55 Best Warm Desserts - Comforting and Cozy Recipe Ideas Whether it's Winter or Not - Sweet Mouth Joy (2024)

Whether it's cold and snowy outside or hot and sunny, I love warm desserts. They're comforting and deliciously warming any time of year.

But if it’s looking a little chilly where you are, these warm dessert recipes might be the perfect comfort food for you. This list contains some of the best warm dessert ideas to keep you feeling nice and toasty while satisfying your sweet cravings.

Whether you're in the mood for a classic sticky toffee pudding or a decadent molten lava cake, these featured warm dessert recipes have you covered.

It's a long list of tastiness, so I've split it up into sections for my favourite types of desserts - puddings, baked fruits, warm cakes, cobblers and crumbles, galettes and clafoutis, pastries and buns, pies and tarts and something a little bit different.

I've also included some amazing recipes to meet special diets, such as vegan, gluten-free and a healthy / keto section, so everyone can share in the sweetness!

Also, check out the bonus section at the end for some amazing topping ideas for your cozy winter desserts! From a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream to sweet dulce de leche sauces.

Hot puddings (no. 1 - 5)

I've got a lot of time for a good pudding. These soft and moist cake-like desserts are best served hot and freshly cooked. So comforting and delicious, they're one of my all-time favorite warm desserts.

1. Oven-baked treacle sponge pudding

One of my favorite ever recipes is this soft and tempting black treacle sponge pudding. This classic British dessert is usually steamed, but this version is much quicker and easier by oven-baking it instead.

Enjoy this easy pudding served hot and fresh with custard, cream or ice cream. Whip up this tasty warm dessert as a comforting treat on a cold night or as a sweet finish to your next traditional Sunday roast dinner.

2. Babka bread pudding with brown butter bourbon sauce

Bread pudding has always been one of the best ways to use up leftover dough and bread, and this recipe for a babka bread pudding is no exception!

This rustic bread pudding uses leftover babka bread and simple pantry ingredients to make a dreamy, decadent dessert that is perfect comfort food.

The brown butter bourbon sauce is creamy, sumptuous, and makes you want to pour the entire pitcher on, it's so good!

3. Rum raisin sticky toffee pudding

The sticky toffee pudding is a traditional English pudding. This version has been kicked up a notch with the addition of rum-infused raisins. Serve warm with a thick and creamy homemade custard and enjoy!

4. Chocolate pudding

This easy chocolate pudding recipe is based on the famous Chocohotopots by Nigella Lawson. Deeply dark, decadently gooey and super quick – everyone will love these baked chocolate puds.

These chocolate puddings are soft, warm and so chocolatey, and the best thing is these puddings are ready in only 30 minutes!

5. Capirotada (Mexican bread pudding)

Capirotada is a Mexican bread pudding made with cinnamon, piloncillo, cloves, raisins, bread, and cheese.

You can practically smell and taste the sweet warm melted cheese already. Yes, you read it right… Cheese!

Baked fruits (no. 6 - 9)

Fruit is naturally sweet and full of unique flavour. That's why baking them into warm desserts is an age-old classic that's stood the test of time. These recipes kick it up a notch with the addition of spices, sauces and other goodies to complement the fruit's natural deliciousness.

6. Caramelized bananas

These caramelized bananas are quick, easy and delicious. On the table in just fifteen minutes, they are delicious on their own or with a scoop of ice cream. If you like bananas foster you are going to love these! These bananas are a simple but delicious warm dessert.

7. Roasted pears with balsamic and honey

Caramelized roasted pears with balsamic and honey are a super easy to make dessert. Only four ingredients, but such a delight! These warm baked pears are perfectly paired with the tangy balsamic vinegar and the comforting sweetness of honey.

8. Baked stuffed apples with Belgian raspberry beer

These baked stuffed apples are deliciously packed with a crunchy oat filling containing buttery pecans and sweet raisins and drizzled with Lindemans Belgian Raspberry beer. You can enjoy them as-is or with your favorite scoop of ice cream!

Warm cakes (no. 9 - 14)

These sponge cakes are delicious hot or cold, but I love serving up a warm cake for dessert. They're simple and oh so tasty, it's always the perfect time for cake. Great for sharing, but don't worry, there's no judgements if you have the entire cake to yourself!

9. Molten chocolate lava cake

No warm dessert recipe roundup would be complete without a deliciously gooey chocolate molten lava cake.

Rich and decadent molten chocolate lava cake is possibly the perfect dessert for a special occasion. They look impressive and taste amazing, but they're extremely quick and simple to make. Who can resist those gooey molten centers?! Not me!

10. Blueberry lemon angel food cake

This easy angel food cake recipe is refreshingly light and sweet, and so very simple with just 5 ingredients.

It's also a delicious cake to serve warm as it's impressive and fun to grill the cake in summer, but you can broil or toast it year-round, too.

Drizzle blueberry cream over your warm angel food cake, toss on a handful of berries, such as fresh raspberries, and sprinkle it all with a little lemon zest. Mmmmm… it’s truly special!

11. Hot fudge cake

Hot fudge pudding cake magically creates a warm, thick, hot fudge sauce as the chocolate cake bakes!

This cake is fast and easy to make and always a favorite! It's like a hot fudge sundae and the best chocolate cake all in one easy chocolate dessert. Top it with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping!

12. Hot caramel apple dump cake

A simple recipe for caramel apple dump cake, made with butter pecan cake mix and apple pie filling!

It's one of the easiest desserts you'll ever make. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

13. Apricot upside-down cakes

With a double dose of apricot, these delicious cakes are a flavorful twist on the traditional pineapple version. With a maple brown sugar topping, there's no need for frosting.

Best served warm so the topping is gooey, these cakes can be enjoyed for a deliciously hot dessert.

14. Warm gingerbread cake with salted caramel sauce

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This warm gingerbread cake with salted caramel sauce is the most cozy fall dessert imaginable! Easy to make with pantry staples, it’s light on the pocketbook too! Make it as a 9×9 inch cake or a bundt to step it up!

Cobblers and crumbles (no. 15 - 22)

Cobblers, crisps and crumbles are made up of a baked fruit base, topped with a sweet sponge-like or crunchy layer. They're an easy family-favorite, and a great way to feed the whole family on a budget. So warm and comforting, I love serving these desserts with creamy custard or ice cream! They make some of the best fall or winter dessert recipes out there!

15. Grandma’s plum cobbler

Serve this sweet-tart plum cobbler warm with a scoop of ice cream on top for the perfect summer dessert (or any time of the year!). You'll love the secret recipe for a sugar cookie topping too!

16. Irish apple crumble with whiskey cream

This classic Irish apple crumble with whiskey cream is an easy, beyond delicious dessert full of fruit and delicious boozy flavour.

This hot sweet treat is perfect for any day of the week and all year round!

17. Peach cobbler

I couldn't create a dessert list without sneaking in a classic like this. A peach cobbler is such an easy weeknight dessert and a go-to warm dessert recipe! You can use fresh, frozen or canned peaches for this recipe too.

Peach cobbler is best served warm with a dollop of cream or ice cream. Everyone loves this combination of fruit and cake-like topping!

18. Salted caramel chocolate chip cobbler

Ok another hot cobbler recipe, but this one shies away from the fruity cobbler and goes full-on caramel and chocolate decadence!

This warm salted caramel chocolate chip cobbler is an unforgettable fusion of gooey caramel, melted butter and rich chocolate.

It’s a cookie and cobbler combo that results in a sweet and salty caramel dessert recipe that is truly divine when topped with whipped cream or ice cream.

19. Triple berry crumble

What could be better than a fruit crumble? One with three times the fruity goodness!

This quick and easy triple mixed berry crumble is made with frozen mixed berries, so it's great for a last-minute dessert because it uses ingredients you already have on hand (like butter, frozen berries and oats)! The addition of coconut, fresh mint and lemon make it unique and fresh tasting!

20. Apple pear crisp

This apple pear crisp is amazing. Full of fruity flavors and delicious spices. This apple pear crisp has a delicious topping of oats and walnuts. It's easy to make and best served warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Yum!

Satisfyingly cozy and comforting, this easy warm dessert is perfect for a quick sweet treat after your next meal! It's also healthier than you're average dessert.

21. Strawberry coconut crisp

This delicious warm strawberry coconut crisp recipe is super easy to put together and perfect for strawberry season. Delicious and made with real food ingredients!

Galettes and clafoutis (no. 22 - 24)

A little different from your usual desserts, galettes and clafoutis are classics of French cuisine. Galettes have a deliciously crusted edge with a soft warm middle that will have you melting in delight! The clafoutis are baked desserts that are almost flan-like. Both are great with fruit!

22. Rustic blackberry and rosemary galette

This rustic blackberry and blueberry galette recipe is made with fresh blackberries, juicy plump blueberries, and hints of fresh rosemary all baked in a golden buttery crust.

Dust with powdered sugar and serve your own blueberry galette with vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream.

23. French plum clafoutis

Plum clafoutis is such an easy and classic French dessert with a creamy texture. Fresh plums baked in a thick Custard-like batter - doesn't that sound delicious!?

Ready to bake in 10 minutes, it makes a great quick dessert to enjoy for dessert or afternoon tea. Perfect served freshly baked, warm and so tasty!

24. Strawberry rhubarb galette

Strawberry rhubarb galette is a delicious and easy warm dessert. The crispy pastry is filled with sweet strawberries and slightly sour rhubarb.

The pastry crust is made with flour and ground almonds, which makes it taste deliciously nutty and so much better! This simple rustic treat is the perfect dessert if you'd like to try something a little bit different but still deliciously cozy and comforting.

Serve warm with a dollop of ice cream or how about celebrating the French heritage of this dish and topping with a vanilla pastry cream - yum!

Pastries and buns (no. 25 - 29)

Warm and comforting, these hot soft buns and crispy pastries are full of flavour and texture. Whatever the weather, these comforting doughs will turn into something dreamy and delicious!

25. Churros

If you're anything like me, the sight of freshly made churros has your mouth watering. Every warm bite of the golden Mexican treat is just sweet perfection.

Once you see how easy it is to make homemade churros, you’ll want to whip up a batch of these crispy, crunchy golden fried piped dough tossed in powdered sugar all the time!

Churros are great for a fun dessert, especially after a Mexican meal, and can be enjoyed with so many different toppings. Personally, I'm a huge fan of dipping them in chocolate sauce or even nutella!

26. Apple cinnamon buns

A delicious take on the classic cinnamon bun recipe with the addition of chopped apples to compliment the sweetness of the buns. You'll be amazed at how easy they are to make.

These apple cinnamon buns are best served warm, and though the breakfast classic is great for a sweet morning treat, they're also perfect as a warm dessert too! I fully believe that the smell of freshly baked cinnamon buns could tempt anyone at any time of day or year!

27. Plum pastries

These cute little parcels are sweet, juicy, flaky and delicious! And best of all, this plum pastry recipe is super easy to make.

Just like cinnamon buns, these sweet pastry parcels are great for a sweet breakfast or a delicious dessert. Although you can have them cold, they're best eaten warm and freshly baked! This recipe is also available in a vegan version.

28. Apple cranberry dumplings

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Apple cranberry dumplings are an easy way to use the popular fall fruits, but they're also a great hot dessert to have year-round. These little parcels of fruity joy are simply delicious.

Use from-scratch made puff pastry or store-bought to make this dessert even easier!

29. Smores stuffed croissant boats

Stuffed croissant boats are the stuff dreams are made of! You’re going to love serving these 3-ingredient S’mores treats for breakfast or dessert - perfect for the whole family!

These tasty warm treats are filled with Nutella hazelnut spread as well as mini marshmallows that melt beautifully inside the baked croissant, but one of the best things is that you pick your fillings! Why not also give fresh fruit, cereals or nuts a try!

Pies and tarts (no. 30 - 36)

Sweet classics, these pies and tarts are delicious freshly baked. They're so appetising and an absolute family favourite for after dinner deliciousness!

30. Caramel apple pie cookies

Apple pie is a classic warm dessert, and for good reason! Decadent fruity filling and a buttery pie crust to love, it's definitely a family favourite in my household.

These caramel apple pie bites are a little different to the classic apple pie. They're so addictive, you won't be able to have just one! They're delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

31. Grandma's peach pie

Another classic pie! This old fashioned peach pie recipe is super easy to make and is perfect for any occasion. Using canned peaches and store-bought pie crust makes this pie super easy to make, perfect when you've not got a lot of time on your hands.

Pair with vanilla ice cream and enjoy warm and freshly baked!

32. Nutella fried hand pies

Nutella fried hand pies are a nutty twist on a Southern classic - the fried pie. These pies have delicious Nutella oozing from a warm fried pie - hello comfort food!

Made with flaky layer biscuits dough, these fried pies are easy to make and taste amazing. These Nutella fried pies are the perfect quick and easy dessert for any night of the week!

33. Pear tart

Tender pear slices are dusted with cinnamon sugar and elegantly shingled onto a store-bought puff pastry.

This simple dessert is quick and easy to assemble, bakes in about 20 minutes, is under 200 calories a serving, and is always perfect for entertaining (safely, of course).

34. Skillet apple pie biscuits

These apple pie biscuits are dipped in butter, coated in brown sugar and cinnamon, topped with an AMAZING 5-ingredient apple pie filling, then baked in a skillet to sticky perfection.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat!

35. Pear mini pies

These pear mini pies are a fun and delicious treat to make! Wrap individual pears in pie dough, bake them off, and serve warm with whipped cream and caramel sauce.

Something a bit different (no. 36 - 45)

This is hands down my favourite category of warm dessert ideas! Don't get me wrong, I love a classic sticky toffee pudding or apple pie as much as the next sugar addict, but these warm dessert ideas are great for mixing up your usual weeknight dessert routines!

36. Banana fritters

This easy recipe for sweet, crispy banana fritters will give you a delicious dessert, which all the family will love. Ready in 5-10 minutes! The easy batter protects your bananas during cooking to give you a delicious crispy outside and a hot and gooey banana inside - yum!

Serve either with sieved powdered sugar sprinkled on top or with the fried bananas dipped in a mix of caster sugar and cinnamon. I like the idea of eating these warm with a dollop of ice cream or drizzled with a sweet syrup, like golden syrup or even maple syrup for a tasty twist!

37. Nova Scotia blueberry grunt

Nova Scotia blueberry grunt is a classic East Coast fruit dessert! This is a very simple, traditional recipe which makes the most of seasonal wild blueberries, or you can use frozen blueberries for this recipe.

This blueberry grunt is gorgeous served warm and fresh with a generous dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. You can also try serving it with a drizzle of 35% heavy cream, a spoonful of lemon curd or some clotted cream. And of course, in Nova Scotia a hot cup of tea is pretty much mandatory I hear!

38. Chocolate banana spring rolls

Chocolate banana spring rolls, also known as Pisang co*kelat or Pisco*k, are a delicious dessert from Indonesia. It just needs 4 ingredients and is ready within 20 minutes!

The taste of warm sweet banana and melted chocolate inside the crispy rolls tastes divine! Drizzle with chocolate sauce or Nutella and enjoy.

39. Indonesian sweet potato balls (kolak biji salak)

Looking for something a little different for dessert tonight? Why not give these exotic Indonesian sweet potato balls a try!

Kolak biji salak are sweet potato dumplings traditionally in brown sugar syrup and coconut milk. It's delicious to have as a heart-warming hot dessert!

40. Hot chocolate soup with caramel brioche croutons

This creamy, luscious hot chocolate soup is delicious. It’s quick, easy, ultra-rich and served with caramel brioche croutons! The melted dark chocolate is so decadent with the added milk and cream.

What could be better than melted chocolate goodness as a soup?! That means you can have it for your main and dessert right?

41. Chocolate chip mochi skillet cookie

A warm and gooey chocolate chip cookie with a crisp golden crust filled with soft, chewy mochi and topped with flakey salt.

Served warm, the chocolate chips are still melted and oh so tasty! A sweet, warm and decadent dessert!

42. Apple enchiladas

These easy apple enchiladas are a delicious and comforting dessert. Sprinkled with pecans and cinnamon, they are just irresistible! So simple yet so delicious.

Serve your apple enchiladas hot with a hearty scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of syrup!

43. Romanian ricotta doughnuts (papanasi)

Try this recipe for Papanasi a traditional Romanian dessert the next time you crave doughnuts.

Made with ricotta cheese and flavoured with orange zest these fluffy donuts are a great winter comfort food! Serve hot and fresh dusted with sugar or even with a dollop of creme fraiche for extra decadence.

44. Warm Southern cornbread

Southern cornbread is a traditional dessert that carries delicious flavors and warmth in each and every bite.

It's moist, buttery, and can be served with honey and ice cream to complete a melt-in-your-mouth dessert!

45. Passion fruit gino

Gino is one of the most common desserts in Sweden - and not surprising, as it's so easy to make and so delicious.

This version has banana, kiwi, raspberries and passion fruit baked under white chocolate, and is best served hot with vanilla ice cream.

Gluten-free hotties (no. 46 - 49)

Whether you're coeliac, gluten-intolerant or simply trying to reduce your gluten intake, these gluten-free warm desserts will be a deliciously sweet and comforting treat!

46. Gluten-free peach and plum crumble

This delicious gluten-free peach and plum crumble will have your friends and family coming back for more. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a scrumptious dessert!

You can also mix it up by swapping in your favorite fruits to change the flavor of your gluten-free crumble.

47. Gluten-free Mexican rice pudding

Mexican rice pudding (arroz con leche) is a delicious, creamy gluten-free dessert recipe made easily with milk, rice and aromatic spices.

This tasty treat can be enjoyed warm or chilled, but I personally am a fan of a hot rice pudding!

48. Gluten-free pumpkin pie

Hands down, the BEST gluten-free vegan pumpkin pie recipe! This easy from-scratch recipe is allergy-free, healthy, and delicious!

Smooth and creamy pumpkin filling and a flaky buttery crust, topped with dairy-free whipped cream!

49. Gluten-free keto crepes with almond flour

The best foolproof keto crepes recipe! These paleo, gluten-free crepes are made with almond flour and taste just like regular crepes. They bend, roll and fold without breaking too!

These crepes can be made savoury, but are perfect for a sweet warm dessert served with your favourite fruits, nuts, chocolate spread, honey - you name it!

Healthy desserts (no. 50 - 53)

Looking for cozy and comforting hot desserts but still staying strong and sticking to your diet? Good on ya! Check out these delicious desserts that will give you your sweet fix guilt-free.

50. Banana souffle

This Weight Watchers banana souffle recipe is zero points! It's also made with all whole ingredients for a deliciously healthy warm dessert.

51. 3-ingredient keto chocolate mug cake

This dairy-free, flourless, no sweetener added keto mug cake is a chocolate dessert masterpiece. It's also ready in minutes!

Warm, quick, easy and healthy - what's not to love!

52. Keto vanilla custard

A 5-ingredient vanilla keto custard pot recipe! Keto egg custard is super easy. And, this low carb custard recipe is a perfect dessert for making ahead or enjoying hot and fresh.

53. Warm pineapple carpaccio

A fresh healthy end to any meal! This warm pineapple carpaccio has all the flavours of the Caribbean!

Vegan sweet treats (no. 54 -55)

Looking for dairy-free plant-based goodness? These warm desserts are great for vegans and non-vegans alike! There are a few other vegan recipes (or those with vegan options) dotted about this list, but these below are our favourites for recipes that are not typically vegan.

54. Vegan sticky toffee pudding

A vegan take on the classic sticky toffee pudding with caramel-like dates, brown sugar, spices and a hint of ginger.

Top these warm desserts with the creamiest 4-ingredient vegan toffee sauce! Serve warm and comforting.

55. Vegan lemon pudding

This vegan lemon pudding is the best comforting dessert: the moist, fluffy lemon sponge pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy lemon sauce. It’s gluten-free and refined sugar free too!

Bonus: topping ideas

There are so many different ways to enjoy your hot desserts, all year round! Here are some of our favorite sweet toppings for your warm desserts.

One of my favourites is to top your warm dessert with a scoop of ice cream. I love when it just starts to melts, giving your sweet treat a creaminess as well as that cool balance to every bite.

Another great topping idea is the classic for hot desserts, especially in the UK, and that's custard. You can use store-bought cartons or make your own from scratch - it's super easy. For a decadent homemade custard, I like to use the custard recipe by BBC Good Food.

You can also top your desserts with cream. There's different thickness of creams available to buy, from single / light cream to heavy creams. I'm also a big fan of whipped cream, whether that's from a heavy cream you've whipped up using your hand mixer, or bought in the squirty spray cans! Also, why not give a dollop of sour cream or creme fraiche a go?

For something a little bit different, why not try topping your dessert with a sweet sauce such as maple syrup or something boozy and beautiful like this salted rum dulce de leche sauce!

Which of these delicious warm desserts did you make for your comfort food fix? Let us know in the comments below or tag us on Instagram or Facebook!