Alright, confession time. I love desserts. Not the “needs three hours, a stand mixer, and monk-like patience” kind—but the easy, low-effort, still-impressive kind. You know, the desserts you make when a craving hits hard and you refuse to put on real pants. Ever been there? Yeah, same.
This guide is basically me chatting with you in the kitchen, sharing 19 easy dessert recipes that I actually make when I’m tired, busy, or just feeling snacky. These recipes don’t judge you, don’t demand fancy tools, and don’t require a culinary degree. Sound good? Let’s get into it.
Why Easy Dessert Recipes Are a Lifesaver
Let’s be honest for a second. Most of us want dessert now, not after reading a novel-length recipe. I learned this the hard way after attempting a “simple” cake that used six bowls and crushed my soul.
Easy dessert recipes work because:
- They save time (and sanity).
- They use basic ingredients you already own.
- They still taste like you tried… even if you barely did.
IMO, desserts should feel fun, not stressful. Agreed?
1. No-Bake Chocolate Biscuit Cake
This one saved me during my “I can’t bake” era.
Ingredients
- 200g digestive biscuits
- 1 cup dark chocolate (chopped)
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup milk
Instructions
- Break biscuits into chunky pieces. Don’t overthink it.
- Melt butter, chocolate, sugar, and milk together on low heat.
- Mix in biscuits until coated.
- Press into a lined pan and chill for 2 hours.
- Slice and pretend you worked hard.
Ever noticed how no-bake desserts feel like cheating? I love that for us.
2. Classic Banana Bread (One Bowl)
Overripe bananas = dessert destiny.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1½ cups flour
Instructions
- Mash bananas in a bowl.
- Stir in butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- Add baking soda and flour.
- Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 50 minutes.
- Cool slightly… or don’t.
FYI, this tastes even better the next day. If it lasts that long 🙂
3. Chocolate Mug Cake
This dessert understands urgency.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 3 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp oil
Instructions
- Mix everything in a microwave-safe mug.
- Microwave for 60–90 seconds.
- Let it cool unless you enjoy lava-mouth.
Why wait for cake when cake can wait for you?
4. Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls
No oven. No drama.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup crushed biscuits
- Melted chocolate
Instructions
- Mix peanut butter, sugar, and biscuits.
- Roll into balls.
- Dip in chocolate.
- Chill and snack shamelessly.
5. Easy Vanilla Cupcakes
Basic, but in a good way.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix in dry ingredients and milk.
- Bake at 175°C for 18–20 minutes.
Simple cupcakes never disappoint. Ever.
6. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Fancy vibes, zero effort.
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries
- Melted dark or milk chocolate
Instructions
- Dip strawberries in chocolate.
- Place on parchment paper.
- Chill until set.
These make people think you’re sophisticated. Let them believe it.
7. Rice Krispie Treats
Childhood nostalgia unlocked.
Ingredients
- 3 cups rice cereal
- 2 cups marshmallows
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Melt butter and marshmallows.
- Stir in cereal.
- Press into pan and cool.
Still hits every time.
8. Easy Apple Crumble
Warm, cozy, and forgiving.
Ingredients
- 3 apples (sliced)
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup oats
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup sugar
Instructions
- Layer apples in a dish.
- Mix flour, oats, butter, and sugar.
- Sprinkle on top.
- Bake at 180°C for 35 minutes.
Serve warm. Bonus points with ice cream.
9. Oreo Truffles
Oreo lovers, this one’s for you.
Ingredients
- 1 pack Oreos
- ½ cup cream cheese
- Melted chocolate
Instructions
- Crush Oreos.
- Mix with cream cheese.
- Roll into balls and dip in chocolate.
- Chill and enjoy.
Yes, they disappear fast.
10. Lemon Yogurt Cake
Light, tangy, and effortless.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup oil
- 2 eggs
- 1½ cups flour
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Mix wet ingredients.
- Fold in flour and lemon zest.
- Bake at 175°C for 35 minutes.
Perfect with tea. Or midnight cravings.
11. Chocolate Chip Cookies (No Mixer)
Because cookies fix moods.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1½ cups flour
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix butter and sugar.
- Add egg.
- Stir in flour and chocolate chips.
- Bake at 180°C for 12 minutes.
Crispy edges, soft centers. Always.
12. Coconut Ladoo (3 Ingredients)
Minimal effort, maximum reward.
Ingredients
- 2 cups desiccated coconut
- ½ cup condensed milk
- Cardamom (optional)
Instructions
- Mix everything.
- Roll into balls.
- Chill and serve.
That’s it. Seriously.
13. Chocolate Pudding (Stovetop)
Creamy comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients.
- Cook until thick.
- Chill before serving.
Way better than store-bought.
14. Easy Brownies
Fudgy > cakey. Always.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup cocoa
- ¾ cup flour
Instructions
- Mix everything.
- Bake at 175°C for 25 minutes.
- Cool before slicing (try).
15. Fruit Custard
Fresh and refreshing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp custard powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Mixed fruits
Instructions
- Cook custard with milk and sugar.
- Cool completely.
- Fold in fruits.
Great for warm days.
16. Chocolate Banana Smoothie Dessert
Dessert or breakfast? Who cares.
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp cocoa
- Honey to taste
Instructions
- Blend everything.
- Serve chilled.
Zero guilt, full flavor.
17. Easy Cheesecake Cups (No Bake)
Cheesecake without commitment.
Ingredients
- Crushed biscuits
- Melted butter
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
- Vanilla
Instructions
- Mix biscuits and butter; press into cups.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla.
- Spoon over base and chill.
Instant crowd-pleaser.
18. Chocolate Fudge
Rich. Dense. Dangerous.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate
- ½ cup condensed milk
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Melt everything together.
- Pour into pan.
- Chill and slice.
Hide it or it’s gone.
19. Cinnamon Sugar Toast (Dessert Edition)
The lazy hero.
Ingredients
- Bread slices
- Butter
- Sugar + cinnamon
Instructions
- Butter the bread.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar.
- Toast or bake until golden.
Simple. Comforting. Perfect.
Final Thoughts: Desserts Don’t Have to Be Complicated
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from these 19 easy dessert recipes, it’s this: dessert should feel joyful, not intimidating. You don’t need fancy gear, rare ingredients, or endless patience to make something delicious.
So next time a craving hits, pick one recipe, have fun with it, and don’t stress the mess. Worst case? You learn something. Best case? You eat dessert. Win-win, right? 😄