15 Desserts Dad Will Love for Father's Day

Desserts Dads Will Love — Simply Recipes

I'm here on behalf of the Dads in your life. They want more than ties, underwear or thrown-together construction paper cards for Father's Day this year.

What would make them happy is a dessert worthy of a 5-star restaurant made at home so they can enjoy it in their recliner.

This year, treat Dad to a dessert that he doesn't have to pay six bucks a serving for. This extensive list has some unique sweets as well as some beloved classics that any Pop would be happy to scoop up bite after bite.

Lighter fare desserts like parfaits are easily adjustable to fruits that are available in your markets. More indulgent desserts, yes, I'm looking at you Chocolate and Bourbon Ice Cream, are bound to send Papa into a full-blown swoon. No matter what the day holds, you know that dessert will be a highlight.

Another pair of socks, though? Those can't guarantee a smile like cookies will.

Flourless Lemon Almond Cake

Elise Bauer

Thanks to almond flour, this fluffy lemony wonder is a gluten-free dessert. Its moist interior tastes great on its own along with a mug of coffee or get extra-fancy and top it with whipped cream and a few fresh berries.
Chocolate Fondue

Elise Bauer

Dessert doesn’t have to be a drawn-out affair, especially if you have a planned and packed day with Dad. This recipe takes a total of 15 minutes and can be dressed up “Dessert Board” style. Arrange a platter of fresh fruit, graham crackers, marshmallows, pretzels, or even bacon to dip in this velvety fondue.
Grandma’s Oatmeal Cookies

Elise Bauer

Many of us have fond memories that involve cookies. If your Pops is a sucker for a chewy oatmeal cookie, whip up a batch for him. Package them up in a nice box with a few other special treats and he's sure to feel appreciated. If he's gluten-free try these GF Monster Bar Cookies instead.
Coffee Bourbon Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Elise Bauer

This mellow, latte-flavored ice cream contains three of my husband’s favorite food groups: bourbon, chocolate, and coffee! If bourbon isn’t a favorite, use cognac or brandy instead. Switch things up by replacing the semi-sweet chips with dark, milk or white chocolate.

Continue to 5 of 15 below.
Ricotta and Summer Berry Parfaits

Simply Recipes

If Dad is into healthier dessert options try this no-cook recipe. It makes great use of the season’s berries and comes together with little effort. Swap out the cream cheese in this recipe for a lower fat Neufchâtel if you’re looking to cut a few calories. Skim ricotta will also work in place of the whole milk version here.
Classic Coffee Cake

Cindy Rahe

This cinnamon-sugar laced cake is buttery, but it’s the crunchy crumble topping that I’m obsessed with. That cinnamon crumble can be made a few days ahead for a quicker assembly. Switch up the flavor of the cake by using one of your main man’s favorite spices.
Lime Icebox Cookies

Marta Rivera

These zingy, tender cookies are a personal favorite of mine because of how make-ahead-friendly they are. Shoot! You could prepare the dough today if you wanted to, then slice and bake them off whenever. They also work well with lemon.
Vegan Chocolate Pudding

Sabrina Modelle

Two ingredients. You aren’t going to get an easier dessert than this decadent chocolate pudding. Not only does the coconut milk and chocolate make this pudding vegan, but it’s also dairy-free and paleo, so it covers most bases. Plus, it’s just so doggone tasty.

Continue to 9 of 15 below.
Tres Leches Cake

Marta Rivera

Begin preparing this light-as-air, moist cake the evening before Father's Day and wow Dad with a classic Hispanic dessert. Flavor your whipped cream with his favorite extract or liqueur and serve it topped with a dusting of cinnamon, chocolate shavings or fresh fruit.
Strawberry Frozen Yogurt

Elise Bauer

Some Dads just aren’t keen on rich desserts, so if that’s your guy, this strawberry frozen yogurt is going to be right up his alley. If you don’t plan to eat it the same day you make it, throw in a tablespoon of liqueur (kirsch or Chambord) or vodka to keep it from icing over too much.
How to Make Classic Tiramisu

Cindy Rahe

This is my guy’s favorite dessert in life. It’s a labor of love, but one that pays back abundantly in taste dividends. Make this tiramisu the evening before you plan to serve it, so the espresso syrup has time to soak into the ladyfingers.
Banana Cream Pie

Cindy Rahe

No boxed pudding in this dessert. Layers of banana slices and creamy vanilla pudding atop a buttery pie crust? Dad will surely remember this Father’s Day dessert. Shavings of dark chocolate or a generous sprinkle of toasted coconut will level this dessert up even more.

Continue to 13 of 15 below.
Chocolate Guinness Cake

Elise Bauer

Another subtle taste of alcohol in a chocolate dessert. The caramel notes of dark stout complement chocolate and lend an airy texture to the cake. Top it with cream cheese frosting or plain vanilla buttercream.
Easy Panna Cotta

Sally Vargas

Not only is this creamy panna cotta easy to make, but it’s also make-ahead friendly. Knock the panna cotta and the berry sauce out the day before, and dessert is done. A smattering of fresh berries, maybe a sprinkling of some orange zest, and dare I say, it’s even fancy.
Peach Frangipane Puff Pastry Tarts

Sally Vargas

What I think you’ll appreciate with this easy-to-assemble tart recipe is how favorable it is to change up. Stone fruits are pretty accessible in most places this time of year. If the peaches aren’t looking too fantastic, grab plums, apricots, or nectarines for this recipe instead. Serving it ala mode is always a good idea.