For those who prefer simplicity in the kitchen, these 16 must-try recipes that call for just three ingredients each are bound to please. Their flavors are anything but simple; indeed, these dishes pack serious taste into not only every bite but into each cooking moment.
They remind us that cooking, like life, doesn’t have to be complicated to be satisfying. When was the last time you made cookies with nothing but peanut butter, sugar, and an egg?
When was the last time you made pancakes with just bananas, eggs, and a splash of baking powder? For that matter, when was the last time you made brownies with just Nutella, eggs, and a little bit of flour?
Or a pasta dish so close in flavor to the Kraft mac and cheese of our collective childhoods that it left us wondering how exactly they pulled it off with only cheddar, milk, and pasta? Or made ice cream with only three ingredients (heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla) to yield an effortless summer treat?
The 16 Best 3 ingredient recipes
1. 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Prepare a simple batch of 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies using just peanut butter, granulated sugar, and an egg. For a quick, uncomplicated dessert, these cookies provide a peanut buttery pick-me-up that really satisfies.
Ingredients
Peanut butter
Granulated sugar
Egg
Instructions
1. Your oven should be set to 350°F (175°C) to bake (175°C). A sheet for baking is prepared when it has parchment paper on it.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup sugar, and 1 egg. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
3. The tablespoon-sized amounts of dough should be scooped onto the baking sheet that has been prepared and should be spaced a couple of inches apart. The back of a fork should then be used to press the dough amounts down. These will then create a crosshatch pattern on each cookie.
4. Put in the preheated oven and set for the timer to go off in 10-12 minutes. When it beeps, the cookies will be set and lightly golden, but you should probably check them at 10 minutes. Remove them from the oven, and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool the rest of the way.
2. 3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes
This is a simple breakfast choice that necessitates minimal work. There are only three ingredients in these pancakes.
Use “very ripe” bananas, according to the recipe, which, as you know, are almost soft enough to mash. You will not need to mash them, however, because the blender will do that for you.
The cracked eggs and the baking powder will bring the pancakes together. You can make a half-batch of this recipe in a blender.
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas
2 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
Butter or oil for cooking
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, smooth out the ripe bananas by mashing them until they are completely smooth.
2. Combine the following ingredients in a bowl and mix well:
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon saltThen, add the mixture to the bananas and whisk.
3. Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium. Lightly grease it with butter or oil.
4. Place tiny amounts of batter onto the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until you see a nice golden brown. Serve without delay.
3. 3-Ingredient Nutella Brownies
Savor the uncomplicated pleasure of Nutella brownies with only three ingredients: Nutella, eggs, and all-purpose flour. These brownies couldn’t be easier to whip up, and they make an excellent impromptu dessert to unearth on a weeknight.
Ingredients
1 cup of Nutella
2 large eggs
1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
Instructions
1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light coat of grease.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs and Nutella, then stir in the flour until smooth and well mixed.
3. The prepared baking pan is filled with the batter, which is spread evenly throughout. The baking process takes about 20-25 minutes and is considered done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the pan emerges with a few moist crumbs. Brownies cool better once they’re out of the pan, and they slice more neatly when they’re completely cool, which makes them easier to serve.
4. 3-Ingredient Mac and Cheese
What I put forth is a straightforward 3-ingredient mac and cheese comprising elbow macaroni, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and whole milk. This is a dish that comes together quickly and offers the kind of comfort one craves on the not-so-distant days of being very busy and just wanting something simple.
Ingredients
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup whole milk
Salt (optional, to taste)
Black pepper (optional, to taste)
Instructions
1. Boil salted water and use it to cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions, taking care to stop cooking at the al dente stage. Afterward, drain the macaroni and gently shake it to remove excess water. Use immediately, or cool and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
2. Over medium heat, in a saucepan, combine the milk and cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is entirely melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. To the saucepan, add the cooked macaroni and stir until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the cheese sauce. If desired, season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately.
5. 3-Ingredient Ice Cream
Let me introduce you to ice cream made with three ingredients. It’s creamy, smooth, and incredibly easy to make.
With just heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract, you can whip up this delightful treat at home.
Ingredients
2 cups heavy cream
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream that is heavy with an electric mixer or a whisk until it forms stiff peaks.
2. The sweetened condensed milk is gently folded into the whipped cream. The two elements are combined until they are well blended together.
3. Incorporate the vanilla extract and combine until the blend is smooth and consistent.
4. Pour the combination into a container with a lid and put it in the freezer. Leave it there for at least 4 hours; you can also leave it there for longer. Just make sure that the contents are thoroughly frozen before you try to scoop it out.
6. 3-Ingredient Cheesecake
Experience the straightforward nature of 3-Ingredient Cheesecake, crafted with luscious cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and fresh eggs. Indulge in a dessert of unparalleled ease that boasts barely three components, yet sings with flavor.
Ingredients
Full-fat cream cheese
Condensed milk
Eggs
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) and prepare a 9-inch round springform pan by greasing it.
2. In a big mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it becomes smooth. Little by little, add the condensed milk, mixing until everything is well combined.
3. Include the eggs, one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition until the batter is smooth to the mouth.
4. Into the prepared pan, pour the batter and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Cool it completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. 3-Ingredient Bread
7. 3-Ingredient Bread is a simple, from-scratch bread recipe that calls for just three ingredients—bread flour, epsom salt, and active dry yeast.
Mixed in a stand mixer with warm water, the yeast activates and begins to foam, ensuring a slight rise in the finished loaf. This is a no-knead recipe, so it’s perfect for the busy baker.
Ingredients
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
Instructions
1. In a spacious bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and yeast. Measure out the warm water, then add it to the bowl and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours, until it’s doubled in size and puffed up with bubbles.
2. Set your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius). As the oven heats, place a Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lid in the oven.
3. Dust a workstation and your hands with flour. Turn the dough onto the floured surface and shape it into a ball. Very carefully, remove the pot from the oven and place the dough inside. Cover the pot and put it back in the oven. Set a timer for 30 minutes and breathe.
4. After 30 minutes, take the lid off and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the bread has turned golden brown. Allow it to cool on a wire rack before serving.
8. 3-Ingredient Fudge
Here is a straightforward fudge recipe with three ingredients. You will need chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
This is an easy recipe, and you can make enough for a large batch; however, it is also perfectly portioned for a small treat.
Ingredients
3 cups chocolate chips (semisweet or milk chocolate)
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. An 8-inch square baking dish should be lined with parchment paper, with some parchment paper left over the edges for easy removal.
2. In a bowl that is safe for the microwave, mix together the chocolate chips and the sweetened condensed milk. Heat them in the microwave in intervals of 30 seconds, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is completely smooth and melted.
3. Add the vanilla extract and mix until it is completely incorporated.
4. Spread the fudge mix evenly into the prepared baking dish. Place in refrigerator and let set for at least 2 hours. Remove and slice into squares. Serve.
9. 3-Ingredient Tomato Soup
Here’s my easy, cozy, 3-Ingredient Tomato Soup. It’s made with canned whole peeled tomatoes, chicken (or vegetable) broth, and butter.
This quick and simple recipe is a classic that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, mix in the canned tomatoes (with the juice) and chicken broth.
2. The mixture should be made to simmer and cooked for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the blending of the flavors. Occasional stirring is necessary to prevent the mixture from sticking.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender and puree the soup in batches. Return the soup to the pot after pureeing.
4. Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot; garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
10. 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Bars
I adore making these easy, hearty oatmeal bars with just three ingredients: old-fashioned rolled oats, creamy natural peanut butter, and honey. They’re portable, not too sweet, and perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup natural peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
Instructions
1. The oven must be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before an 8×8 inch baking dish can be lined with parchment paper in readiness for the cooking process.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix the rolled oats, peanut butter, and honey until they are well blended and the mixture is sticky.
3. Evenly press the mixture into the baking dish that has been prepared.
4. Place in the preheated oven. Cook for 12-15 minutes. You will know they are done when the edges are lightly browned. Allow to cool before slicing.
11. 3-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse
The simplicity of creating an elegant dessert shines with this 3-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse. This mousse isn’t just any mousse, though.
It comes from a well-respected French pastry chef and is all the better for it. With heavy cream, bittersweet chocolate, and granulated sugar, you can make a beautiful dessert in the amount of time it takes to melt some chocolate.
Ingredients
1 cup heavy cream
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, melt the chopped chocolate using a microwave or a double boiler until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and sugar together until soft peaks form.
3. Carefully mix the melted chocolate with the whipped cream mixture until well combined.
4. Portion the mousse into individual serving dishes and place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours before serving to allow for proper set.
12. 3-Ingredient Energy Bites
I enjoy making uncomplicated dishes, such as these Energy Bites, which have only three ingredients—dates, oats, and almond butter. They take minutes to prepare and are nutty, chewy, and just sweet enough to satisfy my snack cravings.
Plus, they’re full of good-for-you stuff and give me a burst of energy when I need it.
Ingredients
1 cup dates, pitted
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup almond butter
Instructions
1. In a food processor, place the pitted dates and almond butter. Combine until smooth.
2. Incorporate the oats into the mixture of dates and almonds, then blend until the mixture is combined well and has a dough-like consistency.
3. Shape the combination into tiny spheres, roughly 1 inch across, and set them on a tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Refrigerate the energy bites for 30 minutes before serving. This duration is adequate for the bites to firm up and makes serving them much easier.
13. 3-Ingredient Alfredo Sauce
The 3-Ingredient Alfredo Sauce is a fast and rich sauce consisting of just heavy cream, unsalted butter, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pair it with pasta for a simple yet fancy meal.
Ingredients
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and allow it to slightly thicken, about 5 minutes.
2. Lower the heat to low and gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully blended and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Add salt and black pepper to your taste. Then serve right away on top of whatever pasta or dish you love best.
14. 3-Ingredient Lemon Bars
Lemon bars made with three ingredients are simple, delightful treats that combine flour, butter, and a zesty lemon filling. They are a refreshing burst of citrus flavor.
It’s hard to believe that something with such a bright flavor could require so few elements or so little effort to make.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl of medium size, combine 1 cup of flour, room-temperature butter, and powdered sugar until the texture is crumbly. This mixture then gets pressed into a baking pan that is 9×13 inches in size, with no grease added at all. The crust that is formed will serve as the foundation for these delectable lemon bars.
2. Bake the crust for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden and set. As the crust bakes, ready the filling.
3. In another bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, and lemon juice, and whisk them together until they are smooth and blended well. Stir in the additional 1/4 cup of flour. This is now your lemon mixture. Pour it over the hot crust.
4. Put the baking pan back in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes more, or until the filling is set. Let cool completely and cut into bars. If desired, dust the tops with a little extra powdered sugar before serving.
15. 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies
Here are 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies, consisting of unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour. Their classic, buttery texture is effortlessly simple, making them an ideal treat for any baking aficionado.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Heat your oven to 325°F (165°C), and get a baking sheet ready, lined with parchment paper.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend the room-temperature butter and sugar until they are light and fluffy.
3. Slowly incorporate the flour into the mixture of butter and sugar, blending until the ingredients come together into a smooth, cohesive dough.
4. Form the dough into a ball and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut the dough into desired shapes and place the shapes on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
16. 3-Ingredient Chocolate Cake
Experience the uncomplicated nature of my Chocolate Cake with 3 Ingredients. The cake’s essential components are eggs, bittersweet chocolate, and heavy cream.
The three come together in the simplest, richest, most decadent way imaginable.
Ingredients
4 large eggs
1 cup (240g) bittersweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) to warm up. Grab a cake pan that measures 6 inches in diameter. Grease it well, and also line the bottom with a sheet of parchment paper to ensure a safe, easy removal of the cake when the time comes.
2. In a bowl that is safe for the microwave, melt the chocolate chips by using the intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until you reach smoothness.
3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
4. Melted chocolate should be carefully folded into the beaten eggs in batches, and mixed until fully incorporated.
5. The cake pan should be filled with batter, which is to be prepared as directed above. The batter should then be smoothed level in the pan before being put in an oven preheated to 325°F (160°C) for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Next, remove the cake from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
