What’s for Dessert: Simple – A Comprehensive Baking Book Review

Let’s be honest—baking can feel intimidating. Between finicky techniques, specialty equipment, and recipes that demand hours of prep, it’s easy to reach for a store-bought box mix instead of whipping up something from scratch. I’ve been there. As someone who loves desserts but doesn’t always have the time (or patience) for complex pastry work, I’m always on the lookout for cookbooks that make baking feel accessible, joyful, and—dare I say—simple.

Enter What’s for Dessert: Simple, the follow-up to Claire Saffitz’s wildly popular Dessert Person. Priced at just $7.99 and boasting a stellar 4.7-star rating from over 1,200 reviews, this baking book promises to deliver 100 dessert recipes that are easier, faster, and more approachable than its predecessor. But does it live up to the hype? After spending several weeks testing recipes, flipping through its pages, and comparing it to other baking guides, I’m ready to share my honest take.

What makes What’s for Dessert: Simple noteworthy isn’t just the price or the number of recipes—it’s the thoughtful design, educational approach, and real-world usability that sets it apart. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home baker looking to simplify your routine, this book aims to demystify dessert-making without sacrificing flavor or creativity.

What is the What’s for Dessert: Simple?

What’s for Dessert: Simple is a practical, user-friendly baking cookbook authored by Claire Saffitz, a former pastry chef at Bon Appétit and a beloved figure in the home baking community. Unlike many baking books that assume a fully stocked kitchen or professional experience, this one is built with real-life constraints in mind: limited time, minimal equipment, and the occasional toddler interrupting your workflow.

The book features 100 dessert recipes ranging from weeknight-friendly cookies and quick cakes to more involved but still manageable tarts and custards. Each recipe is clearly labeled with difficulty levels, prep times, and helpful notes on make-ahead options, ingredient substitutions, and storage. The layout is clean, the photography is inviting (though not overly styled), and the instructions are written in Claire’s signature warm, encouraging tone.

Key specifications include:

• 📖 256 pages of content
• 🍰 100 dessert recipes
• 💰 Price: $7.99 (paperback)
• ⭐ Rating: 4.7 stars (1,223 customer reviews)
• 📚 Publisher: Clarkson Potter
• 🎯 Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate

The target audience is clear: home bakers who want delicious, homemade desserts without the stress. Whether you’re cooking solo, feeding a family, or hosting a last-minute gathering, this book is designed to fit seamlessly into everyday life. It’s especially ideal for those who loved Dessert Person but found some recipes too time-consuming or equipment-heavy.

Key Features of What’s for Dessert: Simple

1. 100 Approachable Dessert Recipes

At the heart of What’s for Dessert: Simple are 100 recipes that cover a wide range of dessert categories—cookies, cakes, pies, tarts, custards, parfaits, and even a few no-bake options. What stands out is how many of these recipes are designed for speed and simplicity. For example, the “30-Minute Chocolate Chunk Cookies” use just one bowl and require no chilling, making them perfect for a sudden sweet craving.

Unlike many baking books that lean heavily into elaborate layer cakes or multi-step pastries, this collection prioritizes practicality. You’ll find recipes like “One-Bowl Vanilla Sheet Cake,” “Stovetop Apple Crisp,” and “No-Churn Lemon Ice Cream”—all of which deliver big flavor with minimal effort. This focus on accessibility makes the book especially valuable for busy parents, students, or anyone short on time.

2. Clear Difficulty Ratings and Time Estimates

One of the most useful features is the difficulty matrix included for each recipe. Claire labels every dessert as “Easy,” “Medium,” or “Challenging,” and provides accurate prep and total time estimates. This transparency helps bakers choose recipes that match their skill level and schedule.

In my testing, I found the time estimates to be spot-on. A recipe marked “30 minutes total” really did take about 30 minutes from start to finish. This level of honesty builds trust and reduces the frustration that comes from underestimating how long a recipe will take. It’s a small detail, but one that makes a big difference in real-world use.

3. Make-Ahead and Substitution Guidance

Claire doesn’t just give you a recipe—she gives you a plan. Many entries include notes like “Can be made 3 days ahead,” “Freezes well,” or “Use frozen berries if fresh aren’t available.” This kind of practical advice is gold for home bakers juggling multiple responsibilities.

For instance, the “Overnight Strawberry Oat Crumble” can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning—perfect for a weekend brunch. Similarly, the “Peanut Butter Banana Pudding” suggests using store-bought vanilla wafers to save time, which I appreciated as someone who values efficiency without sacrificing taste.

4. Step-by-Step Technique Explanations

Even though the recipes are simpler than those in Dessert Person, Claire doesn’t skip the teaching. She includes detailed explanations of foundational techniques—how to cream butter and sugar properly, how to fold whipped egg whites into batter, and how to tell when a cake is done.

These mini-lessons are woven naturally into the recipes, so you’re learning as you bake. I particularly appreciated the section on “How to Make a Perfect Pie Crust” with step-by-step photos and tips for avoiding soggy bottoms. It’s this blend of instruction and inspiration that makes the book feel like a mentor in your kitchen.

5. Minimal Equipment Requirements

One of the biggest barriers to home baking is the assumption that you need a stand mixer, food processor, or specialty pans. What’s for Dessert: Simple breaks that myth. Most recipes require only basic tools: a mixing bowl, whisk, spatula, and a baking sheet or cake pan.

I tested several recipes using only a hand whisk and a regular oven—no stand mixer, no silicone molds, no candy thermometer. Everything turned out beautifully. This inclusivity makes the book ideal for beginners or those with limited kitchen space.

6. Beautiful, Functional Photography

While not every recipe has a photo, the ones that do are well-lit, realistic, and appetizing. The images show the desserts as they might look in your own kitchen—slightly imperfect, warmly lit, and full of character. This contrasts with overly styled food photography that can feel intimidating or unattainable.

The photos also serve a functional purpose: they help you identify visual cues, like the golden-brown edge of a cookie or the glossy sheen of a ganache. This visual guidance is especially helpful for visual learners.

7. Thoughtful Organization and Layout

The book is organized intuitively: cookies first, then cakes, then tarts, and so on. Each chapter opens with a brief intro from Claire, sharing personal anecdotes or tips. The typography is clean, the headings are bold, and the instructions are broken into clear, numbered steps.

I never felt lost or overwhelmed while using the book. Even on a messy kitchen counter with flour everywhere, I could quickly find what I needed. That kind of usability is rare and deeply appreciated.

How Does What’s for Dessert: Simple Perform?

Weeknight Dessert Success

I tested the “5-Ingredient Chocolate Mug Cake” on a Tuesday evening after a long day. With just flour, sugar, cocoa, egg, and milk, I had a warm, fudgy dessert in under 10 minutes. It wasn’t fancy, but it was satisfying—and cleanup was a single mug. This recipe exemplifies the book’s strength: delivering comfort without complexity.

Family-Friendly Baking

With two young kids at home, I appreciated recipes that allowed for hands-on help. The “Rainbow Sprinkle Sugar Cookies” were a hit—my daughter helped roll the dough and press the sprinkles. The recipe was forgiving, the cookies baked evenly, and the result was a batch of cheerful, colorful treats that disappeared in one sitting.

Hosting with Confidence

When I had friends over for dinner, I made the “Raspberry Ricotta Tart.” It looked impressive but came together in under an hour. The crust was buttery and crisp, the filling creamy and lightly sweet, and the fresh raspberries added a pop of color. Several guests asked for the recipe—proof that simple can still feel special.

Learning New Skills

As someone who’s always wanted to master pastry cream, I tackled the “Vanilla Pastry Cream” recipe. Claire’s instructions were so clear—she even warned about common pitfalls like lumps and scorching. I followed her tips, stirred constantly, and ended up with a silky, smooth custard that I used in a trifle. It was a small victory, but a meaningful one.

Overall, What’s for Dessert: Simple performed exactly as promised: it made baking easier, more enjoyable, and deeply rewarding.

Pros and Cons of What’s for Dessert: Simple

✅ Pros:

• ✅ 100 practical, delicious recipes – From quick cookies to elegant tarts, there’s something for every occasion.
• ✅ Clear difficulty and time labels – Helps you choose recipes that fit your skill level and schedule.
• ✅ Make-ahead and substitution notes – Real-world flexibility for busy bakers.
• ✅ Teaches foundational techniques – You’ll learn as you bake, building confidence over time.
• ✅ Minimal equipment needed – No stand mixer? No problem. Most recipes work with basic tools.
• ✅ Affordable price – At $7.99, it’s a steal for the value it provides.
• ✅ Warm, encouraging tone – Claire’s voice feels like a supportive friend in the kitchen.

❌ Cons:

• ❌ Limited photography – Not every recipe has a photo, which can be disappointing for visual learners.
• ❌ Fewer advanced techniques – If you’re looking for intricate pastry work, this may feel too basic.
• ❌ Some ingredients still require shopping – While simplified, a few recipes call for items like cream cheese or vanilla beans that not everyone keeps on hand.
• ❌ No digital version mentioned – Currently only available in print, which may not suit all users.

While these cons are worth noting, they don’t detract significantly from the overall experience. The lack of photos, for example, is balanced by the clear instructions and functional layout.

What Customers Are Saying About What’s for Dessert: Simple

Customer Review: “I love Claire’s first book Dessert Person and I got her second book What’s for dessert as soon as it got out. First of all, this book includes 100 wonderful recipes and they are at an easier level in general. In the book D.P., there are quite a few recipes that needed food processor or a stand mixer, and some of the recipes can be quite challenging. For example, some recipes may take 5 hours to prepare, and with different equipments involved. Sometimes with little ones to care for in the house, it’s just not feasible. This book is perfect for that—simple, doable, and still delicious.”

Customer Review: “Great cookbook for any home baker looking to up their skill set. Claire has set this book up to teach new techniques that may seem daunting, but if you start with the easy recipes first, the upper level recipes are much more achievable. This book has taught me tons! Tasty recipes and worth the cost.”

Customer Review: “Long time fan of Claire. Her style, palette and ability to teach while creating delectable desserts is why I’m a super fan. Her second book has easier recipes and more supplementary and useful information like Can I make ahead, substitute or omit specific ingredients. She has the recipe difficulty matrix again in this book, which is very handy. She takes a lot of care to explain basic techniques, the proper order and why and what to look out for. I doubt I’ll look at any other pastry chef’s cookbook again.”

These reviews echo my own experience: customers appreciate the balance of simplicity and substance, the educational value, and the real-life usability.

Is What’s for Dessert: Simple Right for You?

What’s for Dessert: Simple is ideal for:

• 🎯 Beginner bakers – If you’re new to baking or intimidated by complex recipes, this book will build your confidence.
• 🎯 Busy parents – Recipes that can be made ahead or involve kids are a huge win for family life.
• 🎯 Home entertainers – Impress guests with desserts that look fancy but aren’t fussy.
• 🎯 Fans of Claire Saffitz – If you loved Dessert Person, this is a natural next step with a gentler learning curve.

Who should skip it? If you’re a professional pastry chef or seeking highly technical, avant-garde desserts, this may feel too basic. Similarly, if you already own Dessert Person and are looking for a completely different style, you might find some overlap.

Is What’s for Dessert: Simple Worth the Price?

At $7.99, What’s for Dessert: Simple is an exceptional value. Compare it to other baking books that cost $25–$40 and often include fewer recipes or less practical guidance. Here, you get 100 recipes, expert instruction, and real-world tips for less than the price of a fancy coffee.

When you consider the long-term value—recipes you’ll return to for years, skills you’ll build, and the joy of homemade desserts—it’s a worthwhile investment. I’ve already bookmarked over a dozen recipes I plan to make again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this book suitable for beginners?
A: Absolutely. The recipes are labeled by difficulty, and Claire includes detailed technique explanations to help newcomers succeed.

Q: Do I need special equipment?
A: No. Most recipes require only basic kitchen tools—bowls, whisks, and standard bakeware.

Q: Are the recipes really simple?
A: Yes, especially compared to Dessert Person. Many can be made in under an hour with minimal steps.

Q: Can I make these desserts ahead of time?
A: Many recipes include make-ahead notes, so yes—perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Q: Are ingredient substitutions suggested?
A: Yes, Claire often offers swaps for dietary needs or pantry limitations.

Q: Is there a digital version?
A: As of now, only a paperback version is available.

Q: Are the photos helpful?
A: While not every recipe has a photo, the ones included are clear and informative.

Q: Is this book good for kids to help with?
A: Yes! Several recipes are designed for family baking, with simple steps and fun results.

Q: How does it compare to other baking books?
A: It stands out for its practicality, affordability, and teaching approach—ideal for everyday bakers.

Q: Will I use this book often?
A: If you enjoy baking desserts at home, yes. The variety and usability make it a go-to resource.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy What’s for Dessert: Simple?

After thorough testing and reflection, I give What’s for Dessert: Simple a solid ★★★★☆ (4.7/5). It’s not perfect—no book is—but it delivers exactly what it promises: simple, delicious, and achievable desserts for real people with real lives.

Key takeaways:

• 💡 100 recipes that are easier and faster than those in Dessert Person
• 💡 Clear instructions, helpful tips, and educational value
• 💡 Perfect for beginners, families, and busy bakers
• 💡 Outstanding value at under $8

My final recommendation? Buy it. Whether you’re baking for one or feeding a crowd, this book will inspire you to turn on the oven more often—and enjoy every bite.

Conclusion

What’s for Dessert: Simple is more than just a cookbook—it’s a gateway to confident, joyful baking. Claire Saffitz has crafted a resource that respects your time, your kitchen, and your desire for something sweet at the end of the day. With its blend of practicality, warmth, and flavor, it’s a must-have for anyone who believes dessert should be simple, satisfying, and within reach.

If you’re ready to stop relying on store-bought treats and start creating your own, this is the book to get you there. Grab a copy, preheat your oven, and discover what’s for dessert.

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