Baking for one or two can feel tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. These 15 small-batch desserts are easy to make and don’t leave you with a mountain of leftovers. You still get all the flavor and fun without extra work or waste. Whether you’re craving something chocolatey, fruity, or rich and creamy, there’s a recipe here that hits the spot.
Strawberry Mug Cake. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Molten Chocolate Cakes for Two
Rich chocolate cake with soft edges and a warm, gooey center makes this feel like something from a fancy bakery. It bakes in small ramekins, so it’s easy to make and even easier to serve without slicing or sharing too much. Save one for later or enjoy both now for a cozy dessert that fits just right.
Get the Recipe: Molten Chocolate Cakes for Two
Cherry Bavarian Custard
Creamy custard with a gentle cherry flavor sets in small cups, making it easy to enjoy whenever a sweet craving hits. It keeps in the fridge and tastes even better after a day, so you can make a few and not worry about waste. This one’s great when you want a soft and smooth treat without heating the oven.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Bavarian Custard
Espresso Brownie Skillet Cookie
This brownie has a deep chocolate flavor with a hint of coffee that brings out the richness in every bite. It bakes right in a small skillet, which means less cleanup and just enough for one or two. Spoon it warm from the pan and enjoy a dessert that feels big without making a big batch.
Get the Recipe: Espresso Brownie Skillet Cookie
Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake
Lemon cream and strawberries layer together in this cool dessert that doesn’t need any baking. It chills in the fridge and scoops out soft and sweet, perfect when you want something light but still rich in flavor. Make a small batch and save the rest for when you want another spoonful later.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake
Strawberry Mug Cake
This soft cake has real strawberries and a light, sweet flavor that’s ready in minutes. You cook it right in a mug with basic ingredients and no mess, which makes it perfect when you want dessert fast. It’s just enough for one or two people without leaving any behind.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Mug Cake
Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet
A soft center and crispy edges make this cookie skillet feel fresh from the oven every time. It’s packed with chocolate chips and comes together fast in a small pan so you don’t have to make a full tray. Share it with someone or keep it all to yourself while it’s still warm and melty.
Get the Recipe: Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet
Individual Pineapple Upside-Down Cakes
Sweet pineapple slices and brown sugar melt into the top of a fluffy cake baked in small ramekins. These come out golden and ready to serve with no slicing or leftovers to deal with. Bake a couple and enjoy one now, then keep the other for later when another craving hits.
Get the Recipe: Individual Pineapple Upside-Down Cakes
Mango Custard
Ripe mango and creamy custard blend together in this chilled dessert that feels light but is still full of flavor. It sets up in little cups, making it easy to prep ahead and eat when you want something fruity. Keep one cold in the fridge for an easy treat that fits just one or two.
Get the Recipe: Mango Custard
Microwave Chocolate Chip Cookie
This warm cookie is soft in the middle, full of chocolate chips, and made right in a mug with no oven needed. It only takes a few minutes and leaves no extra servings behind. When you want a single dessert without baking a full batch, this is the one to make.
Get the Recipe: Microwave Chocolate Chip Cookie
Microwave Apple Crisp
Soft apples and a sweet oat topping come together fast in this easy microwave dessert. It tastes like something baked slowly, but takes just minutes to make and clean up. It’s a cozy, single-serve treat that’s great for one or two with no leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Microwave Apple Crisp
Apple Mug Cake
This cake has bits of real apple and a mix of warm spices that make it taste like pie in cake form. You can make it in a mug with simple ingredients and no need to turn on the oven. It’s small, sweet, and perfect when you want just a little dessert for now.
Get the Recipe: Apple Mug Cake
Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake
Soft and rich with a fudgy top, this cake mixes chocolate and peanut butter in one easy microwave treat. It’s fast to make and doesn’t leave you with a pile of dishes or extra servings. Make one just for yourself or split it for a quick dessert you can enjoy anytime.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake
Mini Blueberry Pies
These little pies have flaky crusts and sweet blueberry filling that bakes up golden and crisp. Each one is the perfect size when you want pie but don’t want to make or store a big one. Bake two and save one, or enjoy both if the mood strikes.
Get the Recipe: Mini Blueberry Pies
Sticky Chocolate Protein Pudding
Thick and sweet with a rich chocolate flavor, this pudding also gives you a good boost of protein. It sets in the fridge and can be made ahead in small bowls for easy snacking. Keep one ready for when you want something filling and chocolatey that’s just the right size.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Chocolate Protein Pudding
Single-Serve Apple Pie
This pie is filled with soft, spiced apples and wrapped in a buttery crust that bakes in a single dish. It’s sweet, cozy, and gives you all the flavor of a full pie without any waste. Make one just for yourself or share with one more if you’re feeling generous.
Get the Recipe: Single-Serve Apple Pie