To the people who say they don’t have much of a sweet tooth or even (gasp!) “don’t like” desserts, I say: How??? In my world, desserts are their own food group and an important part of maintaining a well-balanced diet. With that being said, I don’t always have a pan of fudge brownies or cheesecake bars lying around the house. Whipping up a whole batch of something is a lot of work, which becomes a large issue when I require a sweet treat stat. So in the spirit of never skipping dessert, I compiled some of the best single-serving dessert recipes I could find.
Whether you’re looking for easy desserts for one, a quick mug cake, or a microwavable treat that satisfies a late-night craving, these single-serving dessert recipes deliver. From brownies and cookies to cakes and crisps, each dessert comes together quickly, requires minimal cleanup, and gives you just the right amount of indulgence—no leftovers necessary. Bookmark this list for those late-night moments when you want a little something sweet to end the day.
1. Cinnamon Roll for One
There’s nothing like a fluffy, sweet cinnamon roll to satisfy your dessert cravings. And while I could probably finish an entire pan of these myself in a few days flat, this single-serving recipe is a great option for when I need to enjoy my sweet, cinnamon craving a little less intensely.
2. Peanut Butter Chocolate Mug Cake
Whoever first decided to mix chocolate and peanut butter definitely deserves some kind of award. This peanut butter chocolate dessert for one is not only easy to make but is also full of rich, smooth flavors. It is also a vegan-friendly dessert since you can substitute the dairy products for vegan alternatives.
3. One Giant Sugar Cookie
Sometimes, you just need to bite into one big ole sugar cookie. This one is soft and fluffy and filled with colorful sprinkles. It’s easy to make and is, in fact, giant (but still only one serving). If you’re looking for an under-30-minute dessert, this is for you.
4. Guilt-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough for One
We’re all guilty of licking the spoon clean of cookie dough before washing those dishes. But with this egg-free recipe, we don’t have to worry about getting salmonella. This recipe is smooth and creamy, which is everything you want out of your typical pre-oven dough.
5. One Giant Monster M&M Cookie
Another classic dessert that brings me right back to childhood is an M&M cookie. This single-serving cookie is soft and chewy, with peanut butter mixed in to give it that extra decadent flavor. You could technically split the recipe into four servings, but honestly, why would you?
6. Microwave Apple Crisp for One
For some of us, apple crisp is a year-round dessert (me included). This delicious apple crisp is made in the microwave for ultimate convenience and is ready in minutes. Simply layer your ingredients in a mug and cook, and you’ve got an iconic fall dessert. Top with ice cream or whipped cream to add another layer of flavor.
7. Rice Krispies Treat in a Mug
I have a weakness for Rice Krispies treats, and this recipe isn’t helping. But how can you blame me when this recipe makes you a single serving of delicious Krispies and marshmallows in minutes? This classic dessert is sweet, sticky, and chewy.
8. Single Serving Gluten-free Banana Bread
Long gone are the days of collecting brown bananas in our freezer, waiting to have time to bake banana bread. This dessert for one recipe is done in minutes and totally satisfies. Simply mix your ingredients, microwave, and top with whipped cream.
9. French Toast in a Mug
French toast is that perfect sweet yet filling option anytime of day, and this single-serving recipe turns it into a simple and quick endeavor for dessert. Add your mixture of ingredients to your mug, cook, and deck it out with your favorite toppings. Whether you eat it for dessert or as a meal prep breakfast is none of our business.
10. Brownie in a Mug
This brownie in a mug is the perfect way to satisfy a sweet tooth. It’s rich and full of that fudge flavor we all love in a brownie. A little goes a long way, so even though this is technically a dessert for one, you could share if you’re feeling generous.
11. Single-Serving Chocolate Chip Cookie
Sometimes (OK, all the time), I get the craving for a warm, homemade chocolate chip cookie, but I definitely don’t need the whole batch staring at me from my counter. This single-serving dessert is soft, chewy, classic, and satisfying. What more could you want?
12. Single-Serving Funfetti Mug Cake
There’s something about Funfetti desserts that keeps me coming back. This fluffy mug cake uses simple ingredients and is made in the microwave for a sweet treat for one in minutes. Top it with lots of whipped cream, and you instantly have a nostalgic dessert for one. You can find me making this recipe when I’m staying in to watch reruns of my comfort show.
13. Single-Serving Peach Crisp
If there’s one dessert I feel like I don’t eat nearly enough, it’s peach crisp. A typical recipe is time-consuming and leaves me with leftovers I can’t finish in time. Enter this single-serving recipe, which gives me the sweet and crunchy dessert in half the time. With fresh peaches, brown sugar, and some rolled oats, you’ve got the basics of this classic summer dessert recipe.
14. Keto Mug Cheesecake
So you’re craving cheesecake (me too). Try out this single-serve recipe that is not only delicious and fluffy but also keto-friendly. It’s ready in just under a minute, and it’s sugar-free—but don’t worry, that doesn’t mean it skimps on flavor. The best part? It’s an easy recipe to double after you make dinner for two.
15. Hot Chocolate Mug Cake
We all love the flavor of a rich hot chocolate, and this mug cake brings those sweet flavors to life with a fluffy texture. It’s simple to make and endlessly satisfying for your sweet tooth. I love to make this for myself on a cozy night in, but it’s also so easy to whip up a few on a girls’ night.
16. Pumpkin Mug Cake
I can’t think of a better fall dessert than this pumpkin mug cake for one. It’s crazy easy to throw together, can be made as a gluten-free single-serving dessert, and takes only one minute to cook. You’ll be obsessed with the pumpkin-chocolate frosting that goes on top, too.
17. Banana Coconut Flour Mug Cake
If you’re looking for a healthy mug cake, this coconut flour dessert for one is a great choice. It’s gluten-free, but it’s still fluffy and sweet thanks to the bananas and chocolate. And of course, it is ready in minutes, making it an easy weeknight dessert.
18. Microwave Peanut Butter Cookie
Peanut butter lovers, you’ll love this one! This microwave dessert is easy to make, ready in under five minutes, and satisfies all your sweet cravings without any leftovers. If you want to kick it up a notch, add a little chocolate on top for the ultimate individual dessert.
19. Air Fryer Berry Cobbler
Did you know you can make desserts in the air fryer, too? This simple, 2-ingredient berry cobbler gives you a quick air-fryer dessert for one in just under 15 minutes. You can swap the berry mix for frozen mango, peaches, or cherries, too, if you want to switch things up.
20. Strawberry Cheesecake Jar
This cheesecake jar is high in protein, thanks to cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, which we love. But the best part is that it’s no-bake, and, of course, full of those classic cheesecake flavors. Layer the cottage cheese mixture along with granola, crushed graham crackers, and strawberries (which you could also swap for blueberries or bananas), and you’ve got yourself a delicious, quick, and healthy dessert for any night of the week.
21. Lemon Mug Cake
This easy and bright lemon mug cake is the perfect single-serving treat when you want something lighter. It’s made in less than a minute with almond flour and coconut flour and topped with a delicate vanilla glaze. Trust us, you’ll want to add it to your list of favorite spring dessert recipes.
22. Microwave Oatmeal Cookie
This eggless oatmeal cookie for one is ready in under five minutes, which is why it’s one of my favorite quick weeknight desserts. It’s warm, nutty, and the chocolate flavor hits just right. Swap the chocolate for raisins for a classic take on the cookie, or add both. I won’t judge!
23. Single Serve Vanilla Cupcake
Have you ever been craving a homemade cupcake, but couldn’t possibly finish a whole batch by yourself? This single-serving cupcake recipe is perfect for you, and it comes together in just 15 minutes! The instructions break down how to make it two ways (classic vanilla and coconut vanilla), depending on which flavor you prefer.
24. Single Serve Cottage Cheese Brownie
This brownie is so fudgy, it’s almost like a lava cake. You’d never know that it uses cottage cheese and protein powder to pack in 28 grams of protein! So not only will it help you hit your protein goals, but it will also satisfy your sweet tooth.
25. Italian Soda
Looking for a unique sweet treat that you can sip on? Try out this Italian soda recipe that comes together in no time! The flavor combinations are totally customizable with this recipe. Plus, you can easily make it a dairy-free dessert.
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.
Jenna Piotrowicz, Editorial Assistant
Jenna began working as an Editorial Assistant for The Everygirl in 2024. With her eye for detail, she assists the team with content creation, sourcing products and images, and works behind the scenes to support The Everygirl in uploading and updating content.
