When it comes to dessert, simple is often best. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up something sweet and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re craving cookies, ice cream, or a rich chocolate treat, these desserts deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Here are some of the easiest and most delicious dessert recipes that require only five ingredients or fewer.
1. Three-Ingredient Hot Fudge Sundae
This homemade sundae is easier than you think. All you need are sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened chocolate, and heavy cream. No ice cream machine is required, and you’ll have a rich, decadent treat in no time.
2. Butter Pecan Cookies
These cookies skip the leavener and the fuss. With browned butter, pecans, confectioners’ sugar, and a bit of flour, they come together effortlessly and taste incredible.
3. Croissant Brittle
A simple twist on classic brittle, this version uses croissants instead of nuts. Dunk croissant slices in sugar syrup, bake until crispy, and enjoy a caramelized, buttery crunch.
4. Lime Posset with Graham Cracker Streusel
This custard is thickened with citrus instead of eggs or gelatin. Heat up cream and sugar, add lime juice, and let it set. Serve with graham cracker crumbles for a Key Lime Pie-inspired treat.
5. Brown-Sugared Apples & Cream
A ridiculously easy dessert, just toss sliced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon, then pour over heavy cream. It’s a cozy, simple treat that works year-round.
6. Salty Chocolate Cheesecake
A no-bake cheesecake with just four ingredients: chocolate cookies, butter, cream cheese, and dark chocolate. Simple, creamy, and irresistible.
7. Salted Matzo Toffee
Matzo crackers, brown sugar, butter, chocolate, and flaky salt come together for a crunchy, toffee-like dessert that’s both sweet and salty.
8. Easier Chocolate Truffles
Skip the butter and vanilla—these truffles need only crème fraîche and bittersweet chocolate. They’re incredibly rich and perfect for gifting or snacking.
9. Flourless Walnut Brownies
With walnuts replacing flour, these brownies are extra fudgy and decadent. The natural fats in the nuts make them smooth, rich, and chocolatey.
10. No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream
Roasted pecans, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and vanilla make a creamy, nutty ice cream without an ice cream maker.
11. Three-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter, eggs, and sugar combine to create chewy, flavorful cookies. You can even add jam for a PB&J-inspired twist.
12. Three-Ingredient Buckwheat Brownies
Nutella, buckwheat flour, and eggs come together for a uniquely rich and nutty brownie that’s naturally gluten-free.
13. Baked Feta with Honeyed Strawberries
A sweeter spin on the viral baked feta trend, this dish features baked feta topped with fresh strawberries and honey for a creamy, tangy, and sweet delight.
14. Cookies & Cream Frozen Yogurt
Whole-milk yogurt, sugar, and crushed chocolate sandwich cookies blend into a frozen treat that’s just as delicious as traditional ice cream.
15. Salted Almond Butter Cookies
Swap peanut butter for almond butter in this three-ingredient cookie recipe, adding an extra nutty depth to every bite.
16. Chocolate Granita
This dairy-free frozen dessert is as simple as mixing cocoa powder, sugar, and water, then freezing and scraping to create a refreshing, chocolatey treat.
With these easy dessert recipes, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without the hassle of long ingredient lists or complicated techniques. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness!
