Dessert

43 Make-Ahead Desserts for Effortless Entertaining

These desserts mean one less thing to worry about at your next gathering.
43 MakeAhead Desserts for Effortless Entertaining
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Susan Kim

Make-ahead desserts are pretty much the onlydinner party dessertswe consider when we're planning a gathering; when friends are together, we don't want to miss out on the conversation because we're hidden in the kitchen fussing with last-minute prep. The recipes below, which include a fewno-bake desserts, also give you a way to avoid cranking your oven in the heat of the afternoon. You'll find crowd-pleasingfrozen desserts, cakes that actually taste better as they sit, and creamy, prep-ahead cheesecakes that seem to appear miraculously just as the dinner dishes are cleared. Scroll down so you can prep these sweets in advance, focus on the rest of your menu, and settle in for a good time.

  • A Philly fluff cake on a plate being sliced to serve.
    Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich
    1/43

    Philly Fluff Cake

    A lot ofcake recipescount as make-ahead desserts—they don't need to be served hot out of the pan. But aPhilly Fluffmight be even better the day after it's made, since the flavor concentrates and the crumb softens nicely.

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  • Photo by Andrew Purcell, Prop Styling by Paige Hicks, Food Styling by Carrie Purcell
    2/43

    Lemon Curd Tart With Olive Oil

    Olive oil in the crust gives this tart's shell a rich, crumbly texture. But the tangy lemon curd, which needs at least two hours in the fridge to set, will really steal the show.

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  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Molly Baz
    3/43

    3-Ingredient Fudge Pops

    Better than store-bought, but as easy aseasy dessertscould be.

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  • Ellen Silverman
    4/43

    Banana Pudding

    Boxed pudding mix is fine, but homemade custard makes this banana pudding truly special. Prep it up to a few days in advance, and just add the crumble before serving.

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  • Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Stevie Stewart
    5/43

    Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake

    The best graham cracker crust for a pre-ahead cheesecake starts bybrowning your butter. A swirl of raspberry purée adds tangy flavor. Active prep time here is under an hour, and it can all happen earlier in the day or up to three days in advance.

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  • Photo by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Yekaterina Boystova
    6/43

    Panna Cotta

    This classic, simple prep-ahead dessert can paired with any fruit that's in season—or shavings of chocolate if you prefer.

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  • Photo by Louise Hagger
    7/43

    Tamarind Caramel Brownies

    These swirled brownies harness the tangy-sweet power oftamarind caramel.

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  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Nathaniel James, Food Styling by Simon Andrews
    8/43

    Chocolate Mousse

    This restaurant-worthy chocolate mousse first appeared in the December 2002 issue ofGourmet, and it's been a reader favorite ever since.

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  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks
    21/43

    Diner-Style Rice Pudding

    Comfort in a bowl, coming right up. Swirl in some molasses at the end, or top with a dusting of nutmeg.

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  • Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich
    22/43

    Chocolate Pots de Crème

    These chocolate pots look fancy, but making them is a cinch—and all the work happens up to two days ahead.

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  • By Stephanie Foley
    23/43

    Tiramisu

    This old school dessert is a classic for a reason—everyone simply loves it. Serve withfrozen amaroto really wow your guests.

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