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    Home / Roundups

    30 Quick Desserts Ready Before You Could Make a Store Run

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Aug 28, 2026 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

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    When a sweet craving hits, I want something fast, easy, and worth every bite-and I know I'm not alone. These quick desserts are perfect for those moments when you want a treat without the hassle of baking from scratch or making a store run. I've rounded up options that come together in minutes using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.

    Air Fryer S'mores

    A s'more with melted marshmallow and chocolate between graham crackers on a white plate.Pin
    Air Fryer S’mores. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    These s'mores come together quickly with just a few simple ingredients and no campfire needed. They're perfect when you want a classic treat without leaving your kitchen. The air fryer gets everything melted and crisp in minutes. It's a smart way to enjoy something sweet without making a mess. This is one of those desserts that's ready before you'd even make it back from the store.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S'mores

    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 red velvet mug cake is rich, warm, and comes together in just a few minutes. It's a solid pick for when you want something sweet but don't want to bake a full cake. All you need is a mug and a microwave. The texture is soft, and the color makes it feel a little special. It's definitely quicker than a grocery run.
    Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Mug Cake

    Coconut Flour Brownies

    Fork holding a slice of a chocolate brownie with chocolate chips on a white plate.Pin
    Coconut Flour Brownies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These brownies are quick to prep and bake up with a soft, fudgy texture. Great for when you want something chocolatey without spending a lot of time. Coconut flour gives them a different twist without making things complicated. They're small-batch friendly and don't require any extra trips to the store. You'll have dessert ready before a delivery would even show up.
    Get the Recipe: Coconut Flour Brownies

    Chocolate Puff Pastry

    Close-up of a flaky pastry cut open to reveal a filling of chocolate, with a visible crispy golden crust.Pin
    Chocolate Puff Pastry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    With store-bought puff pastry and a bit of chocolate, this dessert comes together fast. It bakes in under 20 minutes and feels a little fancier than the effort it takes. You don't need much on hand to make it work. It's perfect when you want something warm and sweet in a hurry. Definitely faster than driving to pick up dessert.
    Get the Recipe: Chocolate Puff Pastry

    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.Pin
    Cheesecake in a Jar. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This cheesecake is portioned in jars, which means no baking and no fuss. It's perfect when you want a cool, creamy dessert but don't want to make a full cheesecake. Prep is quick and cleanup is easy. You can keep most of the ingredients on hand for last-minute cravings. It's quicker than browsing the store bakery section.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesecake in a Jar

    Nutella Mug Cake

    Homemade chocolate mug cake topped with whipped cream, served with a spoon and a small nutella jar on the side.Pin
    Nutella Mug Cake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Nutella mug cake is rich and gooey with very little effort. You only need a few pantry items and about five minutes. The texture comes out soft and cake-like with a deep chocolate flavor. It's a quick fix when you want something warm and sweet. Definitely easier and faster than a trip to the store.
    Get the Recipe: Nutella Mug Cake

    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 gives you all the cozy flavor of hot chocolate in cake form. You can make it in minutes with basic ingredients. It's great for evenings when you want a treat without leaving the house. It cooks fast in the microwave and doesn't need any special tools. It'll be ready long before you'd get back from picking up dessert.
    Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Mug Cake

    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 Oreo mug cake is one of the simplest desserts you can make. Just a few cookies and some milk get you a cake in under five minutes. It's soft, warm, and hits that cookies-and-cream craving right away. No mixing bowls, no oven, and barely any cleanup. It's faster than running to the store for a packaged snack.
    Get the Recipe: Oreo Mug Cake

    Apple Mug Cake

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

    Warm and lightly spiced, this apple mug cake comes together fast with everyday ingredients. It's great when you want something sweet but don't want leftovers. The microwave makes it ready in minutes, and you don't need to peel a whole bag of apples. It's cozy, simple, and low-effort. You'll be eating it long before you'd make it through checkout.
    Get the Recipe: Apple Mug Cake

    S'mores Dip

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

    S'mores dip melts together in the oven and brings that campfire feeling indoors. It only takes a few minutes to get gooey and golden. All you need is some chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers. It's perfect for sharing or snacking right away. This one's faster than digging through the store for a boxed dessert.
    Get the Recipe: S'mores Dip

    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.Pin
    Red White and Blue Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This fruit salad is a mix of berries and marshmallows, and it comes together in minutes. It's light, sweet, and great for any time you want something easy. You don't need to measure much or even turn on the oven. It works well for a quick dessert or party snack. Much faster than driving out for something premade.
    Get the Recipe: Red White and Blue Salad

    Air Fryer Apple Fritters

    Glazed apple cinnamon fritters on a plate with front one broken in half.Pin
    Air Fryer Apple Fritters. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These apple fritters cook quickly in the air fryer and skip the deep-frying mess. They're soft inside with crisp edges and come together fast. You can use pantry basics and a couple of apples. No fancy steps or ingredients needed. It's a faster option than picking up doughnuts from the store.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Fritters

    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 single-serving cookie dough is made to be eaten as-is, with no baking required. It's a fun way to treat yourself without having to prep a whole batch. You only need a few ingredients and a couple of minutes. It's soft, sweet, and easy to keep on hand. Much quicker than any store run.
    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 chocolate mug cake has a rich flavor and soft texture, and it cooks in just a minute or two. It's easy to pull together when you're craving cake but don't want to bake. No special tools or prep needed-just a mug and a microwave. It's warm, quick, and perfect for one. Definitely faster than any drive to the store.
    Get the Recipe: Best 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.Pin
    Carrot Cake in a Mug. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    If you want the taste of carrot cake without the wait, this mug version is ready in minutes. It's soft, spiced, and just the right size. You can throw it together quickly without digging out your mixer. It's great when you want a sweet bite without making a full cake. Easier and quicker than a grocery run.
    Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake in a Mug

    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.Pin
    Cookies and Cream Mousse. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This mousse is creamy and smooth with bits of cookie mixed in. It comes together without a lot of fuss and doesn't require any cooking. It's a great way to end a meal or enjoy a quick treat. You can make it ahead or eat it right away. It's much faster than standing in line at the bakery.
    Get the Recipe: Cookies and Cream Mousse

    Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

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

    These no-bake cookies mix up quickly and set without needing the oven. They have a chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor. Great when you want something sweet but don't want to turn on the stove. Just mix, scoop, and let them cool. They're ready faster than any dessert you'd find at the store.
    Get the Recipe: Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

    Air Fryer Pineapples

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

    This warm pineapple dessert is quick to make in the air fryer with minimal ingredients. It caramelizes slightly and comes out tender and sweet. It's great as a snack or light dessert. You don't need to plan ahead or make a big mess. Faster than prepping a fruit salad or heading out to buy dessert.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pineapples

    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.Pin
    Small-Batch Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These cookies are perfect when you want just enough without extra leftovers. The dough comes together fast and bakes quickly. You can make them with pantry basics and no chill time. They're soft, chewy, and great for an easy dessert. Ready to eat before you'd finish a grocery run.
    Get the Recipe: Small-Batch Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Small-Batch Sugar Cookies

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

    This recipe makes a few soft sugar cookies without needing to roll or cut anything. It's quick, simple, and good for when you just want a few bites of something sweet. The dough mixes easily and bakes fast. No fancy tools required. Definitely easier than standing in a bakery line.
    Get the Recipe: Small-Batch Sugar Cookies

    Marshmallow Fruit Salad

    Marshmallow Fruit Salad with Cool Whip.Pin
    Marshmallow Fruit Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This sweet salad uses canned fruit and marshmallows, so it's ready in no time. There's no cooking or baking involved. It's creamy, fruity, and easy to throw together for a last-minute treat. You can make it ahead or serve it right away. It's quicker than picking up dessert at the store.
    Get the Recipe: Marshmallow Fruit Salad

    Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

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

    These cinnamon apples are soft, warm, and full of flavor with barely any prep. The air fryer gets them ready fast without needing a lot of sugar. They work as a quick snack or dessert. Cleanup is minimal and the cook time is short. You'll be eating them before you'd even park at the store.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

    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.Pin
    Apple Puff Pastry Tart. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This tart uses puff pastry and sliced apples to create something sweet and simple. It bakes quickly and looks impressive without the effort. You don't need to make dough from scratch. It's great for when you want something warm from the oven without too much work. Much faster than waiting in a bakery line.
    Get the Recipe: Apple Puff Pastry Tart

    3-Ingredient Oreo Mousse Cake

    3-Ingredient Oreo Mousse Cake.Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.Pin
    3-Ingredient Oreo Mousse Cake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This mousse cake uses just three ingredients and comes together without baking. It's creamy, smooth, and full of Oreo flavor. You can prep it in minutes and chill it until ready. No mixers, no oven, and barely any cleanup. It's way quicker than picking up a boxed cake.
    Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Oreo Mousse Cake

    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 is portioned for one and made in the air fryer for a fast cook time. It's warm, sweet, and has a little crunch on top. You can make it with pantry staples and a single apple. It's a great option when you want something cozy without making a big batch. Definitely quicker than buying a family-sized dessert.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One

    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 single cookie comes together quickly and bakes in just minutes. It's great when you want a treat but don't need a whole batch. You can mix it in one bowl with pantry basics. It's warm, soft, and ready fast. Much quicker than running out for one.
    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 boxed cake mix and cooks in about a minute. It's simple, quick, and works well when you want cake without a big mess. You can make it with just a few spoonfuls of mix and water. Great for last-minute dessert cravings. It's faster than any store-bought option.
    Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Mug 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.Pin
    Brownie Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These brownie bites bake quickly and don't take long to mix. They're great for when you want a small batch with chewy centers and crisp edges. No complicated steps or long wait times. They're easy to portion and freeze if needed. You'll have them ready to eat long before you'd finish shopping.
    Get the Recipe: Brownie Bites

    Small-Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

    A plate with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, one cookie is broken in half to show the soft inside.Pin
    Small-Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This small-batch recipe gives you a few warm cookies without making too many. The dough comes together fast and bakes in under 10 minutes. Perfect for when you want cookies but not a whole tray. You'll only need a few basic ingredients. It's a faster fix than driving to pick some up.
    Get the Recipe: Small-Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

    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.Pin
    Cream Cheese Danish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These danishes use store-bought dough and bake up golden in a short time. The filling is creamy and comes together fast. They look bakery-worthy but take less effort than you'd expect. You don't need to spend hours or use fancy tools. You'll have a sweet breakfast or dessert quicker than a run to the store.
    Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Danish

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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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    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

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