, look fresh, and smell nice while you're at it.

Amazon

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day

Not only does this eliminate any oil, smell, or buildup, but it's also silicone-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free and cruelty-free — which is very rare in beauty products these days. Add this dry shampoo to your cart immediately to get the job done in a safe and sustainable way, because this product really cleans your hair.

Amazon

Dryer Detox Dry Shampoo

Anyone can use this product because it works effectively for all hair types! It smells so good, and genuinely cleanses your hair. I love to use it on my blowouts because it helps to make my hair looks clean, but also give it that voluminous, bouncy curls that I'm looking for. This one is a favorite of mine that I savor for more special occasions!

Amazon

Kristin Ess Dry Shampoo

We've got an option for all my ladies with darker tones as well, don't you worry! Another amazing aspect to this one is that it's infused with Vitamin C oil which is good for shine, making your hair look healthy, and keeping it from appearing too chalky. Lucious locks are on the way with this dry shampoo!

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Lead image via Crown Affair

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10 Easy Mediterranean Diet Snacks To Curb Any Midday Craving

If you’re eating according to the Mediterranean diet, sometimes it can be hard to sneak a snack in here and there without having to track down something that abides by the diet’s guidelines first. Luckily, there are a ton of Mediterranean diet-friendly snacks out there that you can simply buy from the store and enjoy on-the-go easily!

These 10 snacks will totally transform your snacking game – from savory to sweet, these picks satisfy any kind of craving while keeping it all healthy and delicious, per the Mediterranean diet.

Amazon

Mariani Mediterranean Dried Apricots

These dried apricot bites make the perfect sweet treat to snack on during the workday. They're nutritious, but also so delicious.

Whole Foods

Cedar's Foods Feta Dip

Cedar's Foods carries tons of tasty Mediterranean dips, but their Feta Dip reigns supreme for me. It's just the right amount of tangy and cheesy and goes wonderfully with some crisp pita chips!

Amazon

Simple Mills Veggie Pita Crackers

These pita crackers are made from a unique vegetable-based flour to deliver a third of your daily recommended intake of veggies in a single serving. They hit any crunchy craving with ease, while still being healthy for you!

Amazon

Kitchen & Love Chocolate Covered Almond Stuffed Dates

These dates are stuffed with almonds then coated in a decadent layer of 85% dark chocolate that balances everything out beautifully. You're gonna have a hard time not downing the whole bag in one sitting.

Amazon

Oloves Natural Whole Pitted Olives Variety Pack

Olives are undeniably Mediterranean, and these little packs make snacking on them on-the-go super easy. They come in flavors like Basil & Garlic, Lemon & Rosemary, and Chili & Oregano to keep your snack rotation lively.

Target

Good & Gather Red Pepper Hummus

Don't forget the hummus! It's always a great Mediterranean diet snack to have in the fridge since it's flavorful and filling, thanks to protein-rich chickpeas. This Target pick is flavored with red pepper, but you can find all sorts of different tastes at any grocery store.

Amazon

Brami Lupini Beans Snack Variety Pack

Think of lupini beans as the very-Mediterranean take on edamame. These crunchy, dried snacking legumes are slightly pickled and seasoned before being packaged, so you get all that good flavor when it's finally time to dig in. Every serving is 0 calories and has 0 grams of net carbs, so you're not sacrificing a single thing with this selection.

Amazon

Stretch Island Black Forest Fruit Strips

Since the Mediterranean diet is all about getting in tons of veggies and fruits, these purely fruity strips will fit right in. They're low-calorie and low-sugar, so you can ideally enjoy a few of 'em during each snack sesh.

Target

DeLallo Greek Feta Salad

This feta cheese salad incorporates two types of olives, oil, and spices, so it's a little bit heartier. I've eaten it as a pre-dinner snack many times. It goes super well with crispy toasted bread, or you could even enjoy it on its own if really briny foods are your vibe.

Amazon

365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil + Sea Salt Popcorn

Olive oil plays a big role in the Mediterranean diet, whether it's used as a cooking agent or a topping. In this case, it's used to pop some amazingly light popcorn that's finished off with the ideal amount of sea salt. Yum!

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