Some nights call for a little something sweet, but not a whole tray of cookies or a big cake. These 21 small-batch dessert recipes are made for those quiet nights in, whether you’re sharing with someone or keeping it all to yourself. Each one is simple, satisfying, and just the right size for when you want a treat without the leftovers.
Mango Custard. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake
Soft lemon cream and fresh strawberries come together in layers that chill to the perfect creamy texture. It sets in the fridge and scoops easily without needing to slice or serve a crowd. This is a smooth and sweet treat that’s easy to make and great when you want just a little something for yourself or to share.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake
Cherry Bavarian Custard
Light cherry flavor mixes with a creamy base that sets in the fridge without needing the oven at all. It’s made in smaller cups so you can enjoy one now and save the rest for later with no waste. This is a sweet and silky dessert that’s made for those times you only want a little bit of something good.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Bavarian Custard
Microwave Chocolate Chip Cookie
A warm, gooey cookie packed with chocolate chips comes together right in a mug with no baking tray needed. It only takes a few minutes and uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. This is a quick fix for dessert cravings when you just want one soft and sweet cookie to hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Microwave Chocolate Chip Cookie
Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet
This golden cookie has crispy edges and a soft, chocolate-filled center that’s best eaten warm from the pan. It bakes in a small skillet and gives you that homemade flavor without making a full tray. It’s the kind of dessert you make when you want fresh-baked comfort but only a few bites.
Get the Recipe: Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet
Mango Custard
Creamy and cool, this dessert blends the taste of ripe mango with a soft custard that chills perfectly in the fridge. It’s portioned into smaller cups so you don’t have to guess how much to serve. This is a fruity, no-bake option that works well when you’re in the mood for something smooth, sweet, and easy.
Get the Recipe: Mango Custard
Strawberry Mug Cake
Sweet strawberry pieces add flavor and color to this soft cake that cooks quickly in the microwave. You mix it all in one mug and don’t need anything fancy to get it just right. It’s the kind of dessert you make when you want just enough for yourself or to split with someone without leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Mug Cake
Molten Chocolate Cakes for Two
These rich chocolate cakes bake up with soft edges and a gooey, melted center that flows when you take a spoonful. They’re made in small ramekins, so you get the feel of a fancy dessert with hardly any cleanup. Keep both for yourself or share one with someone when you want just the right amount of something warm and chocolatey.
Get the Recipe: Molten Chocolate Cakes for Two
Espresso Brownie Skillet Cookie
Deep chocolate flavor with just a bit of coffee gives this brownie a rich taste that bakes up soft and chewy. It cooks in a small skillet, so there’s less cleanup and no need to portion it out. Spoon it warm right from the pan when you want something bold and sweet without making a big batch.
Get the Recipe: Espresso Brownie Skillet Cookie
Individual Pineapple Upside-Down Cakes
These single-serving cakes bake right in small ramekins with pineapple and brown sugar that turns golden and sticky as it cooks. Each one flips out neatly and has the sweet, buttery flavor of a full-size cake. Bake two and enjoy them without needing to slice, store, or serve anyone else.
Get the Recipe: Individual Pineapple Upside-Down Cakes
Cake Mix Mug Cake
A little bit of cake mix and a splash of milk turn into a fluffy cake that cooks right in your favorite mug. It takes only minutes and tastes like you baked the whole thing without turning on the oven. This is the kind of easy treat to make when you’re craving dessert but want to keep it simple and small.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Mug Cake
Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake
Chocolate and peanut butter blend together in this soft and rich cake that cooks fast right in your mug. The top stays a little gooey while the inside turns warm and fudgy, giving you just enough to enjoy without feeling too full. It’s a quick dessert made for those nights when you want something sweet without making a mess.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake
Bisquick Peach Cobbler
Juicy peach slices bake under a soft biscuit topping that comes together with just a few pantry ingredients. It fits in a small dish, so you can enjoy a warm and cozy dessert without filling up the whole oven. This is the kind of comfort dessert that’s easy to whip up and just enough for one or two.
Get the Recipe: Bisquick Peach Cobbler
Red Velvet Mug Cake
This microwave cake has a smooth, rich texture with just the right touch of cocoa and a deep red color. It looks fancy but comes together in just minutes with no baking pans or mixers needed. Make one when you want something sweet that feels a little special without needing to serve a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Mug Cake
Microwave Apple Crisp
Soft apples and a sweet, crumbly oat topping cook fast in the microwave and give off that fresh-baked taste. It’s a warm and easy dessert that’s ready in minutes and doesn’t leave a sink full of dishes. Serve it straight from the bowl when you need something cozy without the hassle of baking a full dish.
Get the Recipe: Microwave Apple Crisp
Brownie Peanut Butter Mousse Cakes
A rich brownie base is topped with creamy peanut butter mousse for a dessert that’s layered and full of flavor. These little cakes chill well and feel fancy, but the small size makes them easy to enjoy without going overboard. They’re perfect when you want something sweet, chocolatey, and made just for you.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Peanut Butter Mousse Cakes
Apple Mug Cake
Chunks of real apple and warm spices bake up soft and fluffy in this mug cake that’s ready in minutes. It tastes like apple pie but skips the crust and long bake time, which makes it even easier to enjoy. This is the kind of dessert that hits the spot when you want something sweet and simple, without making a whole pie.
Get the Recipe: Apple Mug Cake
Salted Caramel S’mores
Gooey marshmallows, melted chocolate, and a drizzle of caramel stack together for a sticky, sweet treat made without a fire. You don’t need special tools or a lot of time to make this fun dessert for one or two. Just melt, layer, and enjoy something rich that feels fun to eat at home.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel S’mores
Chocolate Mug Cake
This cake is full of deep chocolate flavor and comes together in a mug with no fancy equipment needed. It cooks in minutes and is perfect when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want a big cleanup. Make one and enjoy it while it’s still warm and soft on top.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Mug Cake
Mini Blueberry Pies
Buttery pie crust and juicy blueberries bake together into personal-size pies with golden tops and sweet centers. They’re easy to put together and just the right size to enjoy without having to store leftovers. Bake one or two and keep them on hand when you want a classic dessert in a smaller portion.
Get the Recipe: Mini Blueberry Pies
Single-Serve Apple Pie
This pie is filled with soft apples, cinnamon, and a flaky crust that bakes in one small dish without any fuss. It gives you all the flavor and texture of a homemade pie without making a big batch. Keep this recipe close for when you want a warm and familiar dessert that’s made for one or maybe two.
Get the Recipe: Single-Serve Apple Pie
Sticky Chocolate Protein Pudding
This thick chocolate pudding is smooth, rich, and made with just enough sweetness to feel like a treat. It also packs in a good amount of protein, so it works as both a snack and a dessert. Make a few ahead and keep them chilled for when you want something creamy and satisfying without making too much.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Chocolate Protein Pudding