We are a nation of takeaway lovers, and while that may conjur images of curries, fried chicken and chips, there is also a growing demand for express desserts. With increasingly indulgent offerings of waffles, cookie dough, crêpes and ice cream, dessert cafés are luring in a loyal following of sweet-toothed supporters. So, if puddings-to-go are your thing but you don’t have the time or money to secure a special treat, fear not: we have an unashamedly decadent selection of ‘fakeaway’ desserts that can easily be made at home.
1. Cookie dough pizza
With a soft, gooey centre and crisp edges, our giant homemade cookie dough pizza is every dessert lover’s slice of heaven. It’s super-easy to make with the kids for a weekend baking project and can be topped with a mix of your favourite treats. Best served warm with a dollop of ice cream, this sweet pizza is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Check out more cookie recipes
2. Bubble waffles
An increasingly popular street-food treat, bubble waffles offer the chance to wrap your ice cream in a deluxe cone of crisp honeycomb bubbles and pile them high with lavish toppings – an Instagrammer’s dream. The batter can be made using a special cast-iron mould that you can buy online. Believe us, it’s worth making your own for the alluring aroma as they cook.
Try more waffle recipes
3. Pancakes
Crêpes are a simple but scrumptious café favourite and when it comes to toppings, the more indulgent the better! We love ours with a moreish blueberry cheesecake filling consisting of cream cheese, tangy blueberries, crushed biscuits and nuts. Lay out a pick ‘n’ mix spread of ingredients for everyone to help themselves.
Discover more crêpe recipes and pancake topping ideas
4. Ice cream sundae
Design your own showstopping ice cream sundae for a decadent party dessert. This crunchy peanut banoffee sundae combines alternating layers of peanut butter and caramel sauce, with ice cream, sliced bananas and salted peanuts. Complete with a crispy waffle and sparklers for extra pizzaz!
Create more spectacular ice cream sundaes
5. Giant hot cookie pie
When it comes to serious indulgence, our giant hot cookie pie hits the mark. This mouth-watering mash-up combines a baked cookie dough base with gooey brownie batter and crisp mini choc-chip cookie topping. Serve it warm in a pan with gererous dollops of ice cream, then dig in.
6. White chocolate cheesecake
Elevate yourself to cloud-nine levels with a luxuriously creamy white chocolate cheesecake. A dessert stalwart, our chocolatey twist on the New York cheesecake is totally easy to make yet impressive enough to be a dinner party dessert. Pair it with fresh fruit and a tangy summer berry compote to offset the richness.
Treat yourself to more cheesecake recipes
7. Banoffee waffles
Craving your weekly waffle fix? Ditch the takeaway order and embrace the novelty of making your own – it’s so easy, and this way you can decide exactly what toppings you want. We are rather fond of waffles with banana & salted caramel sauce or Greek yogurt, honey and strawberries. For best results, read our review of the best waffle makers, or alternatively you can use a griddle pan for this recipe.
8. Freakshake
If you prefer your sugar hit in liquid form, our fabulous Eton mess freakshake will not dissapoint. Quit queuing for this milkshake extravaganza and make your own in less than half an hour. We’ve taken the standard strawberry blend and given it a magical makeover with white chocolate, candy floss, cereal and crushed pink meringues. Why not let your creativity flow and create your favourite dessert in drink form?
Whizz up more refreshing milkshake recipes
9. Brownies
Every self-respecting dessert takweaway has their signature brownie. Whether you prefer them plain or studded with crunchy peanut butter, there’s no reason to miss out on this classic chocolate treat. These gooey goodies are also freezable, so you can have them on hand for whenever the snacking urge takes you.
Browse more brownie recipes
10. Ice cream bar
Bring the ice cream van to your own home (accompanying Greensleves chimes optional!). A pop-up ice cream sundae bar is the perfect idea for a kids’ party, allowing them to customise their own cones with various flavours, sauces and sprinkles. Assemble your assortment of ice cream tubs in a large bowl or bucket filled with ice, then display alongside a selection of cones, squeezy bottles and assorted sprinkles, sweets and berries. The orders will soon start flying in!
We’ve got plenty more dessert ideas…
Top 10 ice cream desserts
Easy no-cook summer desserts
The best slow cooker desserts
Dairy-free dessert recipes
Best ever brownie recipes
What’s your favourite takeaway dessert? Leave a comment below…
