5-Ingredient Desserts: Simple Sweets for Any Occasion

Simple Desserts for Any Occasion

Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and baking soda until well combined.
3. Scoop out dough and roll into small balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Flatten each ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
5. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Let them cool before serving.

Chocolate Mousse

Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Heat the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until melted, stirring in between.
2. Whisk in a pinch of salt and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and sugar until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream gently.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving for a rich, fluffy mousse.

Banana Oat Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash the bananas in a bowl and add oats, vanilla, and honey. Stir until well mixed.
3. Fold in the chocolate chips.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a lined baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Nutella Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Nutella
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk the Nutella and eggs together until smooth.
3. Add in the flour, salt, and vanilla, and mix until just combined.
4. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Strawberry Sorbet

Ingredients:

• 4 cups frozen strawberries
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ cup water
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Blend the frozen strawberries, honey, lemon juice, water, and salt in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and freeze for 2–3 hours, stirring every hour to ensure it doesn't harden too much.
4. Scoop and serve when ready!

Coconut Macaroons

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups shredded coconut
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large egg whites
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

No-Bake Cheesecake Bites

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions:

1. Mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
3. Form small balls with the cream cheese mixture and roll them in the graham cracker crumbs.
4. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Rice Krispie Treats

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 4 cups mini marshmallows
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add the marshmallows and stir until fully melted.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and salt.
4. Mix in the Rice Krispies until evenly coated.
5. Press the mixture into a greased pan and let cool before cutting into squares.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh strawberries
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• ½ cup white chocolate (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly.
2. Melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
3. Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate and place it on a lined baking sheet.
4. Melt the white chocolate (if using) and drizzle it over the strawberries.
5. Add sprinkles if desired, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.

Lemon Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine the flour, softened butter, and powdered sugar to form a dough. Press into the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Bake the crust for 15 minutes.
4. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and lemon juice, then pour the mixture over the hot crust.
5. Bake for an additional 20–25 minutes. Let cool before cutting into bars.

Final Thoughts