Welcome to Recipes2Gather—where we love taking inspiration from our favorite restaurants and turning it into cozy homemade goodness. Today, we’re indulging in a sweet little obsession: Olive Garden Desserts.
If you’ve ever ended a meal at Olive Garden with one of their decadent desserts, you know the feeling—we’re talking creamy cheesecake, rich chocolate cake, silky mousse, and those seasonal delights that somehow steal the spotlight. These desserts are more than just a sweet finish—they’re part of the experience.
Think of this as your go-to playbook for bringing those dessert vibes into your own kitchen. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, we’ll help you channel those signature Olive Garden dessert vibes into your kitchen. Plus, if you enjoy familiar flavors like those in our Cottage Cheese Dessert Recipes or are a fan of indulgent sweets like Pumpkin Dump Cake, you’re going to love what’s coming up.
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Olive Garden Desserts You Can Make at Home
- Total Time: 6 hours (with chilling)
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
Description
This homemade version of Olive Garden’s cheesecake is rich, creamy, and easy to make with simple ingredients and a buttery graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 blocks cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Optional: whipped cream and berries for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat to 350°F. Mix crust ingredients and press into springform pan.
- Make Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar, then add eggs, vanilla, and sour cream.
- Bake: Pour into crust. Bake at 325°F for 50–55 mins. Cool in oven, then chill.
- Decorate: Top with whipped cream and berries. Slice and serve
Notes
Chill at least 4 hours before slicing. Add chocolate chips or caramel for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Let’s dive in fork-first!
Key Benefits
There’s something about Olive Garden desserts that feels extra special. Here’s why these treats are more than just a sugar rush:
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: You don’t need a reservation to enjoy creamy tiramisu or a slice of cheesecake. These desserts are easy to recreate with everyday ingredients and a little know-how.
- Big Flavor, Simple Prep: Many of these recipes use shortcuts like pudding mix, store-bought crusts, or easy no-bake techniques to keep things approachable without losing that wow factor.
- Family-Style Portions: Olive Garden is known for generous servings, and these desserts follow suit. They’re perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties, or sharing with neighbors.
- Customizable: Whether you want it gluten-free, low-sugar, or extra chocolatey, you can adjust these recipes to suit your crew.
- Feel-Good Comfort: Like our Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizer, these desserts strike the perfect balance between cozy and indulgent.
Plus, once you learn a few of these tricks, you’ll be whipping up restaurant-worthy sweets without even glancing at a menu.
Ingredients for Olive Garden Dessert Recipes
Most Olive Garden-style desserts use common pantry staples but combine them in clever ways for rich results. Here’s a basic ingredient list that you’ll find in several crowd-favorite options:
- Cream cheese – full-fat works best for cheesecakes and frostings
- Heavy cream or whipped topping
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Vanilla extract
- Instant chocolate or vanilla pudding mix
- Ladyfingers or shortbread cookies (for layered desserts)
- Crushed chocolate cookies or graham crackers
- Sugar – granulated and powdered
- Dark chocolate or semi-sweet chips
- Eggs (for baked cheesecakes or custards)
If you want a quick version of their classic cheesecake, use a premade crust and skip the baking. Want something more unique? Add a drizzle of fruit sauce or a swirl of caramel, inspired by our Blueberry French Toast.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Olive Garden Style Cheesecake
One of Olive Garden’s most iconic desserts is their layered cheesecake. Here’s how to recreate a similar version at home:
- Make the Crust: Combine 1½ cups crushed graham crackers with 1/3 cup melted butter and 2 tbsp sugar. Firmly press the crust into a springform pan and pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to set. Let cool.
- Make the Filling: Grab a big bowl and blend together two blocks of cream cheese and a half-cup of sugar until it’s silky smooth. Add 2 eggs, one at a time, then mix in 1 tsp vanilla and 1/2 cup sour cream.
- Bake: Pour filling into the crust and bake at 325°F for 50–55 minutes. Turn off the oven and let the cake sit inside with the door ajar for 1 hour.
- Let it Chill: Slide it into the fridge and give it a solid 4 hours—or overnight if you can—for the best texture.
- Time to Finish: Just before serving, crown it with whipped cream, scatter on some berries, or go all in with a drizzle of chocolate.
This base can be customized endlessly. Add chocolate chips to the batter, swirl in caramel, or layer with chocolate mousse for something closer to Olive Garden’s seasonal cheesecake varieties.
Pro Tips and Variations for Olive Garden Desserts
Want to make your homemade versions extra memorable? Try these ideas:
- Add a Liqueur Boost: A splash of Amaretto, Bailey’s, or Kahlua can elevate a mousse or tiramisu-style dessert.
- Go No-Bake: Try layering pudding, crushed cookies, and whipped cream for a “lazy cheesecake” that still hits the mark.
- Brighten with Fruit: Use fresh berries or citrus zest to lighten up rich desserts. Strawberries, raspberries, or even lemon curd add brightness and balance.
- Mini Servings: Make individual dessert cups for parties—easier to serve and super cute.
- Boost the Texture: Toss on some crushed nuts or shaved chocolate to give it a tasty crunch.
Want a twist? Take a cue from our Cottage Cheese Chips and play with textures—sweet meets salty works wonders too.
Serving Suggestions for Olive Garden Desserts
Presentation is key when you’re recreating restaurant-style treats. Here’s how to serve them with flair:
- Plated with Fresh Fruit: Arrange a slice of cheesecake with red currants, berries, or citrus wedges for a burst of color.
- With Coffee or Liqueur: Pair a rich dessert with espresso, cappuccino, or a splash of dessert wine for that real Italian finish.
- On a Dessert Tray: Serve multiple mini desserts like parfaits, truffles, and small cake slices so everyone can sample a bit of everything.
- Seasonal Garnishes: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or chocolate shavings in winter; use mint, zest, or berries in spring and summer.
- Family-Style Slices: Cut generous portions and serve them on colorful plates, just like you’d get after a full meal out.
And don’t forget—these pair perfectly with something bubbly like our Shirley Temple Punch for a festive, fun finish.
Trasted Resources on Olive Garden Desserts
- Bon Appétit features classic dessert techniques that can help you recreate restaurant-style sweets.
- Serious Eats provides expert-tested cheesecake recipes similar to Olive Garden’s.
- The Kitchn shares tips for no-bake desserts that are perfect for weeknight indulgence.
- Healthline offers ideas for making classic desserts a little lighter without losing flavo
Conclusion
There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of cheesecake or a creamy layered dessert that takes you back to your favorite Olive Garden table. The good news? You don’t need to wait for a night out—you can recreate that same indulgent sweetness right at home.
With simple ingredients and a little kitchen magic, your Olive Garden-inspired desserts can become a part of any celebration, family dinner, or weeknight treat. They’re simple to make, super adaptable, and guaranteed to make everyone happy.
So go ahead—grab that mixing bowl, whip some cream, and treat yourself to something decadent.
FAQs
Their classic cheesecake and Black Tie Mousse Cake are fan favorites thanks to their rich, creamy layers and balanced sweetness.
Yes! Most are even better chilled overnight—just cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Layer pudding with cookie crumbles and whipped cream for a quick parfait, or build an easy trifle with whatever sweet bits you have on hand.
Absolutely—wrap tightly and freeze slices individually for easy, future treats.
Yes! They often offer limited-time treats like pumpkin cheesecake in fall or lemon desserts in spring.