13 Sweets You Can Make in One Hour or Less

These 13 sweet recipes are perfect for when you’re craving something delicious but short on time. Each one can be made in 1 hour or less, making them a quick solution for any dessert need. From fruity treats to rich chocolate options, there’s something here for everyone. Whether it’s for a last-minute gathering or a simple weeknight dessert, these sweets have you covered.

A stack of three lemon sugar cookies with one cookie leaning against the stack, in front of jars of milk. — Lemon Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll (gluten-free)

My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll is a gluten-free dessert that takes around 30 minutes to make. The fluffy sponge is filled with fresh peaches, creating a light, fruity treat. The sweetness of the peaches pairs perfectly with the airy cake. It’s a great option for those who need a quick, gluten-free dessert.
Get the Recipe: My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll (gluten-free)

Pear-chocolate strudel

A small round plate with two pieces of baked pastry, likely with a filling, on a glass table. The pastry pieces appear flaky and golden. Two metal forks are placed next to the plate, one resting on the plate's edge and the other on the table. — Pear-chocolate strudel. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This pear-chocolate strudel is a warm, flaky dessert ready in 30 minutes. The combination of ripe pears and rich chocolate creates a sweet, slightly tart filling wrapped in crisp pastry. Each bite offers a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors. It’s an easy, elegant dessert for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Pear-chocolate strudel

Cookies and Cream Hot Chocolate Bombs

These cookies and cream hot chocolate bombs take about 20 minutes to prepare, and they’re a fun way to turn a simple cup of milk into a creamy, chocolatey treat. When melted, the bomb releases crushed cookies and white chocolate into the hot milk. The result is a rich, decadent drink perfect for chilly evenings. They’re a great treat to share with friends or family.
Get the Recipe: Cookies and Cream Hot Chocolate Bombs

Cranberry Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies

Cookies on a cooling rack on a dark surface. — Cranberry Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Cranberry chocolate chunk oatmeal cookies take 25 minutes to make and combine chewy oats with tart cranberries and rich chocolate chunks. The balance of sweet and tart flavors makes these cookies a hit for any occasion. They’re a simple yet satisfying dessert that works well with coffee or tea. These cookies are also great for holiday baking.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies

Spelt orange pecan sugar-free cinnamon buns

A skillet of freshly baked cinnamon rolls topped with white icing and sprinkled with orange zest, alongside a plate with a single served roll and a fork on a wooden table, perfect for celebrating Mother's Day. — Spelt Orange Pecan Sugar-Free Cinnamon Buns. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

These spelt orange pecan cinnamon buns are sugar-free and take about 30 minutes to prepare. They’re flavored with orange zest and pecans, giving them a nutty, citrusy taste without any added sugar. The soft dough is complemented by the stevia-sweetened glaze. It’s a healthier option for those who crave something sweet in the morning.
Get the Recipe: Spelt orange pecan sugar-free cinnamon buns

Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream

A slice of key lime pie, perfect for a summer vacation, topped with whipped cream and a lime garnish, served on a white plate with decorative edges. — Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Key lime pie with coconut whipped cream is a tart and creamy dessert ready in just 30 minutes. The zesty lime filling pairs beautifully with the light coconut whipped cream. It’s a refreshing treat that’s perfect for warmer days. This pie is a great choice for anyone who loves the balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream

Peach Crumble Bars

These peach crumble bars take about 30 minutes to bake and are filled with sweet, juicy peaches and topped with a buttery crumble. The combination of soft fruit and crispy topping makes for a delicious dessert or snack. They’re perfect for summer when peaches are in season. Enjoy them warm or chilled for a simple, flavorful treat.
Get the Recipe: Peach Crumble Bars

Pineapple Ice Cream Cakes

A cheesecake dessert with a graham cracker crust, a middle lemon layer, and a creamy top, served with caramel sauce on a white plate. This fresh and fruity dessert is perfect for savoring during your summer vacation. — Pineapple Ice Cream Cakes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Pineapple ice cream cakes are a refreshing treat that takes about 25 minutes to prepare. The combination of sweet pineapple and creamy ice cream makes for a tropical dessert perfect for hot days. The layers of pineapple and ice cream create a cool, fruity flavor in every bite. These cakes are easy to make and fun to serve at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Ice Cream Cakes

Salted Bourbon Caramel Shortbread Cookies

Salted bourbon caramel shortbread cookies are a sweet and salty treat that’s ready in 30 minutes. The rich caramel flavor is enhanced by a hint of bourbon, and the buttery shortbread provides the perfect base. Each cookie has a delicate balance of sweetness and saltiness. They’re ideal for a quick dessert or holiday cookie platter.
Get the Recipe: Salted Bourbon Caramel Shortbread Cookies

Citrus Dream Tart

A meringue-topped dessert is placed on a white plate, surrounded by slices of red and yellow citrus fruits. Green leaves are arranged around the plate on a dark surface, making it one of the perfect fresh fruity desserts for summer. — Citrus Dream Tart. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The citrus dream tart is a bright and refreshing dessert that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The tart is filled with a zesty citrus filling, balanced by a buttery crust. It’s a light, flavorful option that works well for spring or summer gatherings. Each bite is a burst of citrusy goodness with a crisp crust.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Dream Tart

Sticky Date Pudding with Pinot Noir

A serving of warm pudding topped with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of red berry sauce, presented on a rustic wooden table alongside festive pine branches and red berries. — Sticky Date Pudding with Pinot Noir. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sticky date pudding with Pinot Noir is a rich and moist dessert ready in about 30 minutes. The sweetness of the dates is perfectly balanced by the depth of the Pinot Noir. This gluten-free dessert is a great choice for those who want something indulgent yet quick. It’s a flavorful treat to enjoy any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Date Pudding with Pinot Noir

Dipped Ice Cream Cones with Homemade Magic Shell

Six waffle ice cream cones filled with various scoops of fresh and fruity desserts, all topped with sprinkles, are arranged on a marble surface. — Dipped Ice Cream Cones with Homemade Magic Shell. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Dipped ice cream cones with homemade magic shell take just 15 minutes to prepare and are a fun, customizable dessert. The magic shell hardens into a crisp chocolate coating that cracks with every bite, while the ice cream stays creamy underneath. It’s a playful treat that both kids and adults will love. These cones are perfect for a quick dessert on warm days.
Get the Recipe: Dipped Ice Cream Cones with Homemade Magic Shell

Lemon Sugar Cookies

Lemon sugar cookies take 20 minutes to bake and are bursting with fresh lemon flavor. The cookies are soft with a slight crisp around the edges, making them a delightful balance of texture and flavor. The bright lemon taste makes them perfect for any occasion. These cookies are quick to make and great for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Sugar Cookies