10 Easy Single-Serve Desserts

When you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to commit to a full-sized dessert, single-serve treats are the perfect solution.

These delightful desserts are just the right size for one, ensuring you get your sugar fix without the leftovers. Ideal for those nights when you want a quick indulgence or when you’re treating yourself to a special solo dessert moment.

Discover a variety of single-serve dessert recipes that are easy to make and absolutely satisfying, from rich chocolate mug cakes to creamy individual cheesecakes.

Get ready to find your new favorite personal-sized sweet treat!

1. Mug Brownies

Who said you have to bake an entire tray of brownies to indulge in some chocolatey goodness? Mug brownies are here to save the day! In just a few minutes, you can whip up a rich, gooey brownie that’s perfect for a quick treat or a late-night dessert craving.

All you need is a mug, a microwave, and a few pantry staples to create this delicious mini dessert. Plus, it’s just the right size, so you won’t have to worry about leftovers tempting you all week long.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/8 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp water
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a microwave-safe mug, mix together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the brownie is cooked through.
4. Let it cool slightly before enjoying straight from the mug.

Serve With: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Drink With: A glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee.

2. Mug Cakes

When you need cake, and you need it now, mug cakes are the answer. These delightful single-serving cakes come together in mere minutes and are cooked to perfection in your microwave. Perfect for a quick dessert or an impromptu celebration, mug cakes can be customized with your favorite flavors and toppings.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp milk
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a microwave-safe mug, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the cake is cooked through.
4. Let it cool slightly before enjoying straight from the mug.

Serve With: Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Drink With: A hot cup of tea or a glass of sparkling water.

3. Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Mug

Craving a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie but don’t want to make a whole batch? The chocolate chip cookie in a mug is your quick fix! Ready in under five minutes, this single-serving cookie is soft, chewy, and filled with melty chocolate chips. It’s the perfect treat when you want something sweet without the wait.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe mug.
2. Add sugars, salt, and vanilla extract, and stir until well combined.
3. Mix in the egg yolk, then add flour and stir until a dough forms.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Microwave on high for 40-60 seconds, or until the cookie is set but still soft in the center.
6. Let it cool slightly before enjoying.

Serve With: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of sea salt.

Drink With: A glass of cold milk or hot cocoa.

4. Microwave Cheesecake

Indulge in the creamy, tangy goodness of cheesecake without the long wait or complicated steps. This microwave cheesecake is a game-changer for dessert lovers. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, rich filling, it’s a delightful treat that’s ready in a fraction of the time.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 tbsp melted butter
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp sour cream

Instructions:

1. In a microwave-safe mug, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter to form the crust. Press down firmly.
2. In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Add egg yolk, lemon juice, and sour cream, and mix until well combined.
4. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust.
5. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set.
6. Let it cool before enjoying.

Serve With: Fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce.

Drink With: A cup of coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine.

5. Single-Serve Apple Crisp

For a cozy, comforting dessert that’s perfect for one, try a single-serve apple crisp. With tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a crispy oat topping, this dessert is like a warm hug in a mug. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for those nights when you want something sweet and homey.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 small apple, peeled and diced
• 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp rolled oats
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tbsp butter, melted
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a microwave-safe mug, mix diced apple with granulated sugar and cinnamon.
2. In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt until crumbly.
3. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples.
4. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is crispy.
5. Let it cool slightly before enjoying.

Serve With: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Drink With: A hot cup of tea or a glass of apple cider.

6. Microwave Lemon Bars

Bright, tangy, and sweet, microwave lemon bars bring the sunshine to your dessert time. This single-serve treat features a zesty lemon filling atop a buttery crust, all made effortlessly in your microwave. It’s perfect for a quick pick-me-up or a delightful end to any meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp lemon zest

Instructions:

1. In a microwave-safe mug, mix flour, powdered sugar, and melted butter to form the crust. Press down firmly.
2. In a bowl, mix lemon juice, egg yolk, granulated sugar, and lemon zest until well combined.
3. Pour the lemon mixture over the crust.
4. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the lemon filling is set.
5. Let it cool before enjoying.

Serve With: A dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries.

Drink With: A glass of iced tea or a lemon spritzer.

7. Single-Serve Tiramisu

Experience the classic flavors of tiramisu in a quick and easy single-serve version. This delightful dessert features layers of coffee-soaked sponge, creamy mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa powder, all made in just a few minutes in your microwave. It’s an elegant treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp instant coffee
• 2 tbsp hot water
• 2 ladyfinger biscuits
• 2 oz mascarpone cheese
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Cocoa powder, for dusting
• Dark chocolate shavings, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Dissolve instant coffee in hot water.
2. Break ladyfingers into pieces and soak in coffee.
3. In a bowl, mix mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold into the mascarpone mixture.
5. In a microwave-safe mug, layer soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture.
6. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until set.
7. Let it cool slightly, then dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings.

Serve With: A small piece of dark chocolate or biscotti.

Drink With: A cup of espresso or a glass of sweet dessert wine.

8. Individual Panna Cotta

Delight in the silky, creamy texture of panna cotta, now in a convenient single-serving size. This Italian classic is elegant yet simple, with a smooth vanilla-flavored base that’s perfect for pairing with fresh fruit or a drizzle of syrup. Enjoy this sophisticated dessert made effortlessly in your microwave.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp unflavored gelatin
• 1 tbsp cold water
• Fresh berries, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a microwave-safe mug, mix heavy cream and sugar.
2. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until hot but not boiling.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin in cold water and let it sit for 1 minute.
5. Add gelatin mixture to the hot cream and stir until fully dissolved.
6. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until set.
7. Garnish with fresh berries before serving.

Serve With: A drizzle of berry sauce or caramel.

Drink With: A glass of sparkling water or a light white wine.

9. Single-Serve Banana Bread

Enjoy the comforting flavors of banana bread without the wait. This single-serve banana bread is moist, flavorful, and ready in just minutes. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this quick recipe uses ripe bananas and a few pantry staples to create a delicious treat just for you.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp milk

Instructions:

1. Mash the banana in a microwave-safe mug.
2. Add flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well combined.
3. Add vegetable oil and milk. Mix until smooth.
4. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the banana bread is cooked through.
5. Let it cool slightly before enjoying.

Serve With: A spread of butter or a dollop of cream cheese.

Drink With: A hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.

10. Mug Trifles

Treat yourself to a layered delight with mug trifles. This single-serve dessert features layers of cake, creamy filling, and fresh fruit, creating a beautiful and delicious treat. It’s a fun and easy way to enjoy a fancy dessert without the fuss.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp cake crumbs (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp vanilla pudding
• 2 tbsp fresh berries
• 1 tbsp whipped cream
• 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp fruit jam
• Fresh mint, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a microwave-safe mug, layer cake crumbs, vanilla pudding, and fresh berries.
2. In a small bowl, mix whipped cream with sugar and vanilla extract.
3. Add a layer of whipped cream mixture over the berries.
4. Add a spoonful of fruit jam.
5. Repeat layers if desired, ending with whipped cream.
6. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
7. Garnish with fresh mint before serving.

Serve With: Additional fresh berries or a sprinkle of crushed cookies.

Drink With: A glass of sparkling wine or a cup of herbal tea.

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