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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    40+ Unique Desserts

    August 4, 2022 by Amee Leave a Comment

    If you're familiar with my blog, you know that Unique Desserts are my jam! I am happiest when my recipes are a little unexpected. A little over-the-top. Soooo I am very pleased to put together this roundup of all my favorites!

    Collage of Unique Desserts.

    This post may contain affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I’ll never link to anything I don’t use and love! Click here for full disclosure and privacy policy.

    So what makes a recipe unique? This roundup of Unique Desserts includes many combinations of flavors that maybe you haven't seen before. Some of them are something fairly common, like cookie dough, used in a totally different way (like in my Cookie Dough Cream Puffs and Sugar Cookie Dough Bark)!

    Oh, and one more thing: I just love a bake with color! Food colors have a time and place in my kitchen (see: birthdays and holidays), but otherwise I like to let the ingredients make my colors for me. There isn't a drop of food coloring in a single one of these recipes!

    Jump to:
    • Unique Cookies & Bars
    • Unique Cakes & Cupcakes
    • Unique Cream Puffs
    • Unique Pies
    • Unique Tarts
    • More Unique Desserts
    • Other Posts You May Like
    • 💬 Comments

    Unique Cookies & Bars

    Cookies and bars tend to be rather humble in the baking world--but not these! Each of these cookie recipes is rather unexpected, in the best possible way!

    Frosted Honey Lavender Latte Cookies on a pan with fresh lavender, coffee beans, and a jar of honey.
    Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
    These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are cream cheese sugar cookies sandwiched with swirls of strawberry cream cheese frosting!
    Check out this recipe!
    Strawberry Cream Cheese Cookies on white plate.
    Honey Lavender Latte Cookies
    These Honey Lavender Latte Cookies are espresso sugar cookies frosted with honey lavender buttercream! Your favorite drink in cookie form!
    Check out this recipe!
    Closeup of Honey Lavender Latte Cookies on a pan.
    Caramel Apple Cookies
    These Caramel Apple Cookies are crisp, buttery, and sandwiched with dulce de leche!
    Check out this recipe!
    Caramel Apple Cookies with bite on a white plate.
    Apple Crisp Macchiato Bars
    These Apple Crisp Macchiato Bars have a crisp espresso shortbread crust topped with an apple-cinnamon filling, then with a crunchy cinnamon-espresso topping! These bars are so cozy and delicious!
    Check out this recipe!
    Side view of sliced Apple Crisp Macchiato Bars with apples in the background.
    Strawberry Shortbread Cookies
    These Strawberry Shortbread Cookies have fantastic strawberry flavor thanks to freeze-dried strawberries in both the cookies and the strawberry glaze! With these cookies you can have a taste of summer year-round! Recipe can be used to make slice-and-bake shortbread or cut-outs--it's up to you!
    Check out this recipe!
    Strawberry Shortbread Cookies with Strawberry Glaze on a cooling rack, one with a bite missing.
    Strawberry Thyme Blondies
    These Strawberry Thyme Blondies are a dream combination oftextures and flavors! The browned-butter blondies are topped with astrawberry-thyme mascarpone mousse that is *almost* too pretty to eat!
    Check out this recipe!
    Top view of sliced Strawberry Thyme Blondies with cut strawberries and sprigs of thyme on top.
    Sage Cookies with Cranberry Buttercream
    These Sage Cookies with Cranberry Buttercream are an unexpected treat! The sage sugar cookies are sandwiched with cranberry buttercream, for an outstanding combination of flavors and textures!
    Check out this recipe!
    Stack of three Cranberry Sage Cookies on parchment paper with a candied sage leaf on top.
    Orange Shortbread Cookies with Cranberry Glaze
    These Orange Shortbread Cookies are the most flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread you've ever tasted! Flavored with orange zest and orange oil, with a beautiful glaze made from fresh cranberries, you'll want make these beauties for the holidays and all winter long!
    Check out this recipe!
    Stack of Orange Shortbread Cookies with Cranberry Glaze.

    Unique Cakes & Cupcakes

    This section includes layer cakes, pound cakes, cupcakes, and angel food cakes! I think I'm most proud of the angel food cakes, since most recipes focus on toppings for an angel food cake rather than flavoring the cake itself (which is one of my favorite things to do)!

    Slice of Blueberry Angel Food Cake with whipped cream and blueberries on a plate with a fork alongside.
    Blueberry Angel Food Cake
    This Blueberry Angel Food Cake is light and fluffy with serious blueberry flavor thanks to freeze-dried berries! And can we talk about that color??
    Check out this recipe!
    Slice of Blueberry Angel Food Cake with whipped cream and blueberries on a plate with a fork alongside.
    Cornmeal Pound Cake with Blueberry Whipped Cream
    This Blueberry Cornmeal Pound Cake is a slightly sweet cornmeal buttermilk pound cake topped with blueberry crème fraîche whipped cream!
    Check out this recipe!
    Closeup of sliced Cornmeal Poun
    Caramel Apple Angel Food Cake
    This Caramel Apple Angel Food Cake is a light, fluffy apple angel food cake drizzled with a caramel glaze and homemade salted caramel sauce, then topped with cinnamon apple chips!
    Check out this recipe!
    Partially eaten slice of Caramel Apple Angel Food Cake on a white plate.
    Tropical Angel Food Cake
    This Tropical Angel Food Cake is a mango-pineapple angel food cake topped with coconut whipped cream, toasted coconut, and pineapple "flowers!" This cake is light, fluffy, and has serious tropical flavor!
    Check out this recipe!
    Chocolate Champagne Cake
    This Chocolate Champagne Cake has super chocolatey champagne cake with champagne Italian meringue buttercream and dark chocolate ganache! For your next celebration, or anytime!
    Check out this recipe!
    Slice of Chocolate Champagne Cake on a black plate.
    Strawberry Angel Food Cake
    This Strawberry Angel Food Cake is light and fluffy with serious strawberry flavor thanks to freeze-dried berries! Also delicious using blueberries, with the bonus of a showstopping purple color!
    Check out this recipe!
    Slice of Strawberry Angel Food Cake on a plate with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
    Blueberry Chocolate Cake
    This Blueberry Chocolate Cake is a decadent dark chocolate cake topped with blueberry buttercream! This one-layer cake is simple, delicious, and you can't beat the color of that blueberry frosting!
    Check out this recipe!
    Slice of Blueberry Chocolate Cake on a black plate with fresh blueberries and a chamomile flower on top.

    Unique Cream Puffs

    I've made so many (insane) cream puff recipes that they get their own section! I love how a cream puff is a (delicious) blank canvas for whatever flavors you can dream up!

    Pecan Pie Cream Puffs
    These Pecan Pie Cream Puffs are brown sugar craquelin cream puffs filled with pecan pie filling and bourbon whipped cream!
    Check out this recipe!
    pecan pie cream puff on top of measuring cup
    Root Beer Float Cream Puffs
    These Root Beer Float Cream Puffs are filled with root beer pastry cream and topped with vanilla bean whipped cream! They have all the flavors of the classic soda shop treat, right down to the cherry on top!
    Check out this recipe!
    Caramel Apple Cream Puffs
    These Caramel Apple Cream Puffs are a classic cream puff filled with caramel pastry cream and apple preserves, then drizzled with homemade salted caramel sauce!
    Check out this recipe!
    Caramel Apple Cream Puffs
    Cookie Dough Cream Puffs
    These Cookie Dough Cream Puffs are filled with a smooth, fluffy, safe-to-eat chocolate chip cookie dough, then drizzled with dark chocolate ganache!
    Check out this recipe!
    Dulce de Leche Cream Puffs
    These gorgeous Dulce de Leche Cream Puffs are filled with dulce de leche cream, dipped in thick, shiny dark chocolate glaze, then drizzled with more dulce de leche!
    Check out this recipe!
    dulce de leche cream puffs
    S'mores Cream Puffs
    These S'mores Cream Puffs are a new take on the classic summer treat! These cream puffs are baked with a crispy graham cracker craquelin on top, then filled with chocolate ganache and homemade marshmallow cream! Topped with *more* ganache and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, this will be your new favorite way to enjoy s'mores--no campfire required!
    Check out this recipe!
    S'mores Cream Puff on a small white stand with chocolate and marshmallows in the foreground.

    Unique Pies

    Look, I'm as big a fan of a classic apple pie as the next person. That said, sometimes it's nice to put a twist on tradition (Apple Date Pie) or to shake things up completely with something never seen before (Blackberry Lavender Brownie Pie)!

    Slice of Coconut Mocha Pie on a white plate.
    Chocolate Coconut Pie with Dalgona Coffee Topping
    This Chocolate Coconut Pie has a toasted coconut pastry crust filled with dark chocolate custard, topped with dalgona coffee swirled with whipped coconut cream! It's toasted coconut meets a mochaccino and I am HERE for it!!
    Check out this recipe!
    Gingerbread Pumpkin Pie
    This Gingerbread Pumpkin Pie has a classic pumpkin pie filling inside a gingerbread crust! Topped with spiced whipped cream, this pie would be perfect for all your holiday festivities!
    Check out this recipe!
    Blackberry Lavender Brownie Pie
    The crust of this beauty is a fudgy brownie swirled with blackberry jam. The filling is a lavender-infused dark chocolate icebox pie, all topped with blackberry meringue. The flavors and textures are outstanding!
    Check out this recipe!
    Apple Date Pie
    This Apple Date Pie is a twist on tradition! Here, a classic flaky pastry crust is filled with spiced apples and the caramel flavors of dates and brown sugar!
    Check out this recipe!
    Top view of baked Apple Date Pie.
    Kahlua Brownie Pie
    A decadent dark chocolate Kahlua icebox pie with brownie crust, topped with three flavors of whipped cream!
    Check out this recipe!
    Pumpkin Coconut Pie
    This dreamy Pumpkin Coconut Pie puts a Fall spin on a classic! The filling is a coconut cream/pumpkin spice custard, topped with cinnamon-vanilla whipped cream, toasted coconut, and candied pumpkin seeds!
    Check out this recipe!
    Pumpkin Coconut Cream Pie

    Unique Tarts

    Another one of my favorite things to make, these tarts have lots of flavors of curds, custards, and pastry creams! I also threw in a couple galettes--not to be overlooked with their amazing flavor, and they're so much easier to make than a tart or pie!

    Slice of Chocolate Mango Tart on a white plate with whipped cream and a chocolate leaf on top.
    Rosemary Almond Apple Galette
    This Rosemary Almond Apple Galette is a rustic beauty! Its sweet pastry is filled with homemade almond paste, apples, and rosemary sugar!
    Check out this recipe!
    Top view of Rosemary Almond Apple Galette with two scoops of ice cream and chopped almonds on top.
    Mango Tart
    This summery Mango Tart has a chocolate pastry crust that's brushed with melted chocolate before being filled with mango curd and topped with fresh whipped cream and cocoa nibs! Oh, and the prettiest chocolate leaves ever!
    Check out this recipe!
    Hazelnut Fig Galette
    This Hazelnut Fig Galette has a sweet pastry crust filled with homemade hazelnut paste, topped with figs drizzled with honey and vanilla bean paste! Absolutely fantastic served with a dollop of crème fraîche!
    Check out this recipe!
    Cereal Milk Tartlets
    These Cereal Milk Tartlets have a funfetti blondie crust filled with pastry cream made with Lucky Charms cereal milk! Topped with homemade vanilla bean whipped cream and Lucky Charms marshmalows, these little cuties are magic!
    Check out this recipe!
    Ginger Grapefruit Tart
    Grapefruit rarely get the spotlight, but it's all about the sweet-tart grapefruit in this Ginger Grapefruit Tart! A sweet, grapefruit-and-ginger pastry crust filled with grapefruit curd and topped with toasted honey meringue and crystallized ginger!
    Check out this recipe!
    Apricot Tart
    This Apricot Tart is a sweet pastry crust filled with apricot preserves and a no-bake cheesecake filling, topped with fresh apricots! Cool, creamy, and delicious, it's a fantastic Summer treat!
    Check out this recipe!
    Apricot Tart on a white plate with a slice missing.
    Lilac Strawberry Galette
    This Lilac Strawberry Galette is sweet pastry filled with juicy fresh strawberries and lilac sugar! Baked to perfection, you'll love the sweet floral flavor of this beauty! No lilac sugar? Use lavender sugar, vanilla sugar, or regular granulated sugar instead!
    Check out this recipe!
    Top view of Lilac Strawberry Galette with two scoops of vanilla ice cream and lilac blossoms on top.
    Blueberry Curd Tart
    This Blueberry Curd Tart is a sweet pastry crust filled with homemade blueberry curd! You'll fall in love with both the flavor and that gorgeous color!!
    Check out this recipe!
    Slice of Blueberry Curd Tart on a white plate.
    Champagne Citrus Tart
    This Champagne Citrus Tart has an orange-scented sweet pastry crust filled with champagne pastry cream and topped with champagne-glazed citrus! A mimosa in dessert form!
    Check out this recipe!
    Champagne Citrus Tart on a white stand with flutes of champagne nearby.
    Strawberry Peach Tart
    This Strawberry Peach Tart has a sweet pastry crust filled with strawberry pastry cream, topped with fresh strawberries and peaches! It's a cool, creamy dessert with amazing summer flavor!
    Check out this recipe!
    Slice of Strawberry Peach Tart on a white plate.

    More Unique Desserts

    Last but *definitely* not least, here are all the recipes that didn't quite fit into a category. There are sweet rolls, cheesecakes, and more! My personal favorite is the Caramel Apple Shortcakes made with cornmeal biscuits!!

    Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake
    This No Bake Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is layers of strawberry and vanilla bean cheesecake in a graham cracker crust, topped with strawberry crunch topping! Completely no bake and delicious, you'll want this beauty on repeat in your kitchen!
    Check out this recipe!
    Slice of Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake on white plate.
    Apple Shortcake
    This Apple Shortcake is cornmeal buttermilk biscuits with caramel baked apples, cinnamon-cardamom whipped cream, and homemade salted caramel sauce!
    Check out this recipe!
    Apple Shortcake drizzled with salted caramel sauce on a white plate.
    Cookie Dough Cheesecake with Brownie Crust
    This Cookie Dough Cheesecake with Brownie Crust is three desserts in one! A fudgy brownie is topped with (eggless!) chocolate chip cookie dough, then with a layer of no-bake vanilla bean cheesecake!
    Check out this recipe!
    Top view of Cookie Dough Cheesecake with Brownie Crust.
    Lemon Curd Cheesecake with Lemon Cookie Crust
    This Lemon Curd Cheesecake is a lemon lover's dream! This beauty has a lemon sugar cookie crust topped with no-bake lemon cheesecake, homemade lemon curd, and whipped cream!
    Check out this recipe!
    Slice of Lemon Curd Cheesecake on a fluted plate with yellow flowers and lemons in the background.
    Caramel Apple Marshmallows
    These Caramel Apple Marshmallows are fluffy apple marshmallows dipped in homemade salted caramel! Drizzle them with chocolate, coat them in chopped peanuts, or enjoy them plain. They're the ultimate fall treat!
    Check out this recipe!
    An apple marshmallow being dipped into a white bowl of salted caramel, with caramel dripping from the marshmallow.
    Vanilla Bean Blondie Cheesecake
    This Vanilla Bean Blondie Cheesecake is a creamy, no-bake vanilla bean cheesecake with a funfetti blondie crust and whipped cream!
    Check out this recipe!
    Cookie Dough Bark
    This Cookie Dough Bark is a classic dark chocolate bark covered with safe-to-eat sugar cookie dough cut-outs and festive sprinkles!
    Check out this recipe!
    Easter Cookie Dough Bark in a small wooden crate with Easter grass.

    So there you have it! This original roundup has over FORTY unique dessert recipes, but you know that I'll have more in no time! Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear from you! Reach out in a comment below or reach out to me on Instagram. I'd love to hear from you!

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