Simple desserts for those midday cravings that can be made quickly, and with ingredients easily available in the kitchen or your neighborhood grocery store
Desserts are a gateway to the soul. While they can be fancy and elaborate, at other times they could also be simple, but without compromising on the creativity. And sometimes, with desserts, less is more. One doesn’t always need a long list of ingredients or complex steps to create something sumptuous. One can simply put together the items they have lying around at home to create truly exquisite delicacies. Here are five simple recipes using five ingredients or less, to quickly satisfy your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. Remember to bookmark this page for all those times you’re hankering after something sweet that’s quick and easy.
1. Chocolate Fudge Pops
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 1 pack chocolate pudding mix
- ½ cup chopped peanuts
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup marshmallow creme
Equipment:
- 12 disposable paper cups
- 12 wooden pop sticks
Directions:
- In a large, microwave-friendly bowl, whisk together the milk and pudding mix.
- Microwave for 4-6 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and slightly thick. Stop the microwave to stir every 2 minutes.
- After this, let it sit out and cool for 20 minutes, and keep stirring.
- Mix together the peanuts and chocolate chips, and divide into paper cups.
- Mix the marshmallow creme into the pudding and scoop the mixture into the cups.
- Add the wooden pop sticks and put in the freezer for 4-6 hours or until frozen
- Pull out the cups and serve frozen.
2. Hazelnut Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 pack cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread
- 1 carton frozen whipped cream, thawed
- 1 chocolate crumb crust
Directions:
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar and Nutella until smooth.
- Fold in the whipped topping and spread the mixture evenly onto the crust.
- Warm the remaining Nutella in a microwave for 15-20 seconds and drizzle it over the pie.
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Serve chilled.
3. Cherry Chocolate Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of white bread
- 3 tablespoons of a cherry pie filling
- 1 tablespoon of chopped almonds
- 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips
Directions:
- Place one slice of bread on a flat surface.
- Spread the pie filling on it and top it with almonds and chocolate chips.
- Add the remaining bread slices.
- Toast, place in pan, or press into a sandwich iron and cook over a hot flame. Continue the chosen process for 3-6 minutes, until the bread slices are golden brown and thoroughly heated.
- Serve warm.
4. Dessert Crackers
Ingredients:
- Several packets of crackers, depending on the quantity you want to make
- 1 cup of peanut butter
- 1 cup of marshmallow creme
- Several melted milk chocolates, depending on the quantity you want to make
- Sprinkles
Directions:
- Place the crackers upside down. On half, coat a layer of peanut butter. On the remaining crackers, spread the marshmallow creme.
- Press the two varieties together to create a sandwich. Put in the freezer for 15 minutes or until firm.
- Remove from the freezer and dip the sandwiches in melted candy chocolate. Let the excess drip off. If you’d like, you can drizzle additional chocolate coating. Decorate with sprinkles.
- Serve immediately and store the leftovers in an airtight container
5. Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 ½ cups chopped chocolate
- ¾ cup butter
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ cup sugar
Directions:
- Place the egg whites in a large bowl and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. During this time, preheat the oven.
- Create a double boiler or place a metal bowl in simmering water. Add chocolate chunks and butter in the top bowl and let it melt, stirring continuously until smooth. Let it cool.
- In another bowl, beat the egg yolks until thick and bright yellow. Add the chocolate mixture.
- In the previous bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Add the sugar, one spoon at a time, while continuously beating the mixture until all the sugar is dissolved. Keep beating till peaks form.
- Gradually add the egg whites to the chocolate mixture.
- Place this mixture in a pan and bake until an inserted toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let it cool on a wire rack before serving.