21 Quick Desserts for Almost-Instant Gratification

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

You could stick to the 3-ingredient magic of this super simple cookie recipe, or follow the lead of several reviewers who added chocolate to the mix. Your cookie, your choice. It's all good.

Edible Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

You know how it is. Sometimes you just want to eat cookie dough. This safe-to-eat, egg-free recipe is here to second that emotion.

Southern Fried Apples

Spooned over ice cream while they're still warm from the skillet, slices of fresh apple sautéed in butter and cinnamon sugar deliver the goodness of pie without all the baking. Add a splash of bourbon or brandy for a boozy finish, if you wish.

Plantains in Butter Rum Sauce

If you've always wanted to try cooking plantains but didn't know where to start, use this simple recipe as your intro. You can substitute regular bananas if you can't find plantains; the flavor will be sweeter and the texture will be softer.

3-Ingredient Rocky Road Fudge

So easy. Just add chocolate chips and peanut butter in a saucepan until completely melted, then cut the hear. Stir in marshmallows, pour into a pan, and cool.

Pumpkin Cannoli

If you can whip cream, you can make this fall-flavored twist on traditional cannoli in just minutes. This recipe calls for piping the filling into pre-made cannoli shells, but home cook Valerie Riley used puff pastry cups and loved the results.

Hasty Chocolate Pudding

Satisfy your chocolate comfort food cravings in mere minutes, thanks to your microwave. While this chocolate pudding might be hasty, it sure is tasty. Add your favorite toppings like bananas or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Peanut Butter Freezer Fudge (2-Ingredient)

Okay, so this stretches the definition of fudge. But when you're jonesing for something like fudge that's quick, this 2-ingredient treat just might do it for you.

Rocky Road Popcorn Balls

Popcorn attains dessert status when it's all balled up with chocolate, marshmallows, and peanuts. You can change up the nuts or leave them out altogether. Check out the video to see how to make them.

Baked S'mores Dip

No campfire? No problem. This s'mores dip comes to you straight from the oven. Bake in a casserole dish or a cast iron skillet if you want to give it an outdoorsy spin.

Easy Lemon Cookies

Only five ingredients and 10 minutes of prep create these sweet and tart crinkle cookies. With almost 1,500 reviews, this cookie stands out on Allrecipes as an exceptional dessert.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

This chocolate-covered strawberries recipe is the stuff of professionals and yet shockingly easy at the same time. Melt shortening with chocolate and you've guaranteed yourself a smooth, shiny coating around the strawberry.

Bananas Foster II

This New Orleans classic takes just 20 minutes to make. It's traditionally served with ice cream, but you can spoon it over pancakes, waffles, or French toast, as well.

Amazing Healthy Dark Chocolate

Don't confuse "healthy" for flavorless. This three-ingredient dark chocolate tastes rich and indulgent. "Dip fruits in it, chill and roll into truffles, press into mold and chill, or make hot chocolate," says recipe creator Heidiwilliams89.

Short Cut Strawberry Short Cakes

This 25 minute dessert is made best with fresh strawberries and a buttery pound cake. "With a nice cappuccino on the side, it is a great summer dessert," says reviewer Dragica.

Aunt Betty's Banana Pudding

"This is a rich banana pudding recipe that my great aunt Betty created," says home cook Genia Vincent. "It is very delicious. Great for cookouts or when company comes over."

Quick Keto Chocolate Mousse

You don't have to follow the keto diet to enjoy this thick, decadent mousse. Lighten it up with fresh fruit, or create a mocha version with coffee extract. "It's so quick it will be ready in no time," says recipe creator Frances C. "No need to pre-whip the heavy cream—just throw everything into a bowl and mix."

Edible Cookie Dough

This egg-free cookie dough is good in the fridge for a week or up to three months in the freezer, so make a big batch and you'll have something ready anytime the need for sweets strikes.

Simple Lemon Cake

This simple lemon cake is great for parties or potlucks—or when you just want something light and sweet. This moist and tender cake can be finished with a Lemon Whipped Cream Frosting or whatever you prefer.

No Egg Chocolate Mug Cake

Need fluffy chocolatey goodness right now? This ridiculously easy mug cake comes together in just 7 minutes. Enjoy each rich spoonful equipped with sliced almonds and chocolate chips.

Chia Coconut Pudding with Coconut Milk

"This has to be my new favorite dessert!" shares reviewer Cinead. "It's not really sweet but flavorful and filling. I used papaya to keep it with a tropical flavor and a light touch of simple syrup using raw pure cane sugar."

More Inspiration

• Quick Cookies Anyone Can Make
• 18 Easy Two-Ingredient Desserts
• Get our entire collection of quick and easy dessert recipes.