22+ Quick and Easy Dessert Ideas Ready in 1 Hour or Less!
Scrambling to find a quick and easy dessert recipe you can whip up in under an hour? I’ve got a list of great options for you!
Do you ever find yourself in a pinch when friends drop by unannounced and you wish you had a sweet treat to serve? Or perhaps you’ve suddenly remembered that you promised to bring a dessert to tonight’s gathering, but the clock is ticking and your kitchen remains uninspired.
Maybe you’re frantically scouring Google for a dessert miracle that can be conjured up in less than an hour. If any of these scenarios sound familiar, breathe a sigh of relief—you’ve stumbled upon the perfect resource. Welcome to your dessert lifeline! Here, I’ve curated a list of twenty-two dessert recipes that are not only quick and easy to prepare but are guaranteed to dazzle your taste buds and impress your guests.
Update: I’ve added more recipes, so now it’s 22+ quick and easy dessert recipes.
From the decadently rich to the light and zesty, there’s a recipe here for every occasion, craving, and time crunch. So, tie on your apron, preheat your oven, and prepare to transform your dessert dilemma into a delicious victory!
Wow Them in No Time at All
Just because a dessert doesn’t take a lot of time doesn’t mean it’s blah. You can certainly do the old standby dump cake, but everyone does that. Why not be a little different? These desserts are broken down by how much time you’ve got on hand. Some even take less than fifteen minutes! I kid you not!
Full disclosure: not all of these recipes are “purist” desserts. Some of them take advantage of cake mixes or pre-made pastries. Sometimes, when time is not on your side, sacrifices have to be made. These recipes will still be healthier and tastier than some random dessert picked up at the grocery store.
Dessert in Under 15 Minutes!
For those moments when time is of the essence but your sweet tooth can’t be ignored, dive into this collection of dessert recipes that take less than 15 minutes to prepare. Perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you need a quick sweet fix, these recipes promise maximum flavor with minimal time commitment.
Raw Vegan Chocolate Pudding
This recipe for Healthy Chocolate Pudding from the Herbal Academy is a guilt-free indulgence, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any day you’re craving something sweet yet healthy. Made with avocados, bananas, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond milk, and cocoa powder, it’s a vegan delight that requires no cooking and can be prepared in just about 5 minutes. It offers a creamy, silky texture that’s rich in flavor without compromising on health benefits.
Easy Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies
A delicious and straightforward recipe that combines the rich, hazelnut flavor of Nutella with the classic appeal of chocolate chip cookies makes for a decadent treat that’s easy to whip up for any occasion. The recipe for these Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies is from Flavor Mosaic.
5-Minute Fudge (with mix-in ideas)
This 5-Minute Homemade Fudge from yours truly offers a quick and delightful treat for those in need of a sweet indulgence without the long wait. This recipe promises a rich, chocolatey experience with options for customization, ensuring that you can create a dessert that caters to various tastes and occasions.
Cacao-Dusted Peanut Butter Cookies
The Cacao Dusted Peanut Butter Cookies recipe from the Herbal Academy is a healthy, almost raw treat that’s perfect for those looking for gluten and wheat-free options without flour, refined sugars, eggs, or butter. Featuring a base of cashews and dates, these cookies are dusted with raw cacao for a delightful finish, combining the creamy texture of peanut butter with the rich taste of cacao.
Indoor S’mores Bars
The Indoor S’mores Bars recipe from Like Mother Like Daughter offers a perfect blend of gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy Golden Graham cereal, all combined to recreate the classic s’mores flavor without the need for a campfire. These bars are described as a delightful treat that captures the essence of s’mores in a convenient, no-bake format, ideal for quick preparation and instant enjoyment.
Puff Pastry Bananas Foster
The Bananas Foster in Puff Pastry Shells recipe on Barbara Bakes offers a delightful twist on the classic New Orleans dessert. It features flaky puff pastry shells filled with creamy vanilla ice cream, topped with caramelized bananas prepared in a buttery, cinnamon-infused brown sugar sauce. This elegant yet easy-to-make dessert is perfect for impressing guests at brunch or any special occasion.
Dessert in 15–30 Minutes
When you’re looking to impress with minimal stress, explore this selection of dessert recipes that can be beautifully prepared within 15-30 minutes. These treats strike the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication.
Ginger Snaps & Harvest Pumpkin Dip
This Ginger Snaps and Harvest Pumpkin Dip recipe from yours truly is a festive duo that pairs the spicy crunch of ginger snaps with the creamy sweetness of a pumpkin dip. This delightful combination is perfect for fall gatherings or as a cozy treat to enjoy at home, offering a taste of the season in every bite.
Strawberry Tart with Whipped Cream
This 3-Ingredient Strawberry Tart with Lemon Whipped Cream recipe from The Comfort of Cooking is an effortlessly elegant dessert that can be made quickly using just puff pastry, fresh strawberries, and a simple homemade lemon whipped cream. Ideal for spring and summer gatherings, this tart impresses with its simplicity and the delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors.
TIP: Top your strawberry tarts and other delectable desserts with homemade whipped cream that doesn’t deflate.
Easy Red Velvet Cookies
The Easy Red Velvet Cookies Recipe on Rachel Cooks is a simple yet delicious treat that utilizes a box of red velvet cake mix to create chewy, flavorful cookies in just a few steps. With the addition of melted butter and eggs to the mix, these cookies are rolled in powdered sugar before baking, offering a perfect last-minute option for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.
Decadent Triple Chocolate Brownies
These Decadent Triple Chocolate Brownies are a rich and indulgent treat for chocolate lovers, combining the deep flavors of cocoa with the added richness of chocolate chips for a multi-layered chocolate experience. Perfect for those special moments when only the most intense chocolate dessert will do.
No Bake Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Shots
These No Bake Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Shots from Cravings of a Lunatic offer a simple yet elegant dessert option, featuring a combination of Meyer lemon and blueberry for two distinct flavors. These delightful cheesecake shots are no-bake, making them a quick and fuss-free option for entertaining, and they’re perfectly portioned in mini shot glasses for easy serving.
Chewy Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Icing
Chewy Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Icing bring the warm flavors of autumn into your kitchen with their soft, chewy texture and sweet maple-syrup glaze. This delightful treat perfectly encapsulates the essence of fall, making it an ideal choice for cozy gatherings or a comforting solo snack.
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies EVER
The “Best Chocolate Chip Cookies EVER” recipe on The Free Range Life incorporates a unique twist with the use of hard-boiled eggs, promising soft, perfectly shaped cookies that avoid being too thick or dry. This innovative approach ensures cookies that are just right in texture and flavor, making them a standout choice for those seeking the ultimate chocolate chip cookie experience.
Petits Pains au Chocolat
These Petits Pains au Chocolats from Bake Love Give transform simple ingredients into bite-sized delights with rich dark chocolate wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry dough. Perfect for a quick indulgence or serving at brunch, these mini chocolate croissants offer a delectable taste of French patisserie at home.
Dessert in 30–45 Minutes
Step into a world where indulgence meets convenience with this collection of dessert recipes that take 30–45 minutes to prepare. Perfect for when you want to create something a little more special without spending your entire day in the kitchen, these treats promise to satisfy your sweet cravings with just the right balance of ease and decadence.
Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free Apple Pie
This Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free Apple Pie recipe from MrAnimal Farm offers a healthier take on the classic dessert, incorporating almond flour and dates for sweetness, ensuring that even those with dietary restrictions can enjoy a slice of warm, comforting apple pie. This recipe is perfect for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without straying from their health goals.
Cinnamon Spice Pumpkin Bars
These Easy Pumpkin Bars on Attainable Sustainable are a mix-and-bake treat that promises moist, delicious bars, perfect for potlucks or any occasion. Utilizing simple ingredients like pumpkin puree and common pantry staples, it’s an all-year-round go-to recipe that’s especially appealing during the pumpkin spice season.
Sweet Potato Chocolate Mousse
The Sweet Potato Chocolate Mousse recipe on Nourish Every Day offers a unique and healthy twist on traditional chocolate mousse, utilizing sweet potato as a base for a creamy, satisfying dessert. This dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly recipe is gently sweetened with rice malt syrup, making it a guilt-free indulgence that’s easy to prepare and sure to delight any palate.
Fresh Blueberry Crisp
Enjoy this Fresh Blueberry Crisp recipe at Reformation Acres for a simple yet delightful dessert, perfect for showcasing the sweet and tart flavors of fresh blueberries. Topped with a homemade streusel, this crisp is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, offering a comforting treat that’s easy enough for kids to help make.
Grilled Cinnamon Doughnuts with Maple Bananas
Grilled Cinnamon Doughnuts with Maple Bananas combine the warm, spiced flavors of cinnamon doughnuts with the sweet, caramelized richness of maple-glazed bananas. This dessert is a delightful twist on traditional doughnuts, offering a grilled version that enhances the flavors and adds a unique texture, perfect for a decadent breakfast or dessert treat.
Dessert in 45 Minutes—1 Hour
These recipes are designed for those times when you desire something a bit more elaborate without spending the entire day in the kitchen, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a well-deserved sweet escape.
Torch-Free Easy Crème Brûlée
These Crème Brûlées simplify the classic French dessert into a foolproof version that can be made with just a few ingredients and without the need for a torch. This method ensures that even novice cooks can achieve the perfect blend of creamy custard and crispy, caramelized sugar topping.
Skillet Peach and Blackberry Cobbler
This Skillet Peach and Blackberry Cobbler from Grow Forage Cook Ferment is a delightful summer dessert, showcasing the natural sweetness and health benefits of fresh peaches and blackberries. This adaptable and low-sugar recipe, which is perfect for foraged or garden-fresh fruit, combines them under a biscuit topping for a rustic and comforting dish.
Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
These Simple Sugar Cookies Topped with Natural Yet Vibrant Rainbow Icing offer an easy and fun way to create delicious sugar cookies with a vibrant twist. Utilizing natural ingredients for the icing, this recipe provides both a visually appealing and tasty treat suitable for various occasions.
Quick & Easy Gluten-Free Apple Crumble
The Gluten-Free Apple Crumble recipe from yours truly features a mix of juicy apples under a crumbly topping made from gluten-free flour, oats, and butter, sweetened with sugar or a sugar alternative. This dessert has warm, comforting flavors and is perfect for those following a gluten-free diet.
Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies with Dark Chocolate Chips
These Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies from The Rising Spoon are an easy-to-make treat that blends the rich flavors of peanut butter and dark chocolate chips, sweetened with maple syrup for a soft texture. This gluten-free and dairy-free recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a healthier cookie option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Blueberry Cornmeal Skillet Cake
The Blueberry Cornmeal Skillet Cake recipe on Grow Forage Cook Ferment offers a rustic and delightful dessert featuring fresh or frozen blueberries and homemade cornmeal, baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet. This cake is celebrated for its minimal sugar content, emphasizing the natural sweetness of the fruit and the hearty texture of the cornmeal, making it an ideal choice for a wholesome and satisfying treat.
Wild Berry Buckle
This Wild Berry Buckle from The Free Range Life is a delightful summer dessert that combines wineberries, blackberries, and blueberries with a cake-like batter, topped with a crumbly mixture. This bake is akin to a coffee cake but loaded with berries, offering a sweet and slightly tart taste that’s perfect for berry season.
Giant Chocolate & Peanut Butter Chip Cookie Recipe
This Chocolate & Peanut Butter Chip Skillet Cookie created by Boots & Hooves Homestead combines the classic flavors of chocolate chips and peanut butter chips in a soft, chewy cookie baked in a cast iron skillet. This easy recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional cookies, making it a perfect family treat or comfort food dessert.
Heavenly Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies
One of my most popular recipes, this cookie marries the unexpected yet delightful pairing of sweet chocolate chips with the savory richness of bacon, crafting a cookie experience that tantalizes both sweet and salty cravings.
If you’ve got a bit more time on your hands, I’d like to suggest my yummy peanut butter cups. They are always a hit. This delicious chocolate pudding pie with a chocolate crust and whipped cream is also a fun recipe to make, especially with the kids. And for mornings when you’ve got a bit of time on your hands, sourdough donut holes are sure to please.
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These quick and delectable treats ensure that you can satisfy your sweet tooth or impress guests without spending your entire day in the kitchen. Whether you’re in the mood for something chocolaty, fruity, or uniquely savory, there’s a dessert option ready to cater to your cravings swiftly.
What’s your favorite quick-fix dessert recipe? Drop your favorites and let’s swap some sweet secrets!