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While you may often hear the expression, “easy as pie,” anyone who has made the dessert knows just how complicated and time-consuming it can be. When the warm weather hits, the last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time and effort in the kitchen baking complicated recipes that require multiple steps. Luckily, we’ve rounded up 15 treats that you can whip up with only a few ingredients and under 30 minutes, so you can get outside and enjoy your patio cookout, picnic in the park, or just some quality time with loved ones. From decadent chocolate cakes and fruity crisps to cookies and bars, we have a variety of options that both adults and kiddos will absolutely swoon over.
1. Easy Strawberry-Almond Tarts
Forget the hassle of making pie dough and try a tortilla instead! Buttered and sugared tortillas create a sweet and crisp base for this 5-ingredient dessert. Don’t worry if you can’t find strawberries. They can easily be swapped for fresh blueberries or raspberries.
These adorable hand pies are perfectly for your next outdoor gathering. Refrigerated pie dough makes assembly a breeze, while a tangy-sweet filling of rhubarb, apples, cinnamon, and ginger makes them totally irresistible.
Low on ingredients? Cake mix subs in for cobbler topping in this simple sweet. Forget about cleaning up mixing bowls and dishes, dump the ingredients in the baking dish and get back to enjoying the sunshine.
A cross between a donut and a hand pie, this four-ingredient treat comes together with the help of ready-to-bake biscuit dough and cherry pie filling. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for a dynamite dessert.
Premade cookie dough is a super starting place if you need a dessert in a hurry. While we turn these chocolate chip cookies into the classic campfire staple with some graham crackers and mini marshmallows, get your imagination run wild and try different variations.
Homemade ice cream, without an ice cream maker? This creamy, luscious treat comes together with six simple ingredients and the help of your freezer. Change up the flavoring to suit your preference and season.
This five-ingredient cookie bar has crunchy walnuts, ooey-gooey marshmallows, and sweet dark chocolate that make for a winning combination that will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth.
Your family and friends will assume you spent hours in the kitchen on this elegant dessert. Instead, puff pastry is the store-bought secret to a tender, flaky crust that takes a fraction of the time.
Whip up these magic cookie bars with one of our favorite pairings: peanut butter and chocolate. Chop whole graham crackers in a food processor if you can’t find ready-made crumbs.
10. Piñata Cupcakes
Filled with candies and sprinkles, each cupcake has a sweet surprise inside. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these festive treats will hit the spot every time.
11. Frozen Lime Ice Cream Pie
What is easier than a no-bake dessert? Just combine sherbet, ice cream, and whipped topping and spread the mixture in a store-bought graham cracker crust. Minimal effort, high reward, you’re sure to be the talk of the town without even breaking a sweat!
