60+ Gourmet Fancy Desserts That Are Impressive Yet Easy

If you are looking for the best gourmet fancy desserts to impress your friends, you have come to the right place! A delicious, sweet dessert is a delightful way to complete a meal. While there are hundreds of desserts to choose from, sometimes you want to give them an extra fancy touch for a special occasion. This list of easy, fancy dessert recipes is perfect for a dinner party or event and will have your guests raving on Instagram for days to come!

The Best Fancy Desserts

1. Limoncello Tiramisu

Take yourself to the Italian Riviera with this elegant twist on a classic Italian dessert. The filling is made with Limoncello, and the creamy lemon mascarpone is deliciously light yet decadent.

2. Blueberry Heaven on Earth Cake

Layered with moist cake, a delightful blueberry pie filling, two luscious creams, and toasted almonds, this blueberry heaven on earth cake truly lives up to its name! Impressive enough to serve at special events yet simple enough to whip up at home when craving something sweet, this dreamy dessert is bound to be a crowd favorite!

3. Chocolate Sheet Cake

If you love all things chocolate, you may have just found heaven on earth with this moist chocolate sheet cake recipe! With a fluffy chocolate sponge base and creamy double-chocolate fudge buttercream frosting, this irresistibly decadent dessert is the perfect go-to choice. Whether baking it to enjoy at home or whipping it up for a special occasion, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

4. Strawberry tiramisu

Here’s another stunning twist on a classic! You can make it ahead of time, and the ladyfingers can soak up all that juicy strawberry flavor. This is my favorite tiramisu from Spring to Summer!

5. Strawberry Lasagna

This heavenly no-bake strawberry lasagna is a great way to brighten up the dessert scene this spring or summer! Made 100% from scratch, it features an irresistible strawberry golden Oreo crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, another fresh strawberry cheesecake layer, and a fluffy whipped topping. The result is a fresh and vibrant treat perfect for picnics, potlucks, and parties!

6. Tiramisu brownies

If you’re someone who can’t ever choose between their favorite desserts, try this one. A layer of fudgy chocolate brownies sits beneath a creamy tiramisu topping, complete with ladyfingers and a dusting of cocoa powder. It is simply irresistible, and no one will have tasted anything like it before.

7. Boston Cream Poke Cake

This dreamy Boston cream poke cake transforms the classic Boston cream pie into an irresistible cake: moist vanilla cake, oozing with creamy pastry cream, and topped with a decadent chocolate ganache. Whether for an after-dinner dessert, a potluck, or a special event, this poke cake is bound to be unforgettable for anyone lucky enough to try it!

8 Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake

Have you ever baked a cake with ricotta? It gives the sponge the most amazing, moist, and creamy texture. And with a sweet, citrusy flavor and irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture, you'll be hooked! Flavored with lemon, this traditional Italian dessert always draws people back for more.

9. Profiteroles

Undoubtedly, proper profiteroles are one of the most classic French desserts you can find. Dainty choux buns filled with a crème diplomat and dipped in a glossy chocolate ganache. Surely, it's the definition of decadence! I really love making choux pastry, and I'll give you all my pro tips so you can get the perfect profiteroles every time.

10. Cream Puffs

Who doesn’t love the sight of a cream puff? A crispy choux bun filled with creamy Chantilly cream and dusted with powdered sugar epitomizes French elegance and simplicity.

11. Chouquettes

Try baking chouquettes, dainty little French sugar puffs made with choux pastry and sugar pearls. They taste delicious on their own as a sweet snack or served in a bowl with coffee.

12. Oreo Cupcakes

If you love Oreo cookies, you will really love Oreo cupcakes. The Oreo buttercream frosting is smooth and silky but laced with crumbled Oreos. Every single bite has that iconic flavor, and the intense chocolate taste is off the charts!

13. German Bee Sting Cake

The name might raise suspicions, but this stunning dessert is nothing unpleasant or painful! It's a ring of French brioche filled with vanilla pastry cream and topped with honey-glazed, crunchy almonds. If you're looking for a more challenging experience, you should definitely try it. Certainly, it should go to the top of your list of fun things to bake.

14. Chocolate Banana Cupcakes

These mouthwatering chocolate banana cupcakes are a decadent blend of rich chocolate cupcakes and sweet banana frosting. Made with a super moist chocolate sponge base and topped with a creamy homemade banana cream cheese frosting, they are fun to make, and the whole family will love them!

15. Mini Carrot Cakes

Mini Carrot Cakes with silky smooth cream cheese frosting are the perfect size for one person and have a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture and cute piped carrot decoration. They're one of my favorite desserts!

16. Coconut Cupcakes

Moist vanilla and coconut cupcakes topped with the most amazing coconut frosting and a sprinkle of fresh shredded coconut? Sign me up! Make them even more decadent and fancy with a thin shard of white chocolate.

17. Cream Puff Cake

This easy cream puff cake recipe puts a twist on the usual cream puffs, transforming bite-sized treats into a beautifully layered cake perfect for your next special occasion! Layered with homemade choux pastry, vanilla pastry cream, fluffy whipped cream frosting, and a drizzle of decadent chocolate ganache, this French-style dessert is made to impress! 

18. Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes          

Decadent chocolate cupcakes are elevated to new, fancier heights with a smooth and silky raspberry buttercream frosting. Top with some fresh raspberry compote for an even more incredible flavor to finish.

19. Raspberry Mousse

An elegant, light, and airy mousse is always on my list of fancy desserts to make. Moreover, this easy raspberry mousse recipe is much easier to make than you might think, yet it always impresses.

20. Mango Cupcakes

Get that tropical summer taste and vibe, but elevate it with sophistication. My mango cupcakes are filled with homemade mango curd and topped with the most delicious frosting. You won't be able to resist!

21. Pear Puff Pastry Tarts

You could be forgiven for thinking that because this dessert looks so fancy, it must be complicated. However, it actually uses just six basic ingredients and requires only 15 minutes of prep time. Certainly, it's one of the easiest fancy desserts on this list.

22. Pavlova Cake

This Pavlova Cake is the best dessert for Spring and Summer! A perfectly baked meringue that's crunchy on the outside and marshmallowy on the inside, topped with freshly whipped cream and juicy berries.

23. Apple Roses

Dainty and beautiful, apple roses are surely the perfect bite-size mini desserts to make when you want something easy, yet fancy and delicious. They work wonderfully in the Fall and during harvest season when apples are ripe and ready to use.

24. Crème brûlée

Crème brûlée, which translates to "burnt cream," is one of my favorite French desserts. It is a rich cream custard baked in a water bath with sugar sprinkled on top, which is torched (or brûléed) until it melts to form a hard, crunchy top layer.

25. Eclair

Eclairs are famous French pastries made from choux pastry dough, such as profiteroles or cream puffs. For the choux pastry, you will need only a few simple ingredients, including water, flour, milk, and eggs. The eclairs are baked and then filled with various creams, e.g., crème diplomate, and afterward glazed in melted chocolate ganache. They are so indulgent!

26. Paris-Brest

Pastry chef Louis Durand created the Paris-Brest dessert in 1910 to commemorate the Paris–Brest–Paris bicycle race. It is made from choux pastry piped into a circular, ring-shaped design and filled with delicious praline crème mousseline. Bakers decorate Paris-Brest with crunchy flaked almonds and powdered sugar so that each bite has the most delicious texture.

27. Funfetti Cupcakes

Make funfetti fancy with this cute cupcake recipe. The moist sponge is speckled with Funfetti, and the Funfetti buttercream frosting is silky and rich yet perfectly balanced in sweetness.

28. Mango Mousse

Mango mousse certainly makes a delicious, lighter, fancy dessert to serve at dinner parties and in the summer. I love piping fresh Chantilly cream on top and garnishing it with pieces of mango for a little added texture and even more mango flavor.

29. Coffee Cupcakes

Get that caffeine hit in your dessert with beautifully made and presented coffee cupcakes. The frosting is perfectly balanced and has just the right texture for piping, making it extra fancy.

30. Lemon Cupcakes

A zesty hit of lemon coupled with the silkiest buttercream frosting will always be a match made in heaven. In fact, this is one of my favorite cupcake recipes! The cupcake sponge is infused with lemon zest, giving every mouthful the most incredible flavor.

31. No Bake Chocolate Pie

This recipe proves that you can definitely make a fancy dessert without turning on the oven. A buttery chocolate cookie crust, decadent chocolate filling, and smooth cream topping surely make this one of the most appealing desserts ever.

32. Strawberry Mousse

Fresh berry flavor and a smooth, silky texture come together in this recipe. But it is so simple! It's a creamy and delicious mousse that undoubtedly looks so elegant and fancy served in a glass. Try it and see!

33. Raspberry Cupcakes

The taste of fresh, ripe summer berries is sure to elevate any recipe. The raspberry buttercream frosting is incredibly decadent and looks even more impressive when piped. I share all my top tips and pro advice with you too, so you can make them look as good as possible.

34. Sacher Torte

If you have ever been to Austria, you will have seen Sacher Torte in elegant cafe windows looking all fancy with its glossy chocolate glaze frosting. But did you know you can make it yourself? Try my recipe to get a fancy trip to Europe just from a bite of dessert.

35. Chocolate Mousse

Satisfy your post-dinner sweet tooth with a decade chocolate mousse cup. This fancy dessert is a chocolate lover's dream come true! Made with rich dark chocolate and topped with whipped chantilly cream and sweet chocolate shavings.

36. Hokkaido Tarts

Experience the sweet yet savory sensation of these elegant Japanese desserts. The filling of this baked cheese tart has the most amazing custard-like, creamy texture, all encased in a sweet shortcrust pastry shell. Simply put, it's divine!

37. Rum Baba

Rum baba are cute and dainty yeast cakes soaked in rum syrup and topped with a vanilla bean mascarpone frosting, making them even more luxurious and creamy. The method for making baba cakes is the same as any other brioche or sweet bread, like babka. And I promise it is worth the extra effort!

38. Mocha Cupcakes

If you love coffee and love chocolate but can't decide between the two, here is a fancy dessert recipe you should try. The chocolate cupcake base features a creamy coffee frosting on top, offering the best of both worlds!

39. Coconut Panna Cotta

This creamy Coconut Panna Cotta fits the bill for a light and refreshing dessert that won’t weigh your guests down after enjoying the food from your fancy dinner party. Italian for “cooked cream,” this dairy-free, coconut-flavored dessert is made with sweetened cream and then filled with a delicious passion fruit compote. The best part is it is super easy to make and only uses a few simple ingredients!

40. White Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Strawberries and chocolate are a perfect combination for creating the ultimate sweet treat. It is also one of the more nutritious options, featuring fresh, juicy strawberries dipped into high-quality molten chocolate. This recipe uses mild white chocolate versus dark chocolate, allowing the sweet flavor of the strawberries to shine through. Decorate it with sprinkles or edible gold dust to add the perfect fancy touch to your dessert platter.

41. Chocolate Ganache Cake

One of the best things about chocolate cake is that you can enjoy it on any occasion, whether a casual birthday party or a large celebration. This chocolate ganache cake is just one example of how you can convert this all-time crowd favorite into one of the best fancy desserts your guests will ever try. Made with a single layer of moist chocolate sponge cake and silky chocolate ganache frosting, it will surely satisfy your sweet tooth and have you dreaming about it for days to come!

42. Choux Au Craquelin

Choux Au Craquelin is another classic French dessert that makes an excellent addition to a fancy dessert table. These ball-shaped crispy cream puffs are mildly sweet and delicious, with a crunchy craquelin layer on top. The large air pocket in the center allows you to fill the puffs with the finishing touch of your choice, whether it’s a creamy vanilla bean pastry cream, whipped chocolate ganache frosting, diplomat cream, or fresh apple filling!

43. Sicilian Ricotta Pie

Although typically associated with the Easter Holiday, this classic Sicilian Ricotta pie is one of the best fancy desserts you can enjoy year-round. With a delicious “Pasta Frolla” (shortcrust pie dough) as a base, this tasty pie is filled with creamy ricotta flavored with citrusy lemon zest. The result is a silky, not-too-sweet custard-like pie that will quickly become a crowd favorite!

44. Bavarian Cream Donuts

These sweet, cream-filled donuts take buttery French brioche donuts and fill them with a traditional Bavarian cream. They are super light and have just the right sweetness for dessert or breakfast. Bavarian cream donuts are incredibly versatile, and you can fill them with an alternate filling of your choice before dusting them with regular or powdered sugar.

45. Greek Yogurt Cookies

For super moist and fluffy cookies that are just as pleasing to your eyes as they are to your palette, these Greek Yogurt Cookies will not disappoint! Made with tangy Greek yogurt and a fluffy cream cheese frosting infused with pure vanilla extract, these cookies are simple, delicious, and one of the best fancy desserts you and your guests will ever try!

46. Tiramisu Cookies

Whether you want an after-dinner dessert or a tasty complement to your morning cup of coffee, these delicious tiramisu cookies are a perfect option. A fun twist to the classic Italian dessert, this easy recipe combines espresso powder, brown sugar, and mascarpone frosting sprinkled with cocoa powder. They aren’t just a crowd-pleaser but also super easy to make!

47. Millie Feuille

This classic French pastry traditionally has three flaky layers of puff pastry alternating with two layers of a smooth, creamy filling. For the finishing touch, it is then topped with whipped cream, icing sugar, or glaze. It is a beautiful dessert you can easily serve at a fancy occasion or birthday party. The recipe is also relatively easy to follow and customize!

48. Mango Mousse Cake

Mango Mousse Cake is another super light and refreshing dessert that is great to serve after a fancy dinner party. Made with a buttery sponge layer cake and topped with an airy, yogurt-based mango-loaded mousse, this cake is fragrant, delicious, and incredibly easy to make. It is also beautiful and eye-catching– you won’t want to cut through it!

49. Ferrero Rocher Cake

Ferrero Rocher candies are often associated with fancy celebration desserts, and this rich chocolate cake is no exception! This decadent dessert features moist layers of chocolate hazelnut sponge cake, topped with a silky Nutella mousseline cream, and then adorned with generous amounts of crunchy hazelnuts and crushed Ferrero Rocher chocolates.

50. Croquembouche

Croquembouche is hands-down one of the best luxury fancy desserts you can make to impress your friends. Translating to mean “crunch in your mouth” in French, this classic French pastry dessert features creamy caramel that binds together diplomat cream-filled choux pastry puffs into an impressive cone-shaped tower. It isn’t just stunning to view, but it is absolutely delicious!

51. Baklava Cheesecake

Crispy, creamy, and light, this baklava cheesecake may be one of the best cheesecakes you will ever try! This easy, delicious cheesecake recipe elevates the traditional baklava to the next level with a light cream cheese filling placed on top of walnut-filled filo pastry layers, soaked in an aromatic honey rosewater syrup. Once you try it, you will want to make it over and over again!

52. Clafoutis

Clafoutis is another classic French recipe with a custardy, flan-like consistency and plenty of versatility, making it one of the best fancy desserts to appear on your table. Although often made with cherries, you can make it using a variety of fresh fruit. It is then topped with powdered sugar or cream and served warm. Not only is it a beautiful dessert, but it is also one of the easiest fancy dessert recipes you will ever make!

53. Fraisier Cake

Fraisier Cake most definitely takes the win when it comes to fancy strawberry cakes. Also known as French strawberry cake, Fraisier Cake consists of moist, buttery sponge layers filled with vanilla bean Crème Mousseline, layered with strawberry compote, and beautifully decorated with fresh strawberries. As impressive as this cake looks, it is pretty easy to make!

54. Pecan Upside Down Cake

Perfect for Fall or Thanksgiving, this super moist cake is festive, fancy, and the perfect combination of tender and crunchy. Pecan Upside-Down Cake features a moist, vanilla-flavored yogurt cake as its base and crunchy, caramelized pecans as its topping. Bake it in a bundt pan for a fun, upside-down appearance, or use a regular cake pan for a more traditional cake.

55. Floating Island Dessert

Also known as île flottante in France, this classic, creamy dessert is one of the best fancy desserts to consider if you want to avoid using the oven. Made with simple kitchen staples such as milk, sugar, egg, and vanilla, Floating Islands are no-bake and incredibly easy to make. Top it with nuts, chocolate bits, fruit, or a caramel glaze to make it even fancier. Did I mention that it is also gluten-free?

56. Napoleon Cake

Made with thin layers of crunchy puff pastry and silky pastry cream, the Napoleon Cake is a light, moist, and creamy dessert that isn’t only elegant but also delicious. Each of its thin layers is filled with rich vanilla pastry cream. The outside of the cake has a smooth, light layer of cream coated in finely crushed puff pastry pieces. Serve it as it is, or garnish it with fresh berries for a bright, more eye-catching appearance.

57. Madeleines

Classic French Madeleines are one of the easiest, most delicious little tea cakes you can make. I flavor them with vanilla and lemon for a classic taste, and the iconic shell shape makes them look so elegant. It's clear why this traditional French snack is so popular!

58. French Cinnamon Apple Tart

There’s nothing quite like the warm flavors of a cinnamon-apple dessert, especially on a crisp Fall evening. This fancy tart recipe has buttery pastry, cinnamon, sugar, and crisp, sweet apples arranged in a beautiful pattern and glazed to give that elegant finish.

59. Black Forest Cake

Chocolate lovers, pay attention because this black forest cake is one of the best fancy desserts you will ever see. This easy recipe takes moist chocolate sponge cake infused with cherry liqueur (optional) and then layers it with a whipped cream frosting. It is then decorated with fresh cherries and chocolate bark for a stunning, photo-worthy appearance and rich, chocolatey flavor.

60. Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Cake

If you love peanut butter, you will want to add this homemade chocolate peanut butter cup ice cream cake to your dessert menu! Layered with homemade chocolate cake and no-churn peanut butter icing, then topped with creamy chocolate ganache and chopped peanut butter cups, this decadent dessert will be the highlight of your day!

61. Strawberry Panna Cotta

This Strawberry Panna Cotta recipe is a refreshing, no-bake dessert lighter than a traditional Panna Cotta but just as delicious! Made with a combination of Greek yogurt and heavy cream, it has a richer flavor but packs fewer calories than Panna Cotta made only from heavy cream. The aromatic strawberry sauce provides just the right amount of sweetness, so no need for a ton of sugar!