37 Desserts With Few Ingredients That Don’t Involve a Trip to a Fancy Grocery Store

Not every dessert has to start with a long shopping list and a trip to the fancy part of town. These desserts with few ingredients prove that sweet doesn’t have to mean complicated. Most of the time, you’ve already got what you need sitting in your pantry or fridge. That means more time eating and less time Googling substitutions or translating labels. They’re the kind of treats that feel like a win without breaking a sweat—or the bank.

Coconut Panna Cotta

This panna cotta uses a short list of ingredients and sets up with a silky finish. The coconut flavor stays mellow and doesn’t overpower. You can chill it overnight or prep it in the morning for later. It’s one of those desserts with few ingredients that still feels like a win.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Panna Cotta

Mango Popsicles

These popsicles are quick to blend and freeze without extra sugar. I like using ripe mangoes for the best texture. They’re great on hot days or as a light dessert after dinner. Kids usually grab them before they’re even fully frozen.
Get the Recipe: Mango Popsicles

Cake Mix Mug Cake

With boxed mix and a microwave, this mug cake checks all the boxes for fast and easy. It fluffs up in minutes and doesn’t dry out. I usually skip frosting and just dust it with powdered sugar. It falls right into the category of desserts with few ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Mug Cake

S'mores Dip

This s'mores dip takes less than ten minutes to throw together and hits all the right notes. It melts just enough without turning into a mess. Grab a spoon or use graham crackers to scoop. It’s one of those desserts with few ingredients that you’ll want to repeat.
Get the Recipe: S'mores Dip

Marshmallow Fruit Salad

This chilled salad mixes marshmallows, canned fruit, and sour cream or yogurt for a quick no-bake dessert. It holds up well in the fridge and works for warm days or potlucks. You can add nuts or leave it plain. Either way, it’s fast and easy to put together.
Get the Recipe: Marshmallow Fruit Salad

Cookies and Cream Mousse

This mousse layers whipped topping and crushed cookies with no cooking required. It sets up in the fridge in under an hour. You can portion it into cups for easy serving. Great for a low-effort dessert that still looks like you tried.
Get the Recipe: Cookies and Cream Mousse

White Hot Chocolate

This drink uses only a few ingredients and warms up fast in a pot or microwave. The white chocolate blends smooth and creamy without clumping. I like topping it with whipped cream or marshmallows. It’s ideal when you want something warm and simple.
Get the Recipe: White Hot Chocolate

Dehydrated Strawberries in an Air Fryer

These strawberries get chewy and sweet without added sugar. You can snack on them or toss them into oatmeal. They cook low and slow in the air fryer, and cleanup is barely a thing. It’s an easy way to save berries before they go bad.
Get the Recipe: Dehydrated Strawberries in an Air Fryer

Air Fryer S'mores

This version of s’mores skips the campfire but still keeps all the good parts. The marshmallow puffs just enough, and the chocolate melts fast. It takes only five minutes start to finish. You won’t miss the stick or the smoke.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S'mores

3-Ingredient Oreo Mousse Cake

This no-bake cake uses just Oreos, cream, and chocolate. It sets up in the fridge without any oven time. I like slicing it into small squares and serving it cold. It’s one of those desserts with few ingredients that actually holds together well.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Oreo Mousse Cake

Air Fryer Pineapples

Pineapple softens up nicely in the air fryer without getting soggy. It caramelizes just a bit, even without extra sugar. You can serve it over yogurt or on its own. Perfect for when you want something sweet but not heavy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pineapples

Best Chocolate Mug Cake

This mug cake mixes right in the cup, which means no dishes and no fuss. It microwaves in about a minute and comes out moist. I top it with a spoonful of peanut butter if I want something extra. It’s fast, low-effort, and hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Best Chocolate Mug Cake

Strawberry Spinach Smoothie

This smoothie hides the greens so well, no one will notice. Frozen strawberries and banana balance everything out. I use almond milk, but any kind works. It blends smooth every time without much cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Spinach Smoothie

Chocolate Puff Pastry

These puff pastries get golden in the air fryer and keep the chocolate from leaking out. I use store-bought dough to keep it simple. They reheat well and don’t get soggy. Perfect for sharing or not sharing at all.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Puff Pastry

Hot Chocolate Mug Cake

This mug cake mixes cocoa powder and milk into something warm and rich in just minutes. You can stir it with a fork and microwave it in the same cup. I throw a few mini marshmallows on top before serving. Good for when you want dessert fast.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Mug Cake

Chocolate Cream Brulee

This chocolate crème brûlée uses just a few ingredients and skips the water bath. The custard turns smooth, and the top cracks easily with a spoon. Chill it ahead of time so it sets right. It works for guests but is also fine just for you.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cream Brulee

3-Ingredient Almond Butter Cookies

These cookies only need almond butter, egg, and sugar. You can mix the dough in one bowl and bake it right away. They’re soft but hold up well without crumbling. A great go-to when you want desserts with few ingredients and minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Almond Butter Cookies

Mango Pineapple Smoothie

This smoothie blends frozen mango and pineapple for a tropical hit without added sugar. I usually toss in yogurt or milk to make it creamier. It’s ready in five minutes and keeps well if you prep it ahead. Great for breakfast or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Mango Pineapple Smoothie

Chocolate Coffee Mousse

This mousse mixes chocolate and coffee flavors into something rich but easy. It sets up in the fridge with no baking needed. You only need a few ingredients and about ten minutes of prep. It’s a solid pick when you want dessert without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Coffee Mousse

Puff Pastry Breakfast Bites

These flaky bites look fancier than they are, which is exactly what I want at 8 a.m. I fill them with eggs and cheese, but honestly, anything works. They bake up golden and feel like something you'd get at a café—without needing to leave the house. Good for brunch, even better for lazy weekends.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Breakfast Bites

3 Ingredient Chocolate Mousse

This mousse only needs three ingredients, and somehow it still feels like I tried. I throw it in the fridge before dinner and forget about it until dessert. It’s thick, rich, and honestly too easy. Great backup for last-minute guests.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Chocolate Mousse

Apple Chips

These crisp up in the air fryer faster than it takes to preheat the oven. I slice the apples thin, toss them with cinnamon, and that’s it. They work great as a snack or sprinkled on breakfast bowls. Everyone ends up eating them by the handful.
Get the Recipe: Apple Chips

Reindeer Oreo Balls

These Oreo balls look festive without needing any decorating talent. I just crush, mix, chill, and stick on the antlers. Kids love them, adults sneak extras, and no one cares that they’re super simple. Definitely worth keeping in rotation.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Oreo Balls

Air Fryer Bananas

I coat sliced bananas in syrup and cinnamon, then toss them in the air fryer until caramelized. They come out warm and sticky with barely any effort. I usually pair them with ice cream or eat them straight from the basket. They always disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bananas

Pumpkin Cake Balls

These cake balls nail the pumpkin flavor without needing a full-blown baking session. I mix the cake and frosting, roll them up, and chill. They’re soft, sweet, and great for sharing—or not. They’re too easy not to keep around during fall.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cake Balls

Chocolate Covered Grapes

These are weirdly good for how simple they are. I dunk cold grapes in melted chocolate, let them set, and that’s the whole recipe. You get a snap of chocolate with a burst of fruit. Definitely not your average dessert, but they’re always gone by the end.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Grapes

Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies come together in one bowl and head straight to the air fryer. They stay soft in the middle with a bit of chew on the outside. I keep the ingredient list short on purpose—just peanut butter, sugar, and egg. Works every single time.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cookies

Brownie Balls

I roll up leftover brownies and call them dessert round two. No baking, just crumble, squish, and maybe roll in sprinkles. They’re fudgy, fun, and easy to carry to parties. I never take home leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Balls

Chocolate Hazelnut Torrone

This is one of those no-bake snacks I pull out when I want it to look like I tried. I stir chopped hazelnuts into melted chocolate and press it into a tray. It sets up in the fridge and slices clean. You can gift it or eat it right off the cutting board.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Hazelnut Torrone

Banana Spring Rolls

I wrap bananas in spring roll wrappers, pop them in the air fryer, and wait for the crisp. A little sugar on top makes them extra good. They’re great solo or with ice cream, and cleanup’s easy. They don’t last long once they hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Banana Spring Rolls

Pumpkin Spice Chocolates

These chocolates bring the fall vibe with almost no effort. I mix everything in one bowl, pour into molds, and let the fridge do the rest. They’re great for snacking or sharing, especially if you’re on a time crunch. A batch never lasts past the weekend.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Chocolates

Pumpkin Spice Icebox Cake

This no-bake cake holds its layers like a champ after a night in the fridge. I use spiced cream and cookies, then let it chill until everything softens. It’s great for fall get-togethers because it looks more complicated than it is. I don’t mind the leftovers either.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Icebox Cake

Sea Salt Chocolate Almond Clusters

I stir roasted almonds into melted chocolate, sprinkle sea salt, and let it set in the fridge. They break apart easily, so I always end up snacking while packing. They store well and work for anything from lunch boxes to movie nights. Fast to prep, even faster to finish.
Get the Recipe: Sea Salt Chocolate Almond Clusters

Jello Fruit Salad

This retro snack still shows up because it’s fun, bright, and easy. I mix fruit and flavored gelatin, let it chill, and top it with whipped cream if I’m feeling fancy. It holds up well in the fridge, which is perfect when I prep ahead. Kids and grownups both clear their bowls.
Get the Recipe: Jello Fruit Salad

Grinch Dip

This bright green dip comes together with just a few stir-ins and some red sprinkles for flair. I chill it while setting out crackers and cookies. People always ask what’s in it, but it’s easier than it looks. It’s fun, easy, and always gone first.
Get the Recipe: Grinch Dip

Air Fryer Pavlova

This pavlova bakes up crisp and light in the air fryer, no oven needed. I usually top it with whipped cream and whatever berries are in the fridge. It’s surprisingly low effort for how good it turns out. Serve it the same day so it stays crunchy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pavlova

Dark Chocolate Covered Peanuts

I melt dark chocolate, stir in peanuts, and chill until everything firms up. They’re crunchy, sweet, and just salty enough to keep things interesting. I like portioning them into bags so I don’t eat the whole tray. That doesn’t always work, but it’s worth trying.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Covered Peanuts