10 Quick and Easy Homemade Desserts for Busy Weeknights

After a long day, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen preparing dessert. Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious options that are quick, easy and require minimal ingredients. Here are ten homemade desserts you can whip up on busy weeknights without breaking a sweat.

1. No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

These bars are rich, delicious, and require no baking. Perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• • 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• • 1 cup honey

• • 2 cups rolled oats

• • 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter and honey until combined.

1. 1. Add the rolled oats and stir until fully incorporated.

1. 1. Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish.

1. 1. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave and drizzle it over the oat mixture.

1. 1. Refrigerate for at least an hour before cutting into bars.

2. Easy Mug Cake

Mug cakes are a fantastic solution for nights when you want something sweet without a lot of hassle. This chocolate mug cake is warm, gooey, and takes less than five minutes!

Ingredients:

• • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• • 4 tablespoons sugar

• • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

• • 3 tablespoons milk

• • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

• • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large microwave-safe mug, mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder.

1. 1. Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla, and stir until smooth.

1. 1. Microwave for about 1 minute (time may vary depending on wattage). Enjoy warm!

3. 3-Ingredient Fruit Sorbet

This sorbet is refreshingly simple and a great way to use up any overripe fruit.

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups of frozen fruit (e.g., strawberries, mango, or peaches)

• • 1 cup coconut milk

• • 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup

Instructions:

1. 1. Blend the frozen fruit, coconut milk, and honey until smooth.

1. 1. Pour the mixture into a container and freeze for at least 2 hours.

1. 1. Scoop and serve in bowls as a refreshing dessert!

4. Quick Chocolate Pudding

This homemade chocolate pudding takes only five minutes to prepare and is a nostalgic treat!

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups milk

• • 1/4 cup sugar

• • 1/4 cup cocoa powder

• • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. 1. In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth.

1. 1. Heat over medium heat until the mixture thickens, stirring constantly.

1. 1. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

1. 1. Pour into serving dishes and refrigerate until set.

5. Banana Ice Cream

With just one ingredient, this healthy ice cream is a game changer and a favorite among kids!

Ingredients:

• • 4 ripe bananas

Instructions:

1. 1. Slice the ripe bananas and freeze them for at least two hours.

1. 1. Blend the frozen banana slices in a food processor until they reach a creamy, ice cream-like consistency.

1. 1. Serve immediately or refreeze for a firmer texture.

6. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

These elegant treats are deceptively simple to make and always a hit!

Ingredients:

• • 1 pound fresh strawberries

• • 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. 1. Wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly.

1. 1. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

1. 1. Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.

1. 1. Place the dipped strawberries on a parchment-lined tray and let them set in the fridge.

7. Lemon Meringue Cups

These no-bake treats combine the tartness of lemon with a fluffy meringue in mini servings.

Ingredients:

• • 1 package lemon pudding mix

• • 2 cups milk

• • 1 cup whipped topping

• • 1/2 cup mini meringue cookies

Instructions:

1. 1. Prepare the lemon pudding according to package instructions using the milk.

1. 1. Once set, fold in the whipped topping.

1. 1. Layer the pudding mixture and mini meringue cookies in cups. Top with additional meringue if desired.

8. Baked Apples with Cinnamon

Baked apples are a warm, comforting dessert that will make your house smell amazing!

Ingredients:

• • 4 large apples, cored

• • 1/4 cup brown sugar

• • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• • 1/4 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. 1. Place the cored apples in a baking dish, and fill each apple with brown sugar, cinnamon, and raisins.

1. 1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until tender.

1. 1. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.

9. Rice Krispie Treats

A classic no-bake dessert that children adore, rice krispie treats are both fun and easy to make!

Ingredients:

• • 3 tablespoons butter

• • 1 package (10 oz) miniature marshmallows

• • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat.

1. 1. Add the marshmallows and stir until melted and smooth.

1. 1. Remove from heat and quickly add the Rice Krispies, mixing until well-coated.

1. 1. Press the mixture into a greased pan and cool before cutting into squares.

10. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing beats the simple pleasure of a warm chocolate chip cookie. This easy recipe is perfect for busy nights!

Ingredients:

• • 1 cup butter, softened

• • 1 cup sugar

• • 1 cup brown sugar

• • 2 eggs

• • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• • 3 cups flour

• • 1 teaspoon baking soda

• • 2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. 1. In a bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.

1. 1. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.

1. 1. Combine the flour and baking soda, then gradually add to the butter mixture.

1. 1. Stir in the chocolate chips and drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheets.

1. 1. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool before transferring to a wire rack.