15 Single-Serve Dessert Recipes to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

You're trying to cut down on sweets, but you can't resist a decadent dessert. Rich flavors and textures tempt you. Discover 15 single-serve treats.

1. Mini Cheesecakes in a Mug

Mini cheesecakes in a mug are individual desserts with a graham cracker crust.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon graham cracker crumbs
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions

1. Mix graham cracker crumbs and butter in a microwave-safe mug.
2. Microwave the mixture for 10-15 seconds to set the crust.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Add sour cream to the bowl and whisk until smooth.
5. Pour the cheesecake mixture into the mug over the crust.
6. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the edges are set.
7. Let the cheesecake cool for a minute before serving.

2. Single-Serve Chocolate Lava Cake

Rich, gooey chocolate lava cake in a single serving.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 ounce high-quality dark chocolate

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, melt butter and chocolate in the microwave.
4. Whisk in egg and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture.
5. Add flour mixture to the chocolate mixture and stir until just combined.
6. Pour batter into a 6-ounce ramekin or small cup.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set and center is still slightly jiggly.
8. Remove from oven and let cool in ramekin for 1 minute.
9. Run a knife around the edges to loosen cake and invert onto plate.
10. Serve immediately.

3. Personal Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Mini pineapple upside-down cakes in individual servings.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup pineapple rings
• 1/4 cup cherry halves

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, pineapple juice, and egg.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Arrange pineapple rings and cherry halves in the bottom of 6 (6-ounce) ramekins.
6. Pour batter over pineapple and cherry mixture in each ramekin.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool in ramekins for 5 minutes before running a knife around edges to release.
9. Invert onto plates and serve warm.

4. Individual Fruit Tarts

Miniature pastry treats filled with fresh fruit.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 cup mixed berries
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup almond cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 1/8 inch.
3. Cut out small squares of pastry, about 3 1/2 inches per side.
4. Spoon a small amount of almond cream onto one half of each square.
5. Top the almond cream with a few mixed berries.
6. Fold the other half of the pastry square over the filling to form a triangle or a square shape.
7. Press the edges together to seal the tart.
8. Brush the tops of the tarts with heavy cream and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.
9. Bake the tarts for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Allow the tarts to cool before serving.

5. Mini Banana Pudding Parfaits

Mini banana pudding parfaits are a creamy dessert in small glasses.

Ingredients

• 1 cup vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sliced bananas
• 1/2 cup whipped cream
• 1/4 cup crushed Nilla wafers

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together pudding mix, milk, sugar, and salt until well combined.
2. Stir in vanilla extract and let the mixture chill in the fridge for 5 minutes.
3. Spoon a layer of pudding into the bottom of small glasses.
4. Add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the pudding.
5. Top the bananas with a dollop of whipped cream.
6. Sprinkle crushed Nilla wafers over the whipped cream.
7. Repeat the layers one more time, ending with whipped cream on top.
8. Chill the parfaits in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

6. Single-Layer Brownies

Rich, fudgy brownies perfect for a single serving.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, melt the butter and sugar in the microwave for 30 seconds.
3. Add the cocoa powder to the bowl and stir until combined.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and salt.
5. Add the flour and baking powder, stirring until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into a 4-inch ramekin or small baking dish.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

7. Tiny Apple Crisp Cups

Miniature apple crisp cups filled with tender apples and crunchy oat topping.

Ingredients

• 1 large apple, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the diced apple, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Spoon the apple mixture into 6-8 miniature cups or ramekins.
4. In another bowl, combine the rolled oats and brown sugar.
5. Add the cold butter to the oat mixture and mix until crumbly.
6. Divide the oat mixture evenly among the cups, spooning it over the apple filling.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
8. Serve warm, garnished with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.

8. Solo Serving Size Crème Brûlée

Rich caramel and creamy custard in a single serving.

Ingredients

• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Add the granulated sugar and whisk until dissolved.
4. Pour the mixture into a 1/2 cup ramekin or custard cup.
5. Place the ramekin in a baking dish and add hot water to come halfway up the side.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set.
7. Remove from the water bath and let cool to room temperature.
8. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
9. Just before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over the top.
10. Caramelize the sugar with a kitchen torch or under the broiler.

9. Bite-Sized Churros

Crispy bite-sized churros served with rich chocolate sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Chocolate sauce for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Pipe the dough through a star tip into 4-inch long strips.
6. Fry the churros for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain the churros on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar.
8. Serve the churros warm with rich chocolate sauce for dipping.

10. Mini Mason Jar Pies

Mini Mason Jar Pies are adorable individual desserts.

Ingredients

• 1 package of pie crust
• 1 cup of mixed berries
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1/4 cup of cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the pie crust and cut out circles to fit the mason jars.
3. In a bowl, mix together the berries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt.
4. Spoon the berry mixture into the mason jars.
5. Roll out the remaining pie crust and cut out strips for the lattice top.
6. Place the lattice strips on top of the berry mixture and crimp the edges.
7. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
8. Brush the egg mixture on top of the lattice crust.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
10. Allow the pies to cool before serving.

11. Individual Ice Cream Sandwiches

Individual ice cream sandwiches are a perfect dessert for any time of year.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 quarts ice cream
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Whisk together flour, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
4. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool completely on baking sheet.
8. Scoop ice cream into balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
9. Sandwich ice cream balls between two cookies.
10. Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve immediately.

12. Small Batch Cookie Dough Balls

Bite-sized cookie dough balls perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until smooth.
2. Beat in the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a dough forms.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to form the dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
6. Place the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Refrigerate the cookie dough balls for at least 30 minutes to set.
8. Serve the cookie dough balls chilled, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

13. Personal Peach Cobbler

Indulge in a warm, individual serving of Personal Peach Cobbler.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe peach, diced
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the diced peach, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add the unsalted butter to the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly.
5. In a small cup, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
6. Pour the cream mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
7. Spoon the peach mixture into a small ramekin or baking dish.
8. Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the peach filling.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
10. Serve warm and enjoy.

14. Tiny Key Lime Pies

Miniature key lime pies packed with tartness and sweetness.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
• 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
• 1 cup condensed milk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs and sugar, then stir in melted butter.
3. Press crumb mixture into mini muffin tin cups.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let cool.
5. Whisk egg yolks and key lime juice, then add lime zest.
6. Stir in condensed milk until combined.
7. Pour filling into cooled crusts.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, then let cool completely.

15. Miniature Tiramisu Cups

Miniature Tiramisu Cups are individual servings of the Italian classic dessert.

Ingredients

• 12-16 ladyfingers
• 1 cup of strong brewed coffee
• 8 ounces of mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of whipping cream
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt, and mix until smooth.
2. Dip each ladyfinger into the brewed coffee for about 3-5 seconds on each side, and place them in the bottom of small cups.
3. Spoon a layer of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers in each cup.
4. Repeat the layers, starting with the ladyfingers, then the mascarpone mixture, until all the ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of mascarpone on top.
5. Top each cup with a dollop of whipped cream.
6. Dust the tops with cocoa powder.
7. Chill the Miniature Tiramisu Cups in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving.

Conclusion

You've indulged in a sweet odyssey, akin to Pandora's box, releasing a world of single-serve desserts. Like a kid in a candy store, you've discovered treasures: mini cheesecakes, lava cakes, and more. Your taste buds have danced with delight, savoring each bite-sized treat, and now you're hooked, craving the next sweet escape, just like Alice in Wonderland, falling down the rabbit hole of dessert bliss.