Dress up your dessert table with any of these super quick treats that are guaranteed to be loved by everyone.

1. Butterscotch sauce
In saucepan, simmer 1 cup each packed dark brown sugar and whipping cream with 1/2 cup butter, stirring often, until slightly thickened, 12 minutes. Drizzle over ice cream or cake, or use as a fruit dip.

2. Creamy cranberry dip
In bowl, combine equal parts whole-berry cranberry sauce and mascarpone. Serve as a dip for fruit.

3. Chocolate "fondue" dip
In saucepan, melt 4 oz (115 g) dark chocolate, chopped; 1/2 cup whipping cream; and 2 tbsp butter over low heat, whisking, until smooth. Serve as a dip for fruit, cake, pretzels, cookies or marshmallows.

4. Lime-glazed madeleines
In small bowl, whisk 1-1/2 cups icing sugar with juice and zest of half a lime. Spoon over 12 store-bought madeleines; let stand until set.

5. Chocolate and almond fingers
Dip fingers of pound cake in melted chocolate and sprinkle with a few sliced almonds. Refrigerate until firm. Serve with fresh fruit.

6. Honey-baked figs
Cut fresh figs in half lengthwise. Place, cut side up, in ovenproof dish. Dot each half with 1/2 tsp butter. Bake in 375°F (190°C) oven until tender, about 15 minutes. Drizzle with liquid honey and top with chopped pistachios. Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, yogurt or creme fraiche.

This story was originally titled "Dessert Dress-Ups" in the December 2012 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!