7 Simple Dessert Recipes Anyone Can Make (Even If You Burn Toast)

Let’s be real life’s too short to skip dessert. Some people say, “Oh, I’m not really into sweets.” Uh-huh, sure… those are the same people sneaking a brownie when no one’s looking. 🙂 I’m here to tell you that dessert doesn’t have to be fancy, complicated, or require a degree in French pastry arts. Sometimes, the best desserts are the ones you can whip up with what you already have in the pantry.

I’ve rounded up 7 simple dessert recipes that are quick, ridiculously delicious, and (mostly) foolproof. These are the desserts I reach for when I want something sweet without needing to Google “what is cream of tartar, and do I really need it?”

Ready to satisfy that sweet tooth without losing your sanity? Let’s do this.

1. Classic Chocolate Mug Cake

Ever get hit with a chocolate craving at 10 p.m.? Yeah, me too. That’s when mug cakes swoop in like superheroes.

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 3 tbsp milk
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: chocolate chips, Nutella, or whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Mix the dry ingredients in a mug.
2. Add milk and oil, then stir until smooth.
3. Microwave for about 1–1.5 minutes (don’t overcook unless you like chocolate bricks).
4. Top with whipped cream or, if you’re feeling rebellious, a spoonful of Nutella.

Why it works: You get warm, gooey chocolate cake in less time than it takes to scroll TikTok.

2. No-Bake Cheesecake Cups

Cheesecake is fancy. But also… work. These no-bake cheesecake cups give you the same creamy vibes without the oven drama.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup crushed graham crackers
• 4 tbsp melted butter
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip
• Toppings: fruit, chocolate drizzle, or crushed Oreos

Instructions:

1. Mix graham crackers with butter, then press into small cups or glasses.
2. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Fold in whipped cream.
4. Spoon mixture over the crust, then top with your choice of toppings.

Why I love it: You can make these look Instagram-worthy in mason jars. Or, you know, just eat them straight out of the bowl. No judgment.

3. Peanut Butter Cookies (3 Ingredients!)

Some recipes claim to be easy, but then ask you to sift flour three times. This one? Three ingredients. That’s it.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix everything in a bowl until combined.
3. Scoop onto a baking sheet and press with a fork for the classic crisscross pattern.
4. Bake for 10–12 minutes.

Why it’s amazing: No flour, no mixer, no stress. Just chewy, peanut-buttery goodness.

4. Banana Ice Cream (a.k.a. “Nice Cream”)

Got bananas that look like they’ve lived five lives already? Don’t toss them make ice cream.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas (frozen in chunks)
• Optional: peanut butter, cocoa powder, or vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Toss frozen bananas into a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy. (Be patient; it looks sketchy at first, but it’ll turn into soft-serve magic.)
3. Add peanut butter or cocoa if you want flavor upgrades.

Personal tip: I once served this to a friend who swore they hated “healthy” desserts. They polished off the whole bowl. Enough said.

5. Berry Crumble

This one is for when you want something warm, cozy, and kinda fancy without much effort.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter (cold, cubed)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss berries with sugar and lemon juice, then spread in a baking dish.
3. Mix flour, oats, and brown sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly.
4. Sprinkle topping over berries.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Best way to eat it: Warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. Trust me, it’s life-changing.

6. Rice Krispies Treats

You know them, you love them, and honestly, they never go out of style.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 package (10 oz) marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a large pot.
2. Add marshmallows, stir until smooth.
3. Mix in Rice Krispies until coated.
4. Press into a greased pan, let cool, then cut into squares.

Pro hack: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top or mix in peanut butter for an upgrade.

7. Apple Cinnamon Quesadillas

Sounds weird? Hear me out: this is like apple pie’s younger, cooler cousin.

Ingredients:

• 2 tortillas
• 1 apple (thinly sliced)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon
• Optional: caramel sauce or whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Heat butter in a skillet.
2. Place tortilla, layer apple slices, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, then top with another tortilla.
3. Cook until golden, flip carefully, and cook the other side.
4. Slice like a quesadilla and drizzle with caramel sauce.

Why you’ll love it: You get apple pie vibes in 10 minutes flat. Plus, it feels a little rebellious making dessert with tortillas.

Final Thoughts: Dessert Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

So there you have it 7 simple dessert recipes that prove you don’t need to spend three hours and use every pan in the kitchen to enjoy something sweet. Whether you’re craving a late-night chocolate fix, want to impress friends without stressing, or just need a quick pick-me-up, these recipes have you covered.

And hey, IMO, dessert is more than just food it’s a little joy in your day. So why not make it easy, fun, and maybe even a bit messy? 😉

Now the only real question is… which one are you making first?