As a busy professional or parent, finding time to whip up a dessert that feels special without eating up your evening is a win. These three homemade intermediate desserts are my go-to when I crave something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Each recipe is crafted for flavor, ease, and that homemade charm we all love. I’ve been baking for years, and these treats—like my lemon raspberry tart from last summer’s family gathering—always bring smiles. Whether you’re a health-conscious baker or just want a quick dessert for your family, these recipes fit the bill. They’re intermediate, so you’ll feel like a pro without needing a culinary degree. Plus, they’re perfect for Pinterest sharing. Save these for your next sweet craving, and let’s make weeknights delicious! Pin these recipes for your dessert rotation, and let me know your favorite in the comments!
Lemon Raspberry Tart
Introduction
Nothing says summer like a zesty lemon raspberry tart, and this recipe is my weeknight hero. Growing up, my mom’s lemon desserts were a staple at family dinners, and this tart brings back those memories with its bright, tangy curd and bursts of fresh raspberries. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a buttery crust that’s easier to make than it looks. This dessert is ideal for busy professionals or parents who want a showstopper without spending all evening baking. It’s also versatile—swap raspberries for blueberries if you’re feeling adventurous! As a longtime food blogger, I’ve tweaked this recipe to be approachable yet impressive, so you can serve it at a dinner party or enjoy it as a midweek treat. Try this one and share your thoughts below!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- Optional: Blueberries or blackberries as a substitute
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix flour, powdered sugar, and butter in a food processor until crumbly. Add egg yolk and pulse until dough forms.
- Press dough into a 9-inch tart pan. Prick with a fork and bake for 15 minutes until golden.
- Whisk lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and cream in a bowl until smooth.
- Pour lemon mixture into the baked crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes until set.
- Cool tart completely, then top with fresh raspberries.
- Chill for 1 hour before serving.
Preparation Info
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Serves: 8
Customization & Tips
- Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Serve with whipped cream for a richer dessert.
Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse
Introduction
This chocolate hazelnut mousse is my secret weapon for impressing guests without breaking a sweat. I first made it for a friend’s birthday, and the creamy, nutty flavor had everyone asking for seconds. It’s a quick homemade dessert that feels indulgent but uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Perfect for health-conscious folks, you can swap in dark chocolate for a lower-sugar option. The mousse comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want something special. As a food blogger, I love how this recipe lets me play with garnishes—think chopped hazelnuts or a drizzle of caramel. It’s intermediate but approachable, so you’ll feel like a dessert pro. Whip this up and share your spin on it below!
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- ¼ cup hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella)
- 2 large eggs, separated
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup chopped hazelnuts (optional)
- Optional: Dark chocolate (70% cocoa) for a healthier twist
Preparation Steps
- Melt chocolate and hazelnut spread in a double boiler, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick.
- Stir melted chocolate mixture into yolk mixture.
- Beat egg whites to stiff peaks in a separate bowl.
- Fold egg whites into chocolate mixture gently.
- Whip cream to soft peaks and fold into the mixture.
- Spoon into serving glasses and chill for 2 hours.
Preparation Info
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling)
- Serves: 4
Customization & Tips
- Top with chopped hazelnuts or cocoa powder for extra flair.
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Serve in small mason jars for a Pinterest-worthy presentation.
Spiced Apple Galette
Introduction
This spiced apple galette is my fall favorite, reminding me of cozy evenings with my family, slicing apples and laughing over coffee. It’s a rustic, homemade intermediate dessert that looks stunning but is surprisingly simple to make. The warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors pair perfectly with tender apples, and the flaky crust is foolproof even for beginner bakers. I love this for busy weeknights because you can prep it ahead and pop it in the oven later. It’s great for families or anyone craving a comforting treat without too much fuss. As a food blogger, I’ve tested countless galette recipes, and this one’s a keeper for its balance of ease and flavor. Try it and let me know how it goes!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water
- 3 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Optional: Pear slices as a substitute
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix flour and butter in a bowl until crumbly. Add ice water and form a dough.
- Roll dough into a 12-inch circle on parchment paper.
- Toss apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Arrange apples in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border.
- Fold edges of dough over apples, pleating as you go.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Preparation Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Serves: 6
Customization & Tips
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a decadent touch.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.
- Use a mix of apple varieties for complex flavor.
Meal Prep Tips
These desserts are perfect for meal prep! Make the tart crust or galette dough ahead and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. The mousse can be prepped the night before for quick assembly.
Social Share
Pin these recipes to your dessert board, share on Facebook, or post on Instagram to spread the sweetness!
Engagement Question
What’s your go-to weeknight dessert? Share in the comments and let’s swap ideas!
