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    Home / Roundups

    18 desserts for one that feel like a real treat

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Mar 25, 2026 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    I love having dessert without committing to a full batch, and these single-serve options make that easy and practical. They're quick to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and are perfect for those moments when I want something sweet without extra leftovers. Each one feels like a proper treat, making everyday dessert time a little more special without much effort.

    A parfait in a glass with layers of yogurt, granola, and mango chunks, topped with a mint leaf, sits on a light surface next to a napkin and a small bowl of granola.Pin

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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.Pin
    Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Warm cinnamon apples with a crisp topping come together quickly in the air fryer, making this a simple dessert option that feels special. It usually takes under 20 minutes from start to finish, which works well for a quick evening treat. The single portion keeps things easy without leftovers to manage. It's a great pick when you want something comforting that still feels like a proper dessert just for you.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One

    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.Pin
    Baked Apple in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Soft baked apple with a lightly sweet filling is easy to prepare and cooks fast in the air fryer. It requires minimal prep and is ready in about 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy days. The portion size keeps it personal and easy to serve right away. It works well when you want a warm dessert that feels thoughtful without much effort.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Apple in Air Fryer

    Strawberry Crisp for One

    A serving of strawberry fruit crumble topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and garnished with chopped pistachios on a white plate.Pin
    Strawberry Crisp for One. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Juicy strawberries with a crumbly topping bake into a simple dessert that comes together quickly. This recipe usually takes around 20 minutes and uses basic ingredients. The single serving makes it convenient without extra cleanup or storage. It's a nice option when you want something fruity that still feels like a complete dessert experience.
    Get the Recipe: Strawberry Crisp for One

    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.Pin
    Frozen Yogurt with Berries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Creamy yogurt paired with fresh berries creates a cool dessert that takes just minutes to assemble. There's no cooking required, which makes it one of the easiest options on the list. The portion is easy to control and perfect for one person. It's a refreshing choice when you want something light that still feels like a proper sweet finish.
    Get the Recipe: Frozen Yogurt with Berries

    Red Velvet Mug Cake

    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.Pin
    Red Velvet Mug Cake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This soft red velvet cake cooks in the microwave in about a minute, making it a fast dessert option. The texture comes out soft and cake-like without needing an oven. It's portioned perfectly for one, so there's no extra planning involved. It works well when you want something rich and cake-like that feels like a full dessert in a small size.
    Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Mug Cake

    Macerated Berries with Whipped Cream

    A bowl of whipped cream topped with blueberries and sliced strawberries, with a spoon resting inside.Pin
    Macerated Berries with Whipped Cream. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Fresh berries softened with a bit of sugar pair nicely with whipped cream for a simple dessert. It takes only a few minutes to prepare and requires no cooking at all. The serving size is easy to adjust for one person. It's a good option when you want something fresh that still feels like a complete treat.
    Get the Recipe: Macerated Berries with Whipped Cream

    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.Pin
    Best Chocolate Mug Cake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A quick chocolate cake made in a mug cooks in about a minute in the microwave. It uses pantry staples and requires very little cleanup. The single portion makes it convenient for a quick dessert without leftovers. It's a reliable choice when you want something chocolatey that feels like a proper dessert just for you.
    Get the Recipe: Best Chocolate 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.Pin
    Healthier Single-Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This single cookie bakes quickly and gives you a warm dessert without making a full batch. It usually takes under 15 minutes from start to finish. The smaller portion keeps things simple and easy to manage. It's a great option when you want a classic cookie that still feels like a complete treat on its own.
    Get the Recipe: Healthier Single-Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie

    Single-Serving Peach Cobbler

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

    Soft peaches with a lightly baked topping come together in a short amount of time. It typically takes about 20 minutes and uses simple ingredients. The portion size makes it easy to enjoy without storing extras. It's a comforting choice when you want something warm that feels like a full dessert.
    Get the Recipe: Single-Serving Peach Cobbler

    Single-Serve Apple Pie

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

    This mini apple pie delivers classic flavors in a smaller, more manageable portion. It takes a bit of prep but bakes fairly quickly compared to a full pie. The single serving keeps it simple and avoids leftovers. It's a great pick when you want a traditional dessert that still feels special just for one.
    Get the Recipe: Single-Serve Apple Pie

    Mango Parfait

    A glass filled with layers of granola, yogurt, and mango chunks, garnished with a mint leaf. Granola and diced mango are also placed in bowls nearby.Pin
    Mango Parfait. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Layers of mango and cream create a no-cook dessert that's ready in minutes. It's easy to assemble and requires minimal ingredients. The portion is naturally suited for one serving. It works well when you want something chilled that still feels like a proper dessert.
    Get the Recipe: Mango Parfait

    Air Fryer Mixed Berry Crumble

    A white plate with berry cobbler sits on a white surface next to a red checkered cloth; a bowl of mixed berries is in the background.Pin
    Air Fryer Mixed Berry Crumble. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A mix of berries with a crumb topping cooks quickly in the air fryer. It usually takes around 15-20 minutes and requires minimal prep. The single portion makes serving simple and cleanup easy. It's a great option when you want a warm fruit dessert that feels complete without much effort.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mixed Berry Crumble

    Oreo Mug Cake

    A white mug filled with vanilla ice cream, crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, and a whole cookie, placed on a saucer.Pin
    Oreo Mug Cake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This mug cake uses crushed cookies to create a quick dessert in the microwave. It comes together in just a few minutes with very little preparation. The portion is ideal for one, keeping things simple. It's a fun option when you want something quick that still feels like a real dessert.
    Get the Recipe: Oreo Mug Cake

    Cake Mix Mug Cake

    A fork holding a piece of cake with cream cheese frosting over a frosted cake mix mug cake on a table.Pin
    Cake Mix Mug Cake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Using cake mix makes this mug cake especially quick and easy to prepare. It cooks in about a minute, making it perfect for busy evenings. The single serving keeps everything straightforward and mess-free. It's a practical choice when you want a soft cake that feels like a complete treat.
    Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Mug Cake

    Chocolate Chip Mug Cake

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

    This mug cake brings classic cookie flavors into a soft, quick dessert form. It's ready in minutes and uses common ingredients. The portion is just right for one person without leftovers. It's a good pick when you want something familiar that still feels like a full dessert.
    Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Mug Cake

    Edible Single-Serving Cookie Dough

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

    This no-bake cookie dough comes together quickly and is safe to eat as is. It takes only a few minutes to prepare and requires no cooking time. The portion size makes it easy to enjoy without excess. It's a simple choice when you want something sweet that still feels like a complete treat.
    Get the Recipe: Edible Single-Serving Cookie Dough

    Hot Chocolate Mug Cake

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

    This mug cake combines the flavors of hot chocolate into a soft, quick dessert. It cooks in about a minute, making it very convenient. The single portion keeps things easy and contained. It's a cozy option when you want something warm that feels like a proper dessert just for you.
    Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Mug Cake

    Filipino Leche Flan

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

    This smooth custard dessert has a rich texture and a caramel topping that sets it apart. It requires some preparation and chilling time, but the process is straightforward. The serving can be portioned easily for one. It's a great option when you want something classic that feels like a complete dessert experience.
    Get the Recipe: Filipino Leche Flan

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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    A woman in a green shirt stands in a kitchen holding a bowl of strawberries.

    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

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