5 Cheap & Easy Dessert Recipes Using Pantry Staples (No Fancy Ingredients!)
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5 Cheap & Easy Dessert Recipes Using Pantry Staples (No Fancy Ingredients!) |
Introduction
We've all been there: a sudden dessert craving hits, but you don't have eggs, butter, or time for a grocery run. Good news! You can whip up delicious sweets using basic pantry staples you already have.
These 5 cheap and easy dessert recipes require:
- No specialty ingredients – Just flour, sugar, oats, etc.
- Minimal effort – Most are no-bake or microwave-friendly.
- Budget-friendly – Each costs under $1 per serving.
Let's dive in!
1. 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies (No Flour, No Eggs!)
Why You'll Love It:
- Only peanut butter, sugar, and vanilla (or honey).
- Gluten-free, chewy, and ready in 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar (or ½ cup honey)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Roll into balls, flatten with a fork.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Pro Tip: Add chocolate chips if you have them!
2. 5-Minute Microwave Chocolate Mug Cake
Why You'll Love It:
- Single-serving, no oven needed.
- Uses pantry staples: flour, cocoa, oil, and sugar.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 3 tbsp milk (or water)
- 2 tbsp oil
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients in a microwave-safe mug.
- Add wet ingredients; stir well.
- Microwave for 1 minute, then check doneness.
- Microwave times vary. Add 15-second intervals until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean (about 1-2 minutes total).
Serving Idea: Top with ice cream or whipped cream!
3. No-Bake Oatmeal Energy Balls
Why You'll Love It:
- Healthy & filling – Great for snacks or dessert.
- Customizable – Add cocoa, coconut, or dried fruit.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Roll into balls.
- Chill for 15 minutes.
Variation: Roll in shredded coconut for extra texture.
4. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips (Crispy & Sweet!)
Why You'll Love It:
- - Turns stale tortillas into a crunchy treat.
- - Kids love it!
Ingredients
- 2 tortillas
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Brush tortillas with butter.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar.
- Cut into triangles; bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Serving Idea: Dip in melted chocolate or yogurt.
5. 2-Ingredient Banana "Nice" Cream (Dairy-Free!)
Why You'll Love It:
- No ice cream maker needed – Just a blender!
- Healthy – Only frozen bananas (+ optional cocoa or PB).
Ingredients
- 2 bananas, sliced and frozen solid
- 1 tbsp cocoa or peanut butter (optional)
Instructions
- Blend frozen banana slices until creamy (2-3 minutes).
- If needed, add 1 tbsp milk to help blend.
- Add cocoa or peanut butter if desired.
- Freeze for 10 minutes to firm up.
Pro Tip: For a softer texture, eat immediately after blending.
Final Thoughts
These 5 cheap and easy dessert recipes prove you don't need fancy ingredients to satisfy a sweet tooth. Whether you're craving cookies, cake, or ice cream, your pantry has you covered!
Which recipe will you try first? Let us know in the comments!