Easy Desserts
For busy families, having a collection of go-to dessert recipes that are quick, easy, and delicious can make weeknight cooking much more enjoyable. This chapter will introduce a variety of simple dessert options, from cookies and brownies to fruit-based treats and no-bake desserts. These recipes are designed to satisfy sweet cravings without requiring hours of preparation or complex ingredients. With just a few staple items, you’ll be able to whip up tasty desserts that everyone will love.
Quick and Easy Desserts
When time is short, quick and easy desserts are the way to go. These recipes can be made in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for a last-minute treat:
1. Microwave Mug Cakes
Mug cakes are individual-sized desserts that can be prepared in minutes. Made in a mug and cooked in the microwave, they’re perfect for satisfying a sweet craving quickly.
Chocolate Mug Cake:
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2tablespoons cocoa powder, 1/8 teaspoon baking powder,3 tablespoons milk, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, and a splash of vanilla extract.
Instructions:
In a microwave-safe mug, mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Add the milk, oil, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the cake is fully cooked Let it cool slightly before enjoying.
2. Fruit Crisp
A fruit crisp is a simple yet delicious dessert that can be made with fresh or frozen fruit. The crumble topping adds a delightful crunch.
Ingredient:
2 cups sliced fruit (apples, berries, or peaches), 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4teaspoon cinnamon, and 3 tablespoons melted butter.
Instruction:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fruit in a small baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle the topping over the fruit and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the fruit is bubbly.
3. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
These are elegant yet easy to make and can be prepared in just a few minutes.
Instructions:
Melt 1 cup of chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Dip strawberries into the melted chocolate and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let the chocolate set in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
Cookie Recipes
Cookies are a classic dessert that can be made quickly with minimal ingredients. Here are some easy and delicious cookie recipes:
1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
Everyone loves a warm chocolate chip cookie. This recipe is simple, yet delivers rich, chewy cookies.
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup white sugar; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 2 eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; and 2 cups chocolate chips.
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350F (175°C). Cream together the butter and sugars until smooth. Add the eggs on at a time, then stir in the vanilla. In another bowl mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until well blended. Stir in the chocolate chips. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 10-12minutes or until the edges are golden.
2. Peanut Butter Cookies
These cookies are simple to make and packed with peanut butter flavor.
Ingredients:
1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup sugar, and 1 egg.
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350E (1759C). Combine all ingredients in a bowl, mixing until smooth. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet. Flatten each ball with a fork, making a crisscross pattern. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
3. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
For a wholesome and chewy cookie, oatmeal raisin is a great choice.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, softened; 1/2 cup white sugar; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 1/2 cups rolled oats; and 1cup raisins.
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, cream the butter and sugars. Beat in the egg and vanilla. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, then stir in the oats and raisins. Drop by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12minutes.
Brownies and Bars
Brownies and dessert bars are ideal for making ahead and are easy to share with family and friends:
1. Fudgy Brownies
These brownies are rich and chocolatey, perfect for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/3 cup cocoa powder,1/2 cup flour, 1/4teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder.
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175C). Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat, and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat in the cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread the batter into a greased 9×9-inch pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Lemon Bars
Sweet and tangy, these lemon bars are a refreshing dessert option.
Ingredients for the crust: 1 cup butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 2 cups flour.
Ingredients for the filling: 4 eggs, 1 1/2 cups white sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and 2/3 cup lemon juice.
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350F (175°C). Mix the crust ingredients and press into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes. While the crust is baking, whisk together the filling ingredients. Pour the filling over the hot crust and bake for another 20-25 minutes. Cool before cutting into squares.
3.Blondies
A non-chocolate alternative to brownies, blondies have a rich caramel flavor.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, melted; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1 egg;1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup flour; and a pinch of salt.
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°0). Mix the melted butter and brown sugar. Beat in the egg and vanilla, then add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Spread the batter into an 8×8-inch pan and bake for20-25 minutes.
Fruit Dessert
Fruit-based desserts offer a naturally sweet and fresh finish to any meal:
1. Baked Apples
This dessert is warm and comforting, especially during cooler months.
Ingredients:
4 large apples, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 cup chopped nuts, and 2 tablespoons butter.
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Core the apples and place them in a baking dish. Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Stuff each apple with the mixture and top with a small piece of butter. Bake for 30-40minutes.
2. Fruit Salad with Honey Yogurt Dressing
This light dessert is perfect for using up fresh, seasonal fruits.
Ingredients:
2 cups mixed fruit (berries, melon, apple slices), 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Instructions:
Mix the yogurt, honey, and lemon juice in a bowl. Drizzle over the fruit and toss to coat.
No-Bake Desserts
When you don’t feel like turning on the oven, these no-bake treats come to the rescue:
1. No-Bake Cheesecake Cups
These individual servings are quick to prepare and have a creamy, tangy flavor.
Ingredients:
1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar;1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup whipped cream; and crushed graham crackers.
Instructions:
Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in the whipped cream. Layer the mixture in cups with crushed graham crackers and chill for at least1 hour before serving.
2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Rich and satisfying, these bars require no baking and only a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
1 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup butter, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 cup chocolate chips.
Instructions:
Melt the peanut butter and butter together. Stir in the powdered sugar until smooth. Press into a baking dish. Melt the chocolate chips and spread over the peanut butter layer. Chill until set, then cut into squares. These easy dessert recipes provide a variety of options for busy families to enjoy delicious treats any night of the week. Whether baked or no-bake, each recipe is designed to be simple yet satisfying.