21 Dessert Recipes That Are Faster Than a Trip to the Bakery

When I’m in the mood for something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, I turn to my go-to dessert recipes that are faster than a trip to the bakery. These easy-to-make treats satisfy cravings without the hassle, letting me enjoy delicious flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these desserts will help you make something delightful in no time!

A spoon lifting a bite from a chocolate chip mug cake inside a white mug. — Chocolate Chip Mug Cake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Nutella Mug Cake

Homemade chocolate mug cake topped with whipped cream, served with a spoon and a small nutella jar on the side. — Nutella Mug Cake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This rich and gooey mug cake is ready in just a few minutes, making it a perfect sweet fix without the wait of heading to a bakery. With simple ingredients, it’s easy to whip up and enjoy. Whether it’s a late-night craving or a quick dessert for guests, this cake hits the spot. The single-serving size is ideal for when you want just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, the warm Nutella adds a comforting touch to your day.
Get the Recipe: Nutella Mug Cake

Cookies and Cream Mousse

Two glasses of cookies and cream dessert topped with oreo cookies, served on a white tablecloth with a yellow-striped napkin and spoons. — Cookies and Cream Mousse. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This light and creamy mousse brings the classic cookies and cream flavor into a quick dessert that’s a breeze to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can prepare this treat in no time, perfect for any occasion. The rich chocolatey cookies mixed with fluffy cream create a comforting and nostalgic dessert. It’s an impressive addition to any gathering or a sweet end to a simple dinner. Enjoy this effortless dessert that rivals anything from a bakery.
Get the Recipe: Cookies and Cream Mousse

Cheesecake in a Jar

Two jars of layered cheesecake with a graham cracker base, cream cheese filling, and a topping of dark red cherries, on a cloth with spoons beside them. — Cheesecake in a Jar. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy the creamy goodness of cheesecake without the hassle of baking with this charming jar dessert. It combines simple ingredients for a quick and easy treat, perfect for busy days. Each jar provides the classic flavors of cheesecake in a portable form, making it great for picnics or packed lunches. This dessert is not only satisfying but also visually appealing, adding a special touch to any meal. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a rich dessert without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cheesecake in a Jar

Hot Chocolate Mug Cake

A spoon lifting a bite of chocolate mug cake topped with melted marshmallows from a white mug. — Hot Chocolate Mug Cake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This warm, fudgy mug cake takes just a few minutes to prepare and is the ultimate comfort dessert. With chocolate and cocoa in every bite, it’s like having hot chocolate in cake form. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a quick treat after a long day. This single-serving cake is easy to make and sure to warm you up from the inside out. Indulging in this cake is a cozy way to enjoy dessert without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Mug Cake

Small-Batch Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate oatmeal cookies on a white plate, one broken in half, showing a soft interior, with loose chocolate chips scattered around on a white surface. — Small-Batch Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These cookies are perfect for satisfying cravings without having a whole batch left over. Made with classic ingredients, they come together quickly, allowing you to enjoy fresh cookies in no time. The chewy oats combined with chocolate chips create a comforting texture that makes these cookies irresistible. They’re great for an afternoon snack or as a sweet treat after dinner. This small batch ensures you can enjoy them without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Small-Batch Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip Mug Cake

This chocolate chip mug cake is the ultimate quick dessert, ready in just minutes. It combines the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies into a warm, gooey treat that is perfect for any time of day. Easy to prepare, it’s great for a solo snack or a fun dessert to share. The best part is how quickly it satisfies those chocolate cravings without a long wait. Enjoying this treat is a simple pleasure that will brighten your day.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Mug Cake

Best Chocolate Mug Cake

A spoon lifting a bite of freshly made chocolate mug cake from a white mug, with chocolate chips in a small bowl in the background. — Best Chocolate Mug Cake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy the ultimate chocolate experience with this easy-to-make mug cake that’s ready in a flash. This dessert packs rich chocolate flavor into a quick single serving, perfect for satisfying cravings without any fuss. With minimal ingredients and no baking required, it’s an excellent choice for busy days. The warm, gooey center makes it a cozy indulgence that you can whip up whenever you need a treat. It’s a simple way to bring bakery-style goodness home.
Get the Recipe: Best Chocolate Mug Cake

Small-Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

A plate with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, one cookie is broken in half to show the soft inside. — Small-Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These small-batch chocolate chip cookies are perfect for when you want just a few cookies without the temptation of leftovers. With familiar ingredients, they come together in a snap, allowing for a quick and easy treat. The soft and chewy texture makes them a classic favorite that everyone loves. They’re great for sharing or for an afternoon pick-me-up. Enjoying freshly baked cookies has never been easier or quicker.
Get the Recipe: Small-Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One

A plate of apple crisp with chunks of apple, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an oat crumble topping. — Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This individual apple crisp combines warm, spiced apples with a crunchy topping in just minutes, making it a comforting and easy dessert option. Using the air fryer, you can enjoy a warm and satisfying treat without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. The perfect balance of sweetness and texture makes this dessert feel indulgent while still being straightforward to prepare. It's a cozy way to enjoy the flavors of fall any time of year. This recipe proves that satisfying your sweet tooth can be quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One

Red White and Blue Salad

A bowl of creamy berry salad topped with fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries. A gold spoon is placed beside the bowl, and there is a small dish of blueberries in the background. — Red White and Blue Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This festive salad is a refreshing and vibrant option that’s quick to prepare for any gathering or celebration. Combining fresh fruits and ingredients, it adds a light and flavorful touch to your meal. It’s a simple way to celebrate any occasion with a pop of color and flavor. The bright fruits make it visually appealing, and it’s perfect for serving alongside your favorite dishes. This salad is a delightful addition that proves dessert doesn’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Red White and Blue Salad

3-Ingredient Oreo Mousse Cake

This no-fuss mousse cake combines just three ingredients for a rich and creamy dessert that’s ready in no time. The combination of cookies and cream brings nostalgia to your dessert table without complicated steps. It’s an impressive treat that’s easy to whip up, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. This simple dessert offers a fun twist on classic flavors while keeping things straightforward. Enjoying this cake is a delightful way to treat yourself without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Oreo Mousse Cake

Chocolate Puff Pastry

Close-up of a flaky pastry cut open to reveal a filling of chocolate, with a visible crispy golden crust. — Chocolate Puff Pastry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This chocolate puff pastry is a quick and elegant dessert that’s sure to impress. With flaky layers and rich chocolate filling, it’s a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the lengthy process of baking from scratch. It’s perfect for a special occasion or a simple treat at home. The ease of preparation means you can whip these up in no time. This pastry adds a touch of sophistication to your dessert table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Puff Pastry

Brownie Bites

Close-up of a hand holding a half-eaten chocolate brownie with gooey chocolate chunks, with another partial brownie blurred in the background. — Brownie Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These brownie bites offer a rich and fudgy dessert that’s ready in a flash, making them an easy go-to treat. They provide all the chocolatey goodness you crave without the long baking time of a traditional brownie. The bite-sized portions make them perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. They’re a simple way to bring a little indulgence into your day. These brownies are a quick and satisfying dessert for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Bites

Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

These no-bake cookies come together in no time, providing a fast and simple dessert that’s rich in flavor. With oats and chocolate, they’re a comforting option that doesn’t require an oven. They are perfect for a quick treat or a fun dessert to share with friends. The ease of preparation makes them a great option for busy days. Enjoying these cookies is a hassle-free way to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Glazed apple cinnamon fritters on a plate with front one broken in half. — Air Fryer Apple Fritters. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These apple fritters are cooked in the air fryer for a quick and easy dessert that still feels indulgent. The warm apples mixed with spices create a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a simple preparation method, they come together in no time, making them ideal for a quick snack. The air fryer gives them a crispy texture while keeping them soft and flavorful inside. This dessert is a fun way to enjoy the classic flavors of fall without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Cinnamon Roll in a Mug

Two slices of cinnamon roll cake covered in creamy frosting, placed on a white plate with extra drizzle of sauce. — Cinnamon Roll in a Mug. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This cinnamon roll in a mug is a warm and comforting dessert that can be made in just minutes. With a gooey center and sweet cinnamon flavor, it brings the classic breakfast treat into a quick and easy format. It’s perfect for those cozy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up. The mug serves as your cooking vessel, making cleanup a breeze. Enjoying this quick dessert is a simple way to add warmth to your day.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll in a Mug

Apple Mug Cake

This apple mug cake is a warm and comforting dessert that comes together in minutes. With chunks of apple and cinnamon, it’s a cozy option that feels indulgent without a lot of effort. This quick treat is perfect for those evenings when you want something sweet but don’t want to spend time baking. The single-serving size is ideal for enjoying a sweet treat on your own. It’s a simple and satisfying way to enjoy the flavors of fall.
Get the Recipe: Apple Mug Cake

Cake Mix Mug Cake

This cake mix mug cake is a quick and easy dessert option that’s ready in no time. Using a simple mix, you can whip up a sweet treat perfect for any occasion. It’s great for when you need a little something sweet without the wait of a traditional cake. The convenience of the mug means minimal cleanup and quick enjoyment. This dessert is an effortless way to bring a bit of joy to your day.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Mug Cake

S'mores Dip

This s’mores dip brings all the flavors of the classic treat into a warm and gooey dessert that’s easy to make. With melted chocolate and marshmallows, it’s perfect for dipping graham crackers or fruit. It’s a fun and simple dessert option for gatherings or cozy nights in. The quick preparation makes it an easy addition to any menu. Enjoying this dip is a straightforward way to bring a little fun to dessert time.
Get the Recipe: S'mores Dip

Air Fryer S'mores

A s'more with melted marshmallow and chocolate between graham crackers on a white plate. — Air Fryer S'mores. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These air fryer s’mores are a quick and easy way to enjoy the classic treat without the campfire. The melted chocolate and gooey marshmallows are sandwiched between graham crackers for a comforting dessert. It’s perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with minimal effort. The air fryer makes them crispy on the outside while keeping them soft inside. Enjoying these s’mores is a simple way to recreate a nostalgic favorite at home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S'mores

Carrot Cake In A Mug

Carrot cake muffin topped with cream cheese frosting and chopped nuts, served on a white plate with grated carrot and walnuts nearby. — Carrot Cake In A Mug. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This carrot cake in a mug is a quick and comforting dessert that’s ready in just minutes. With warm spices and sweet carrots, it’s a fun twist on the classic cake that feels indulgent. The single-serving size makes it easy to enjoy without the hassle of baking a whole cake. It’s perfect for satisfying cravings with minimal effort. This mug cake is a straightforward way to enjoy a sweet treat anytime.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake In A Mug