My go-to 9 desserts I serve that impress everyone

When you need a sweet treat that feels a little special, it helps to have a few tried and true recipes you know will wow a crowd.

These are my go-to desserts I make that are perfect for everything from family gatherings to celebrations and holidays because they look impressive. Not only that, they taste amazing!

From Oreo cheesecake to banana pudding and key lime pie, these desserts cover every kind of craving. With these in your rotation, you can confidently bring something that gets compliments before the first bite is even finished.

1. Oreo Cheesecake

Oreo cheesecake slice lifted on a spatula. — Photo Credit: Vintage Kitchen Notes

This Oreo cheesecake is loaded with chocolate cookie flavor and topped with chopped cookies and silky ganache. It even freezes well, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

Get the Recipe: Oreo Cheesecake

2. Strawberry Tiramisu

Strawberry tiramisu on a plate. — Photo Credit: Bakers Table

This strawberry tiramisu gives the classic Italian dessert a fresh twist with layers ofberries, mascarpone, and soft ladyfingers. There’s no baking required, so it comes together easily with just a handful of ingredients.

Get the Recipe: Easy Strawberry Tiramisu

3. Biscoff Cookie Butter Macarons

Biscoff cookie butter macarons on a parchment paper. — Photo Credit: Barley and Sage

These macarons are filled with cookie butter buttercream and an extra spoonful of Biscoff in the center. They are an impressive dessert perfect for any occasion.

Get the Recipe: Biscoff Cookie Butter Macarons

4. Banana Pudding

Banana pudding layered in a clear glass. — Photo Credit: Princess Pinky Girl

This homemade version of the famous banana pudding combines creamy pudding, sliced bananas, and vanilla wafers in every spoonful. It brings that bakery-style favorite straight to your kitchen without the wait.

Get the Recipe: Copycat Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding

5. French Silk Pie

French silk pie slice on a plate. — Photo Credit: I Heart Eating

A flaky butter crust holds a smooth chocolate filling that’s rich and delicious. Finished with whipped cream and chocolate curls, this pie is made for serious chocolate fans.

Get the Recipe: French Silk Pie Recipe

6. Funfetti Donut Cupcakes

Funfetti donut cupcakes on a white table. — Photo Credit: Barley and Sage

These cupcakes start with a funfetti base and are topped with vanilla bean buttercream, mini donuts, and plenty of rainbow sprinkles. They’re perfect for birthdays or any celebration.

Get the Recipe: Funfetti Donut Cupcakes

7. Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Caramel apple upside down cake on a plate.

This caramel apple upside-down cake bakes with a layer of apples that turn tender and glossy as it cooks. Once flipped, the fruit and caramel create a topping that looks as good as it tastes.

Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

8. Key Lime Pie

Key lime pie on a plate. — Photo Credit: Barley and Sage

This key lime pie pairs a graham cracker crust with a filling made from egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and fresh key lime juice and zest. A swirl of whipped cream and lime slices on top adds the perfect finishing touch.

Get the Recipe: Key Lime Pie from Scratch

9. Chocolate Layer Cheesecake

Chocolate layer cheesecake on a plate. — Photo Credit: Princess Girl

This layered dessert combines moist chocolate cake with creamy cheesecake, frosting, and a smooth ganache in between each tier. This chocolate layer cheesecake never fails and is always a showstopper.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Layer Cheesecake