20 Make-Ahead Desserts Perfect for Spring
Skip the last-minute scramble with these tasty make-ahead treats.
Make-Ahead Desserts Worth Adding to Your Recipe Box
Simple Lemon Mousse
“This classic, simple lemon mousse recipe is the refreshing dessert you need. Serve it with fresh fruit or eat it alone.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Get the recipe for Simple Lemon Mousse.
Banana Crumb Pudding
“Friends and family ask me to make my thick and creamy banana pudding for all occasions. They can’t get enough of the wonderful flavour of the fruit and the vanilla wafer crumbs. You can also top the classic Southern treat with meringue instead of whipped cream.” —Yvonnia Butner, Pinnacle, North Carolina
Get the recipe for Banana Crumb Pudding.
Angel Strawberry Dessert
“This angel dessert is a wonderful treat when fresh strawberries are readily available. Every time I make this pretty strawberry angel food cake, someone asks for the recipe.” —Theresa Mathis, Tucker, Georgia
Get the recipe for Angel Strawberry Dessert.
Grand Marnier Frozen Souffles
“This delicious frozen souffle is perfect for when the weather is warm and will impress just about anyone. It’s a great make-ahead dessert!” —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California
Get the recipe for Grand Marnier Frozen Souffles.
Strawberry Gelato
“You’ll love this smooth and creamy gelato with bright strawberry flavour and just a hint of sea salt and honey.” —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Get the recipe for Strawberry Gelato.
Lemony Limoncello Tiramisu
“This limoncello tiramisu is a delightful citrus twist on a classic Italian dessert. It’s always a favourite at holiday meals or warm-weather gatherings!” —Deena Resnick, Oregon City, Oregon
Get the recipe for Lemony Limoncello Tiramisu.
Cookie Butter Pie
“After trying Biscoff for the first time, I decided to create this no-bake cookie butter pie. You can substitute peanut butter or a different spread if you’d like.” —Katrina Adams, Mount Olive, Alabama
Get the recipe for Cookie Butter Pie.
Freezer Strawberry Shortbread Dessert
“When I’m planning party menus, I appreciate dessert recipes like this; you can make and freeze it up to two weeks before serving. A refreshing slice is welcome after a big meal.” —Cassie Alexander, Muncie, Indiana
Get the recipe for Freezer Strawberry Shortbread Dessert.
Elegant Orange Blossom Cheesecake
“The aroma of orange zest hints at how heavenly this delicate cheesecake tastes. Gingersnap cookie crumbs make a distinctive crust, while glazed orange slices become a blossomlike topping.” —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Elegant Orange Blossom Cheesecake.
Contest-Winning Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
“I love the sweet-salty flavour of this pretty layered dessert. Sliced strawberries and gelatin top a smooth cream cheese filling and crispy pretzel crust. I think it’s best when eaten within a day of being made.” —Wendy Weaver, Leetonia, Ohio
Get the recipe for Contest-Winning Strawberry Pretzel Dessert.
Apricot Almond Torte
“This pretty cake takes a bit of time, so I like to make the layers ahead of time and assemble the day of serving, making it an easier option for entertaining.” —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Get the recipe for Apricot Almond Torte.
Tangy Rhubarb Fool
“I came up with this recipe because I love mousse, and because it’s an easy way to enjoy rhubarb in a dessert that’s light and refreshing.” —Alan Mortensen, Dwight, Illinois
Get the recipe for Tangy Rhubarb Fool.
Rhubarb Tart with Shortbread Crust
“Here’s a perfect ending to a grilled springtime or summer meal! Between the creamy texture, the pretty colour and the buttery crust, this recipe is simply delightful.” —Emily Seefeldt, Red Wing, Minnesota
Get the recipe for Rhubarb Tart with Shortbread Crust.
Cool Strawberry Cream
“This fruity luscious dessert makes a wonderful ending to a special dinner. When fresh strawberries are not available, I substitute frozen unsweetened berries, thawed and drained.” —Joyce Cooper, Mount Forest, Ontario
Get the recipe for Cool Strawberry Cream.
Bird Nests
“This is a fun, kid-friendly recipe I pulled together a few years ago. My kids love helping me make these.” —Jessica Boivin, Nekoosa, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Bird Nests.
Mango Almond Icebox Cake
“This recipe was inspired by my friend who asked me to make a mango cake. It’s easy to prepare, refreshing, light, and tastes absolutely fantastic. Strawberries can be used as well.” —Rachel Simoneau, Danbury, Connecticut
Get the recipe for Mango Almond Icebox Cake.
Luscious Almond Cheesecake
“I received this recipe along with a set of springform pans from a cousin at my wedding shower years ago. It makes a heavenly cheesecake. My son Tommy has already told me he wants it again for his birthday cake this year.” —Brenda Clifford, Overland Park, Kansas
Get the recipe for Luscious Almond Cheesecake.
Orange Chocolate Mousse Mirror Cake
“A shiny, mirror-like orange glaze covers a chocolate mousse cake to create a delicious centerpiece dessert your guests will be talking about for weeks to come.” —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Orange Chocolate Mousse Mirror Cake.
Rainbow Sherbet Angel Food Cake
“Talk about a dessert that pops. Sometimes, I make this easy cake even more eye-catching by colouring the whipped cream, too. Use whatever sherbet flavour combination you like.” —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Rainbow Sherbet Angel Food Cake.
Strawberry Crunch Ice Cream Cake
“While growing up, I loved treats from the ice cream truck that rolled through my neighbourhood. This ice cream cake is inspired by one of those crunchy, strawberry novelties.” —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Strawberry Crunch Ice Cream Cake.
Next, check out 20 tropical desserts that’ll brighten your day.
