"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, an important part of maintaining a well-balanced diet. The way I see it, you simply can’t deprive yourself of something our brains were literally hardwired to enjoy. That’s on biology. But that being said, I don’t always have a pan of fudge brownies or cheesecake bars lying around the house. Sometimes, whipping up a whole batch of something just sounds like too much work, but you require a sweet treat stat. So in the spirit of not skipping dessert, I compiled some of the best single-serving dessert recipes I could find. Bookmark this for when those late-night cravings kick in, and you just need a little something sweet to cap off your day.
because brunch should be low on cost, low on stress, and high on the things that actually matter: good food, good company, and a cute atmosphere
1. Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Brownie Cookie
A chocolate chip cookie, that’s also a brownie? Say less. This rich, decadent, cookie-shaped brownie is the ultimate sweet tooth dessert, and it’s also gluten free (double win in my book).
2. Cinnamon Roll for One
There’s nothing like a fluffy, sweet cinnamon roll to satisfy your dessert cravings. And while I could probably finish a pan of these myself in a week flat, this single-serving recipe is great for that quick and satisfying bite of frosting and cinnamon.
3. Peanut Butter Chocolate Mug Cake
Whoever first decided to mix chocolate and peanut butter together definitely deserves some kind of award. This mug cake is not only easy to make, but is full of rich, smooth flavors. This one can also easily be made vegan by subbing out the dairy products for vegan alternatives.
4. One Giant Sugar Cookie
Sometimes you just need to bit 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).
5. Guilt-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough for One
We’re all guilty of licking the spoon full of cookie dough before washing those dishes. But with this egg-free single serving, we can be guilt-free about our sugar cravings. This recipe is smooth and creamy, everything you want out of your typical pre-oven dough.
6. Sweet Potato Banana Cake For One
If you’re craving a dessert that’s a little more unique, try out this sweet potato banana cake. It’s got a little bit of everything—fluffy cake, smooth frosting, and crunchy toppings. So good, you might be wishing this one was more than one serving.
7. One Giant Monster M&M Cookie
Another classic dessert that brings me right back to childhood is an M&M cookie. Even better, a giant, monster-size one. This single-serving cookie is soft and chewy, with peanut butter mixed in to give it that extra decadent flavor.
8. Microwave Apple Crisp
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.
9. Rice Krispie Treat in a Mug for One
I have a weakness for Rice Krispie 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.
10. 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 single-serving recipe is done in minutes, and totally satisfies the craving for a sweet treat. Simply mix your ingredients, microwave, and top with a whipped cream.
11. French Toast in a Mug
Breakfast in a mug! Groundbreaking. French toast is that perfect sweet yet savory meal, and this recipe turns it into a simple and quick endeavor, ready in five minutes. Add your mixture of ingredients to your mug, cook, and deck it out with your favorite toppings.
12. Brownie in a Mug
This brownie in a mug is the perfect way to satisfy a sweet tooth on-the-go. It’s rich and full of that fudge flavor we all love in a brownie. A little goes a long way, so don’t be afraid to share if you dare.
13. Single-Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie
Sometimes I get the craving for a warm, homemade cookie, but definitely don’t need the whole batch staring at me from my counter. This single serving chocolate chip cookie is soft, chewy, and classic, and satisfies those sweet cravings without overdoing it.
14. Oreo Milkshake
If you also find yourself dreaming about Oreo McFlurries, you’ve got to try this Oreo milkshake recipe that’s ready from the comfort of your own home in five minutes. Simply blend your ingredients together, and top with as many Oreos as you prefer.
15. 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 light and sweet treat in minutes.
16. 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 dessert.
17. 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.
18. 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 cake texture. Simple to make, and endlessly satisfying for your sweet tooth.
19. Coconut Flour Mug Cake
If you’re looking for a mug cake that’s on the healthier side of things, this coconut flour one is a great choice. It’s gluten free, but still fluffy and sweet, and is ready in minutes.
20. Skinny Chocolate Milkshake
Anyone with a sweet tooth knows the power of a rich and creamy chocolate milkshake. But even better, this one is healthy for you? Yes and yes. Simply blend your ingredients and sip away, cravings begone!
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.