Don’t let a lack of time keep you from your sweets! These 20+ quick dessert recipes will go from pantry to table in 2 – 20 minutes and will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth.
Am I the only one who thinks the best part of eating out is the dessert? Don’t tell anyone, but I’ve even planned my dinner order based on what dessert I want—need to save room.
I probably wouldn’t be like this if I would have dessert more often at home. But who has the time? Well, it turns out that I do!
I was looking around for quick and easy desserts to add to my list and found some amazing ideas to share with you. They all take less than 20 minutes to make and even go as low as 2 or 3 minutes!
Everyone has that time available. Or at least, will find it for dessert.
And don’t worry, these aren’t cookie or fudge recipes. These are desserts that you can proudly set before your family and guests and call them a proper dessert—just like you get at a restaurant!
What dessert recipes can you make quickly?
You may be wondering how anyone can make a good dessert in such a small amount of time. I mean it takes a few minutes for the oven to preheat, right? Well, that is just it.
You won’t use the oven for most of these sweet treats. Instead, they are no-bake, air fryer, Instant Pot, or stove top recipes so they require less time.
They also may use some store bought desserts to create another dessert. Think layered desserts like trifles or parfaits.
Now that you know what to expect, you really need to scroll down and check out these 25+ quick dessert recipes that will take you less than 20 minutes to create!
Quick Dessert Recipes
Don't let a lack of time keep you from your sweets! These 25+ easy and fast desserts go from your pantry to your table in as little as 2 to 20 minutes.
Chocolate Mousse
Total Time: 2 minutes
Two minutes? Yep! This highly rated chocolate mousse can go from pantry to table in 2 minutes. A bit more if you want to top it off with whipped cream.
Chocolate Caramel Affogato
Total Time: 3 minutes
This is a twist on a traditional Italian dessert. You can use any ice cream and coffee to get your favorite flavors. This one combines chocolate and caramel!
Cream Pie
Total Time: 3 minutes
Three ingredients and 3 minutes and you have a pie. Yes, please!!
Caramel Popcorn
Total Time: 5 minutes
This yummy caramel popcorn recipe is easy to throw together and oh, so good! It's the perfect combination of salty and sweet and crunch. You'll love it!
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
Total Time: 5 minutes
It is super easy to throw together a no-bake cheesecake when all of the components are already made for you! Shh—we won't tell anyone.
Dessert Dip with Peanut Butter Cups
Total Time: 5 minutes
I love a creamy dessert dip recipe filled with peanut butter! The easy no bake dessert pairs perfectly with cookies, graham crackers, pretzels, or fresh fruit for dipping.
Pumpkin Mug Cake
Total Time: 7 minutes
You'll love this pumpkin spice mug cake recipe! Transform a few ingredients into a tasty treat that can be baked right in your microwave in a minute.
Cotton Candy Dessert Shots
Total Time: 10 minutes
Make these creamy cotton candy dessert shots that will remind you exactly of your favorite state fair food! Perfect for parties - easy and delicious.
Peach Cheesecake Fluff
Total Time: 10 minutes
It is like cheesecake without all of the time and effort! Four ingredients and a mixer will give you a delicious dessert that is also low in carbs.
Chocolate Trifles
Total Time: 10 minutes
An individual trifle that starts with crushed cookies and is topped with a sweet creamy layer and a chocolatey mascarpone cheese layer. Yum!
Baked Apples
Total Time: 10 minutes
No need to take the time to bake these in the oven. With only 4 ingredients and just 5 minutes in the Instant Pot you can have these easy baked apples for dessert!
Lemon Syllabub
Total Time: 10 minutes
This is a light, fluffy dessert that combines cream and white wine and is flavored with lemon juice and zest.
Mascarpone Cream Mousse
Total Time: 10 minutes
Three ingredient sugar-free mascarpone cheese mousse that pairs well with berries. This is a great low carb, Keto dessert option!
Mint Chocolate Cookie Trifles
Total Time: 10 minutes
Elevate your plain chocolate pudding by layering it with mint whip cream and chocolate mint cookies!
Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
Total Time: 15 minutes
Make these air fryer cookies with chocolate chips using this simple recipe! Perfect for small batch baking.
Berries & Cream Waffle Sandwiches
Total Time: 15 minutes
You can enjoy these sandwiches for breakfast, a snack or as a super cute dessert. They would look great all lined up for a party dessert!
Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Total Time: 15 minutes
This easy dessert recipe covers all the bases - great for kids, perfect for a party, or make as a sweet surprise for someone you love.
Tasty Peanut Butter Rolls
Total Time: 15 minutes
Filled with peanut butter and your choice of jam, these are a fancy dessert alternative to a regular peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Fruit Cocktail Salad
Total Time: 15 minutes
Fruit salad can take quite a bit of time with all of the cutting involved. Make it a bit quicker by adding fresh fruit to a fruit cocktail mix!
Fireball Apple Shortcakes
Total Time: 16 minutes
Sponge cake topped with Instant Pot cooked cinnamon apples soaked in Fireball whiskey. Yummy flavors of fall!
Half Baked Cookie Dough Pudding
Total Time: 20 minutes
Think of this dessert as individual skillet cookies. Less time to make and only a spoon and bowl needed to make them!
Pumpkin Icebox Cake
Total Time: 20 minutes
This refrigerator cake recipe completely embraces fall flavors with pumpkin, spice, and white chocolate! It's SO easy to make - no bake - and one of my favorite desserts.
Cheesecake Bites
Total Time: 20 minutes
Only six ingredients and no baking involved in making these mini cheesecake bites! Don't forget to dust the powdered sugar on top to make them look fancy.
Brigadeiros Brazilian Chocolate Truffles
Total Time: 20 minutes
Looking for easy chocolate treats that look presentable? These chocolate truffles are perfect with a dessert coffee.
Strawberry Chocolate Tart
Total Time: 20 minutes
This easy no-bake Oreo tart is made with a simple chocolate cookie crust and rich, creamy filing. Strawberries on top make it a pretty dessert!
Apple Crisp
Total Time: 20 minutes
Apple crisp that is made on the stovetop is so much quicker than the traditional baked version—and tastes just as good!
Banana & Nutella Puff Pastry
Total Time: 20 minutes
Only 3 ingredients needed and they are right there in the recipe name! Super easy to put together and can easily be customized with different fillings besides Nutella.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna
Total Time: 20 minutes
You can never go wrong with the combination of chocolate and peanut butter! If you're a fan of this combo, you are going to love this 4 layer cake.
Apple Pie Roll Ups
Total Time: 20 minutes
Get the flavors of apple pie without all of the work! No oven baking needed, just an air fryer.
What are your favorite desserts that you can make in a jiffy? Let me know in the comments! Then you should definitely check out these other popular recipes ready in 20 minutes or less: