10 Ridiculously Easy Desserts You Can't Mess Up

Do you ever have one of those days when all you want is a giant, warm chocolate chip cookie, but have zero desire to bake, cook, or you know, function? This happens to me weekly, which, I suppose, should really inspire me to have chocolate chip cookie dough on hand at all times, or at the very least, one of these on-call easy dessert recipes I can whip up at the drop of a dime. However, I always forget, and then I end up with a craving so intense, I turn into a hangry monster. I can’t help that I’m a lazy baker, and require simple two- or three-step baking recipes to get my baking fix!

These are the moments where I wish bakeries would deliver in the middle of the night. How has no one monopolized on this idea yet? There have to be hangry customers in every city wishing they could get someone to bring them a cookie right this minute.

If I were a better Pinterest addict, I would probably have a massive board dedicated to just this dilemma. Since I’d rather look at pretty complicated recipes that I’ll never make, and aspirational desserts that require hours of work to perfect, I am out of luck.

That being said, I believe in positive change. That's why I have created this roundup of oh-so-simple desserts you can make in just two or three steps, perfectly designed for that lazy baker who lives deep within each and every one of us. When midnight rolls around and you’re craving something sweet, you’ll be glad you have these at your fingertips.

1. Two-Ingredient Pumpkin Brownies

Pumpkin is on everyone’s minds right now, so I know a midnight craving for pumpkin dessert is in my future. These pumpkin brownies from Cookies and Cups only need two ingredients, and they're beyond simple to make. Mix together your goods, bake, and you are 30 minutes away from gooey chocolate pumpkin perfection.

2. Easy Mocha Brownies

With a melted chocolate surprise in the middle of each bite, it’s hard to believe these brownies from My Baking Addiction only require three steps to create. Every chocoholic needs to have this one on hand.

3. Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

The name may be long, but the list of ingredients and steps needed to create these yummy treats isn’t. Press down some cookie dough, top with peanut butter cups, then bake. Voila! You’ve created these cookie dough bars from Averie Cooks. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.

4. Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars

Sometimes all you want is a lemon bar, but then you realize exactly how much effort it takes to make them. Two-ingredient lemon bars from Confessions of a Cookbook Queen is the workaround you’ve been dreaming of. Including the glaze, you’re a mere three simple steps away from getting your fix.

5. Cake Mix Cookies

Can’t decide between a cookie and a slice of cake? Here’s where cake mix cookies from My Baking Addiction save the day. They have the ideal blend of cake flavor in a soft, chewy cookie — buttercream icing optional.

6. Three-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies

Melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies are now possible with only three ingredients and minimal effort, thanks to this recipe from The Comfort of Cooking. Just give me a big cup of tea and a couple of these cookies before bed, and I’m in heaven.

7. Peanut Butter Oatmeal Monster Cookies

If plain cookies aren’t your style, these peanut butter oatmeal monster cookies from The Kitchn give you all the variety you’ve been dreaming of. Peanut butter, oatmeal, and chocolate candies in a chewy and crunchy cookie = a smorgasbord in your mouth!

8. Three-Ingredient Strawberry Tart With Lemon Whipped Cream

I always turn to puff pastry for a fancier dessert when I don’t feel like doing anything more than assembling and baking. This three-ingredient puff pastry strawberry tart from The Comfort of Cooking is stupidly simple, and will actually impress people if you take a few minutes to make it look pretty.

9. Individual Mixed Berry Clafoutis

Don’t let the fancy French name intimidate you out of trying this mixed berry version from The Kitchn. All you have to do is combine ingredients, and bake in individual ramekins. You can even cling to these sweet, light, and summery flavors all year long if you use thawed and drained frozen berries.

10. Vanilla Funfetti Mug Cake

Mug cakes are the solution to lazy baking on those nights when you’re alone. Snuggle up with this vanilla funfetti mug cake from Mel’s Kitchen Café, and revel in the fact that it only took you one step and 90 seconds in the microwave.

Who's ready for dessert before dinner? I know I am!

Images: Averie Cooks ; Cookies and Cups; My Baking Addiction; Averie Cooks; Confessions of a Cookbook Queen; My Baking Addiction; The Comfort of Cooking; The Kitchn; The Comfort of Cooking; The Kitchn; Mel's Kitchen Cafe