29 Quick Desserts for When You Want Sweet Now

When I want something sweet, I usually want it fast, and I don’t want to deal with a pile of dishes afterward. These desserts are perfect for those moments when you're short on time but still want something homemade. Whether it’s late at night or between errands, I’ve pulled together options that are quick, easy, and hit the spot.

Fork holding a slice of a chocolate brownie with chocolate chips on a white plate.

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3-Ingredient Oreo Mousse Cake

This is one of those quick fixes that feels way more impressive than it is. You only need three things, and it comes together with no baking at all. The texture is soft and airy with just the right amount of crunch from the cookies. It's perfect when you're craving something sweet and don't want to do much to get there. Definitely one to keep in your back pocket for last-minute dessert needs.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Oreo Mousse Cake

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 bite-sized brownies are fast to mix up and bake in a short amount of time. They're great for when you want something sweet after dinner but don’t want to deal with cutting a big pan. The smaller portions also make them handy for sharing or packing up. They’re simple to make with pantry ingredients and taste just as good the next day. A solid choice when time is tight and you're in the mood for something chocolatey.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Bites

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 cookie is ready in minutes and skips the hassle of prepping a whole batch. It’s soft, warm, and hits that homemade cookie craving fast. You don’t need to dirty many dishes or plan ahead for this one. It’s the kind of treat that feels cozy without any effort. Perfect for evenings when you want something sweet without overcommitting.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Single-Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie

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 fruit salad comes together fast with just a handful of fresh ingredients. It’s light, cool, and a great way to end a summer meal without baking. You can toss it together with whatever berries you have on hand. Great for when you want something refreshing and sweet at the same time. It works well as a quick dessert that doesn’t feel heavy.
Get the Recipe: Red White and Blue Salad

Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

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

These warm apples cook up fast in the air fryer and make your kitchen smell amazing. They’re soft, sweet, and great on their own or over ice cream. No need to heat up the oven or spend time prepping dough. They’re especially nice on cooler days when you want something warm without a lot of work. A great way to get something sweet in under 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

S’mores Dip

This dip gives you all the fun of s’mores without needing a fire or grill. It melts together fast in the oven and takes just a few ingredients. You can serve it with graham crackers or any cookie you like. Great for when you need something sweet and shareable in a hurry. It’s easy to throw together at the last minute for family nights or snacks.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Dip

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.

These come together quickly using store-bought dough and just a few extras. They’re soft and creamy in the center with crisp, golden edges. You can bake them in under 20 minutes, which makes them perfect for mornings or dessert. They’re a simple way to get something sweet without extra effort. Great for when you want something baked but quick.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Danish

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.

This mug dessert gives you the feel of a cinnamon roll without needing to proof dough or bake anything. It comes together in just a few minutes and is perfect for one person. You don’t need special tools, just a mug and a microwave. It’s a warm, sweet treat for those times when you want something comforting without the work. Ideal for a cozy dessert without the planning.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll in a Mug

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 fritters cook fast in the air fryer and skip the deep frying. They’re warm and crispy with a soft center that comes together in less than 20 minutes. You can mix them up with common pantry ingredients. They’re great when you want something sweet and warm without turning on the oven. A quick way to enjoy a homemade treat on a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Fritters

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.

Using store-bought pastry makes this dessert quick to prep and bake. The result is flaky and rich, with melted chocolate inside every bite. It feels fancy but takes little effort to pull together. Perfect for when you're short on time and want something fresh from the oven. A great shortcut to a sweet finish.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Puff Pastry

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 mug cake gives you all the flavor of carrot cake in just a few minutes. It cooks in the microwave and makes a single portion, so there's no waste. The texture is soft and cake-like, perfect for a quick dessert. You don’t need frosting for it to taste complete. A solid pick when you’re craving cake but don’t want the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake in a Mug

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.

If you have Nutella and a few basics, you can have this dessert ready in minutes. It cooks in the microwave and is soft, rich, and ready before you know it. No baking pans or cooling time needed. It’s especially good for evenings when you just want something warm and sweet without waiting. It’s simple and always hits the spot fast.
Get the Recipe: Nutella Mug Cake

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 cookies are perfect when you want just a few without making a whole tray. They bake quickly and mix up in one bowl. The oats add a bit of texture, and the chocolate chips melt in just right. Great for those times when you want something warm and sweet straight from the oven. A go-to option when you’re low on time but want a homemade cookie.
Get the Recipe: Small-Batch Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

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.

This mug cake is soft and chocolatey and takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish. It uses pantry staples and doesn’t leave a sink full of dishes. It’s great for solo nights when you want something sweet fast. The texture is close to an oven-baked cake with hardly any effort. Definitely a fast fix for a sweet craving.
Get the Recipe: Best Chocolate Mug Cake

Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

These cookies skip the oven and firm up quickly on the counter or in the fridge. They’re chewy and rich with a soft bite from the oats. You can make them in one pot and clean-up is easy. Great when you want dessert but don’t feel like baking. A good recipe to keep handy for last-minute sweet tooth moments.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

Apple Mug Cake

This cake cooks in a mug in just a few minutes and gives you the taste of apple pie without the work. It’s soft and slightly spiced, perfect for fall or anytime. You only need a few ingredients and a microwave. No slicing or baking required. It’s a fast and cozy choice when you want something warm and sweet.
Get the Recipe: Apple Mug Cake

Air Fryer Pineapples

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

These pineapple rings caramelize fast in the air fryer and taste sweet and juicy. You can make them in under 10 minutes with very little prep. They’re great on their own or paired with ice cream. No need for batter or baking. A fast, warm option that works well for dessert or a snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pineapples

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 give you the classic s’mores flavor without needing a campfire. They cook up fast in the air fryer and come out gooey and crisp. You can make just a few or a whole batch depending on what you need. Great for nights when you want something warm and sweet without much effort. A fun and quick take on a familiar favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S’mores

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.

This tart uses store-bought pastry for quick prep and bakes fast in the oven. Thin apple slices add just enough sweetness and texture. It looks impressive but is easy to pull off with minimal effort. A great choice when you want something warm and fresh with very little time. It’s a simple way to end a meal without overdoing it.
Get the Recipe: Apple Puff Pastry Tart

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 cookies don’t need eggs and come together quickly with just a few basics. They’re soft and chewy with a strong peanut butter flavor. You can mix and bake them in under 20 minutes. Great for days when you want homemade cookies fast. A dependable option for a quick dessert without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Peanut Butter Cookies

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 cookie dough is made for one and takes just minutes to stir up. You don’t need to bake anything or chill it first. It’s soft and sweet and ready as soon as you mix it. Great for late nights when you want something sweet without the clean-up. A fast and easy way to get a cookie fix.
Get the Recipe: Edible Single Serving Cookie Dough

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.

This recipe makes just enough cookies for a quick treat without leftovers. They bake fast and don’t require any chilling. The dough mixes up in one bowl, making it simple to pull together. Great for when you want something sweet and warm without a lot of cleanup. A smart choice for weeknights or sudden cravings.
Get the Recipe: Small-Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

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 cookies are quick to make and don’t require chilling the dough, which saves time. The recipe makes a manageable amount, so you won’t end up with too many extras. They bake in under 10 minutes and are ready to eat shortly after. It’s a solid choice when you want something sweet fast without extra cleanup. Great for when you want something simple and homemade without a long wait.
Get the Recipe: Small-Batch Sugar Cookies

Coconut Flour Brownies

This small-batch recipe comes together fast and bakes in under 30 minutes. You get a soft texture and rich chocolate flavor without a lot of effort. It doesn’t use many ingredients, which makes it easier to throw together when you’re short on time. Perfect for when you want a quick dessert that feels homemade. Good to have on hand when you want something sweet without waiting around.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Flour Brownies

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.

This single-serving mug cake cooks in the microwave in about one minute. It has a warm, rich flavor that feels like a dessert version of hot cocoa. The batter mixes quickly with pantry ingredients. Ideal when you're short on time and want something warm and chocolatey. It fits right in for nights when you want a quick dessert without baking a full batch.
Get the Recipe: Hot 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 mousse comes together with just a few ingredients and doesn’t require any cooking or baking. It’s creamy, chocolatey, and packed with cookie flavor. You can chill it briefly or enjoy it right away, depending on how much time you’ve got. It’s a smart pick when you want something that looks a little fancy without a lot of work. Great when you’re craving something sweet and don’t want to turn on the oven.
Get the Recipe: Cookies and Cream Mousse

Cake Mix Mug Cake

This mug cake is ready in minutes and uses a shortcut that makes cleanup a breeze. It’s a good way to make just one portion without baking a whole cake. You only need a handful of ingredients, and the result is warm and soft. Great for when you’re running low on time and still want something sweet. It’s a practical fix when you want dessert fast.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Mug Cake

Marshmallow Fruit Salad

This salad takes just a few minutes to mix together and can be served right away or chilled. It’s creamy and light, and the fruit adds a nice balance to the sweet marshmallows. You can make it ahead, but it’s just as good when you need something quick. This is an easy choice when you want a no-bake dessert. It’s a handy recipe to keep in mind when you want something sweet without a fuss.
Get the Recipe: Marshmallow Fruit Salad

Chocolate Chip Mug Cake

This cake is quick to mix and cooks in about a minute in the microwave. It has that classic chocolate chip flavor without the wait of baking cookies. You only need basic ingredients, and cleanup is minimal. It’s perfect for evenings when you want dessert but don’t want to use the oven. A fast fix for a sweet craving that doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Mug Cake