28 Desserts That Rely on a Shocking Ingredient

We created this ice cream cake to mimic the popular dessert in many Mexican restaurants without the deep frying. It’s a no-fuss treat that feeds a crowd, and it’s conveniently made ahead. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Family and friends are surprised to hear this simple cake gets it moist flavor from a jar of baby food. It's a nice, light dessert. —Denita DeValcourt, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee

Just three offbeat ingredients add up to one unique, delectable, no-bake treat. These super-easy, sweet-and-salty candy clusters make for merry munching during holiday trips or parties. They travel well in containers without melting or getting soft. —Donna Brockett, Kingfisher, Oklahoma

Cream cheese frosting may seem like an unlikely partner for a jalapeno and cornmeal cupcake, but we guarantee the treats are sure to please! —Tina Bellows, Racine, Wisconsin

These moist and cakey brownies came from my mom’s old cookbook. Mashed potatoes may seem like an unusual ingredient, but this recipe took first place at a local festival. —Marlene Gerer, Denton, Montana

Lemon and rosemary make these luscious treats a sweet surprise for a few friends. —Malorie Harris, Wildomar, California

No one will guess the secret ingredient in this amazingly rich and creamy pie. In fact, you don’t even have to tell them it’s tofu until after they’ve finished the very last crumb.—Juliana Thetford, Ellwood City, Pennsylvania

Canned tomato soup replaces some of the oil in this spice cake, decreasing the fat, boosting the color and (surprise!) enhancing the taste. —Hannah Thompson, Scotts Valley, California

My Aunt Ellie gave us the recipe for these sweet bar cookies with cinnamon and walnuts. Drizzle with icing, and serve with coffee or tea. —Diane Myers, Star, Idaho

I love the scent of lavender, and the edible flowers make this cheesecake one of the most spectacular I've tasted. You can use lavender honey in this recipe for extra flavor, but even without it, the lavender is very distinct. —Julie Palmer, Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania

I use fresh blueberries and raspberries with chocolate ganache to make cheesecake bars that dare you to walk away. —Carmell Childs, Ferron, Utah

This recipe started as an experiment in making bacon toffee, but by the time I was done I had this sweet and savory butterscotch pie. —Juliann Stoddart, Chicago, Illinois

I like sending homemade goodies to family and friends. When I couldn’t decide between brittle and spiced nuts, I combined the two into one treat. One batch fills up about six gift tins.—Leslie Dixon, Boise, Idaho

I bake these cookies for family gatherings because my crowd likes cookies thin and chewy with a crispy exterior. The toffee bits make a happy surprise.—Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois

Your pie-loving friends will be tempted by the smell of this awesome dessert baking. One slice will have them lining up for seconds.—Elizabeth Courtney, Dayton, Texas

You have to give this novel ice cream a try. It’s actually made with corn, sweetly flavored by vanilla extract and maple syrup. I plan to make this surprising treat every summer.—Diana Burrink, Crete, Illinois

I saw a bar recipe on a box of muffin mix using apple and lemon zest. I tried it from scratch with shredded zucchini and fresh blueberries instead. It’s a tasty combo. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon

Instead of a traditional pie, I like to surprise holiday guests with a silky cheesecake. Make it a day ahead and let it chill overnight. It's one less thing you'll have to make on the big day. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas

Take a trip back to the sixties with these sweetly psychedelic cupcakes. Each is a simple white cake, but tinting the batter all the colors of the rainbow makes them funky and fun!— Gwyndolyn Wilkerson, Kyle, Texas

My grandmother made these haystack cookies and gave them to my cousin Vonnie and me when our parents didn't want us to have any more sweets. —Christine Schwester, Divide, Colorado

My husband and I are always on the lookout for new ways to incorporate Jewish traditions into our interfaith home. Rich with apples, carrots and sweet potato, this sweet and spicy cake is perfect for Rosh Hashana or any fall holiday. —Molly Haendler, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Your whole house will be filled with the aroma of pumpkin spice when you bake these wonderful sweet potato cheesecake bars. They look complicated but are so easy, you can whip up a batch anytime. —Nancy Whitford, Edwards, New York

It's so much fun to surprise people with the crushed popcorn in these yummy cookies. They're definitely a distinctive cookie on the holiday tray.—Leigh Anne Preston, Palmyra, Indiana

I get a great response every time I serve this cake, and it seems like I'm forever sharing the recipe! Folks are always curious about the ingredients, and when I tell them the cake has cola in it, they are really surprised. The unusual combination of ingredients makes it moist and delicious. —Anna Baker, Blaine, Washington

If you're a sweet and savory fan like me, you'll go wild over this bacon cookie bar recipe. You just can't beat a cookie, brownie and cheesecake all mixed up and sprinkled with bacon. —Katie O'Keeffe, Derry, New Hampshire

Can't decide whether to bring chips or cookies to the tailgate? These crisp and buttery cookies make plenty for the crowd, and will keep people guessing the secret ingredient. —Rachel Roberts, Lemoore, California

As a confirmed chocoholic, this is my all-time favorite treat. I found the original recipe more than 20 years ago, but have lightened it up quite a bit. Everyone asks for the recipe, and no one suspects that it's lighter than most chocolate cakes. —Carleta Foltz, Sunrise Beach, Missouri

Some merry snacking is guaranteed when you pass out these cashew-packed goodies. I found the recipe in a flier promoting dairy products years ago. It's been a favorite standby ever since. —June Lindquist, Hammond, Wisconsin