21 Desserts with 5 Ingredients (or Less) – Because Complicated Is Overrated

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Dessert doesn’t need a long ingredient list to be worth making. Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the ones you come back to again and again. These desserts with 5 ingredients keep things easy without sacrificing flavor, so you can skip the extra steps and still end up with something good. No complicated techniques, no endless measuring—just straightforward treats that work. If you like the idea of making dessert without turning your kitchen into a science lab, this list has you covered.

Healthy Strawberry Yogurt Parfaits For Wholesome Treat

Two glass cups filled with layered yogurt and sliced strawberries, topped with whipped cream and a cherry. Slices of lemon and a spoon are on a pink surface nearby.
Healthy Strawberry Yogurt Parfaits For Wholesome Treat. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Layers of creamy yogurt, fresh strawberries, and a touch of crunch—proof that dessert doesn’t need a mile-long ingredient list. This is one of those desserts with 5 ingredients that feels fancy but takes no effort. If you can scoop and drizzle, you can pull this off.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Strawberry Yogurt Parfaits For Wholesome Treat

3 Ingredient Keto Strawberry Ice Cream

A bowl containing four scoops of pink ice cream with a spoon on a light surface, next to white fabric.
3 Ingredient Keto Strawberry Ice Cream. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Who knew blending three simple ingredients could lead to something this good? This no-churn treat is a game-changer for anyone who wants a creamy dessert without the hassle. Perfect for those moments when you need a quick win in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Keto Strawberry Ice Cream

Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe

A brownie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is on a polka-dotted plate. The brownie is decorated with chocolate chips and colorful candies.
Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This cake practically bakes itself. Just dump the ingredients in a pan, toss it in the oven, and pretend you worked hard. When it comes to desserts with 5 ingredients, this one is as foolproof as it gets.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe

Marshmallow Fruit Salad

A glass of whipped cream dessert garnished with a cherry on top, with more dessert servings in the background and two spoons nearby.
Marshmallow Fruit Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A little sweet, a little creamy, and packed with just enough fruit to make you feel like you’re making a responsible choice. This nostalgic favorite is an easy win when you need a no-fuss dessert. Bonus: It takes about five minutes to throw together.
Get the Recipe: Marshmallow Fruit Salad

Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Four square chocolate brownies on a white striped cloth.
Chocolate Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Buttery, crisp, and loaded with cocoa, these cookies prove that less is more. With just five ingredients, you get rich chocolate flavor without any unnecessary extras. They’re dangerously easy to snack on, so good luck stopping at one.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Fast and Easy 4 Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies

A plate of three chocolate chip cookies with a soft, slightly crumbly texture. One cookie is partially eaten, revealing its interior.
Fast and Easy 4 Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

No mixers, no stress—just a handful of ingredients and a baking sheet. These cookies come together in record time, making them a go-to when a craving strikes. Whether you share is entirely up to you.
Get the Recipe: Fast and Easy 4 Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies

Easy Sugar-Free 4 Ingredient Nutella Cookies Recipe

A stack of chocolate cookies on a white surface, surrounded by yellow flowers.
Easy Sugar-Free 4 Ingredient Nutella Cookies Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb No Carb.

You don’t need sugar when you’ve got a batch of these rich, chocolate-hazelnut cookies. Soft in the center with just the right amount of chew, they’re proof that simple ingredients can still deliver big flavor. Dessert doesn’t get much easier than this.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sugar-Free 4 Ingredient Nutella Cookies Recipe

Easy 3-Ingredient Nutella Cookies Recipe

Two chocolate cookies on a metal plate, one with a bite taken out of it.
Easy 3-Ingredient Nutella Cookies Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Nutella lovers, this one’s for you. These cookies need only three ingredients but still manage to be soft, chewy, and packed with chocolatey goodness. If you want easy desserts with 5 ingredients or less, this recipe is a no-brainer.
Get the Recipe: Easy 3-Ingredient Nutella Cookies Recipe

Keto Coconut Ice Cream Recipe

Halved coconuts filled with ice cream, topped with mint leaves, surrounded by fresh strawberries.
Keto Coconut Ice Cream Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb No Carb.

Creamy, coconutty, and ridiculously easy—this no-churn ice cream is the answer to your dairy-free dessert dreams. You won’t need an ice cream maker, and you definitely won’t miss the sugar. Just mix, freeze, and grab a spoon.
Get the Recipe: Keto Coconut Ice Cream Recipe

Melt In Your Mouth Almond Crescent Cookies

A white bucket with rope handles filled with sugar-coated crescent cookies on a white surface.
Melt In Your Mouth Almond Crescent Cookies. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

These delicate, buttery cookies crumble in the best way possible. With a hint of almond and a dusting of powdered sweetness, they’re dangerously addictive. If you need a holiday-ready treat without a laundry list of ingredients, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Melt In Your Mouth Almond Crescent Cookies

Sugar Free Keto Meringue Cookies Recipe

A gold-trimmed bowl filled with white meringues is in the foreground. A matching teacup and saucer with a blurred drink is in the background.
Sugar Free Keto Meringue Cookies Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb No Carb.

Light, crisp, and just sweet enough, these meringues feel fancy but require almost no effort. If you’ve got egg whites and a little patience, you’ve got dessert. Who knew desserts with 5 ingredients could be this impressive?
Get the Recipe: Sugar Free Keto Meringue Cookies Recipe

Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats

Close-up of several pieces of nougat brittle with visible nuts and small pieces of red fruit, displayed on a white tray.
Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Classic marshmallow cereal bars get a fruity makeover in this ridiculously simple recipe. They’re crispy, chewy, and disappear faster than you’d think. If you need a last-minute sweet fix, this one has you covered.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats

Easy 3-Ingredient Shortbread Recipe

Rectangular shortbread cookies with fork pricks on a wooden tray, placed on a striped cloth.
Easy 3-Ingredient Shortbread Recipe. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Butter, sugar, and flour—that’s all it takes to get perfectly crumbly shortbread cookies. Whether you dip them in chocolate or eat them straight off the tray, they’re a must-have for simple baking days. No fancy techniques required.
Get the Recipe: Easy 3-Ingredient Shortbread Recipe

Milky Way Brownies Recipe

Four stacked chocolate brownies on a white wooden surface beside a small cluster of red flowers.
Milky Way Brownies Recipe. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These fudgy brownies hide a gooey caramel surprise in every bite. It’s the easiest way to make a candy bar even better. If you’re looking for indulgent desserts with 5 ingredients or less, this one delivers.
Get the Recipe: Milky Way Brownies Recipe

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

A bowl filled with dark chocolate-covered truffles, one partially bitten to reveal a creamy, light-colored filling.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The classic chocolate and peanut butter combo, but in bite-sized form. No baking, no mess—just rich, creamy centers wrapped in a chocolate shell. Good luck eating just one.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Easy 3 Ingredient White Chocolate Fudge Recipe

A plate of neatly stacked vanilla fudge squares on parchment paper, with vanilla pods beside it.
Easy 3 Ingredient White Chocolate Fudge Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

White chocolate, condensed milk, and a little extra magic come together in this no-fail fudge. It’s smooth, sweet, and sets up perfectly every time. If you’re short on time but still want to impress, this is the recipe to beat.
Get the Recipe: Easy 3 Ingredient White Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Raspberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

A bowl with three scoops of pink ice cream topped with raspberries and a spoon. Three raspberries are scattered beside the bowl on a white surface.
Raspberry Cheesecake Ice Cream. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Creamy cheesecake meets tart raspberries in this ridiculously simple ice cream. No ice cream maker, no long list of ingredients—just scoopable, homemade goodness. If you love easy desserts with 5 ingredients, you’ll want to keep this one handy.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Easy Vegan Coconut Macaroons

A stack of three coconut macaroon cookies on a white plate, with a golden-brown crisp edge. More cookies are visible on a cooling rack in the background.
Easy Vegan Coconut Macaroons. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with coconut, these macaroons prove that simple baking is the best baking. You don’t need eggs or dairy to get golden, chewy perfection. Just mix, shape, and bake.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coconut Macaroons

How To Make Keto Peanut Butter Fudge

Cubes of caramel fudge stacked on a black textured plate, surrounded by peanuts.
How To Make Keto Peanut Butter Fudge. Photo credit: Low Carb No Carb.

Rich, creamy, and packed with peanut butter, this fudge comes together in no time. It’s the kind of dessert that feels indulgent but won’t wreck your keto goals. No need for complicated steps—just mix, chill, and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: How To Make Keto Peanut Butter Fudge

Homemade Sugar Free Marshmallow Recipe with Maple Syrup

Close-up of a white, square-shaped marshmallow with a soft, fluffy texture.
Homemade Sugar Free Marshmallow Recipe with Maple Syrup. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Fluffy, bouncy, and sweetened naturally, these marshmallows are a game-changer. Perfect for hot cocoa, s’mores, or just eating straight from the pan. Once you taste homemade, you’ll never go back to store-bought.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Sugar Free Marshmallow Recipe with Maple Syrup

Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

Plate of peanut butter cookies with chocolate centers.
Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

These peanut butter cookies are ridiculously simple but still manage to steal the show. Just three ingredients and a chocolate kiss on top—that’s all it takes. Perfect for last-minute baking or, let’s be honest, anytime.
Get the Recipe: Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

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