Every so often, you can count on the fact that you’ll run into a miracle. There’s the person who never used a lanyard freshman year, or the kid who doesn’t like any animals, not even baby ones. And then, there are people who don’t like chocolate.
I know. Take a moment. I certainly had to.
It may be hard to believe, but they do exist. Two close friends of mine are openly anti-chocolate, and because I love them, I have (mostly) accepted that it’s not a passing phase. Luckily, the world of non-chocolate desserts just keeps getting bigger, and these recipes are so good, even the most ravenous chocoholic will love them.
1. Hot Vanilla
Photo by Abigail Wilkins
First up, the alternative to hot chocolate you’ve always wanted.
2. Cake Batter Milkshake
Photo by Andrea Kang
Bring all the boys to the yard.
3. Rainbow Cake
GIF by Domenica Garcia
Perfect for every occasion and one hundred times more Insta-worthy than that monochromatic chocolate cake.
4. DIY Microwaveable Momofuku Birthday Cake Truffles
Photo by Jessica Kelly
You heard me. Imitate this fancy bakery’s signature in your microwave and impress all your friends.
5. Cake Batter Blondies
Photo courtesy of sallysbakingaddiction.com
What’s better than cake batter? Nothing. These bars are like brownies, but for people who hate brownies.
6. Maple Browned Butter Bacon Cupcakes
Photo by Kelda Baljon
Time to get a little more creative with your cupcake ingredients, folks. Bacon cupcakes are where it’s at.
7. Caramelized Nectarines With Bacon
Photo by Analiese Trimber
Let’s put bacon on everything. The nectarines make this a balanced meal, right?
8. Apple Crisp
Photo by Maggie Gorman
Better than apple pie and so much easier, this will let you pretend you’re eating a healthy dessert.
9. Maple Walnut Raisin Stuffed Apple
Photo by Maggie Gorman
So good, you’ll forget the reasons why you’re eating alone tonight.
10. Apple Pie Cups
Photo by Susanna Tuan
An American classic, in a cup? Sign me up.
11. Mini Caramel Apple Pies
Photo by Adam H. Weiss
Maybe you don’t like your pies in a cup — I respect that. Try these mini pies instead.
12. Sea Salt Apple Cider Caramels
Photo by Holly Birchfield
Amp up the classic flavor combo of apple and caramel with sea salt, and these candies will blow you away.
13. Lazy Morning Banana Cake
Photo by Kendra Valkema
Hate apples? Try bananas. I’m totally on board with cake for breakfast. #BreakTheNorm
14. Great Grandma’s Banana Bread
Photo by Mackenzie Barth
If you’re afraid to commit to cake, try this bread. It might actually be healthy.
15. PB&J Banana Bread
Photo by Alvin Zhou
I have it on good word that this recipe may make dreams come true. Peanut butter is the surefire way to make anything better.
16. Banana Snickerdoodles
Photo by Emma Delaney
Banana + Cinnamon = Bae.
17. Fluffy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Photo by Gaby Sclezo
Comfort your chocolate-hating-heart with these pillowy rolls. Perfect for a lazy sunday morning.
18. Cinnamon Brown Sugar Bread Pudding
Photo by Alison Mally
Bread pudding is the most underrated dessert to ever exist, and if you ever doubted it, I’m sure this recipe would put your fears to rest.
19. Gooey Caramel Cinnamon Rolls
Photo by Jasmine Tang
The only thing better than a cinnamon roll is a cinnamon roll with caramel poured over it.
20. Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough & Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwiches
Photo by Sarah Yanofsky
Get a taste of fall on a hot day.
21. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Photo by Bailey Culpepper
Autumn in your mouth, basically.
22. Penuche Pumpkin Pecan Cookies
Photo by Kristen Yang
Penuche – (n.) a fudge-like candy made with brown sugar, butter, and milk. Make these cookies and you can explore the mysterious penuche yourself.
23. Pumpkin Butter Pecan Gingersnap Rolls
Photo by Anthony Wan
The autumnal dessert of champions made with only four ingredients.
24. Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Doughnuts
Photo by Alex Furuya
Put these two seasonal faves together for a truly magical combination.
25. Pumpkin Pie with Sugar Cookie Crust
Photo by Erica Coulter
It’s never too early to become the hero of Thanksgiving dinner. Once you start combining types of dessert, you know you’ve won.
26. Perfect Pecan Pie
Photo by Jessica Payne
The most beautiful type of pie there ever was. Gooey and sweet, this slice is not for the faint of heart.
27. Microwave Pralines
Photo by Becky Hughes
I’ll take pralines over chocolate any day of the week.
28. Peanut Butter Bites
Photo by Caroline Liu
Take the chocolate chips out and you’re good to go. Is there anything peanut butter can’t improve?
29. Lemon Meringue Pie
Photo by Jocelyn Hsu
You know what they say: when life hands you lemons, make pie…
30. Lemon Cupcakes with Blackberry Frosting
Photo by Dara Ades
…and cupcakes work too.
31. Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats
Photo by Phoebe Melnick
Do Fruity Pebbles qualify as produce? Close enough.
32. Margarita Bars
Photo by Analiese Trimber
Turning up for dessert is the way I want to live my life.
33. Wine-Soaked Strawberries
Photo by Emma Delaney
Take strawberries to the next level.
34. Sticky Toffee Date Cake
Photo by Tiffany Chen
Eat this cake and ride out a nice toffee high.
35. Chai Caramel Corn
Photo by Alex Furuya
All this baking is so strenuous. Kick back and relax with some popcorn and Netflix.
Maybe a world without chocolate isn’t such a bad one after all.