I recently ran into a friend of mine that said she loved my blog but that she could never make any of the desserts I put together because 1) they are hard/time consuming and 2) she doesn’t have any of the “random” ingredients on hand. As someone who works full time and bakes and blogs any chance I get, I know how valuable quick and easy dessert recipes can be. I also know that living in a small apartment with a tiny kitchen makes it hard to keep things as simple as brown sugar on hand. As a result, I’ve compiled a couple lists of recipes that would be helpful for those of you who don’t have all of the basics or even a lot of time to bake.
To start with, I’ve got a handful of “cake mix” recipes (i.e. recipes that start with pre-made cookie dough or cake mix but turn into something more special):
- Black Bottom Ice Cream Cupcakes
- Caramel Apple Cake Trifle
- Cookie Bottomed Cupcakes
- Frozen Mocha Brownie Torte
- Ice Cream Brownie
- Ooey Gooey Filled Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Crunch
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Pumpkin S’more Muffins
- Root Beer Float Ice Cream Cake
And if you have a few basic ingredients and tools on hand (I’ve listed some suggestions below), these recipes won’t require a massive shopping trip:
- Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookie Sandwiches
- Chocolate Lover’s Bites
- Double Chocolate Mint Crispy Treats
- Frozen Pumpkin and Chocolate Yogurt Pie
- Individual S’more Brownies
- Magic Pie
- Mix and Match Chocolate Bars
- Oreo Mallow Clusters
- Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Pie
And for those of you who are putting together a kitchen and want to be able to make a few basic desserts, here are a few things I’d recommend to start:
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Canola oil
- Large eggs
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Granulated sugar
- Light brown sugar
- All-purpose flour
Baking Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Long spoon for mixing batter
- Spatula
- Muffin tin
- 13×9 baking pan
- Cookie sheet
- Parchment paper (or you could invest in a Slipat)
What is your favorite low-maintenance recipe? Share any links in the comment section!
This is a really great list! My friends tell me the same thing about most of the recipes I post. One actually said that they will only make a recipe if it’s 5 ingredients or less. And sometimes such recipes are much needed! Thanks for sharing all these great ideas.
I feel like most people our age don’t want to stock up on anything so they will only make something easy with minimal ingredients. Go and figure!
Nice job on this list! What a great resource for quick and easy desserts or for people who don’t like complicated recipes. I also like that you gave a list of essentials to have on hand…I have all of those ingredients in bulk in my pantry right now. Guilty.
I love this list! As someone who loves baking I often forget that some people get intimidated by long ingredient lists. I had a work cookie swap yesterday and one lady made cookies from scratch for the first time ever!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for this post!
You are SO welcome:-)
Great list! I definitely suffer from tiny half-kitchen in a one bedroom apartment! I’ll check out this list and drool now.
Love this round-up. My favorite low-maintenance recipe is Nutella Cake Balls! http://www.confessionsofachocoholic.com/chocolate/nutella-cake-balls
Those are the perfect example of fancy but easy!
That is a great list to have on hand. Thanks for sharing! Number one on my list is the peanut butter cup ice cream pie. Yummy!
Love this! Will definitely be making some of these soon :D
I don’t know what to choose….they are all great and would love to try, thanks for the list
Gold Star, A+, and a BIG high 5 for this post Lauren. Super great reference. And now I want dessert!
Thanks, Sandra!
I never understand why people think baking/cooking are so time consuming and difficult. Sure, it takes a BIT of time but it doesn’t have to be a marathon affair! This is an awesome beginner’s guide…or just an awesome list of baked goods to try for those of us who are more experienced :P
Love this list … I’m not so competent in the kitchen so easy dessert recipes are just my style :)
Great post Lauren!
Fabulous list, Lauren! I love to sit down and really commit some time to a baking project every now and again, but most of the time the recipes I love are those that are quick and easy!
Great list Lauren!
I think pretzels in baked goods are so “in” this year…or maybe it’s just coincidence, but I’m loving it! Those Chewy Chocolate Covered Pretzel Bars…umm…wow! I want one NOOOOOWWW! :)
Fantastic list Lauren! Everyone needs some easy and impressive dishes :)
Great list of great recipes! I love your blueberry pretzel clusters. Easy and delicious!
Thanks, Monica!
what a great list! Everyone needs some go to quick and easy desserts!
What a great easy dessert roundup! I am eyeing that Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Pie…looks incredible! :)
So happy I found you on another foodies blog, you’ve got yourself a new follower! xo Jessica @ Cajunlicious
Thanks, Jessica!
Great list! Would love to try all these recipes. Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful round-up Lauren! It’s great to have a list of yummy desserts, but ones that are easy are even better! Thanks for taking the time to put it together :)
thanks for sharing this rundown! I also love baking from scratch, but sometimes, you just need something quick and easy that can be done in a flash!