40 Warm Desserts for a Bite of Comfort on a Chilly Night
They're just what you need to get cozy.
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Baking from scratch is one of the greatest joys in life. But let's face it, sometimes having to wait to dig in feels like such sweet torture. Many recipes call for you to cool them for a reason: either they have to set up like layered cakes or the flavors taste better after they rest. However, there are some magical desserts that are the opposite. Eat them immediately and they taste so delicious and comforting while still hot. It's time to celebrate warm desserts!
Now, you might think of the colder months when you think of warm dessert recipes. And we get it! There are so many fall desserts and winter desserts that are pure, sweet coziness on a plate. (They're even better when served with a round of hot drinks!) The apple recipes alone could take up this whole list. But don't forget all the seasonal fruit come spring and summer for all those cobblers and crisps. Need another example? There's even a fried ice cream recipe on this list. So really, warm desserts can be made and served any time of year.
Name a flavor and you're sure to find a warm dessert that's right for you. There are mug cakes, cast-iron skillet recipes, yummy doughnuts, and lots of holiday recipes that will make you so grateful that you don't have to wait a second longer to sample the sweetness. So what are you waiting for? The faster you bake 'em, the faster you'll eat.
Air Fryer Doughnuts
Are doughnuts a breakfast, snack, or dessert? We're going to say all three, because these warm beauties are good any time of day. And you can make them any time, too, since you just need a can of biscuits.
Get Ree's Air Fryer Doughnuts recipe.
Apple Crumble
Ree notes, "With any good crumble, there needs to be as much topping as there is fruit filling." And this recipe certainly follows those rules. Another must is a scoop of ice cream!
Get Ree's Apple Crumble recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread
Another easy canned biscuit recipe? Monkey bread! And this seasonal version will have you wishing it was autumn all year long. It has both pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree for double the fall flavor.
Get the Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread recipe.
Brownie in a Mug
What's better: a warm brownie or a brownie you can make in less than ten minutes? Well, now you don't have to choose! Make a single serving right in the microwave.
Get the Brownie in a Mug recipe.
Apple-Raspberry Crisp With Pistachios
A pop of color and the perfect mix of sweet and tart, this crisp is well balanced on its own. But add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you'll be in heaven!
Sticky Toffee Pudding
If you've never had this quintessential English dessert, you're in for quite the sweet treat! A sweet moist cake made with dates is drenched in a thick toffee sauce for the ultimate in decadence.
Get the Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe.
Eggnog Bread Pudding
Another breakfast or dessert quandary that's only solve by eating it for both is this delectable bread pudding. It's perfect for the holiday season, soaked with eggnog and spiced with rum.
Get the Eggnog Bread Pudding recipe.
Fig Almond Cake
Want something a little different to serve? Try this bejeweled beauty made with fresh figs that sit atop a rich batter and baked to a golden brown in a skillet. Dollop with whipped cream to serve.
Get the Fig Almond Cake recipe.
Chocolate Fondue
We ask you: What doesn't taste good dipped in melted chocolate? Go savory like pretzels or sweet like strawberries. Whatever you decide to dip, know that this recipe comes together in under ten minutes. Get those skewers ready!
Get the Chocolate Fondue recipe.
Gingerbread-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls
If you're looking for a Christmasy twist on cinnamon rolls, add some gingerbread spices on the inside and lots of fun snowy toppings on the outside like coconut and sparkling sugar.
Apple Betty
Ree calls this an "I don’t have anything in my fridge or pantry" recipe. It's that easy to throw together at the last minute and no one would ever really know, because it's that good!
Get Ree's Apple Betty recipe.
Homemade Glazed Doughnuts
It took Ree years to perfect this recipe, and boy, was it worth the wait! They're light, sweet, delicious, and go perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
Get Ree's Homemade Glazed Doughnuts recipe.
Cherry Crisp
Fear not, cherry fans! You don't have to wait for the fruit to be in season for this sweet delight. Simply use frozen cherries any time of year. You just have to defrost them first.
Get the Cherry Crisp recipe.
White Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding
Clearly, we're obsessed with desserts that can be served for breakfast. If you are too, try this decadent idea. You can make it ahead and just pop it into the oven when you wake up in the morning.
Dulce de Leche Lava Cakes
Digging into an ooey gooey lava cake is pure joy. This recipe makes two servings, so it's perfect for a romantic evening with your favorite human. Or, you can easily multiply the recipe for more guests.
Get Ree's Dulce de Leche Lava Cakes recipe.
Butterscotch-Cornflake Apple Crisp
Leave it to Ree to make apple crisp even better! A rich butterscotch sauce made from scratch is drizzled on top of a crunchy cereal coating. Serve it with butter pecan ice cream for an added treat.
Get Ree's Butterscotch-Cornflake Apple Crisp recipe.
Cinnamon Rolls
Ree Drummond makes these every Christmas and swears they get better with time, but admits "not that they last for more than a few seconds." Talk about a ringing endorsement!
Get Ree's Cinnamon Rolls recipe.
Spiced Apple Mug Cake
Do you want a sweet, spicy, seasonal cake in less than 15 minutes? Great, then make this little mug cake and dig in... after you top it with ice cream, of course.
Get the Spiced Apple Mug Cake recipe.
Pear Crisp
See, we told you ice cream would be involved! Mild, sweet pears get a touch of spice and a nice crunch thanks to the crumb topping. You'll definitely want more than one warm serving, and we totally support that.
Get Ree's Pear Crisp recipe.
Apple Cobbler
If there such thing as the best excuse to go apple picking, this is it! Bubbling, sweet fruit and a crunchy top―is there anything better to make during the fall?
Get the Apple Cobbler recipe.
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