20 after-dinner treats for busy weeknights (2024)

We call these lemon bars 'impossible' because they are so easy to make. You mix all the ingredients together and pour into a pan. Once baked, it's important to set them aside in the pan for an hour or two before placing in the fridge for a further one hour. This will help firm them up and make them much easier to cut.

Crunchy florentines are a favourite of nut-lovers everywhere.

Growing up in the country no self-respecting street stall or school fete would be complete with trays of apple and cinnamon slice. With a firm yet tender golden cake with an apple centre all set in a cinnamon cream topping. It was always a favourite and only recently I’ve realised how criminally easy this is to make. In fact, I think that ten year old me could have whipped it up.It’s not often we suggest using a packet cake in our recipes, but this is one of those times. Through folding the coconut and melted butter through the packet cake it adds a buttery richness and super tender crumb. A cross between a slice and a cake – is that a slake? This recipe defies all logic as, when baked, the sour cream manages to set without the need for eggs.Why we love this apple slice recipeNot only is this apple slice recipe a heart-warming taste of childhood, it needs only five minutes prep and then a quick bake in the oven, perfect to make in advance for afternoon or morning tea or to serve as a dessert, warmed gently and served with vanilla ice cream. We also love that it contains no egg, and with gluten free butter cake mix now on the shelves, it can also be enjoyed by coeliacs.What do I need to make this golden apple slice?Cake mix: Where you need eggs and milk to turn the golden butter cake mix into a cake, the combination of coconut and melted butter create a firm slice base.Desiccated coconut: Is made from the dried flesh of a ripe coconut, that has been shredded and dried. Store the opened packet in an airtight container away from direct sunlight.Butter: to melt the butter chop into smaller pieces before placing in a microwave safe bowl. Cook on high in ten second intervals until completely melted.Apple pie pieces: Convenience in a can, look for 100% apple with no added sugar or additives.Cinnamon sugar: found in the spice section of the supermarket, cinnamon sugar cuts out the step of combining your own, making this simple recipe even simpler.This apple slice recipe is one of many classic Australian slices that have stood the test of time. Along with caramel and chocolate, peppermint and the newer addition Mars bar slice. One of my favourites is a choc coconut slice and I’m also quite fond of the famous coconut raspberry slice. It would appear that you guys can’t get enough of jelly slices, which is why we have a whole collection of them. Check out our gallery here.Additional recipe notes from Alison Adams, Food Writer and Recipe TesterHow to make apple slice: full recipe below

Get the kids involved with this playful raspberry and coconut jelly cake recipe.

This is such an easy and refreshing dessert - just perfect for summer. The creaminess and the sweetness of the whip is offset perfectly by the tangy passionfruit swirl. It only takes about 15 minutes to prepare but you do need to allow four hours for chilling. It’s not essential to pipe this whip into the glasses, but it does make it look more special. We bought Coles’ Bake and Create Piping Bag Decorating Kit for only $3.50 which works a treat.

Often, I find myself wondering, “Why are Australians so obsessed with slices?” but then I’ll make this chocolate caramel slice recipe and remember exactly why.Why is this our best caramel slice recipe?The buttery biscuit base, rich and gooey caramel filling, and that layer of delectable chocolate on top - I’m drooling just thinking about it. No wonder it’s a staple at school fetes and a firm favourite of anyone with a sweet tooth (in fact, some of our readers have been making this recipe for more than 15 years!). Despite the universal appeal of chocolate caramel slice, we understand people have certain preferences regarding the thickness of each layer. And of course, no slice recipe is complete without sweetened condensed milk, and this slice delivers on the condensed milk front. Then, met with chocolate topping? It's match that's meant to be.Some readers like to double the quantities of the chocolate or caramel layer, or you could even use a smaller slice pan (just keep in mind this will affect cooking time). Of course, one of the reasons this caramel slice recipe is so popular is how easy it is to make - we even have bakers as young as 10 whipping this one up. Easy, delicious chocolate caramel slice ready in under an hour? Yes please. This really is a great recipe. It's absolutely delicious!While this recipe is our favourite chocolate caramel slice recipe, we have plenty of other caramel slice recipe variations to choose from (I mean, just look at this espresso caramel slice, coconut caramel slice and macadamia caramel slice!)And, for something different, try our irresistible lemon slice recipe next!Additional recipe notes by Alison Adams - Recipe Tester and Food Writer

These lovely banana honey biscuits taste like a honey jumble but are refined sugar free.

A quick, healthy snack that you can make in advance and freeze. Start this recipe a day in advance.

Anzac biscuits add a chewy coconut texture to this irresistible chocolate and caramel slice.

I won’t deny it. There really is a place in your pantry for custard powder, especially when baking melting moments, or jam drop biscuits or to swirl through a cake when a super thick custard is required. But when you get that craving for an old-school custard, one that is velvety, thick, creamy and spiked with vanilla, this is the recipe you need.Why is this our best easy custard recipe?With our simple, foolproof custard recipe, we add just enough cornflour to prevent the eggs and cream mixture from splitting but not so much to make the mixture too thick and gluggy. Serve our favourite custard recipe hot to add warmth to a cold dish like our fruit slice or serve it cold to contrast with a piping hot dessert like golden syrup dumplings.Additional recipe notes by Alison Adams - Food Writer and Recipe Tester

Here it is: the easiest choc-hazelnut mousse you'll ever make. Ready in just 15 minutes, this cheaty dessert looks and tastes delicious and will more than satisfy that sweet craving. We added flaked chocolate on top but feel free to decorate it with your favourite confectionery items!

This yummy kid-friendly treat has a crumbly coconut base and a creamy, tangy topping.

Our delicious yet easy churros recipeThere are few textures more satisfying than biting into a freshly made, still-warm churros sprinkled in cinnamon sugar. Its crispy outer layer and fluffy inside is the stuff of sweet-tooths' dreams. And, with this recipe, you can make churros at home. Believe us when we say it's easier than you would expect it to be! For more information on this donut-like delight, read our recipe notes below the recipe.What to serve with churros?In Spain, traditional churros are served long or knotted, are sprinkled in cinnamon sugar when hot then dunked in hot chocolate or dulce de leche. We love to dip ours in this easy 3-ingredient chocolate sauce (see the recipe below!), Top ’n’ Fill Caramel, cream or custard (or all the above!).Eager to make more churros? Try our Carmamilk version, a savoury cheesy take on churros, and these churros bites with a creamy Bailey's dip.Additional notes by Alison Adams, Food Writer and Recipes Tester

Add just a few ingredients to a packet cake mix for surprisingly spectacular results.

Your guests will fall in love with this sweet toffee caramel tart with a crunchy golden oat topping.