[Mom2boys]

We don't eat dessert very often but when we do it tends to be last minute and I don't plan it out in advance.

Can you suggest some quick and simple ideas for dessert? Something that I might have all of the ingredients on hand?

[Ellie]

I like to take a parfait glass and layer either pudding or jello and then whip cream to make a nice but easy dessert. The top layer is always whip cream. It looks great, it's simple, and the kids love it.

[Amanda]

We like quick and easy banana pudding. We make the instant vanilla pudding adding in wafers, bananas and sometimes strawberries. Of course you want lots of cool whip to go on top. Chill and yum, yum...

[Home_Maker]

I like to make puddings up at the last minute. They're very easy to do and that way if you don't have a instant packet on hand you know you can make one with ingredients in the pantry. It's usually some flour, butter, eggs and a few other bits and pieces.

[Christine54]

I agree with the others that quick and easy equals Jello or pudding. Also, I will often whip up some brownies or muffins (box mix) as a little treat. If all else fails, keeping a couple batched of the pre-made cookie dough on hand is as easy as it gets.

[alygirl]

This one's not quite as quick as jello but it's good. Make a strawberry cake per box directions. After baking poke lots of holes in the top of the cake with a toothpick. Pour thawed frozen strawberries over the top of the cake and "ice" with cool whip put it in the fridge for about 30 minutes and your ready to go.

[cheapskate]

Our quick desserts tend to be fruit or fruit salad. Cut up one each of several fruits and serve slices or mix it all up. You can add whipped cream if you want but our family enjoys fresh fruit so we don't usually use topping.

[Alfred]

I have one. I love to cook and my wife doesn't so I am always hunting for new recipes. I was thumbing through her County Living magazine the other day and found this recipe from a book by Marcela Valladolid called Fresh Mexico. It only has two ingredients and I'm trying it today. You take a 14-ounce bag of sweetened shredded coconut and 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Combine the two and spread them in a 9 inch by 13 inch glass baking dish which you have coated with nonstick cooking spray and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Very simple and I'm anxious to try it.

[alygirl]

Alfred I have had these before but it had a graham cracker type crust. They are really really good but a little rich so don't eat too much!

[LitGirl]

Yum. All of these delicious desserts are making me hungry!

I like to make smoothies which are usually pretty quick and easy. I prefer banana and peach but I'll use whatever fruit I have available.