5-Ingredient Desserts for a Fast Sweet Tooth Fix

chocolate marshmallow peanut butter clusters
Photo: Karla Conrad

Take a shortcut to sweetness with these simple 5-ingredient desserts. Cookies, ice cream, truffles, and candy have never been easier to make. We promise something to cure every sweet tooth craving.

01 of 14

Whoopie Pies

Whoopie Pies
Blaine Moats

Number of Ingredients: Four

When there's no time for baking, don't turn to store-bought packages. Try this easy dessert instead. Spruce up soft chocolate cookies with a fluffy filling of cream cheese, butter, and marshmallow creme for party-ready whoopie pies.

02 of 14

Affogato Trifles

Affogato Trifles
Andy Lyons

Number of Ingredients: Five

Texture rules in this fresh twist on an affogato, an Italian dessert using coffee and ice cream. Layers of crispy crushed biscotti, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream melt together with the help of hot brewed espresso. For an added hint of warmth to complement the cool cream, finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

03 of 14

Chocolate-Cashew Truffles

Chocolate-Cashew Truffles
Andy Lyons

Number of Ingredients: Five

These chocolate truffles achieve the perfect balance of salty and sweet, thanks to a touch of maple syrup and a dash of coarse salt. If you don't love cashews, substitute almonds.

Test Kitchen Tip: To amplify the nutty flavor, toast the nuts before adding them to the mix.

04 of 14

No-Churn Ice Cream

No-Churn Ice Cream
Andy Lyons

Number of Ingredients: Five

Keep your cool with this easy dessert recipe calling for only 5 ingredients. No special equipment is required to whip up these lusciously silky scoops. Once frozen (no churn time required) sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream create a creamy, irresistible texture.

Test Kitchen Tip: Once you've mastered the traditional vanilla recipe, try adding ribbons of fruit preserves, hot fudge, or caramel topping, or mix in chopped cookies, diced fruit, and chopped candies.

05 of 14

Ice Cube Tray Chocolates

Ice Cube Tray Chocolates
Matthew Clark

Number of Ingredients: Two+

Walk on by that pricey box of chocolates. It's a cinch to DIY with this 2-ingredient dessert recipe—plus optional sprinkles—and an old-school ice cube tray. As your own chocolatier, you can jazz these up with your favorite dark or milk chocolate, fillings, and topping combinations. (We're fans of semisweet and chocolate-hazelnut spread.)

06 of 14

Smoothie Pops

Smoothie Pops
Carson Downing

Number of Ingredients: Five

Scoring a serving of fruit is easier than ever. Blend berries, a frozen banana, Greek yogurt, juice, and honey to make the pop "juice." Pour it into ice pop molds and allow them to freeze. Voilà: The easy dessert with basic ingredients is ready to enjoy with any meal of the day.

07 of 14

Dark Chocolate Fondue with Fruit Kabobs

Dark Chocolate Fondue with Fruit Kabobs
Karla Conrad

Number of Ingredients: Four

Set it and forget it—fondue has never been simpler, thanks to your slow cooker and the limited ingredients in this recipe. Fill the slow cooker with dark chocolate pieces, frozen whipped topping, and a splash of coffee, then dunk in your favorite skewered fruits.

08 of 14

Chocolate-Marshmallow-Peanut Clusters

chocolate marshmallow peanut butter clusters
Karla Conrad

Number of Ingredients: Five

Classic rocky road flavors (peanuts, marshmallows, and chocolate) come together in these irresistible homemade cocoa candies. The bite-size clusters get their smooth texture from a mix of chocolate-flavored candy coating and semisweet chocolate pieces.

09 of 14

Fresh Peach Ice Cream

Fresh Peach Ice Cream
Karla Conrad

Number of Ingredients: Five

Don't sweat the dessert course at your summer dinner party. Nothing beats a sweltering summer day like chilly homemade ice cream. Blend ripe, blushing peaches with cream, eggs, vanilla, and sugar before freezing for a fresh, fruity, and easy dessert with only basic ingredients.

10 of 14

Mini Raspberry-Chocolate Tarts

Mini Raspberry-Chocolate Tarts
Blaine Moats

Number of Ingredients: Four

Phyllo dough shells are the perfect vehicle for a variety of appetizers, but we prefer them stuffed with sweets. This 5-ingredient recipe fits the bill. Fill the petite pastries with melted chocolate, fresh raspberries, and slivered almonds for an easy, yet elegant, dessert solution.

11 of 14

Dark Chocolate Banana-Nut Pops

Dark Chocolate Banana Nut Pops
Karla Conrad

Number of Ingredients: Four

Frozen bananas are a great way to indulge while sneaking in extra vitamins. Bite into the crunchy chocolate coating on this easy dessert recipe with few ingredients to reveal a hidden peanut butter center. You'll go bananas over the kid-friendly flavor combo.

12 of 14

Mocha Cream Shake

Mocha Cream Shake
Jason Donnelly

Number of Ingredients: Four

Shake things up with this java-spiked ice cream treat. The classic malt shop flavors are yours with a blend of frozen yogurt, brewed coffee, and chocolate syrup. Finish with a dusting of shaved dark chocolate.

13 of 14

Citrus Granita

Citrus Granita
Blaine Moats

Number of Ingredients: Five

This icy dessert is the most refreshing, low-calorie, gluten-free option out there. Three types of citrus (orange, lemon, and lime) give these fruity drinks their bright flavor. Garnish the easy Italian confection with fresh mint sprigs.

14 of 14

PB&J Thumbprint Cookies

PB&J Thumbprint Cookies
Jason Donnelly

Number of Ingredients: Three

That classic combination of peanut butter and jelly isn't limited to your child's lunchbox. Place a dollop of grape or strawberry jelly into baked peanut butter cookies for PB&J bliss.

Test Kitchen Tip: Prep this 3-ingredient dessert recipe ahead and freeze it for up to three months for a quick-fix bake sale winner.

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