This page brings together five no-bake desserts with very different textures, from creamy fudge to layered cake.
Each one uses simple mixing, chilling, or freezing steps to set without turning on the oven.
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- Easy Peanut Butter Fudge
- No Bake Payday Nut Squares
- Éclair Cake
- 3-Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe
- 3-Ingredient Strawberry Mousse Cups
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge starts with peanut butter, butter, and salt melted together in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth. Vanilla goes in next, then powdered sugar is beaten in gradually with an electric mixer until the mixture is lump-free and thick enough to press into the pan.
The prepared 8×8-inch pan is lined with parchment or foil, then the fudge is spread into an even layer and chilled for 2 hours or until firm. Once set, it lifts out easily for cutting into small squares.
Get the full Easy Peanut Butter Fudge recipe
No Bake Payday Nut Squares
No Bake Payday Nut Squares build a crunchy base by spreading half of the salted peanuts in a greased 11" x 7" pan. A stovetop mixture of butter and peanut butter chips is stirred over low heat until smooth, then combined with sweetened condensed milk and marshmallows to make a thick filling.
That filling is poured over the peanut layer and topped with the remaining peanuts, with an optional sprinkle of kosher or sea salt. After at least 2 hours in the refrigerator, the bars are set enough to cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Get the full No Bake Payday Nut Squares recipe
Éclair Cake
Éclair Cake layers graham crackers with a creamy filling made by whisking milk and instant vanilla pudding mix, then folding in thawed whipped topping. The mixture is spread in stages over a 9×13-inch dish lined with graham crackers, creating alternating layers that soften as they rest.
After the final graham cracker layer goes on top, the dessert is covered and refrigerated for at least 4 hours or overnight. Chocolate frosting is spread over the chilled top layer before serving, and a brief extra chill can help it slice more cleanly.
Get the full Éclair Cake recipe
3-Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe
The 3-Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe combines shredded coconut with sweetened condensed milk to form a sticky mixture that can be shaped by hand. Wet hands help form the mixture into logs, which are arranged on a parchment-lined cookie sheet before freezing for at least 20 minutes.
Chocolate is melted in stages, then the remaining portion is stirred in until glossy for a smoother coating. Each frozen coconut log is dipped with forks, excess chocolate is allowed to drip off, and the bars rest on the lined sheet until the coating is fully set.
Get the full 3-Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe recipe
3-Ingredient Strawberry Mousse Cups
3-Ingredient Strawberry Mousse Cups use fresh strawberries, sugar, and cold heavy cream for a light, fruit-forward dessert. The strawberries and sugar are blended into a purée, and the cream is whipped to soft peaks in a chilled bowl and beaters for the best texture.
A spoonful of cream is first mixed into the purée, then the rest is folded in gently to keep the mousse airy. The finished mixture is spooned into serving cups and chilled for 1 to 2 hours before serving.
