Let’s be honest—any day is a good day for dessert, but National Dessert Day? That’s a full-on excuse to indulge. Whether you’re craving cozy pumpkin cheesecake, fudgy brownies, or no-bake pies topped with whipped cream, this list has a little something for every sweet tooth. From shortcut cakes to nostalgic cookies and creamy fall favorites, these treats are perfect for October baking—or not baking (no shame in Cool Whip magic). You’re going to want to try them all.

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cake Mix

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cake Mix. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Cake Mix Carrot Cake Cookies are warmly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg and topped with creamy frosting for a cookie that tastes like the real thing.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Cookies with Cake Mix

Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake with Tofutti

Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake with Tofutti. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This rich and creamy vegan pumpkin cheesecake made with Tofutti is full of warm fall spices and topped with dairy-free whipped cream. It’s a festive, dairy-free dessert that’s sure to become a holiday staple.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake with Tofutti

Moist and Fudgy Chocolate Cake Brownies

Moist and Fudgy Chocolate Cake Brownies. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These moist chocolate cake brownies are packed with deep cocoa flavor and a tender texture that’s perfect for chocolate lovers.
Get the Recipe: Moist and Fudgy Chocolate Cake Brownies

No-Bake Chocolate Strawberry Jello Pie

No-Bake Chocolate Strawberry Jello Pie. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Jello Pie combines creamy whipped Jello with a chocolate crust and strawberry topping for a no-bake dessert that tastes just like the classic dipped treat.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Chocolate Strawberry Jello Pie

Strawberry Crinkle Cookies with Cake Mix

Strawberry Crinkle Cookies with Cake Mix. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Cake mix strawberry cookies are soft, crinkled, and sugar-coated with just five ingredients. They’re a fun, easy dessert for spring parties or everyday baking with kids.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Crinkle Cookies with Cake Mix

Homemade Starbucks-Inspired Madeleines

Homemade Starbucks-Inspired Madeleines. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These homemade Starbucks-style madeleines are soft, shell-shaped cookies with a hint of lemon zest and smooth vanilla flavor.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Starbucks-Inspired Madeleines

No-Bake Strawberry Angel Food Cake Dessert

No-Bake Strawberry Angel Food Cake Dessert. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Strawberry Angel Food Cake is a light and fruity no-bake dessert layered with Jell-O, whipped topping, and fresh berries—ideal for summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Strawberry Angel Food Cake Dessert

Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These pumpkin spice cookies are soft, chewy, and rolled in cinnamon sugar for a cozy, fall-flavored treat.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Easy S’mores Brownies with Marshmallow Topping

Easy S’mores Brownies with Marshmallow Topping. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Make these fun s’mores brownies with graham crackers, boxed mix, chocolate, and toasted marshmallows for a quick and nostalgic dessert.
Get the Recipe: Easy S’mores Brownies with Marshmallow Topping

Pecan Pie Without Corn Syrup

Pecan Pie Without Corn Syrup. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This easy pecan pie skips the corn syrup without sacrificing flavor, offering a simpler take on a classic holiday dessert.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Without Corn Syrup

Spiced Pumpkin Dump Cake with Pecans

Spiced Pumpkin Dump Cake with Pecans. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Pumpkin Dump Cake is a quick and decadent fall dessert made with spiced pumpkin, brown sugar, and a cake mix topping sprinkled with pecans.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Dump Cake with Pecans

Chewy Pumpkin Cookies with Fall Spices

Chewy Pumpkin Cookies with Fall Spices. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These soft pumpkin cookies are filled with warm spices and make a cozy, comforting treat for crisp evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Pumpkin Cookies with Fall Spices

Pistachio Cranberry Cookies

Pistachio Cranberry Cookies. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Pistachio Cranberry Cookies are chewy, nutty, and lightly tart, making them perfect for gift boxes or afternoon tea.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Cranberry Cookies

Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Boxed Mix

Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Boxed Mix. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake made with cake mix is a buttery, caramelized dessert that’s simple to prepare and always a hit at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Boxed Mix

Copycat Georgia Peach Ice Cream Sandwich

Copycat Georgia Peach Ice Cream Sandwich. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Georgia peach ice cream sandwich is a sweet copycat of the Masters classic—fun to make, easy to serve, and sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Georgia Peach Ice Cream Sandwich

Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler with Store-Bought Crust

Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler with Store-Bought Crust. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Old-fashioned peach cobbler features juicy peaches and a warm spice blend beneath a flaky crust—easy comfort food at its best.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler with Store-Bought Crust

Creamy Orange Jello No-Bake Pie

Creamy Orange Jello No-Bake Pie. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This creamy orange Jell-O pie is a light, no-bake dessert made with just a few ingredients—perfect for summer parties.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Orange Jello No-Bake Pie

No-Bake Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

No-Bake Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

No-Bake Pumpkin Pie is creamy, spiced, and ready in minutes, making it a simple, make-ahead dessert for fall gatherings.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

Creamy Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Pie

Creamy Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Pie. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie features a rich, creamy filling in an Oreo crust for a decadent, fuss-free dessert.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Pie

Easy No-Bake Millionaire Pie

Easy No-Bake Millionaire Pie. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Millionaire Pie is a quick, no-bake dessert with pineapple, sweet cream filling, and a graham crust—a tropical treat made for easy entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Easy No-Bake Millionaire Pie

Cranberry Lemon Bars with a Tart Twist

Cranberry Lemon Bars with a Tart Twist. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These lemon cranberry bars put a fruity spin on classic lemon squares, balancing tart lemon with the sweet bite of cranberries.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Lemon Bars with a Tart Twist

Lemon Poke Cake with Cool Whip Frosting

Lemon Poke Cake with Cool Whip Frosting. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Lemon Poke Cake is a bright, citrusy dessert soaked in lemon Jell-O and topped with lemon whipped topping and fresh garnish.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poke Cake with Cool Whip Frosting

Lemon Blueberry Cake Mix Cookies

Lemon Blueberry Cake Mix Cookies. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Lemon Blueberry Cake Cookies are soft, cake-like cookies with bursts of blueberry and a lemon glaze—great for brunches or baby showers.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Cake Mix Cookies

No-Bake Banana Split Icebox Cake

No-Bake Banana Split Icebox Cake. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Banana Split Cake layers buttery crust, creamy filling, fresh fruit, and sundae toppings for a fun dessert perfect for celebrations.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Banana Split Icebox Cake

Classic Tiramisu Layer Cake

Classic Tiramisu Layer Cake. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Tiramisu cake layers soft, coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a creamy mascarpone filling for an indulgent, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tiramisu Layer Cake

Banana Pudding Brownies with Vanilla Wafers

Banana Pudding Brownies with Vanilla Wafers. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Banana Pudding Brownies layer banana bread, pudding, and vanilla wafers into handheld treats with nostalgic Southern flavor.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Brownies with Vanilla Wafers

Easy Twix Ice Cream Cake

Easy Twix Ice Cream Cake. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Twix Ice Cream Cake combines layers of candy bars, creamy ice cream, and a crunchy cookie crust topped with caramel and chocolate drizzle.
Get the Recipe: Easy Twix Ice Cream Cake

Sour Cream Pound Cake Inspired by Augusta National

Sour Cream Pound Cake Inspired by Augusta National. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This sour cream pound cake is rich, buttery, and moist—a classic Southern dessert that’s easy enough for weeknights and special enough for holidays.
Get the Recipe: Sour Cream Pound Cake Inspired by Augusta National

Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Compote

Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Compote. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Apple Compote is a cozy, cinnamon-scented topping perfect for breakfast or dessert, filling your home with fall aroma as it simmers.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Compote

Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl

Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake is dense, fudgy, and extra rich thanks to a swirl of cream cheese—perfect for chocolate lovers.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl

Easy Apple Cobbler with Cake Mix

Easy Apple Cobbler with Cake Mix. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Apple Cobbler with Cake Mix is a warm and simple dessert that fills the kitchen with comforting fall spices—perfect for easy hosting.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Cobbler with Cake Mix

Black Forest Cherry Jello Pie (No-Bake)

Black Forest Cherry Jello Pie (No-Bake). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Black Forest Cherry Jello Pie puts a refreshing twist on the classic cake with layers of chocolate, cherry filling, and creamy texture.
Get the Recipe: Black Forest Cherry Jello Pie (No-Bake)

Cherry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese

Cherry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Cherry Dump Cake is a rich dessert layered with sweet cherries, creamy filling, and a golden sponge topping—serve with ice cream for a decadent finish.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese

No-Bake Cherry Delight with Pie Filling

No-Bake Cherry Delight with Pie Filling. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Cherry Delight is a creamy no-bake dessert with a graham crust, smooth filling, and a sweet cherry topping for a classic, crowd-pleasing treat.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Cherry Delight with Pie Filling

No-Bake Cheesecake Cups with Graham Crust

No-Bake Cheesecake Cups with Graham Crust. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

No-Bake Cheesecake Cups are a simple, individual dessert with a graham cracker base and creamy cheesecake filling—perfect for easy entertaining.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Cheesecake Cups with Graham Crust

Peanut Butter Cookies with Cake Mix

Peanut Butter Cookies with Cake Mix. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and made with just five ingredients—an easy sweet treat for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cookies with Cake Mix

Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake

Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake layers tender biscuits, fresh strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream for a nostalgic, shareable dessert.
Get the Recipe: Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake

Bisquick Peach Cobbler with Easy Prep

Bisquick Peach Cobbler with Easy Prep. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Bisquick Peach Cobbler is a buttery, golden-baked dessert with juicy peaches and a fluffy biscuit topping that’s perfect for beginners.
Get the Recipe: Bisquick Peach Cobbler with Easy Prep

Authentic Italian Almond Biscotti

Authentic Italian Almond Biscotti. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Learn how to make authentic Italian Almond Biscotti with this easy recipe from Jul’s Kitchen—crisp, citrus-scented, and perfect with coffee or tea.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Italian Almond Biscotti

Funfetti Cookies with Cake Mix

Funfetti Cookies with Cake Mix. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies are colorful, soft-baked treats bursting with sprinkles and nostalgia—perfect for birthdays or quick baking projects.
Get the Recipe: Funfetti Cookies with Cake Mix

Dark Chocolate and Strawberry Tarts (Gluten-Free)

Mini chocolate tarts with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce, surrounded by fresh strawberries and a spoonful of cocoa powder on a light surface.
Dark Chocolate and Strawberry Tarts (Gluten-Free). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These Dark Chocolate Strawberry Tarts are rich, fruity, and gluten-free—with no refined sugars or dairy, they’re a guilt-free indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate and Strawberry Tarts (Gluten-Free)

Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix

Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Crock Pot Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix is a warm, fruity dessert with cinnamon-spiced peaches and a golden topping—just add ice cream for a perfect finish.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix

Cool Whip Lemon Cookies (4 Ingredients)

Cool Whip Lemon Cookies (4 Ingredients). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Cool Whip Lemon Cookies are soft, citrusy, and made with just four ingredients—easy to customize and great for spring gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cool Whip Lemon Cookies (4 Ingredients)

Fresh Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Fresh Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This moist Strawberry Cake is made with real fruit and topped with strawberry frosting—ideal for spring parties or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Easy Cool Whip Frosting for Any Flavor

Easy Cool Whip Frosting for Any Flavor. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Cool Whip Frosting is thick, creamy, and easy to flavor—this versatile, four-ingredient recipe is perfect for topping any dessert.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cool Whip Frosting for Any Flavor

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Recipes My Mom Got From Grandma That Are Our Favorites Today

Two bowls of creamy chicken pot pie soup with vegetables, each topped with three golden biscuits, sit on a wooden board next to a black and white checkered towel. A spoon rests in one bowl.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup Image Credit: Intentional Hospiality

There’s just something about a recipe that’s been handed down through generations—it hits differently. From creamy chicken and dumplings to sweet potato cornbread and Grandma’s peach cobbler, these dishes carry the flavor and the feeling.

Get All The Recipes: Recipes My Mom Got From Grandma That Are Our Favorites Today