6 shortcuts for simple and accessible desserts

When you want to end dinner on a sweet note, but also keep things simple, there are a few easy tricks you can apply. Here’s a list of recipes made with accessible ingredients that’ll help you save time when it comes to baking simple desserts, no matter the occasion.

Tip #1: Top with chocolate-hazelnut spread

It isn’t always necessary to prepare an icing or homemade chocolate sauce to garnish a recipe. Store-bought chocolate-hazelnut spread, such as Nutella®, already has the perfect texture to decorate cookies or cupcakes, or to add a chocolatey touch to bread pudding.

Tip #2: Use the microwave

Many desserts can be baked directly in the microwave when you need a quick fix, like this simple apple-raspberry crisp. Start by softening the fruit before adding the granola, pecans and butter.

Tip #3: A fondue with store-bought desserts

Serving a dessert fondue, such as chocolate or maple, along with fruit is a classic, but to switch things up, try using pieces of cut-up donuts, diced vanilla sponge cake or mini brownies. Simply make your own fondue and buy the dippers.

Tip #4: Bake with croissant dough

Croissant dough is designed to rise perfectly in no time at all. You can therefore use it to make original desserts that go beyond the simple croissant, like these maple swirls. Simply roll the dough into swirls and top with a mix of maple syrup and cream for an easy dessert reminiscent of sticky buns.

Tip #5: Use puff pastry

A French pastry classic, puff pastry allows you to create flaky desserts without breaking a sweat. Try this twist on the classic pets-de-soeur pinwheels by spreading chocolate spread or caramel on rolled-out dough, which you then roll into a cylinder and slice.

Tip #6: Double the pizza dough

Making pizza for dinner? Don’t forget to either buy a second dough or bake an extra one so that you can make a dessert version for the end of your meal. Simply garnish with chocolate spread, caramel and chocolate bar pieces for a sweet treat that’ll delight everyone at the dinner table.