11 Desserts That Use Only Five Ingredients or Less

Sometimes the best desserts are the simplest ones. You do not need a pantry full of fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to satisfy your sweet tooth. With just a few basics, you can whip up treats that taste indulgent but require minimal effort. These recipes prove that less can truly be more, offering rich flavors, easy prep, and quick results. Perfect for busy nights, last-minute gatherings, or when the craving hits, here are 11 desserts that shine with only five ingredients or less.

1. Chocolate Mousse: Silky, rich, and effortless

Chocolate mousse sounds fancy, but it can be made with just chocolate, cream, sugar, and eggs. Melt chocolate and fold it into whipped cream and beaten egg whites for a light yet decadent texture. The result is airy, smooth, and intensely chocolatey without needing extra fuss. Chill in small cups and garnish with berries or shaved chocolate for a restaurant-worthy finish. This dessert proves you can have elegance without complication, making it a go-to when you want to impress with minimal effort.

2. Peanut Butter Cookies: Chewy and flourless

Peanut butter cookies are one of the easiest desserts you can make with only a handful of ingredients. Mix peanut butter, sugar, an egg, and a pinch of baking soda, then roll into balls and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes. The result is chewy, slightly crisp cookies that taste rich and nutty. You can add chocolate chips for variety, but they are delicious on their own. Perfect for quick baking sessions, these cookies are a family favorite that require little time and deliver maximum flavor.

3. Panna Cotta: Smooth Italian classic

Panna cotta may look impressive, but it only takes a few ingredients to make. Cream, sugar, gelatin, and vanilla combine to create a silky custard-like dessert that sets in the fridge. Its delicate texture and mild sweetness make it a versatile base for toppings like fruit, caramel, or chocolate sauce. Although it requires a few hours to chill, the actual prep is minimal. Elegant enough for dinner parties but simple enough for everyday cravings, panna cotta delivers a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels straight out of an Italian restaurant.

4. Lemon Bars: Tangy and refreshing

Lemon bars pack a lot of flavor into a short ingredient list. With butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and lemon juice, you can create a dessert that is equal parts sweet and tart. The buttery crust bakes into a firm base while the lemon filling sets into a smooth, tangy layer. A dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a bakery-worthy finish. These bars are a refreshing choice when you want something bright and citrusy, and they come together with just a few pantry staples you likely already have.

5. Fudge: Creamy chocolate squares

Homemade fudge does not need to be complicated. With just chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and a pinch of salt, you can whip up a batch in minutes. Melt everything together, pour into a lined pan, and let it set until firm. The result is smooth, creamy squares that taste indulgent without requiring candy thermometers or special techniques. You can add chopped nuts or a swirl of peanut butter for variety, but even the basic version is irresistible. Fudge proves that simplicity can still be decadent.

6. Ice Cream Sandwiches: Quick frozen favorite

Ice cream sandwiches can be assembled in minutes using only cookies and ice cream. Pick your favorite cookie, scoop ice cream between two, and freeze until firm. For extra fun, roll the edges in sprinkles, nuts, or chocolate chips. These treats are endlessly customizable and appeal to kids and adults alike. They are perfect for summer afternoons, parties, or even a make-ahead dessert when you need something fast. With just two or three ingredients, you can have a nostalgic frozen dessert anytime.

7. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Elegant and simple

Chocolate-dipped strawberries feel luxurious but require just two ingredients: fresh strawberries and melted chocolate. Dip the berries halfway, set them on parchment, and chill until firm. In under 15 minutes, you have a treat that looks impressive but takes very little effort. They are perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any time you want a quick but elegant dessert. You can drizzle with white chocolate for decoration or add crushed nuts for texture, but even plain, they remain a timeless favorite.

8. Rice Krispies Treats: Gooey, chewy classic

Rice Krispies treats are the definition of easy comfort food. All you need is cereal, marshmallows, and butter. Melt the butter and marshmallows together, stir in the cereal, then press into a pan. The result is chewy, gooey squares that are as fun to eat as they are to make. They come together in under 15 minutes and require no baking at all. For variety, you can add chocolate drizzle, sprinkles, or peanut butter, but the original version is a nostalgic classic that never disappoints.

9. Banana Ice Cream: Naturally sweet and creamy

Banana ice cream is one of the easiest desserts you can make with just one ingredient. Slice ripe bananas, freeze them for at least 2 hours, then blend until smooth and creamy. The result is a soft-serve-style dessert that tastes sweet and indulgent without added sugar. You can enhance it with cocoa powder, peanut butter, or a splash of vanilla for variety. It is a healthier option that still feels like a treat, making it perfect for late-night cravings or a guilt-free after-dinner dessert.

10. Meringue Cookies: Light and airy

Meringue cookies use just egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar. Whip the ingredients into stiff peaks, pipe onto a baking sheet, and bake at a low temperature (about 225°F) until crisp. These cookies are feather-light, sweet, and melt in your mouth. They can be flavored with vanilla or cocoa, but even the plain version is irresistible. Meringues are a wonderful way to use up leftover egg whites, and their delicate texture makes them perfect for tea parties, holiday platters, or as a light sweet finish.

11. Chocolate Bark: Crunchy and customizable

Chocolate bark is a dessert that requires only melted chocolate and your favorite toppings. Spread the chocolate onto a sheet pan, sprinkle with nuts, dried fruit, pretzels, or even candy, then let it set until firm. Break it into shards for a quick, shareable sweet. The beauty of chocolate bark is how versatile it is. You can keep it simple with just two ingredients or add more for variety. It stores well and makes a great homemade gift, proving that easy desserts can still feel special.