Life is busy, and sometimes you just need something sweet – fast. Whether you have unexpected guests, a spontaneous craving, or just a few minutes to spare, these quick desserts are here to save the day. You don’t need hours in the kitchen to make a delicious treat. With just a little prep and some simple ingredients, you can whip up a mouth-watering dessert in under 30 minutes.
Let’s dive into five easy desserts that are perfect for when you’re short on time but craving something sweet:
- Why quick baking is a lifesaver
- Mini fruit pies: Individual pies in a flash
- Quick chocolate mug cake: Microwave magic
- No-bake cheesecake: Quick and creamy delight
- Quick cookies: No-chill sugar cookies
- Serving tips
- Never miss out on a sweet treat with our 5 easy dessert recipes
Why quick baking is a lifesaver
Baking doesn’t always have to be a time-consuming process. Sometimes, the best desserts come together in a flash, offering you the joy of fresh-baked goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. Quick baking is a game-changer for busy schedules, last-minute get-togethers, or when you simply want a warm, homemade dessert but don’t want to wait for an entire afternoon. The recipes below are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the long wait. They’re simple, fast, and, most importantly, delicious.
1. Mini fruit pies: Individual pies in a flash
Who doesn’t love a warm, fruity pie? Mini fruit pies are a quick and fun way to enjoy the comforting flavours of pie without the hassle of making a full-sized dessert. Here’s how to make individual fruit pies in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack of pre-made puff pastry (or shortcrust pastry)
- 1 cup mixed fruit (berries, apple slices, or any fruit you like)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll out the pastry and cut it into small circles using a cup or cookie cutter (around 3-4 inches wide).
- Place the pastry circles into a muffin tin to form little cups.
- In a bowl, mix the fruit with sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon (if using).
- Spoon the fruit mixture into each pastry cup, filling them generously.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp.
- Let them cool for a couple of minutes, then serve! You can top them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence.
These mini pies are perfect for a quick dessert and can be customised with whatever fruit you have on hand. Plus, the puff pastry makes them super easy and flaky!
2. Quick chocolate mug cake: Microwave magic
Sometimes you just want something chocolatey, and you want it NOW. Enter the chocolate mug cake – a single-serving dessert that you can make in the microwave in just 1-2 minutes. It’s the ultimate quick fix for chocolate cravings.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A few chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- In a microwave-safe mug, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, and stir until smooth.
- If you like, add a few chocolate chips into the batter for an extra gooey centre.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute and 20 seconds (times may vary depending on your microwave’s power). The cake should rise and appear set but slightly moist in the centre.
- Let it cool for a minute, then dive in! You can top with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for the ultimate treat.
This mug cake is the perfect solution for when you want something warm and comforting without the wait. Plus, you only need a few basic ingredients, making it ideal for spontaneous baking.
3. No-bake cheesecake: Quick and creamy delight
If you love cheesecake but don’t want to spend hours baking, this no-bake version is for you. It’s rich, creamy, and takes almost no time to prepare. You’ll love how easy it is to make!
Ingredients:
- 200g digestive biscuits (or graham crackers)
- 100g butter, melted
- 250g cream cheese
- 250ml double cream
- 1/2 cup icing sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Crush the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs and mix with the melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a pie dish or individual tart pans to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with the icing sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, whip the double cream until it forms soft peaks, then fold it gently into the cream cheese mixture.
- Spoon the cheesecake mixture onto the biscuit crust and smooth the top.
- Chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes, or until set. You can add toppings like fresh berries or a fruit compote before serving.
This no-bake cheesecake is so easy to make and requires no oven time. It’s a great option for when you want something indulgent without any fuss.
4. Quick cookies: No-chill sugar cookies
Making cookies doesn’t have to be a long process. These no-chill sugar cookies come together in under 30 minutes and taste just as good as their more time-consuming counterparts.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups plain flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the baking tray, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Let the cookies cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack.
These sugar cookies are quick to make, don’t require chilling, and are perfect for a sweet snack. You can also add sprinkles or icing for extra flair.
5. Quick brownies: Rich and fudgy in no time
Brownies are always a hit, and with this recipe, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes. These brownies are rich, fudgy, and full of chocolate goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup plain flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tin with parchment paper.
- Melt the butter and mix with sugar in a bowl. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well.
- Add the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving.
These brownies are super simple and come together quickly, making them the perfect last-minute dessert.
💡Pro Tip: It’s one of our favorite pro tips ever, and we’ve mentioned it once or twice here as well. For extra moist brownies or cakes, add a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter. The acidity helps tenderise the texture and keeps them deliciously soft and rich.
Serving tips
When you’re short on time, the presentation doesn’t have to be complicated. A quick dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream can take these quick desserts to the next level. Serve the mini fruit pies with a few fresh mint leaves, drizzle some chocolate sauce over the mug cake, or top your cheesecake with a handful of fresh berries for an extra pop of colour.
Here are some more ideas:
- Use a beautiful serving platter or cake stand to display your baked treats. Choose a theme that matches the occasion – a rustic wooden platter for a homely vibe, or a sleek glass cake stand for a more modern presentation.
- Present mini versions of your baked goods, like individual fruit pies, cupcakes, or tarts. This makes them easy to serve and adds a personal touch for each guest.
- For gifting or storage, use cute cake boxes with clear windows. You can line them with parchment paper or tissue to add a layer of elegance and protect the baked goods.
- Use colourful sprinkles, edible glitter, or small sugar decorations to add extra sparkle and fun to your cakes, cookies, or cupcakes.
- If you’ve made a batch of cupcakes, arrange them on a tiered cake stand for an eye-catching display. Add some greenery or flowers between the tiers for a charming touch.
- For cookies or biscuits, fill glass jars or vintage mason jars. They look charming and are perfect for presenting baked goods at a buffet or as part of a dessert table.
- For gifting, wrap baked goods in clear cellophane bags, tied with a ribbon. You can also personalise the wrapping with a tag that includes the recipe or a sweet note.
- Add a fresh touch to your desserts with garnishes like mint leaves, berries, or edible flowers. These not only enhance the appearance but also bring an extra burst of flavour.
- If you’re going for a more casual, rustic vibe, use parchment paper or fabric napkins to wrap your baked goods. A little twine or string can add a charming, homemade feel.
- Match your presentation to the theme of the event. For example, for a tea party, use delicate floral china to present your treats; for a birthday, opt for brightly coloured plates and napkins that match the party colours.
Never miss out on a sweet treat with our 5 easy dessert recipes
With these 5 easy desserts, you’ll never have to miss out on a sweet treat – even when you’re pressed for time. Whether it’s a chocolate mug cake, a no-bake cheesecake, or a batch of quick cookies, these recipes are designed to be quick, delicious, and satisfying.
Let’s recap our article today:
- Make individual fruit pies using pre-made pastry and fresh fruit. Bake for 15-18 minutes and serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- A single-serving chocolate cake made in the microwave in 1-2 minutes. Perfect for a quick chocolate fix.
- A quick, creamy cheesecake with a simple biscuit crust, chilled for 20-30 minutes and topped with fresh fruit or compote.
- Sugar cookies made without chilling the dough. Bake in 8-10 minutes for a sweet, easy snack.
- Rich and fudgy brownies that come together in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients.
- Elevate quick desserts with simple toppings like whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or fresh fruit for added flair.
Perfect for busy days, last-minute guests, or spontaneous cravings, these desserts prove that great baking doesn’t always have to take hours. Happy baking!
