Our best cakes, pies, cookies, and more!
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
There’s nothing we love more than a make-ahead recipe.
We gathered dozens of make-ahead dessert options so you might be prepared regardless of the occasion.
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It can be made ahead of time for extra easy entertaining.
Just add the topping to the top of the cheesecake just before serving.
It can also be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
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When made three days in advance, it can be stored at room temperature.
Wrapped and refrigerated, it lasts for a week.
And frozen whole or sliced, it can last up to three months.
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Knock-You-Naked Brownies
As the name suggests, these brownies are quite impressive.
Once made, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
This Mississippi Mud Pie consists of layers of chocolatey goodness that can be refrigerated and kept days in advance.
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Just add the whipped cream layer the day you want to serve.
Keep your tasty mini gardens in the fridge for up to three days.
Strawberry-Banana Pudding Icebox Cake
The summery flavors of this cake are a welcome escape from the heat.
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Besides the whipped cream and berry topping, everything can be prepared up to a day in advance.
Old-Fashioned Gingerbread
This year, all Santa wants by the tree is old-fashioned gingerbreadhe told us himself.
This recipe can be stored for up to three days in advance.
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Don’t forget a wintry sprinkle of powdered sugar and dollop ofBrown Sugar-and-Ginger Whipped Cream.
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
Cake mix cookies?
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The higher oil content in these cookies helps them save better than other recipes.
Triple Chocolate Brownie-Mousse Stacks Recipe
Brownie and mousse combine powers in these wonderful serving-sized stacks.
Wow everyone with this multi-layer, Instagram-worthy cheesecake.
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Your family will be incredibly impressed when you show up with this layered stunner.
This stunner is a labor of love, but the payoff is unreal.
No one will know you prepared it up to three days in advance.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter-Fudge Bars
Who doesn’t love peanut butter and chocolate together?
Strawberry-Pretzel Icebox Pie
Remember thatStrawberry-Pretzel Jello SaladGrandma brought to every potluck when you were a kid?
This reimagined pie version of it will give your generation a whole new reason to love the flavor combo.
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Cherry Pie Bars
Bars are the idealhandheld dessertfor bringing to potlucks and picnics.
This version tastes like cherry pie without the fuss of a pie crust.
Make the bars and store them up to three days ahead of your gathering.
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