If you like sweets but don’t want a huge batch, these 17 small-batch dessert ideas are perfect. Each recipe is simple to make and gives just enough to enjoy without leftovers. You can try something new every time and satisfy your sweet tooth without having to share. From cookies to little cakes to creamy treats, there is something for every kind of craving.
Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Strawberry Mug Cake
Soft, sweet, and packed with strawberry flavor, this mug cake cooks right in the microwave. It uses simple ingredients and makes just enough for one or two people. A good pick when you’re after small batch desserts that don’t feel like too much.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Mug Cake
Molten Chocolate Cakes for Two
These chocolate cakes come out warm with soft centers and rich flavor. They’re quick to make and serve just enough for two, so nothing goes to waste. A strong pick if you’re craving small-batch desserts with deep chocolate flavor and easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Molten Chocolate Cakes for Two
Espresso Brownie Skillet Cookie
Baked in a small skillet, this cookie comes out soft with a hint of coffee and rich chocolate. It’s made to serve just one or two, giving you a warm dessert without any extras. A go-to for small batch desserts that feel fresh and not too sweet.
Get the Recipe: Espresso Brownie Skillet Cookie
Mango Custard
Smooth and creamy, this mango custard sets up after a short chill and feels light to eat. You only need a few ingredients, and it makes just the right amount. A solid choice when you want small batch desserts that are easy, simple, and not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Mango Custard
Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet
This gooey cookie comes packed with chocolate chips, baked right in a small pan. It’s crisp around the edges, soft in the center, and perfect for sharing with one other person. One of those small-batch desserts that tastes like more work than it is.
Get the Recipe: Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet
Microwave Chocolate Chip Cookie
Warm, soft, and ready in minutes, this microwave chocolate chip cookie skips the oven and full batch mess. It takes just a few ingredients and gives you one perfect serving. A quick fix when you’re after small batch desserts that get the job done fast.
Get the Recipe: Microwave Chocolate Chip Cookie
Mini Pecan Pies
A soft dessert that cooks quickly delivers warm, comforting flavors without much effort. It only takes a couple of minutes, and the cleanup is minimal. Perfect for when small batch desserts need to be quick, easy, and just the right size.
Get the Recipe: Mini Pecan Pies
Mini Blueberry Pies
Flaky crust and juicy blueberry filling make these tiny pies a full pie experience without the work. Baked in small pans and served straight from the dish, they are a great choice when small batch desserts should be easy but still feel special.
Get the Recipe: Mini Blueberry Pies
Hot Chocolate Mug Cake
A mug cake that tastes like hot chocolate in cake form comes together in under two minutes, making it the fastest way to fix a craving. The middle stays soft and melty while the edges firm up for a mix of textures that feels extra satisfying. It’s the perfect single-serve dessert when you want a warm and cozy sweet without having to bake a whole pan.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Mug Cake
Edible Single-Serving Cookie Dough
Egg-free cookie dough for one mixes up in just a few minutes and gives you that soft, sweet bite you crave. You don’t need an oven, so it’s an easy way to treat yourself without the wait or the mess. This single-serve recipe is perfect when you want something quick, simple, and fun to enjoy right away.
Get the Recipe: Edible Single-Serving Cookie Dough
Microwave Apple Crisp
The creamy center and soft caramel top give this dessert a rich and comforting taste, but it takes hardly any effort to make. Each spoonful is silky smooth with just the right amount of sweetness, making it feel special without the fuss. It’s the perfect little treat to chill and enjoy when you’re craving something cool and sweet without committing to a big batch.
Get the Recipe: Microwave Apple Crisp
Single-Serve Apple Pie
Warm apples tossed with cinnamon and a touch of sugar bake down into a cozy, sweet filling that feels like comfort in a dish. A little butter on top melts as it cooks, creating a rich flavor without needing a crust or complicated steps. This easy treat gives you all the taste of homemade pie in a smaller portion that’s simple enough to enjoy anytime.
Get the Recipe: Single-Serve Apple Pie
Apple Mug Cake
This soft and sweet dessert comes together in minutes without ever turning on the oven, making it an easy win for busy days. With just a few simple steps, you get a warm and satisfying treat that feels special without much work at all. It’s the perfect choice when you only want a little something sweet instead of baking a big batch.
Get the Recipe: Apple Mug Cake
Salted Caramel S’mores
Melted chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and smooth caramel mix together into a sticky and sweet no-bake treat that takes almost no effort. Each portion is small, rich, and fun to make, so you get just the right amount without extra leftovers. This easy dessert is perfect when you want something quick, satisfying, and loaded with classic flavors.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel S’mores
Brownie Peanut Butter Mousse Cakes
A fudgy brownie base topped with smooth peanut butter mousse makes these mini cakes perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. They chill until firm and offer a rich taste without making a big batch. This small-batch dessert delivers full flavor with just a small portion.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Peanut Butter Mousse Cakes
Chocolate Mug Cake
Rich chocolate flavor and a soft, gooey texture come in the perfect single serving made for one. This quick dessert skips the hassle of big batches and lets you enjoy a sweet treat without the extra mess or long cleanup. It gives you just the right amount to satisfy a craving, leaving you with a warm dessert and no leftovers to handle.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Mug Cake
Frozen Yogurt with Berries
Creamy yogurt blended with fresh berries makes a light and refreshing treat that comes together in just minutes. The cool texture pairs with natural sweetness for a simple dessert that feels both satisfying and easy to enjoy. Made in a just-right portion for one or two, it’s a quick way to enjoy something sweet without turning on the oven.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Yogurt with Berries