Oh my! Indulge in 25+ Must-Try Barefoot Contessa dessert recipes! From rich chocolate cakes to fruity tarts, these elegant treats are perfect for any occasion. Ina’s creations will impress!
1. Ina Garten Chocolate Lava Cake
Rich, gooey, and utterly decadent, Ina Garten’s Chocolate Lava Cake is the ultimate dessert indulgence. Made with bittersweet chocolate, butter, eggs, and a touch of flour, these cakes bake to a golden exterior with a molten, chocolatey center.
The combination of velvety smoothness and the slight crunch from the edges will have you hooked from the first bite. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for the perfect treat!
2. Ina Garten Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Indulge in the creamiest, most divine chocolate fudge you’ll ever taste! With just three simple ingredients—chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and a touch of butter—this fudge is a breeze to make.
Melt everything together, pour it into a pan, and let it set. What you get is a silky-smooth treat with a deep, chocolatey flavor that’s totally irresistible. Slice it into squares and you’ve got the perfect snack or gift for friends and family.
3. Ina Garten Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie
Bourbon and chocolate give pecan pie a serious upgrade! Imagine a buttery, flaky crust loaded with a rich mix of dark chocolate, crunchy pecans, and a hint of bourbon. Each bite is a perfect mix of gooey chocolate, crunchy nuts, and that smooth bourbon flavor.
It’s the ultimate dessert. And don’t forget to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—trust us, you won’t regret it!
4. Ina Garten German Chocolate Cake
Meet the ultimate dessert experience: rich mocha layers paired with a creamy, sweet, and nutty frosting. This German Chocolate Cake is a game-changer, thanks to its moist base made with buttermilk and cocoa powder.
The real star, though, is the special frosting loaded with pecans and shredded coconut. With its velvety chocolate cake, crunchy nuts, and fluffy coconut, every bite is pure perfection. Slice it thin and serve with a cup of coffee or a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
5. Ina Garten Sticky Toffee Cake
Sticky Toffee Cake is the ultimate dessert showstopper—rich, decadent, and totally irresistible. Imagine a moist, date-infused cake paired with a gooey, buttery toffee sauce made with brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream.
Each bite is a perfect mix of textures: tender cake, crunchy pecans (if you add them), and that velvety, caramel-like sauce. Serve it warm with a drizzle of extra cream for the ultimate indulgence!
6. Ina Garten Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
Step up your fall dessert game with this Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe, where creamy and spicy flavors come together in perfect harmony! This crowd-pleasing dessert features a buttery graham cracker crust, a silky cream cheese and pumpkin filling, and a perfectly set texture thanks to a water bath.
Each bite offers a smooth, velvety texture with just the right amount of warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and watch it become the star of your Thanksgiving table!
7. Ina Garten Old-Fashioned Banana Cake
This classic banana cake is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Made with ripe mashed bananas, a blend of granulated and brown sugars, and a touch of orange zest, it’s packed with flavor. The combination of sour cream and vegetable oil keeps it tender, while chopped walnuts add a nice crunch.
Top it with a creamy cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of walnut halves for the perfect finish. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to hit the spot.
8. Ina Garten Red Velvet Frosting
This Red Velvet Frosting is a must-try for any dessert lover. Made with just a few simple ingredients—cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and confectioners’ sugar—it whips up in no time. The tangy cream cheese perfectly balances the sweetness of the butter and vanilla, creating a rich and refreshing flavor.
Whether you’re topping red velvet cake, cupcakes, or even cookies, this frosting adds a show-stopping finish that tastes as amazing as it looks.
9. Ina Garten Chocolate Babka
Decadent and irresistible, this chocolate babka is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Made with a buttery yeast dough, it’s loaded with a creamy Nutella filling and chunks of dark chocolate, all perfectly rolled and twisted.
The result is a chocolatey stunner with a golden-brown crust and a sweet, syrupy glaze on top. Let it cool a bit before slicing, but don’t be surprised if you can’t resist a warm, gooey bite. Perfect for brunch or dessert—you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
10. Ina Garten Dark Chocolate Tart
Calling all dark chocolate lovers! This rich, velvety tart is a chocolate dream come true. The crust is made with crushed chocolate wafers, giving it a buttery and crunchy base. The filling? A deep, dark ganache crafted from high-quality chocolate and heavy cream.
It’s baked to perfection and then topped with an extra layer of chocolate glaze for that extra oomph. The combination of the cocoa-flavored crust and the silky-smooth chocolate filling is pure perfection.
Plus, a hint of coffee in the glaze adds a mocha twist that takes it to the next level. Let it set, slice it thin, and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of coffee for a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress.
11. Ina Garten Lemon Meringue Squares
Lemon Meringue Squares are a delightful mix of tangy and sweet, making them a crowd-pleaser. The base is a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust that provides a nice texture. On top of that, there’s a smooth lemon curd made with fresh lemon juice and zest, giving it a bright, citrusy flavor.
The pièce de résistance is the fluffy, golden meringue that adds a light, airy contrast to the zesty lemon. Cut into squares and serve at your next gathering—they’re sure to be a hit and disappear quickly!
12. Ina Garten Key Lime Pie
Looking for a dessert that’s as tangy as it is sweet? This Key Lime Pie is a must-try for anyone who loves citrus! It all starts with a buttery graham cracker crust, loaded with brown sugar for a hint of crunch.
Then comes the filling—a creamy blend of sweetened condensed milk, Greek yogurt, and fresh lime juice that’s silky smooth. The perfect balance of tart and sweet, this pie gets even better with a layer of whipped cream on top.
Serve it chilled after dinner, or make it ahead for a stress-free dessert that’s sure to wow your guests!
13. Ina Garten Blackberry Pie
Blackberry Pie is a sweet and tangy treat that’s easier to make than you think! Fresh blackberries, a touch of sugar, and a store-bought crust come together quickly for this delicious dessert. The filling perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors, while the crust adds a nice crumbly texture.
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience!
14. Ina Garten Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Buttery cookies meet sweet jam in these iconic thumbprint cookies! A tender buttery dough is filled with raspberry or apricot jam and rolled in toasted coconut flakes. Crunchy coconut on the outside, a chewy center with a burst of fruity jam inside.
Perfect as a gift or afternoon treat—your friends will beg for the recipe!
15. Ina Garten Chocolate Chunk Blondies
These chocolate chunk blondies are the ultimate dessert indulgence—chewy, gooey, and loaded with chocolatey goodness! Rich brown sugar and butter team up with big chunks of semisweet chocolate for a treat that’s anything but bland.
Chewy on the inside with a golden, buttery crust, these blondies are packed with texture and flavor, plus a nice crunch from toasted walnuts. Slice them up and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk—you’ll be in dessert heaven!
16. Ina Garten Fresh Peach Cake
Slice into the taste of summer with this Fresh Peach Cake! Juicy, ripe peaches take center stage, paired with a warm hint of cinnamon and a satisfying crunch from pecans. The cake stays moist and tender, thanks to sour cream and extra-large eggs, while a sweet and spicy cinnamon-sugar topping adds the perfect finish.
For the ultimate treat, serve it warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
17. Ina Garten Strawberry Shortcakes, Deconstructed
Elevate your dessert game with this fancy twist on strawberry shortcake! Fresh strawberries take center stage, paired with buttery, flaky biscuits and a touch of Grand Marnier for a sophisticated take on the classic.
The mix of juicy berries, crunchy texture, and creamy whipped cream is pure perfection. Plus, serving it in martini glasses adds a modern, eye-catching touch that’s sure to impress.
18. Ina Garten Italian Plum Tart
This Italian Plum Tart is all about elegance without the fuss. Sweet Italian plums take center stage, paired with a buttery crust and a touch of cinnamon. As it bakes, the plums transform into a jammy, caramelized layer, while the crust stays perfectly crumbly.
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that’s as delicious as it is impressive.
19. Ina Garten Blueberry Lemon Cream Cake
Here’s your new springtime star: a Blueberry Lemon Cream Cake that’s sure to impress. This triple-layer beauty brings together the zesty tang of lemon, the burst of fresh blueberries, and a creamy frosting that ties it all together.
The moist, buttery cake layers are perfectly balanced by the bright citrus of lemon and the sweetness of the blueberries. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any spring gathering—serve it chilled and get ready for it to disappear!
20. Ina Garten Eton Mess
This show-stopping dessert is as easy as it is elegant. Imagine a delightful mix of fresh raspberries, sweet meringue, and whipped cream, all coming together in a perfect blend of textures and flavors.
The combination of crunchy meringue, tart raspberries, and creamy whipped cream is absolute perfection. Serve it in glasses for a fancy touch, or enjoy it straight from the bowl—either way, it’s a treat you’ll love.
This Eton Mess is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth!
21. Ina Garten Chocolate Pudding Cream Tart
Treat yourself to the creamiest, most divine chocolate tart you’ll ever taste! This show-stopper starts with a buttery graham cracker crust, then fills it with a rich, velvety chocolate pudding made with dark chocolate, whole milk, and a touch of Kahlúa and coffee for depth.
The filling is impossibly smooth and silky, with a deep, intense chocolate flavor that’s balanced by the crunch of the crust. Top it with whipped cream and shaved chocolate for the ultimate dessert. Pro tip: Use the good stuff—high-quality chocolate makes all the difference here!
22. Ina Garten Roasted Figs With Caramel Sauce
Elevate your dessert game with the perfect blend of sweet and sophistication. Fresh black figs are roasted to tender perfection and smothered in a rich, velvety caramel sauce made with heavy cream and a hint of vanilla.
Each bite is a delightful mix of soft, jammy figs and smooth, sweet caramel. Serve warm and top with toasted almonds for a luxurious treat that’s as elegant as it is delicious.
23. Ina Garten Mocha Chocolate Icebox Cake
Get ready to fall in love with this mocha-packed, chocolate-stacked dessert that’s as rich as it is easy to make. Layered with crisp chocolate chip cookies and a creamy mascarpone-Kahlúa mixture, this no-bake icebox cake is a dream come true.
The smooth mocha cream and crunchy cookies create a texture that’s pure perfection, while the espresso and cocoa add deep, coffeehouse flavors. Slice it thin, serve it chilled, and watch it disappear at your next dinner party!
24. Ina Garten Easy Chocolate Mousse
Indulge in this rich, velvety chocolate mousse that’s as easy to make as it is decadent. With melted bittersweet and milk chocolate, it’s packed with deep flavor. A splash of fresh espresso and Kahlúa adds a grown-up twist, while whisked egg whites give it that light-as-air texture.
Perfectly balanced between dark and sweet, it finishes with a airy, melt-in-your-mouth feel that will leave you wanting seconds. Top it with a dollop of whipped cream and serve chilled for a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress.
25. Ina Garten Snickerdoodles
Soft, chewy, and absolutely irresistible, these snickerdoodles are the ultimate cinnamon-sugar cookies you’ll ever taste. Made with buttery shortening for that perfect chewiness, white sugar for sweetness, and a hint of cream of tartar to balance it all out, these cookies have that classic crinkly outside and a soft, chewy inside.
The best part? They’re rolled in the perfect amount of cinnamon sugar for that crunch and spice you can’t get enough of. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or your morning coffee, and you’re in cookie heaven!