What to Bake for Dessert Easy: Simple Recipes for Delicious Sweet Treats

Feeling stuck on what to whip up for dessert? You’re not alone. Many of us crave something sweet but want to keep it simple and quick. Whether it’s a last-minute gathering or just a treat for yourself, easy dessert recipes can save the day.

Easy Desserts You Can Bake

Baking desserts doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some easy options that satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugars until creamy.
4. Add vanilla and eggs, mixing well.
5. Gradually blend in the flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets.
7. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until golden.

Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash bananas. Stir in melted butter.
3. Mix in baking soda and salt.
4. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla; mix well.
5. Stir in flour until just combined.
6. Pour into a greased loaf pan.
7. Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, combine cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder.
4. Mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
5. Spread evenly in a greased baking pan.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Apple Crisp

Ingredients:

• 6 cups sliced apples
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Toss sliced apples with lemon juice. Place in a greased baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix oats, flour, sugars, and cinnamon.
4. Cut in butter until crumbly; sprinkle over apple mixture.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until topping is golden brown.

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precision ensures better results.
• Prep Before You Start: Gather all ingredients beforehand.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to ensure desserts are cooked through but moist.

These desserts are simple and quick, perfect for anyone wanting to bake something delicious without too much fuss.

Quick Dessert Recipes

Try these easy dessert recipes that deliver delightful results with minimal effort. Whether you’re pressed for time or want something sweet for yourself, these treats fit the bill.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
9. Let cool before enjoying.

These cookies are perfect for sharing or satisfying your sweet tooth at home.

No-Bake Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

1. Combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan to form a crust.
2. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
6. Pour the filling into the crust, smoothing the top.
7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until set.
8. Top with your choice of fruit or chocolate before serving.

This no-bake cheesecake is creamy, dreamy, and perfect for any occasion.

Simple Cakes and Muffins

Baking simple cakes and muffins brings joy and satisfaction. These treats often require minimal ingredients and preparation time, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.

Banana Bread

Banana bread combines ripe bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, and butter for a moist, flavorful loaf. You can enhance its taste by adding nuts or chocolate chips.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. Mash the ripe bananas in a mixing bowl, then mix in the melted butter.
3. Stir in the baking soda and salt.
4. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix well.
5. Fold in the flour just until combined.
6. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes.
7. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.

Tip: For added flavor, experiment with cinnamon or substitute some of the all-purpose flour with oat flour.

Vanilla Cupcakes

Vanilla cupcakes are light and fluffy, offering a comforting taste. Their simplicity makes them a great base for frostings or fillings.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Beat the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy.
3. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, alternating, until well combined.
7. Fill each muffin liner about two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
8. Let cool before frosting.

Tip: Customize your cupcakes by using different flavors or toppings such as sprinkles or chocolate sauce.

Fun and Easy Pies

Pies make for delightful desserts that satisfy your sweet tooth with ease. These two recipes, apple pie and chocolate cream pie, highlight simplicity and scrumptiousness.

Apple Pie

Apple pie is a classic dessert known for its warm, comforting flavor. To prepare this pie, gather the following ingredients:

• 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel and slice the apples into thin wedges.
3. In a bowl, mix apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until coated.
4. Roll out one pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan.
5. Pour the apple mixture into the crust, spreading evenly.
6. Cover with the second crust. Cut slits on top for steam to escape.
7. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

Chocolate Cream Pie

Chocolate cream pie delivers decadence and ease, perfect for chocolate lovers. Collect these ingredients:

• 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 3/4 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream for topping

1. In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Gradually add milk, mixing until smooth.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to boil.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
5. Pour the chocolate filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
6. Let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
7. Top with whipped cream before serving.

Creative Desserts with Few Ingredients

You can whip up delightful desserts with minimal ingredients. Here are some easy options that require just a few items.

No-Bake Chocolate Dessert

• Ingredients: Chocolate chips, cream cheese, powdered sugar.
• Instructions:

1. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
3. Fold melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture.
4. Spoon into serving cups and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

• Ingredients: Peanut butter, sugar, egg.
• Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix peanut butter, sugar, and egg until well combined.
3. Scoop dough onto a baking sheet.
4. Flatten with a fork and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Simple Fruit Sorbet

• Ingredients: Frozen fruit, sugar, lemon juice.
• Instructions:

1. Blend frozen fruit, sugar, and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Pour into a container and freeze for a few hours until firm.
3. Scrape with a fork to serve.

Quick Mug Cake

• Ingredients: Flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, milk, oil.
• Instructions:

1. In a large mug, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder.
2. Add milk and oil, then stir until combined.
3. Microwave for 1-2 minutes until cooked through.

• Ingredients: Ripe bananas.
• Instructions:

1. Slice ripe bananas and freeze for 2 hours.
2. Blend frozen slices until creamy.
3. Serve immediately or freeze for a firmer texture.

Conclusion

You’ve got plenty of easy dessert options to satisfy your sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you choose classic chocolate chip cookies or a creamy no-bake cheesecake, each recipe is designed to be simple and enjoyable.

Remember that baking doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and some straightforward steps, you can whip up delicious treats that everyone will love. So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, grab your apron and get baking. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create delightful desserts that bring joy to your table. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some easy dessert recipes mentioned in the article?

The article features several easy dessert recipes, including chocolate chip cookies, banana bread, brownies, and apple crisp. Each recipe is designed to be simple and quick, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without extensive preparation.

How long does it take to make these desserts?

Most recipes in the article can be prepared in under an hour. For example, chocolate chip cookies and banana bread can typically be baked and ready to enjoy in 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your baking experience.

Are there any no-bake dessert options in the article?

Yes, the article includes a no-bake cheesecake recipe, which is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. It delivers a creamy texture without the need for baking, making it a convenient choice for quick desserts.

What tips does the article offer for successful baking?

The article suggests measuring ingredients accurately, prepping before you start, and checking for doneness. These tips can help ensure delicious results and make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Can I customize the recipes provided?

Absolutely! Each recipe in the article includes customization tips, allowing you to adapt flavors or ingredients to suit your preferences. This includes suggestions for different frostings and additional ingredients for cakes and muffins.

Are these recipes suitable for beginners?

Yes, the recipes are specifically designed to be straightforward, making them suitable for beginners. Step-by-step instructions and minimal ingredient lists help make baking accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level.

What ingredients do I need for the chocolate chip cookies?

For the chocolate chip cookies, you will need basic ingredients such as flour, butter, sugar, chocolate chips, eggs, and baking soda. The article provides a detailed list and instructions for easy preparation.

How can I make the banana bread more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of banana bread, you can add ingredients like nuts, chocolate chips, or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. The article offers tips for achieving the best taste and texture with your banana bread.

What are some creative dessert ideas mentioned?

The article features several creative, quick dessert ideas, such as no-bake chocolate desserts, 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies, simple fruit sorbet, and quick mug cakes, all designed for speed and simplicity.

Are these desserts health-conscious options?

While the recipes focus on easy and quick preparation, you can modify the ingredients to make healthier choices. For example, you can use whole grain flour, reduce sugar, or incorporate fruits to boost nutritional value while still enjoying these desserts.