It is something I love to have—a list of quick dessert recipes. When the sweet tooth strikes but there’s no time to bake, it’s a relief to turn to recipes that can be prepared in just a few minutes.

In this post, I’ve collected my 15 best fast desserts. They are my go-tos when I want something sweet but haven’t the luxury of time to make it.

They’re all no-bake, and none of them takes longer than 15 minutes, including most of the ones that take time to chill. The Quick Chocolate Mug Cake is a single-serving dessert that requires only a few simple ingredients like cocoa powder and flour.

My Quick Cheesecake, No Bake, requires no oven, only cream cheese and sugar at room temperature. The Quick Dessert Recipes with Ice Cream are, I believe, a lifesaver for us on sweltering days.

If you’re looking for a burst of sour goodness, my Quick Lemon Bars are just the ticket. They’re made with fresh lemons and have a flavor intensity that could wake you up on a dreary day.

If you want something decadent, the Quick Brownie Recipe satisfies the urge with its ingredients of cocoa and butter. The essence of cozy comfort is captured in the Quick Apple Crisp.

Using oats and cinnamon, the recipe yields a truly delightful dessert. Whether the dessert is a Quick Tiramisu made with coffee and mascarpone or a Quick Chocolate Fudge that uses condensed milk, these recipes make it simple and fast to create a sweet finale to any meal.

The 15 Best quick dessert recipes

1. Quick Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe

Satisfy a chocolate craving in an instant with this super easy, super fast, Super Fun Chocolate Mug Cake. Made with such pantry basics as all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and granulated sugar, you won’t even have to look far for the ingredients.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Optional: 1 tablespoon chocolate chips

Instructions

1. In a mug that is safe for microwave use, blend together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and baking powder to a state of perfect unity.

2. Combine the dry ingredients with the milk and vegetable oil, stirring until smooth. The mixture should not be lumpy.

3. If you are using them, fold in the chocolate chips to make the dessert even more full of chocolate flavor.

4. Heat the mug in the microwave on high for about 1 to

1.5 minutes, or until the cake has risen and set in the center. Let cool slightly before relishing.

2. Quick No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe

Enjoy the simplicity of a rapid no-bake cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, a creamy filling of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla, and a whipped cream topping.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup melted butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

1. In a bowl, blend the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.

2. In another big bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and keep beating until well blended and creamy.

3. In a different bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Very gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until it is completely combined.

4. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the prepared crust. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or until set. Serve chilled, and enjoy your quick no-bake cheesecake!

3. Quick Dessert Recipes with Ice Cream

Here are three fast dessert recipes using ice cream that create the effortless elegance of combining vanilla ice cream with strawberries, a balsamic glaze, mint leaves, and shortbread cookies.

# Quick Dessert Recipes with Ice Cream#

Ingredients

Vanilla ice cream
Fresh strawberries
Balsamic glaze
Mint leaves
Shortbread cookies

Instructions

1. Portion the vanilla ice cream into bowls or sundae dishes.

2. Slice ripe strawberries and layer them over the ice cream.

3. A small amount of balsamic glaze should be drizzled over the strawberries.

4. Fresh mint leaves are an excellent garnish. Serve with a shortbread cookie to round out the experience.

4. Quick Lemon Bars Recipe

I have a fast and simple recipe for Lemon Bars that has a buttery crust made from all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, and powdered sugar. The tangy lemon filling is made from granulated sugar, eggs, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish with grease.

2. In a bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, and powdered sugar, mixing until the texture is that of small crumbs. Spoon the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. With your fingers, press the dough evenly into the bottom to create the crust. Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown.

3. At the same time, stir together the following ingredients until well mixed: granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and baking powder. Pour this mixture over the crust that you made earlier.

4. Place it back in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 more minutes, until the filling sets and turns light golden brown. Let it cool completely before slicing.

5. Quick Brownie Recipe

Baking brownies doesn’t always require a ton of effort. When you want a batch of homemade brownies, try this easy recipe featuring pantry staples like unsalted butter, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and eggs.

Ingredients. You’ll need:

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. The oven should be set to 350°F (175°C) and an 8×8 inch baking pan should be prepared for baking.

2. In a medium-size saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Take the saucepan off the heat, then stir in the sugar, the eggs, and the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.

3. Mix until just combined the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

4. Place in the preheated oven and set the timer for 20 to 25 minutes. Check the brownies for doneness when the timer goes off. They are done when they pull slightly away from the sides of the pan and look mostly set in the middle. Let them cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

6. Quick Apple Crisp Recipe

Uncover my Quick Apple Crisp Recipe, a delightful after-dinner dish that showcases sliced apples, brown sugar, oats, butter, and warm, cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s perfect for serving up a warm, homey dessert!

Ingredients

4 cups thinly sliced apples (about 4 medium apples)
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup butter, softened
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. The oven should be heated to 350°F (175°C). An 8-inch square baking dish should be greased.

2. Distribute the apple slices evenly in the baking dish.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, oats, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until it becomes crumbly.

4. Evenly distribute the mixture of crumbs over the apples. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until they are golden brown and tender. Serve warm.

7. Quick Tiramisu Recipe

Delightful Italian dessert, Quick Tiramisu, presents layers of cookies soaked in coffee and a creamy amalgam of mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, and sugar, with a touch of vanilla extract. Serve chilled for a simple but stunning indulgence.

Ingredients

1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
18-24 ladyfinger cookies

Instructions

1. In a shallow bowl, blend together the brewed coffee and coffee liqueur. Dip each ladyfinger quickly into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are not soaked. Place them to the side.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract, and whisk together until smooth and creamy.

3. In an 8×8 inch dish, place a bottom layer of ladyfingers. Dip them quickly in espresso, then place them in the dish top side up. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Repeat the step with the other half of the ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone mixture.

4. Refrigerate for not less than 2 hours and cover well. Dust the top with cocoa powder before serving for that classic finishing touch.

8. Quick Cookie Dough Recipe

I present a simple, satisfying recipe for quick cookie dough. The ingredients are handy: they stretch across the baking spectrum.

There’s all-purpose flour, softened unsalted butter, and two types of sugar: brown for flavor and granulated for texture. There’s milk, a bit of vanilla extract, and—most importantly—chocolate chips.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. In a bowl for mixing, blend the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture achieves a state of lightness and fluffiness.

2. Combine the creamed mixture with the milk and vanilla extract, stirring until they are well integrated.

3. The flour should be added to the mixture in small amounts, without altering the order of the elements. It should be mixed in well until there are no visible streaks of flour in the mixture.

4. Stir in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed. You can enjoy the cookie dough right away, or you can chill it for 10 to 15 minutes for a firmer texture.

9. Quick Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Here is my fast recipe for Rice Krispie Treats, using butter, mini marshmallows, and Rice Krispies cereal. They are delicacies of delight that can be put together in a snap with just a hint of vanilla and salt as a pleasing background note.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter
4 cups mini marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, over low heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir constantly until they are completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat.

2. Add the vanilla extract and salt and stir until combined.

3. Incorporate the Rice Krispies cereal into the melted marshmallow mixture. Mix until the coating is even and thorough.

4. Promptly place the blended mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Using a spatula that has been coated with butter, press the mixture down evenly in the pan. Let the mixture cool and set completely before cutting it into squares.

10. Quick Banana Pudding Recipe

Relish a fabulous Quick Banana Pudding, composed of instant vanilla pudding mix, sweetened condensed milk, and bananas. It is a layered dessert, with vanilla wafers and whipped cream.

Pudding does not get any better, or faster, than this.

Ingredients

• 1 package (

  3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
• 4 bananas, sliced
• Vanilla wafers (about 40 to 50)

Instructions

1. In a sizable mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Use a whisk to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken into a pudding consistency.

2. Combine the sweetened condensed milk and the vanilla extract, mixing until they are well incorporated. Then, very gently fold in the whipped cream until everything is uniform and smooth.

3. In a dish for serving, layer the vanilla wafers, the bananas, and the pudding mixture. Repeat the layering, and finish with the pudding mixture.

4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving so the flavors can meld and the cookies can soften.

11. Quick Eclair Cake Recipe

I adore making desserts with little effort, and this Quick Éclair Cake is a perfect example. It has delectable layers of instant vanilla pudding, graham crackers, and whipped topping, and is crowned with a luscious chocolate frosting.

Ingredients

2 packages instant vanilla pudding mix (

3.4 ounces each)
3 1/2 cups milk
1 container whipped topping (8 ounces), thawed
1 box graham crackers
1 container chocolate frosting (16 ounces)

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Whisk until smooth and thickened. Then, gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.

2. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, cover the bottom with a layer of graham crackers. Evenly spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers. On top of the pudding, add another layer of graham crackers; then spread the remaining pudding mixture over the second layer of graham crackers. Finally, top the pudding with yet another layer of graham crackers.

3. Take off the aluminum lid from the chocolate frosting container and microwave the frosting for about 20 to 30 seconds or until it is soft and able to spread easily. Pour the frosting over the top layer of graham crackers and spread evenly across the surface.

4. Refrigerate the dish, covered, for at least 4 hours or overnight so that the graham crackers will soften. Serve when chilled.

12. Quick Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Here’s a simple recipe for making chocolate fudge. You’ll need semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, unsalted butter, and a light sprinkle of salt (if you didn’t know, salt is a key ingredient in fudge!), and you’ve got the makings for a super easy, silky-smooth treat.

Nuts are a nice addition, too!

Ingredients

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. An 8×8-inch square baking dish should be lined with parchment paper, allowing it to hang over the edges for easy removal of the finished treat.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and salt over low heat.

3. Stir constantly until the chocolate chips completely melt and the mixture becomes smooth. Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and nuts, if you’re using them.

4. The chocolate mixture should be poured into the baking dish, which you have prepared, and then spread evenly. It should then be placed in the refrigerator, until it is set. This should not take longer than 2 hours. Once removed from the refrigerator, lift your fudge from the dish with the parchment overhang that you left earlier and cut your fudge into squares. Enjoy.

13. Quick Raspberry Sorbet Recipe

Savor a delightful and simple-to-prepare raspberry sorbet that uses just six components: frozen raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, water, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This recipe makes for an easy, indulgent dessert that can be prepared in minutes.

Ingredients

2 cups frozen raspberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In a food processor or blender, combine the frozen raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, water, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

2. Process the mix until it is completely smooth and creamy, scraping the sides if necessary.

3. Pour the sorbet mixture into a container that can go in the freezer, place the lid on the container, and freeze it for a minimum of 2 to 3 hours, or until it reaches a solid state.

4. Take a few minutes before serving to allow it to to soften slightly. Then scoop and enjoy.

14. Quick Bread Pudding Recipe

This Quick Bread Pudding Recipe converts leftover cubed day-old bread into a delicious dessert by using milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Raisins may be added for an extra touch.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of cubed day-old bread
• 2 cups of milk
• 3/4 cup of sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup of raisins (optional)

#

Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give a baking dish a light coat of grease.

2. In a sizable bowl, combine the following ingredients: eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Whisk together until everything is well combined and the mixture is homogenous.

3. Add the bread cubes and raisins (if using) to the mixture, making sure they are completely soaked and covered.

4. Transfer the blend into the prepared baking dish and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pudding has firmed up and the top is a golden brown. The finished dish is best served warm.

15. Quick Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

Peanut Butter Bars are the easiest delicious treats to prepare. The creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, unsalted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and heavenly vanilla taste work together so well that I can’t believe they’re not baked.

The rich layer of semi-sweet chocolate commands attention, which is good, because I think these bars taste absolutely best with the chocolate on top.

Ingredients

1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. In a big bowl, blend the peanut butter, powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and graham cracker crumbs. Whip until the ingredients are well mixed and have a smooth consistency.

2. To get a good result, you need to mix the ingredients well and then spread the mixture tightly into the base of a baking dish. I’m using a 9×13-inch glass dish, which is a standard size for this kind of recipe.

3. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second increments, stirring in between until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer.

4. Chill for a minimum of 2 hours or until firm. Slice into rectangles and serve.