13 Desserts for One That Don’t Feel Like Settling

Not every craving calls for a whole pan of brownies or a triple-layer cake. Sometimes you just want something sweet that doesn’t leave leftovers calling your name. These desserts for one, are quick, no-fuss, and don’t feel like a backup plan. They’re perfect for solo nights, sudden cravings, or when you refuse to share. No weird half-recipes—just solid treats that show up for you and you alone.

Red velvet cake with a layer of cream cheese frosting in a white ramekin, next to a spoon with a bite taken out, on a white background. — Red Velvet Mug Cake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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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 crisp is easy to prep and doesn’t take long to cook. The apples soften just right, and the topping stays crunchy without being too thick. It works well when you want a warm dessert without baking a full pan. It’s a simple win for nights when you just want a single portion.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One

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 mug cake brings that hot chocolate feel but skips the mug of milk. It cooks in under two minutes and leaves almost no cleanup. The center stays soft while the edges firm up just enough. It’s great when you want a quick dessert without making a mess.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate 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.

You get rich flavor and a soft bite in just a few minutes. It doesn’t call for special tools or long steps, and cleanup stays minimal. This one works well when you’re craving something small but warm. For anyone looking for desserts for one, this is a fast favorite.
Get the Recipe: Best Chocolate Mug Cake

Single-Serve Apple Pie

Mini apple pie on cutting board. — Single-Serve Apple Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

The filling is sweet and classic, and the crust keeps its crisp without drying out. You don’t need to bake a full pie to get that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel. This one fits right when you're after something simple but still homemade. It’s a solid pick for quiet nights or solo treats.
Get the Recipe: Single-Serve Apple Pie

Red Velvet Mug Cake

This dessert feels a bit more special, but still comes together fast. The color stands out, and the cake holds a smooth, soft texture. It’s great when you want something that looks like you tried, without actually trying too hard. This is one of those desserts for one that’s easy to keep in rotation.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Mug Cake

Frozen Yogurt with Berries

A frozen yogurt cup with blueberries and a strawberry slice on top, placed on a white plate. A red and white checkered cloth is visible in the background. — Frozen Yogurt with Berries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

When you want a cold treat that comes together quickly, this one delivers. The frozen yogurt stays creamy, and the berries bring just enough sweetness. It doesn’t need much prep, so it works well even when you’re low on time. It’s good for warm days or when you just want something cool and simple.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Yogurt with Berries

Chocolate Chip Mug Cake

You get warm, soft cake with just enough chocolate chips to keep it interesting. It’s fast, uses regular ingredients, and doesn’t require an oven. This is one of those desserts for one that doesn’t feel like a shortcut. It’s ready in minutes but still feels like dessert.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Mug Cake

Healthier Single-Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie

A large chocolate chip cookie with a piece broken off, next to a glass of milk and a bowl of chocolate chips on a white surface. — Healthier Single-Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

You still get gooey chocolate in every bite, but without going overboard. It’s just enough to hit the sweet spot without a tray of leftovers staring at you later. Since it’s ready fast and uses minimal ingredients, it’s a great choice when you don’t want to overthink dessert. Honestly, it feels like a win after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Single-Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie

Baked Apple in Air Fryer

Baked apple on a white plate filled with oats, nuts, and cranberries, with cinnamon sprinkled around. A red checkered cloth is partially visible on the side. — Baked Apple in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

You’ll get that warm, sweet apple center in under 15 minutes—no pie crust needed. It’s a nice option when you’re craving dessert but don’t want to get stuck with dishes. The texture holds up well, and it tastes even better with a scoop of something cold. This one’s cozy and convenient without being a project.
Get the Recipe: Baked Apple in Air Fryer

Filipino Leche Flan

Leche flan caramel creme brulee on a plate with a spoon. — Filipino Leche Flan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

It’s silky, rich, and topped with a caramel layer that actually sets. Even though it’s made for one, it feels like you went to more effort than you did. You can prep it earlier in the day and forget about it until you’re ready. Great when you want dessert to feel a little extra without adding stress.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Leche Flan

Cake Mix Mug Cake

It’s ready in minutes and comes together with what you probably already have. You don’t need frosting or sprinkles, though no one’s stopping you. The portion’s just right when you want something warm and cakey without baking an entire dessert. It’s one of those last-minute fixes that actually works.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Mug Cake

Edible Single-Serving Cookie Dough

Edible chocolate chip cookie dough in white bowl with spoon. — Edible Single-Serving Cookie Dough. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

You can eat it right out of the bowl and not worry about leftovers. It comes together quickly and doesn’t need the oven, which helps when you want dessert now, not later. It’s just enough for a quick sweet bite without making a full batch. This one’s all about ease and instant payoff.
Get the Recipe: Edible Single-Serving Cookie Dough

Single-Serving Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler with ice cream and peaches. — Single-Serving Peach Cobbler. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

The warm peaches and biscuit topping come together in a way that feels cozy without the extra steps. It’s portioned for one, but still feels like you got the good part of a bigger dessert. You can eat it as-is or add something cold on top if you’re feeling fancy. This is the kind of quick treat that doesn’t feel rushed.
Get the Recipe: Single-Serving Peach Cobbler