5 Cheap & Easy Dessert Recipes Using Pantry Staples (No Fancy Ingredients!)

5 Cheap & Easy Dessert Recipes Using Pantry Staples (No Fancy Ingredients!)

5 Cheap & Easy Dessert Recipes Using Pantry Staples (No Fancy Ingredients!)
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

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Roll into balls, flatten with a fork.
  3. 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

  1. Mix dry ingredients in a microwave-safe mug.
  2. Add wet ingredients; stir well.
  3. 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

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Roll into balls.
  3. 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

  1. Brush tortillas with butter.
  2. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar.
  3. 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

  1. Blend frozen banana slices until creamy (2-3 minutes).
    • If needed, add 1 tbsp milk to help blend.
  2. Add cocoa or peanut butter if desired.
  3. 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!
Calder Brynn
Calder Brynn
Welcome to The Frugal Bite! I'm Calder Brynn, a passionate budget cook and food enthusiast on a mission to help home cooks make the most of their ingredients. From quick meals to creative leftovers, I believe in eating well without overspending. Here, you'll find recipes, tips, and inspiration to keep your kitchen full and your wallet happy.
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