We love whipping up layered cakes filled with from-scratch frosting and baking up pies with homemade crust finished with a lattice top, but let’s face it — sometimes when you want a sweet treat, you want it now. What better way to satisfy your craving then with a recipe that takes minimal time and effort? Whether you prefer something decadently chocolate, refreshingly fruity or seasonally spiced, we at the First for Women test kitchen have conquered the near impossible by developing these indulgent treats that only take five minutes of work. Then you just let the fridge, oven or microwave do the rest! Keep reading for our best 5-minute desserts.
Our shortcut secrets for dessert in no time
When it comes to creating a sweet treat in just a few minutes, it’s okay to take shortcuts! Want to make cake pops? Instead of baking a cake from scratch, waiting for it to cool, then crumbling it into your mixture, use a loaf of pound cake from the bakery section of your supermarket. Want to make a brownie trifle? Use a tub of pre-baked brownies instead of making ‘em yourself.
One of our favorite 5-minute desserts? Mug cake that “bakes” in the microwave. Not only does it save you from dirtying up a bunch of dishes, it’s individually portioned so you can make the just right amount. We’ve got tasty mug cake recipes below, but here’s a clever trick from our test kitchen: Whip up a box of brownie or cake mix, store the batter in the fridge covered, then simply scoop a dollop or two into a mug and microwave for a minute or two. You’ve got a super-fast treat whenever you want!
14 recipes for 5-minute desserts
Wow without the work thanks to these treats that prep in just 5 minutes. From fudgy to fruity, creamy to crunchy, there’s something to satisfy any craving.
1. Pumpkin Mug Cake
This seasonal confection cooks up in mere seconds — top with whipped cream for extra decadence.
2. Chocolate-Coconut Truffles
We love finishing these bites with shredded coconut, but you can roll them in chopped nuts or cocoa powder.
3. Cinnamon-Pecan Pear Crisps
We used kamut in these spiced-right treats — the ancient grain has a buttery, nutty flavor that’s slightly sweet. (Click through to learn about the health benefits of kamut.)
4. Honey–Peanut Butter Cocoa Mousse
This dairy-free treat gets a dose of good-for-you protein from soft tofu.
5. Blueberry Lemon Mug Cake
Tart lemon meets sweet blueberry for a quick treat that heats up in the handy dandy microwave.
6. Pumpkin Pie Chia Seed Pudding
Chia seeds give this classic dish a healthy, tasty upgrade.
7. Ginger-Choco-Banana “Nice” Cream
Candied ginger is the easy secret that gives this sweet treat delicious zing.
8. Blueberry-Banana Pops
All you need are 3 ingredients to whip up these berry-licious treats.
9. Mini Cherry-Almond Clafoutis
Our take on the classic French baked custard is completely impressive, yet utterly easy.
10. Salted Caramel Peach Shortcakes
Our test kitchen director tossed peaches in prepared caramel sauce for decadent flavor with minimal work.
11. Banana Silver Dollars
For quick, satisfying dessert, whip up a batch of these and freeze for future use. Each time you get a sweet tooth, pop a few in the toaster and enjoy with fruit, whipped topping and flaked coconut.
12. Walnut–Sea Salt Chocolate Bark
Customize with your favorite nuts, dried nuts or any toppings you’d like.
13. Dark Chocolate Dreamy Fondue
No fondue pot required for this made-in-minutes yum.
14. Cinnamon ’n’ Cayenne Popcorn
A hint of spice makes these sweet kernels completely irresistible.
For more ‘lazy’ desserts that make it easy to satisfy your sweet tooth, check out these stories:
These ‘Lazy’ Air-Fryer Cinnamon Rolls Are Rich, Indulgent — And Ready in 13 Minutes
This ‘Lazy’ Pecan Pie in a Mug Is Ready To Eat in Under 10 Minutes
This Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe Is the Perfect Fall ‘Lazy Dessert’
