Craving a sweet treat but you’re short on time? Try these 45 quick 5-minute dessert recipes for a delicious dessert you can enjoy any time of the day.
This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure here.
Love printables? Sign up here to access my free resource library that has meal planning printables such as shopping lists and favorite meal worksheets.
Whether I’m baking our favorite Christmas cookies during the holidays, making festive desserts at Easter, or using my air fryer to make a quick and delicious dessert when I’m craving something sweet, dessert recipes are some of my favorite things to make.
Desserts are not only the perfect way to celebrate special occasions throughout the year but to enjoy whenever you need something to satisfy that sweet tooth. However, as much as I love baking homemade cakes, pies, and brownies, they can be very time-consuming. Sometimes, I just want an easy dessert that only takes a few minutes to prepare.
So, that is when I turn to this list of 5-minute dessert recipes. I know that with minimal effort and time, I can have a delicious dessert that I can enjoy. These simple desserts are perfect if you are craving something with chocolate, peanut butter, strawberries, vanilla, and more.
Looking for more super quick recipes to try?
- 40 Quick 5-Minute Breakfast Ideas
- 17 Quick 5-Minute Cold Lunch Ideas
- 27 Easy 10-Minute Lunch Ideas
- 19 Quick and Easy 10 Minute Meals
45 Quick 5-Minute Dessert Recipes
I’ve gathered up the quickest and easiest 5-minute dessert recipes that are perfect when you are craving something sweet. You will find single-serve desserts like mug cakes as well as desserts to share such as fudge, dessert party dip, pudding, chocolatey treats, and so much more.
Family Favorite 5-Minute Desserts
These super simple desserts are my family’s favorites. You will find everything from easy fruit dip to a quick strawberry shortcake recipe. Enjoy!
Microwave s’mores
S’mores in the microwave are my go-to sweet treat that I make all year long. Of course, nothing can really compare to s’mores cooked over a campfire but this chocolatey dessert (that takes less than 5 minutes) will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth.
To make this easy dessert, place a marshmallow on one half of a graham cracker and microwave for about 15-20 seconds (it will puff up) Carefully, take the graham cracker and marshmallow out of the microwave and immediately top with a miniature chocolate bar. Then place the other half of the graham cracker on top and lightly press down.
The best part of this quick dessert is that it can be customized any way you like, add some peanut butter on your graham cracker (under the chocolate-not the one that goes in the microwave). You can use different candy bars, or Nutella instead of the chocolate bar to change it up.
Recommended:33 Easy & Fun S’more Recipes
Fruit salad
Fruit salad is not only perfect to bring for potlucks and picnics but also to enjoy during the holidays. My grandmother made a fruit salad every year on Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. It’s such an easy dessert recipe that can be made up quickly and is perfect for feeding a crowd.
When making a fruit salad, you can simply add your favorite fruit to a bowl, mix and enjoy. Or, you can make it like my grandmother did and combine your fruit with a container of cool whip. If you want to make it more fun add a bag of mini marshmallows. It’s sure to be a crowd favorite at your next celebration.
Fruit dip
My mother-in-law shared this recipe with me a couple of years ago and now I can’t get enough of this super easy 5-minute dessert dip. This dessert party dip is perfect for enjoying on a hot summer day or to add to a charcuterie board and share at baby or bridal showers, birthdays, picnics, or family gatherings.
This easy dip only takes 2 ingredients an 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese and a container of cool whip. If you would prefer a sweeter dip you can also add some extra sweetener such as honey or ¼ cup of powdered sugar. I will also sometimes add a splash of vanilla. Just combine the cream cheese and cool whip (and optional sugar and vanilla) with a mixer and you have a super simple and delicious dessert dip.
Ice cream in a bag
This is such a fun quick dessert when you are craving some ice cream but you don’t have any on hand. To make this one-serving ice cream in a bag, grab a quart-size and gallon-size bag.
Add about 2 cups of ice to the gallon-size bag along with 1/3 cup of salt. Then, in the quart-size bag add 1/2 cup of whole milk with a tablespoon of sugar and 1-2 tsp. of vanilla and seal. Add the sealed milk mixture quart-size bag into the gallon-size bag with the salt and ice. Seal tightly, and shake, shake, shake for 5 minutes.
Depending on how hard you shake the bag, it may take a little longer for the ice cream to reach consistency. Once, it’s the consistency you like, remove the quart-size bag, open and enjoy!
Strawberry shortcake ( with sponge cake cups)
We have a lot of dessert traditions in our home. We can’t get enough of all the no-bake holiday treats during Christmas, and there are all the delicious pie recipes for Thanksgiving. On Valentine’s Day, we have a tradition of enjoying cheesecake, and for Easter, it’s strawberry shortcake.
Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert recipe that is usually made with biscuits topped with a sweetened strawberry mixture and whipped cream. However, I have always preferred to enjoy our strawberries over homemade angel food cake instead.
But, when I’m short on time and don’t want to make angel food cake, I will just purchase the already-made sponge cake cups at the grocery store, add my strawberries (and some sugar to sweeten), and top with whipped cream. It’s a super easy way to enjoy strawberry shortcake in 5-minutes or less.
Looking for easy no-bake dessert recipes?
- 38 No-Bake Summer Dessert Recipes
- 36 Spooky Halloween No-Bake Dessert Recipes
- 25 Easy No-Bake Valentine’s Day Treats
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Is there anything easier than strawberries dipped in chocolate? If you are a strawberry lover like I am, this delicious 5-minute dessert is the perfect sweet treat that’s not just enjoyed on Valentine’s Day but all year long.
All you need for this recipe is a container of strawberries and melting chocolate (I use chocolate chips). Then, just melt your chocolate in the microwave in a bowl for about 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds. It may take a little longer depending on your microwave. Stir until the chocolate is nice and smooth and then dip your strawberry in. Place on a plate or baking sheet to harden.
Oreo Dirt Cup
Who says this has to be a kid’s dessert? Oreo dirt cups are definitely fun for kids, but can be enjoyed by all ages especially if you love pudding (like I do!) When my boys were younger we used to make this sweet treat all the time.
If you have homemade pudding on hand, then you can use that otherwise grab the single-serving pudding cups, top with crushed Oreos and a few gummy worms, and enjoy.
Banana Pudding
Looking for an easy dessert you can bring to your next potluck or holiday gathering? Banana pudding is a classic dessert recipe and is perfect for feeding a crowd.
We love this banana pudding recipe from Ketchup With Linda. It’s such an easy and delicious no-bake dessert that only takes 5-minutes to make. It’s not only kid-friendly but adults love this quick pudding recipe as well.
You May Like:
- Blueberry Banana Bread With Crumb Topping
- 38 Sweet and Savory Strawberry Recipes
- 39 Deliciously Sweet Raspberry Dessert Recipes
- 34 Best Blueberry Recipes
Quick Mug Cake Desserts
(Desserts for one)
These quick dessert recipes are perfect when you are craving a sweet treat. You will find easy mug cake dessert recipes that can be made in 5 minutes or less. Perfect single-serving recipes you will love.
Peanut Butter Mug Cake (Vegan)-Kitchen Treaty
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this easy and moist peanut butter mug cake recipe you are sure to love!
Healthy Mug Cake– Coconuts & Kettlebells
This healthy mug cake is fudgy, chocolatey, and unbelievably moist! It’s made with a few simple ingredients and cooks right in the microwave. The perfect quick and easy dessert!
Banana Chocolate Chip Mug Cake– Lauren Fit Foodie
Make this soft, moist, and perfectly sweet Healthy Banana Mug Cake in just a few minutes with a few staple ingredients! It is the perfect treat to curb your sweet tooth.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Mug Cake- Lambert’s Lately
This Chocolate Chip Mug Cake is an easy recipe that cooks in your microwave. With just 6 ingredients (no egg), you can make a single-serve dessert that tastes just like a warm chocolate chip cookie.
Golden Oreo Mug Cake- The Slow Roasted Italian
This quick and delectable Golden Oreo Mug Cake recipe transforms your favorite cookies into a fluffy, creamy dessert in minutes! Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth anytime, anywhere.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake(Vegan)– Hassle Free Vegan
You only need the microwave to make this decadent chocolate peanut butter mug cake. Made with simple ingredients and perfect to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Chocolate Mug Cake– Sweetly Splendid
This easy and delicious mug cake is moist, easy to make, and requires no eggs, milk, or baking powder.
Mocha Mug Cake- Kitchen at Hoskins
Mocha Mug Cake is soft, light, and fluffy with a delectable combination of coffee and chocolate, and made right in the microwave.
100 Calorie Mug Brownie-Health Beet
This 100-calorie mug brownie provides the luscious chocolatey flavor you love from a normal brownie but with a fraction of the effort! It is quick and simple to make, and very satisfying!
More Mug Cake Recipes
- Pumpkin Mug Cake- Tastes Better From Scratch
- Vanilla Mug Cake– Just So Tasty
- Blueberry Lemon Mug Cake– Lemons + Zest
5-Minute Desserts to Share
(Desserts for a crowd)
Looking for a 5-minute dessert recipe that you can bring to your next potluck, family gathering, picnic, or party? You will find simple and delicious dessert ideas like strawberries and cream, Oreo fluff dessert, fudge, dessert dips, and more.
Strawberry Croissant With Whipped Cream– Sweet Fix Baker
Get ready for a flavor-packed adventure with this Easy Strawberry Croissant recipe with whipped cream! Imagine biting into buttery, flaky croissants filled with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and sweet strawberry jam.
Fresas Con Crema (Strawberries and Cream)– Lemon Blossoms
Fresas con Crema or Strawberries and cream is a fruity and refreshing traditional Mexican dessert made with fresh strawberries in a creamy and tangy, sweet cream sauce.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse- My Chefs Apron
Creamy and incredibly satisfying, this 5-minute chocolate peanut butter mousse is the perfect mini dessert you need when you’re craving a sweet treat.
Lemon Posset– What a Girl Eats
Lemon Posset takes just minutes to make! This classic British dessert is the easiest and fastest you’ll ever make.
Oreo Fluff Dessert– Finding Zest
Five ingredients and five minutes is all you need to make Oreo Fluff! This light and fluffy dessert is loaded with Oreo cookies and is always a hit with any crowd!
5-Minute Cheesecake Fluff (Keto)– Low Carb Spark
This keto cheesecake fluff made with only four ingredients is ready in just 5 minutes. It’s a spectacular keto and low-carb dessert recipe that tastes just like cheesecake with a mousse-like texture. It can be served as a dip of berries, or you can eat it with a spoon.
2-Ingredient Strawberry Fluff- Jellojoy
This deliciously light pink strawberry fluff needs only 2 ingredients and you can whip it up in 5 minutes! It’s an affordable and easy dessert that feeds a crowd and both kids and adults love it!
Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip– Go Gluten Freely
With only 3 simple ingredients, this cream cheese caramel apple dip takes only minutes to prepare. This easy recipe is perfect for bringing to potlucks, picnics, or parties.
5 Minute S’mores Dip– Spend With Pennies
All your favorite parts of a s’more without the campfire! Dip graham crackers in this chocolate marshmallow dip for a dessert that is as delicious as it is fun!
Chocolate Fruit Dip– Dinner at the Zoo
This chocolate fruit dip is a creamy and delicious treat that’s made with melted chocolate, cream cheese, and whipped cream. Chocolate dip is perfect for after-school snacks and parties!
Toffee Apple Dip-Juggling Act Mama
Loaded with chocolate chips and toffee bits, this easy dessert dip recipe is sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering.
Edible Cookie Dough- Living Chirpy
The best thing about our Edible Cookie Dough recipe is how quick it is to throw together – and there’s no cooking involved. It definitely won’t last long – so make a double batch!
2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge-Savor the Spoonful
This delicious peanut butter fudge only takes minutes to make with 2 simple ingredients! The perfect no-bake dessert that everyone will love.
Rolo Pretzel Turtle Candy- Homemade Interest
This 3-ingredient dessert takes less than 5 minutes of prep time and is perfect for enjoying at holiday parties or any time of the year.
Chocolate Peanut Clusters- Art of Natural Living
Easy chocolate peanut clusters are the perfect quick and easy dessert or snack everyone will love!
Chocolate Covered Date Snickers- Begin With Balance
These simple date snickers taste just like the real thing with simple, wholesome ingredients.
3-Ingredient Caramel Apple Bites– Food Plus Words
With only 3 ingredients, these delicious caramel apple bites are perfect for enjoying a quick dessert any time of the year.
More 5-Minute Dessert Recipes to Share
- No-Bake Strawberry Cake-One Sweet Appetite
- 5-Minute Chocolate Pudding- Laughing SpatulaMo
- Easy Chocolate Mousse– Kitchen Cents
- Raspberry Jello Salad- Butter With a Side of Bread
- 5-Minute Microwave Fudge– Self-Proclaimed Foodie
- 5-Minute Caramel Corn- Around My Family Table
- Microwave Rice Krispie Treats– Favorite Family Recipes
- Strawberry Cheesecake Frozen Yogurt– Somewhat Simple
There you go, 45 quick 5-minute dessert recipes you can make when you’re craving a sweet treat. Since I have a sweet tooth, I know that this list of easy desserts will come in handy when I want a sweet snack or I am looking for a simple dessert to take to my next party or gathering.
Looking for more delicious dessert recipes to make throughout the year?
- 24 Delicious No-Bake Easter Dessert Recipes
- 23 Best 4th of July Desserts
- 30 Easy Gingerbread Dessert Recipes
- 35 Holiday Peppermint Desserts
- 48 Deliciously Festive Christmas Desserts
- 30 Delicious Valentine’s Day Dessert Recipes
Don’t forget to sign up for my Free Resource Library where you can find meal planning, shopping list printables, and more.
Follow me on Pinterest for more meal planning and recipe ideas.