Not every dinner menu includes an appetizer or first course, but an evening meal without dessert is unthinkable. No matter how satisfying your entree and sides are, at least one person at the table will be crushed without a sweet ending to the meal.

Making dessert doesn't have to be a hassle. Make ahead desserts are ideal, whether they're baked, chilled or frozen. This collection includes all the tastes people love the most in desserts, including fruits, nuts, chocolate and peanut butter. No sweet tooth will go unsatisfied, no matter which one you choose as the finale for your next dinner.

Pineapple upside-down cupcakes
So much easier and cuter than a traditional pineapple upside-down cake, these individual desserts delight all ages. A spoonful of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream is the ideal finishing touch. Be sure to generously spray the insides of the muffin tins to ensure the gooey brown sugar topping doesn't stick. Get the recipe here.

Reese's peanut butter cup brownies
Peanut butter and chocolate in one bite is an out-of-body experience. This brownie recipe has 12 whole standard-size peanut butter cups in it, along with 2 cups of chocolate chips. To take it over the top, add peanut butter to the batter. Get the recipe here.

No bake cookies and ice cream cake
With only four ingredients, you can make an ice cream cake that rivals a store-bought one. Simply layer pre-made ice cream sandwiches with loads of lightly sweetened whipped cream, finish the outside with whipped cream frosting, and top it with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. No leftovers on this one. Get the tutorial here.

Macadamia chocolate chip shortbread cookies
Three outstanding flavors combine to create cookies that are sure to invoke a wave of oohs and ahhs: buttery, melt-in-your mouth shortbread, mini-chocolate chips, and scrumptious macadamia nuts. This recipe is easy to make ahead of time and serve as dessert with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tumbler of ice cold milk. Get the recipe here.

No bake strawberry ice box cake
Simplicity makes this a go-to dessert you can make the night before, and make it look brand new at the last minute. Layers of graham crackers, strawberries and whipped cream magically meld overnight in the refrigerator. Right before serving, top the cake with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Voila! Elegance on demand. Get the tutorial here.

Twinkie strawberry cheesecake shortcake
The indomitable Twinkie, which is rumored to have a shelf life longer than many humans, stars in this creamy strawberry dessert that requires no baking. A cross between two of America's favorite desserts, it's always a winner. Soaking the Twinkies in orange juice adds a delightful level of flavor.
Get the recipe here.

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