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    Home / Roundups

    17 Easy Desserts for Two That Don’t Come in a Box

    By Lisa MarcAurele · May 7, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Sometimes you just need a little something sweet without committing to an entire sheet cake. These easy desserts are made for two, no box mix required and no leftovers staring at you for days. You get the fun of baking without the mountain of dishes or the food coma. Perfect for date nights, solo cravings, or any night you want a real treat without the fuss. Because desserts should feel special, not like another thing you grabbed off a shelf.

    Pavlova dessert with whipped cream and fresh berries on a white plate, garnished with strawberries and blueberries.
    Mini Pavlova Nests. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    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.

    Cream Cheese Danish is an easy way to enjoy a bakery-style treat at home without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It's a great choice when you want an easy dessert for two that feels homemade and special. The ingredients are simple and familiar, making this a reliable go-to for quick baking. Plus, it comes together fast enough to keep dessert plans stress-free.
    Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Danish

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake

    A peanut butter mug cake topped with a smooth, glossy chocolate sauce, viewed from above.
    Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake brings big flavor in a small, quick package. It's perfect when you need an easy dessert for two that feels homemade but doesn’t require turning on the oven. You only need a few pantry staples to make it happen in just minutes. This dessert is rich and ready before you even think about grabbing something boxed.
    Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake

    Mini Pound Cake

    Mini pound cake loaf on square plate sliced with berries.
    Mini Pound Cake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Mini Pound Cake gives you all the comfort of a classic dessert without leaving you with too many leftovers. It’s a great fit when you want a quick, easy dessert for two that feels made with care. You can get this small cake into the oven with minimal prep and enjoy a familiar, buttery flavor. The size makes it simple to enjoy fresh food without a lot of extra dishes.
    Get the Recipe: Mini Pound Cake

    Mini Pavlova Nests

    Mini pavlova nests with whipped cream and berries.
    Mini Pavlova Nests. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Mini Pavlova Nests are light, crisp on the outside, and soft inside, giving you a fancy dessert without complicated steps. They’re perfect when you want an easy dessert for two that still looks impressive. They use simple ingredients and just need a little oven time to create something special. This is a great way to have a fresh treat without pulling from a box.
    Get the Recipe: Mini Pavlova Nests

    Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

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

    Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples are a warm, cozy option that comes together quickly. They work great when you're looking for an easy dessert for two that feels a little homemade without much effort. Using the air fryer cuts down on prep and cleanup, which keeps things simple. Plus, the familiar flavors make it easy for anyone to enjoy without overthinking it.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

    Coconut Panna Cotta

    A slice of white, creamy panna cotta topped with a fresh strawberry slice on a white plate, with a textured napkin beside it.
    Coconut Panna Cotta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Coconut Panna Cotta is smooth and creamy, offering a no-bake option that feels like you put in extra effort. It’s an excellent fit when you want an easy dessert for two that doesn't come from a package. The ingredients are few, and it sets up easily in the fridge while you move on with your evening. This simple dessert feels special without a lot of work.
    Get the Recipe: Coconut Panna Cotta

    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.

    Carrot Cake in a Mug gives you the flavor of a classic cake without the mess of baking a full one. It’s a smart pick when you want an easy dessert for two that feels homemade and fresh. You can mix it quickly and microwave it in just a few minutes. This is a handy option for when you want a quick treat without leftovers.
    Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake in a Mug

    Soufflé Cheesecake

    A ramekin of creamy, smooth cheesecake with a spoon resting beside it, taking out a scoop on a white background.
    Soufflé Cheesecake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Soufflé Cheesecake brings a soft, fluffy texture that's rich without feeling heavy. It’s a nice option when you need an easy dessert for two that feels more thoughtful than a store-bought option. A short list of familiar ingredients keeps it manageable, and you don't have to be an expert baker to get it right. Its light finish makes it perfect for ending any meal.
    Get the Recipe: Soufflé Cheesecake

    Apple Puff Pastry Tart

    A dessert plate with apple slices, a pastry drizzled with icing, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with syrup. A checkered cloth is nearby.
    Apple Puff Pastry Tart. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Apple Puff Pastry Tart is a quick way to bake something that looks and tastes like it took hours. It’s a good pick when you need an easy dessert for two that feels more personal than pre-packaged sweets. Store-bought puff pastry keeps it simple, and apples add a familiar flavor everyone knows. You can have a warm dessert on the table fast with little effort.
    Get the Recipe: Apple Puff Pastry Tart

    Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

    Chocolate oatmeal no-bake cookies on a white plate.
    Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies are the answer when you want something sweet without heating up the kitchen. They're a smart choice when you're after an easy dessert for two that doesn’t feel pulled from the pantry shelf. They mix together quickly with ingredients you likely already have. Plus, the no-bake method saves time and cleanup.
    Get the Recipe: Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

    S'mores Dip

    A hand holding a graham cracker dipped in s'mores dip with more crackers and dip in the background.
    S'mores Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    S'mores Dip turns a campfire classic into a quick, easy treat that's perfect for sharing. It's ideal when you need an easy dessert for two that feels homemade and fun. You only need a few basic ingredients and a short oven time to make it happen. This is a good way to bring a familiar flavor to the table without a lot of prep.
    Get the Recipe: S'mores Dip

    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.

    Nutella Mug Cake is a fast, chocolatey dessert you can throw together when you need something sweet without a lot of hassle. It’s a great option when you're aiming for an easy dessert for two that feels like a treat. Microwave cooking keeps it quick and cleanup simple. Plus, the familiar flavor makes it a favorite for anyone with a sweet tooth.
    Get the Recipe: Nutella 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.

    Red White and Blue Salad offers a fresh mix of fruits that feels a little special but stays easy to prepare. It’s a nice option when you're looking for an easy dessert for two that doesn’t come from a box. The colors and flavors come together quickly, making it perfect for simple nights or casual celebrations. Minimal prep means more time enjoying and less time cooking.
    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.

    Cinnamon Roll in a Mug brings all the comfort of a fresh-baked roll without the long wait times. It's a practical choice when you need an easy dessert for two that feels homemade and warm. A few common ingredients and a quick microwave trip make it simple. You’ll have a cozy dessert ready before you know it.
    Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll in a Mug

    Mini Pecan Pies

    Two pecan pie tarts placed on a striped cloth with scattered pecans around them.
    Mini Pecan Pies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Mini Pecan Pies are a quick way to enjoy a classic dessert without making a full batch. They’re perfect when you want an easy dessert for two that still feels thoughtful and home-baked. You can bake them quickly and enjoy the familiar flavors without much cleanup. Their smaller size keeps everything simple and manageable.
    Get the Recipe: Mini Pecan Pies

    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.

    Air Fryer S'mores bring all the classic flavors you know into a quick and easy format. They're a great fit when you’re aiming for an easy dessert for two that feels more fun than opening a store-bought box. The air fryer makes the process fast and the cleanup even faster. This dessert keeps things lighthearted and simple for any night.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S'mores

    Apple Mug Cake

    Apple mug cakes in ramekins with cinnamon sticks.
    Apple Mug Cake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Apple Mug Cake is a warm, quick dessert that you can put together with pantry basics. It’s a great solution when you want an easy dessert for two without grabbing something prepackaged. Microwave cooking keeps it quick, and the familiar apple flavor makes it feel a little like fall any time of year. You can have dessert ready in just a few minutes without any fuss.
    Get the Recipe: Apple Mug Cake

    More Roundups

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      11 Lazy Bakes That Are Too Simple Not to Try

    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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