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    Home / Roundups

    15 Desserts for One That Feel Like You’re Cheating the System

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Aug 30, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

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    Sometimes you just want something sweet without committing to making a whole batch, and that's where these desserts come in. They're quick to throw together, perfectly portioned, and give you that homemade comfort without any extra effort or waste. I love having a few of these ideas ready because they feel like a little win whenever I want a treat all to myself.

    A white mug filled with vanilla ice cream, crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, and a whole cookie, placed on a saucer.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.

    This apple crisp comes together quickly in the air fryer, giving you warm fruit with a crunchy topping in no time. It's the kind of dessert that feels special without requiring a big effort. Making just one serving means you can enjoy it fresh every time without extras hanging around. It's a smart choice when you want something cozy and personal-sized. This is the type of treat that makes single-serve desserts feel like a secret win.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One

    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 cookie dough is made to enjoy straight from the bowl, with just enough for one person. It skips the need for baking and is ready in minutes, perfect for when you don't want to wait. The portion keeps things simple and avoids leftovers you don't really need. It's a fun way to treat yourself without making a whole batch. Desserts like this show how easy it is to enjoy something sweet without sharing.
    Get the Recipe: Edible Single-Serving Cookie Dough

    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.

    This mug cake is ready in the microwave in just a few minutes, giving you warm chocolate cake whenever you want it. It's soft, rich, and feels like it should take much longer than it does. Because it's single-serve, you can make it whenever a craving strikes without worrying about extras. It's perfect for evenings when you want something quick and comforting. Recipes like this prove how simple it is to enjoy dessert on your own terms.
    Get the Recipe: Best Chocolate Mug Cake

    Single-Serve Apple Pie

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

    This apple pie delivers all the comfort of a classic but in a personal portion. It bakes up quickly and doesn't require a lot of ingredients, making it easy to put together. Having just one serving makes it feel special, like a dessert made just for you. It's a great way to enjoy something traditional without committing to a full pie. This is exactly the kind of treat that makes single-serve desserts feel like a clever shortcut.
    Get the Recipe: Single-Serve Apple Pie

    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 quick mug cake uses Oreos as the base, giving you a warm cake in minutes. It's a fun and easy way to enjoy a sweet treat without much effort. The single portion means no leftover cake sitting around, which makes it feel more practical. It's a dessert that works well when you need something quick before bed or during a break. Recipes like this make personal desserts feel like a little trick you've discovered.
    Get the Recipe: Oreo 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 creamy flan is made in a small portion, so you can enjoy it fresh without extras. It has the rich texture you expect but is simple enough to prepare at home. The size makes it perfect for when you want something sweet but not over the top. It's an easy way to enjoy a classic treat in a manageable way. Desserts like this are a reminder that single-serve recipes can feel just as rewarding as bigger ones.
    Get the Recipe: Filipino Leche Flan

    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 brings together the flavor of hot chocolate in a warm, soft cake you can microwave in minutes. It's fast, comforting, and just enough for one serving. Making it single-serve keeps things simple and avoids waste. It's a perfect choice for cold nights when you want something sweet without a lot of work. Treats like this make personal desserts feel like an easy win.
    Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Mug Cake

    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 mug cake gives you the flavor of red velvet without the fuss of baking a whole cake. It comes together in the microwave in minutes, making it an easy treat. The single serving is just enough to enjoy without leftovers. It's great for when you want something sweet but quick. Recipes like this show why personal desserts feel like a smart shortcut.
    Get the Recipe: Red Velvet 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 cookie is portioned perfectly for one, giving you a warm treat without baking a full batch. It comes together quickly and is ready to enjoy fresh. Having just one keeps things simple and makes it feel more special. It's a good option when you want something sweet without going overboard. Desserts like this make single-serve recipes feel like a clever little trick.
    Get the Recipe: Healthier Single-Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie

    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.

    This mug cake uses cake mix to make things even faster and easier. It takes only a few minutes in the microwave and comes out warm and soft. The single portion means you don't have to worry about extra slices. It's a great choice for busy nights or last-minute cravings. Recipes like this prove how personal desserts can feel like a hidden advantage.
    Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Mug Cake

    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.

    This baked apple is made in the air fryer, giving you a warm and soft dessert in minutes. It's a simple option that doesn't need a lot of effort. The single serving makes it feel like a treat made just for you. It's great for when you want something sweet but light. Desserts like this are exactly why single-serve recipes feel so practical.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Apple in Air Fryer

    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.

    This frozen yogurt dish comes together quickly with fruit, making it a simple personal dessert. It's light, refreshing, and portioned just right for one. You can make it in minutes without extra ingredients or steps. Having only one serving keeps things neat and easy. Recipes like this prove how personal desserts can feel like a little life hack.
    Get the Recipe: Frozen Yogurt with Berries

    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 gives you a warm chocolate chip dessert in only a few minutes. It's quick to make and comes out soft and rich. Because it's single-serve, it feels personal and special without being a big project. It's perfect for when you want a sweet bite at the end of the day. Desserts like this remind you how easy it is to make something just for yourself.
    Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Mug Cake

    Single-Serving Peach Cobbler

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

    This peach cobbler gives you all the comfort of the classic dessert but in a portion for one. It's quick to put together and doesn't leave behind a large dish. The single size makes it feel cozy and perfectly manageable. It's a great option for when you want something warm and fruity without extra leftovers. Recipes like this prove how smart single-serve desserts can be.
    Get the Recipe: Single-Serving Peach Cobbler

    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.

    This dessert is as simple as it gets, with berries and cream portioned for one. It's quick to prepare and doesn't require much effort. The single serving makes it light, fresh, and easy to enjoy on the spot. It's a good option for when you want something sweet but simple. Desserts like this show why personal-sized recipes feel like such a clever choice.
    Get the Recipe: Macerated Berries with Whipped Cream

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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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