Cheesecake is easy as long as you have a springform pan.

Trifle, or a lemon budino.

at this time of year, how about a pavlova filled with double cream and berries? I make this a lot in spring/summer and it's so easy, tastes fab and looks great. I make the meringue shell a day or two before, and then you only need to scoop in the double cream and sprinkle liberally with berries et voila!

Anonymous wrote:Pavlova! Make/bake the crust, leave it out on the counter during dinner, have the whipped cream ready and then layer with fruit. looks gorgeous.

I was also going to suggest this-particularly if you could get some nice in season berries.

You can also make a chocolate trifle. Use devils food cake, chocolate mousse, cool whip. Top with crushed up toffee candy (ie, Heath or Score bars). Looks best in a nice glass bowl.

Pavlova! Make/bake the crust, leave it out on the counter during dinner, have the whipped cream ready and then layer with fruit. looks gorgeous.

I don't use the gelatin. I think its gross, and if you assemble prior to serving you really don't need it. It looks very impressive, but is not difficult.

Pre-make the cake and marinate the berries the night before.

Just before serving whip the cream and assemble.

http://www.marthastewart.com/313610/strawberry-cream-cake

Key Lime Pie

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/key-lime-pie-i/detail.aspx

Make a raspberry sauce to drizzle over it with some fresh whipped cream. If you plate it right with a few fresh berries, it'll be fancy.

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Chocolate-Glazed-Chocolate-Tart-243610

I would make the glaze day of but you can do that early and set it aside while doing the rest of dinner. Served with fresh whipped cream is a nice (but not needed) touch.

Anonymous wrote:Trifle?

I was going to suggest this. Can be really pretty looking if you have a nice glass bowl.

(You can even buy the ingredients pre-made, e.g., cake, whip cream, fruit and put it together.)