Date night or me time? Either way, these small-batch desserts are the perfect sweet fix. You don’t need to make a full cake or a mountain of cookies when just a few bites will do. These 19 easy recipes are just right when you want something fast, simple, and really good, whether you’re sharing or keeping it all to yourself.
Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Cherry Bavarian Custard
This cool custard sets in the fridge and comes out silky with just the right amount of cherry flavor. It’s served in smaller portions so you can enjoy one now and save the others without wasting a thing. Try this easy dessert when you want something creamy that’s just enough for you or to share.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Bavarian Custard
Espresso Brownie Skillet Cookie
This brownie bakes up rich and chewy with a bold chocolate flavor and a little coffee to boost it. It cooks right in the skillet so it stays warm and soft with very little cleanup. Make it when you’re craving something freshly baked but only want one pan’s worth.
Get the Recipe: Espresso Brownie Skillet Cookie
Molten Chocolate Cakes for Two
These chocolate cakes bake up with soft edges and gooey centers that melt the moment you dig in. The recipe makes just two little cakes, which means no slicing and no extra dessert to deal with later. Bake these when you want something warm, rich, and made to be eaten all at once.
Get the Recipe: Molten Chocolate Cakes for Two
Microwave Chocolate Chip Cookie
This soft and gooey cookie is packed with chocolate chips and cooks fast right in a mug. You only need a few minutes and simple ingredients to make it happen without turning on the oven. Make one when you want a fresh cookie without baking a full tray.
Get the Recipe: Microwave Chocolate Chip Cookie
Individual Pineapple Upside-Down Cakes
Sweet pineapple and brown sugar bake right into the top of these golden, buttery little cakes. They come out of the ramekin with a glossy finish and taste like something from a bakery. Keep this recipe nearby for when you want a whole cake experience without baking a full one.
Get the Recipe: Individual Pineapple Upside-Down Cakes
Mango Custard
This soft, fruity custard blends ripe mango and smooth cream for a cool and refreshing spoonful. It is set up in the fridge in small cups so you can make a few and enjoy them one at a time. Grab one when you want something sweet and chilled without baking a thing.
Get the Recipe: Mango Custard
Strawberry Mug Cake
A few pieces of fresh strawberry turn this quick mug cake into a soft and sweet treat in minutes. It cooks in the microwave and uses ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen. Make one when you want a dessert that’s simple, fast, and made for just one or two.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Mug Cake
Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake
Lemon cream and fresh strawberries layer together in a chilled dessert that scoops out soft and smooth. You don’t need to bake it, and it keeps well in the fridge so you can have a little now and save the rest. Make this when you want something cold and creamy with no fuss.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake
Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet
This skillet cookie comes out warm with crisp edges and a soft, chocolatey center that’s best eaten with a spoon. It’s quick to make and perfect when you don’t feel like baking a whole batch of cookies. Bake it when you want a little something sweet that still feels homemade.
Get the Recipe: Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet
Single-Serve Apple Pie
Cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery crust bake in a single dish to give you a classic pie experience. It tastes just like the full version but without any slicing or leftovers. Save this for when you’re craving a cozy pie but only need enough for one or two.
Get the Recipe: Single-Serve Apple Pie
Apple Mug Cake
Real apple bits and warm spices bake into a soft mug cake that tastes like pie in cake form. It comes together fast in the microwave and skips the oven and the extra pans. Keep this one in mind for those moments when you just want one good bite of something warm and sweet.
Get the Recipe: Apple Mug Cake
Sticky Chocolate Protein Pudding
Thick and chocolatey, this pudding also brings a little extra protein to make it feel filling and still like dessert. It is set in small bowls in the fridge so you can make a few and eat them when you want. Reach for this when you need something sweet that also keeps you going.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Chocolate Protein Pudding
Bisquick Peach Cobbler
Juicy peach slices bake under a soft biscuit-like topping that’s both sweet and comforting. The whole thing fits in a small dish so there’s just enough for one or two servings. Make this when you want something warm and baked without a bunch of leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Bisquick Peach Cobbler
Cake Mix Mug Cake
With just a cake mix and a splash of milk, this fluffy microwave cake comes together in minutes. It tastes just like something you’d bake from scratch but without turning on the oven. Try this when you want a fast dessert that’s just enough for now.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Mug Cake
Chocolate Mug Cake
This soft chocolate cake has a rich flavor and cooks quickly in the microwave without any special tools. You only need one mug and a few ingredients to get it done in minutes. Make it when you want something sweet and warm without baking a full cake.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Mug Cake
Brownie Peanut Butter Mousse Cakes
These layered mini cakes combine a chewy brownie bottom with a smooth, creamy peanut butter mousse. They’re chilled and served cold, which makes them feel extra special without being complicated. Keep these on hand when you want something sweet and just the right size.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Peanut Butter Mousse Cakes
Microwave Apple Crisp
Soft apples and a crumbly topping cook fast in the microwave and still taste like something made the slow way. It’s the kind of cozy dessert that doesn’t leave you with extra dishes or too much food. Spoon it up warm when you want a quick treat that feels homemade.
Get the Recipe: Microwave Apple Crisp
Mini Blueberry Pies
These little pies bake up golden with a flaky crust and a sweet blueberry center that’s soft and juicy. They’re made in small pans so you can enjoy one now without having to slice or store anything. Make these when you’re craving pie but don’t want to bake a whole one.
Get the Recipe: Mini Blueberry Pies
Salted Caramel S’mores
Melted chocolate, marshmallows, and caramel come together in this sticky treat made without a fire. It’s quick to make and doesn’t need any special tools or big batches. Make a few and enjoy a fun dessert that’s perfect for just one or two.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel S’mores