30 Desserts So Fast You’ll Think You Missed a Step

When you're craving something sweet but don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen, these desserts are the perfect solution. They’re quick, easy, and require minimal ingredients, making them ideal for busy days or spontaneous cravings. I love how simple they are to make, yet they still feel like a special treat every time!

A person dipping a graham cracker into a bowl of chocolate dessert. — S'mores Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Air Fryer Pineapples

Sliced pinieapples sprinkled with cinnamon on a plate. — Air Fryer Pineapples. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These air-fried pineapples make for a quick and sweet treat, with caramelized edges that highlight the natural sugars in every slice. They’re the kind of dessert you can whip up in minutes, making them ideal for when you need something fast yet comforting. Perfectly suited for fall, the warmth from the air fryer adds a cozy touch to each bite. Whether enjoyed solo or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, they’re an easy way to enjoy dessert without fuss. Their simplicity makes them a great option for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pineapples

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.

A hot chocolate mug cake is like having dessert and a warm drink all in one, ready in a matter of minutes. It’s rich, fluffy, and quick to make, giving you a cozy treat with little effort. This single-serving dessert lets you enjoy the decadence of chocolate cake without the need to bake a whole batch. Perfect for fall nights, it offers warmth and flavor in just a few bites. Plus, it’s easy enough to make whenever you’re craving something sweet.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Mug Cake

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 brings the spiced, cozy flavors of fall to life, all in under five minutes. It’s the perfect single-serve dessert for anyone looking to enjoy a classic cake flavor without the hassle of baking a full cake. The combination of carrots, cinnamon, and sweetness makes it a warm choice for any evening. Ideal for busy nights, it lets you enjoy dessert with minimal cleanup. Best of all, it’s fast enough to feel like a treat without taking up much time.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake in a Mug

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

Red velvet mug cake is a rich, moist treat that’s ready in a snap, making it ideal for those last-minute dessert cravings. With a soft texture and subtle cocoa flavor, it’s a quick way to bring a classic dessert into your home without the wait. Perfect for fall, it’s a cozy option that doesn’t require much effort. It’s single-serving, so there’s no need to worry about leftovers or extra work. With minimal prep, it’s as convenient as it is indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Mug Cake

Cream Cheese Danish

A pastry with berry filling and white drizzle on a white plate is accompanied by strawberry slices. A red and white checkered cloth, blueberries, and a bowl of strawberries are nearby. — Cream Cheese Danish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This cream cheese Danish is an easy way to enjoy a bakery-style treat at home, with creamy filling and flaky pastry. It’s an ideal choice for fall mornings or evening dessert, bringing cozy flavors without any complicated steps. Made in just minutes, it’s a quick fix for when you want something sweet with your coffee or tea. The combination of cream cheese and pastry is satisfying yet light, making it a versatile treat. Easy to make and enjoyable to eat, it’s a win for any busy day.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Danish

Small-Batch Sugar Cookies

A plate of sugar cookies with a mug of milk and a gray cloth in the background. — Small-Batch Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These small-batch sugar cookies offer the classic, soft sweetness of a sugar cookie without the need to bake dozens at a time. They’re ideal for cozy fall evenings when you want a sweet snack but don’t need a full batch. With a simple dough that’s easy to prepare, you can have warm cookies ready quickly. Perfect for a little after-dinner treat or snack. With only a few cookies, there’s no mess or leftovers to worry about.
Get the Recipe: Small-Batch Sugar Cookies

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.

A Nutella mug cake is a rich and gooey dessert that satisfies chocolate cravings in no time. Made with minimal ingredients, it’s ready in minutes and serves as a warm, cozy dessert for fall evenings. With Nutella’s hazelnut flavor shining through, it’s a decadent choice that doesn’t require much work. Single-serving makes it easy to control portions and enjoy without extras. Perfect for busy nights or those quick dessert moments.
Get the Recipe: Nutella 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 bring you warm, gooey cookies in just the right quantity. Perfect for when you want the comfort of a fresh-baked cookie without needing a full tray, these are ideal for fall evenings. The recipe comes together quickly, giving you a treat with minimal mess. Soft with chocolate in every bite, they’re an easy solution to satisfy a sweet craving. Ideal for when you want dessert, but not a huge cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Small-Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

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.

Cheesecake in a jar offers the creamy richness of cheesecake without the lengthy bake time. This quick dessert is perfect for fall evenings when you’re in the mood for something sweet but don’t want the fuss of a full cheesecake. Made in individual jars, it’s ideal for portion control and easy serving. Each bite is smooth and flavorful, with minimal ingredients and prep. A cozy, no-bake option that’s as convenient as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cheesecake in a Jar

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 let you enjoy the gooey, chocolatey treat indoors, making them a perfect fall dessert without the need for a campfire. Ready in minutes, they’re a quick way to capture the classic flavors of marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. The air fryer brings just the right amount of warmth to make everything melt together perfectly. Great for evenings when you want a nostalgic treat with minimal effort. They’re a simple solution to enjoy a crowd favorite anytime.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S'mores

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 oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are perfect for a small batch, giving you the coziness of fresh-baked cookies without leftovers. Perfect for fall, they’re hearty, warm, and ready quickly. The oats add texture and a cozy touch that’s great for a chilly evening. Simple to make with ingredients you likely already have, they’re ideal for when you want dessert but in a manageable amount. Great for sharing a little treat or enjoying solo.
Get the Recipe: Small-Batch Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip Mug Cake

A chocolate chip mug cake is a quick, single-serving treat that brings the comfort of a warm cake in just minutes. With melty chocolate chips throughout, it’s a perfect dessert for cozy fall nights. There’s no need to bake a whole cake when you can have this small, easy portion. Minimal cleanup makes it great for a busy evening. A simple way to enjoy dessert without much time or effort.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Mug Cake

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 red, white, and blue salad brings fresh flavors together for a light dessert, ready in moments. With bright, colorful ingredients, it’s a refreshing choice that’s easy to prepare and enjoy anytime. Perfect for fall evenings when you want something sweet but not heavy, this salad keeps it light and fresh. It’s a quick, easy option for a fast treat that’s also beautiful to look at. Simple ingredients and minimal prep make it easy to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Red White and Blue Salad

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.

A cinnamon roll in a mug offers the warm, spiced flavors of a cinnamon roll in just minutes. Perfect for cozy fall mornings or late-night treats, it’s a quick single-serving dessert that’s both easy and comforting. The cinnamon and sugar combination makes it a cozy choice without the time commitment of baking a full roll. Simple ingredients make it accessible and easy to whip up. A great choice when you want dessert on the fly.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll in a Mug

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.

This single-serve chocolate chip cookie is a quick, lighter option for a cozy fall treat without baking a full batch. It’s made for one, so there’s no need to worry about extras, just a warm, comforting dessert on a chilly night. Ready in minutes, it’s ideal for a quick snack or dessert without fuss. The small portion is great for satisfying a craving while keeping things simple. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Single-Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie

Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

Chocolate oatmeal no-bake cookies bring the rich, chocolatey goodness of cookies without turning on the oven. They’re quick to prepare and ideal for fall nights when you need something sweet fast. With oats and cocoa, they offer texture and flavor in just the right portion size. Perfect for busy days or nights when you want dessert without the work. Easy to make and share, or enjoy solo.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

Cake Mix Mug Cake

A cake mix mug cake is one of the simplest ways to enjoy a dessert, using just a cake mix to bring it together in minutes. Perfect for fall nights, it gives you the warmth of cake without needing a big batch. It’s single-serving, so you can satisfy a craving with minimal effort and cleanup. Ideal for when you want dessert but don’t want the fuss of a full cake. A quick, cozy treat that feels just right for a busy day.
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.

This single-serving cookie dough lets you enjoy cookie dough safely without a full batch, perfect for quick fall dessert moments. Ready in minutes, it’s a sweet, comforting choice for an evening snack or treat. The individual portion means it’s easy to enjoy without needing to share or store leftovers. Ideal for those who love cookie dough but want just a taste. Simple and ready fast for an easy dessert win.
Get the Recipe: Edible Single Serving Cookie Dough

Apple Mug Cake

This apple mug cake brings together warm apple flavors in a quick, single-serving dessert perfect for fall. Made in minutes, it’s a cozy choice with the sweetness of apples and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for a fast evening treat or snack. It’s an easy way to enjoy a comforting dessert without baking a full cake. Simple ingredients and minimal prep make it great for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Apple Mug Cake

S'mores Dip

S’mores dip offers the gooey, chocolatey goodness of s’mores without needing a campfire, ideal for fall nights indoors. This quick dessert brings together melted chocolate and marshmallows for an easy, shareable treat. Perfect for evenings when you want something fun and easy to make. Ready in minutes and great for dipping graham crackers or other treats. A quick way to enjoy a classic dessert without much effort.
Get the Recipe: S'mores Dip

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 air fryer apple crisp offers the cozy, warm flavors of baked apples and crispy topping, perfect for fall. Ready in minutes, it’s a quick single-serving dessert with minimal fuss. Perfect for enjoying a classic dessert flavor without needing a whole pan. The individual portion makes it easy to enjoy a quick dessert on busy nights. Simple, cozy, and just the right amount.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One

Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

Cinnamon apple slices on a white plate. — Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer cinnamon apples bring together the warm flavors of apples and cinnamon, ready in minutes. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, they’re a cozy fall choice that doesn’t require baking. The air fryer makes them easy to prepare with just the right texture. Ideal for those nights when you want something sweet but not too heavy. A simple, no-fuss dessert that’s ready quickly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

Marshmallow Fruit Salad

Marshmallow fruit salad combines fruit and marshmallows for a light, easy dessert perfect for fall evenings. With a blend of fresh fruit and sweetness, it’s a simple treat that feels refreshing and fun. Ready quickly and easy to prepare, it’s a dessert that’s both light and satisfying. Great for a quick treat or to share with friends and family. Minimal ingredients and fast prep make it a go-to option for a sweet snack.
Get the Recipe: Marshmallow Fruit Salad

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 are rich, chocolatey, and ready in a smaller size, making them perfect for a quick fall dessert. Easy to make in just a few minutes, they’re a great choice when you want the warmth of brownies without a full batch. Perfect for enjoying a quick bite without the fuss of baking a full pan. The smaller size also makes them easy to share. Great for weeknight treats or snack breaks.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Bites

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 an easy way to enjoy the flakiness of pastry with the richness of chocolate, ready in minutes. Perfect for fall evenings when you want a quick dessert, it’s simple to make without much fuss. The buttery pastry and chocolate make a comforting combination without any hassle. Ideal for sharing or enjoying alone as a cozy treat. Easy and warm, it’s a nice dessert option for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Puff Pastry

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.

The best chocolate mug cake offers a rich and quick dessert, perfect for fall nights. Made in minutes, it’s a cozy treat with a soft, chocolatey texture that’s just right for a single serving. Ideal for when you need something sweet without a big batch. Minimal ingredients and cleanup make it a convenient option. Enjoy the comfort of chocolate cake with no fuss.
Get the Recipe: Best Chocolate 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 cookies and cream mousse brings together a creamy texture with chocolate cookie crumbles for a quick, no-bake dessert. Perfect for fall evenings when you want something sweet but not too heavy, it’s ready in minutes. The mix of flavors and textures makes it a fun treat without much effort. Ideal for a single serving or easy sharing. A simple and comforting dessert option.
Get the Recipe: Cookies and Cream Mousse

3-Ingredient Oreo Mousse Cake

This 3-ingredient Oreo mousse cake offers a quick and easy way to enjoy the flavors of Oreo cookies in a creamy dessert. Perfect for fall, it’s light, fun, and ready in minutes with minimal ingredients. Great for a fast dessert that doesn’t require baking or a long list of ingredients. Ideal for an easy treat on busy nights. Simple and satisfying without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Oreo Mousse Cake

Eggless Peanut Butter Cookies

A person dipping a peanut butter cookie into a glass of milk, with more stacked cookies on a plate in the background. — Eggless Peanut Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These eggless peanut butter cookies are soft, quick to prepare, and ready in just a small batch, perfect for fall snacking. With rich peanut butter flavor, they’re ideal for anyone looking for a quick treat without needing a dozen cookies. Great for satisfying a quick sweet craving in minutes. Minimal ingredients make them a convenient choice for busy days. Ideal for sharing or enjoying on your own.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Peanut Butter 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 air fryer apple fritters are a warm, cozy dessert that’s perfect for fall evenings. Made quickly in the air fryer, they bring out the sweetness of apples with a lightly crisp exterior. Perfect for when you want the flavors of apple fritters without deep frying. Easy to prepare and ready fast, they’re a comforting choice for cooler days. A sweet treat with minimal mess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Fritters