31 Days of Dessert

This recipe has been used in my family as long as I can remember. My mom would make these for us when we were young and I have continued the tradition to my own family. When my husband and I were engaged, I would send these to him during his deployment overseas. In no time, he and his buddies would have the entire container emptied. These are the best chocolate chip brownies you will ever taste! —Amanda Green, Salisbury, Missouri

A friend asked me to make a coconut and pineapple cupcake for a gathering she was hosting. Everyone agreed that this beauty took them to the tropics. The macadamia nuts are completely optional (the friend happens to be allergic), and the cupcakes are still fantastic without them. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta

Bake up the ultimate shareable cookie. For variety, replace the chocolate chips with an equal quantity of M&M's or chocolate chunks. Or go super fancy by mixing the chocolate chips and pecans into the dough, then gently folding in 1-1/2 cup fresh raspberries.—James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

I found this recipe in an old cookbook and changed it to be extra citrusy. If you’re a fan of Key lime pie, substitute lime for the lemon flavors. —Dawn E. Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

When my wonderful friend Kelly brought me a pint of strawberries, I didn’t want to just eat them straight (tempting as it was). I decided to make strawberry shortcake with my own pretty, elegant spin. These light and airy puff pastry stacks let the fruit shine. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia

I combined a couple of recipes to create these crunchy, chocolaty peanut butter marshmallow bars bursting with flavor. These bars could also pass for fudge! —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

This truffle recipe was created from ripe bananas and my imagination, and the outcome blew my family and friends away! I don’t particularly like bananas, but I could eat these truffles all day long. —Michele, Lassuy, Orlando, Florida

This dump cake recipe is wonderful topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. It works well with gluten-free and sugar-free cake mixes too. —Karin Gatewood, Dallas, Texas

The idea for these bite-sized tarts started with little chocolate bottles of brandy. For an extra dash of fabulous, I place chocolate in the bottom of each pastry cup. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

This is a delightful, fun way to serve a cupcake. I share these with the neighborhood kids and they love the ice cream cone look and ease of eating. Adults who try them say snacking on them makes them feel like kids again. —Barb Kietzer, Niles, Michigan

These irresistible bars can sweeten any holiday. —Renee Schwebach, Dumont, Minnesota

I love chocolate, caramel and hazelnuts so I came up with a recipe that has all three. If you don't have a food processor, place crust ingredients in a zip-top freezer bag and smash with a rolling pin. —Debbie Anderson, Mount Angel, Oregon

The addition of dulce de leche makes this a decadent new take on traditional seven-layer bars. You can cut this recipe in half and make it in an 8x8-in. pan. —Andrea Barlow, Hot Springs, Arkansas

When asked to bring a dessert for my boys' football team to share, I whipped up these unique blondies and was instantly named "the greatest mom" by all. —Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California

Mom and I took up cake decorating. Funfetti was our favorite cake, so we used the mix to make cutout cookies. Plain or decorated, they’re a fave at parties. —Danielle DeMarco, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

Everyone needs a fun, friendly way for kids to play with food. These “bites” are nutty and yummy when you coat bananas in chocolate and dip them into peanuts, sprinkles or coconut. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

It's amazing how the layers of this eclair torte soften overnight into a cake-like texture. Just before serving dessert, I like to dust the top with cocoa. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario

Looking for a little something special to share with friends or family? Try these crunchy treats. They’re great with coffee or a glass of milk. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin

Red wine and chocolate make an amazing pairing, especially in these rich, elegant cupcakes made for my mother’s birthday. She adores them! —Candace Cheney, Fort McMurray, Alberta

My toffee has been a traditional must-make treat for my family and friends for over 40 years. My Dad taught me to make great fudge from scratch but my toffee was his favorite candy and each time I make it, I think of him. —Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin

When we want a healthy snack, we dip bananas in yogurt, roll 'em in cereal, then freeze. Ta-da! —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia

These oatmeal coconut cookies are the stuff of happy memories. They have such a rich flavor and texture. Store them in your best cookie jar. —Catherine Cassidy, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

My sister shared the recipe for this unbelievably easy peanut butter fudge with marshmallow cream. I prefer using creamy peanut butter for this mouthwatering dessert, but the chunky style works just as well. —Mary Jane Rummel, Linglestown, Pennsylvania

If you need to learn how to make chocolate cake from scratch, this easy homemade chocolate cake recipe is a perfect place to start. It appeared on a can of Hershey's Cocoa way back in 1943. I tried it, my boys liked it and I've been making it ever since. —Betty Follas, Morgan Hill, California

My easy-to-make puff pastry crust is topped with a soft-set pudding layer that has a hint of strawberry flavor. It needs to chill for at least an hour, so it’s your new go-to for a make-ahead brunch! —Candace Richter, Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Cheesecake is the ultimate comfort food, but a big slice can be too rich. These bite-sized cheesecakes topped with apples and creamy caramel dazzle the senses. —Brandie Cranshaw, Rapid City, South Dakota

I like to make this cannoli cheesecake in the summer since it's flavorful and refreshing! And not needing to turn on the oven and heat the house up is an added bonus. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York

These coveted brownie bars are homey and chocolaty awesome. They've been a sought-after staple on Christmas cookie trays for years. —Troy Shaw, Warrenton, Oregon

These tender cutout cookies have a slight lemon flavor that makes them stand out from the rest. They're very easy to roll out compared to other sugar cookies I've worked with. I know you'll enjoy them as much as we do. —Judy McCreight, Springfield, Illinois

Sweet chocolate, creamy peanut butter and salty pretzels create a to-die-for truffle. It’s a little bite of decadence and a special indulgence for the holiday season.—Ashley Wisniewski, Champaign, Illinois

A friend shared this rich velvety mousse recipe with me. I love to cook and have tons of recipes, but this one is a favorite. Best of all, it's easy to make. —Judy Spencer, San Diego, California