From chewy bars to frozen pops and creamy fudge, these three-ingredient desserts are simple to make, big on flavor and just right for sharing.
I’ve always had a sweet tooth and love to end meals with a little treat. A square of dark chocolate or a scoop of ice cream usually does the trick, but making something from scratch is extra-satisfying. On those nights when even quick and easy baking recipes are out of reach, I turn to easy three-ingredient desserts. You’d be surprised what you can do with just a few simple pantry-friendly ingredients. From frozen treats to chocolaty fudge, there is a recipe here for every craving.
Each recipe in this collection has three ingredients or fewer, excluding water, salt, small amounts of oil and optional garnishes. These simple three-ingredient treats rely on clever shortcuts, like boxed cake or brownie mixes, and ingredients with bold flavors, like peanut butter and chocolate, to create something delicious. Some are as easy as melting and mixing a few ingredients together, but if you are in the mood to bake, there are a few classic cookie recipes, including one of my favorites: buttery shortbread.
Many of these quick three-ingredient sweets recipes adapt easily to dietary needs, so you can use dairy-free chocolate chips or gluten-free flour blends without missing a beat. These easy dessert ideas are perfect for taking to potlucks and parties, or when you make last-minute plans and don’t have time to run to the bakery. Whether you choose a frozen fruit-based dessert or a decadent chocolate truffle, you are only three ingredients away from your next sweet treat.
1/39
Scottish Shortbread
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother, who is of Scottish heritage, passed this shortbread recipe, along with other favorite recipes, on to me. When I entered this treat at our local fair, it won a red ribbon. —Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba
2/39
Pretzel Strawberry Bark
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my candy version of the classic strawberry pretzel dessert. It uses ruby chocolate, which is fairly new on the market. If you can't find it, you can substitute white chocolate in its place. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
3/39
Peanut Butter Whipped Cream Frosting
From the Recipe Creator:
A luscious peanut butter whipped cream frosting is just a few ingredients away. Try it piped over your favorite chocolate cupcakes or dolloped onto hot chocolate. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
4/39
Jelly Sandwich Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
To create the stained glass effect of these cookies, I sandwich jelly between two layers of basic dough. Your favorite raisin filling is excellent here too. —Gloria McBride, Payson, Utah
5/39
Chocolate Ice Cream Pies
From the Recipe Creator:
I keep the ingredients for these frosty chocolate pies on hand during the summer. They're so quick to assemble. My husband and kids love them. —Wendy Bognar, Sparks, Nevada
6/39
Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests will never know that these colorful, chewy cookies came from a box of cake mix. They are the perfect treat to whip up when you’re running low on supplies or time but still want to impress a crowd. —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
7/39
Pineapple Angel Food Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
A dear friend used to make this often, and I think of her each time I make it. It is made with just two ingredients—yes, two! If you keep angel food cake mix and crushed pineapple in the pantry, you can mix this cake in minutes. You can also make a peach angel food cake the same way: Just use a 15-ounce can of peaches with the juice. —Beverly Raleigh, Tulsa, Oklahoma
8/39
3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Customize this easy recipe by adding vanilla or almond extract. You could even mix in sprinkles or miniature chocolate chips. For a fun look, dip the tops in nonpareils before baking. —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
9/39
Two-Ingredient Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple fudge is delectably creamy and made with only two ingredients: sweetened condensed milk and semisweet chocolate chips. It's great for gift-giving or a quick 15-minute dessert. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
10/39
3-Ingredient Ice Cream
From the Recipe Creator:
Whip together an easy three-ingredient, creamy dessert in just 15 minutes. Heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract create a velvety, smooth frozen dessert that's just sweet enough to satisfy any craving. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
11/39
Snickers Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Though you wouldn't know by looking, you'll find a sweet surprise inside these cookies. My mother got this Snickers cookie recipe from a fellow teacher at her school. It's a terrific way to dress up refrigerated cookie dough. —Kari Pease, Conconully, Washington
12/39
Chocolate Truffles
From the Recipe Creator:
You may be tempted to save these chocolate truffles for a special occasion since the smooth, creamy chocolates are divine. But with just a few ingredients, this truffle recipe is easy to make anytime. —Darlene Wiese-Appleby, Creston, Ohio
13/39
Palmier Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
It takes just two ingredients to make these impressive but easy-to-do French pastries, which are often called palm leaves. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
14/39
Lemon Sorbet
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether you serve it in chilled bowls or scoop it into cut lemon halves, this creamy sorbet is both sweet and tart. It makes a delightfully refreshing finish to any meal. —Goldene Petersen, Brigham City, Utah
15/39
Brownie Bites from Brownie Mix
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to take these quick and easy treats to potlucks and family gatherings. They're always well-received! —Pam Kokes, North Loup, Nebraska
16/39
Cream Cheese Candy
From the Recipe Creator:
These homemade mints make a perfect last-minute addition to holiday treat trays. Pretty much everyone in my neighborhood has this recipe now! —Katie Koziolek, Hartland, Minnesota
17/39
Lemon Bark
From the Recipe Creator:
I wasn't a fan of white chocolate until I made this candy. It's tangy, sweet and creamy all at the same time. The bark was a lovely treat during a springtime shower but would be nice year-round. —Diana Wing, Bountiful, Utah
18/39
Maple Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
Pure, woodsy maple syrup takes the starring role in this old-fashioned favorite. It's smooth, creamy and delightfully decadent. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin
19/39
Banana Boats
From the Recipe Creator:
This banana boat recipe, given to me years ago by a good friend, is a favorite with my family when we go camping. It's quick, fun to make and scrumptious! —Brenda Loveless, Garland, Texas
20/39
Brown Sugar Shortbread
From the Recipe Creator:
These rich buttery cookies have just three ingredients! They're a snap to make for a last-minute gift or when guests will be arriving on short notice. For best results, gradually stir the flour into the dough. —Shirley Gardiner, Clearwater, Manitoba
21/39
Chocolate Peanut Butter Grahams
From the Recipe Creator:
Because so many people seem to love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, I came up with this no-bake cookie recipe. —Geraldine Sliwa, Elgin, Illinois
22/39
Cashew Butter Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These cashew butter cookies are on a more sophisticated level than peanut butter. They are vegan and gluten-free, so you'll be able to share with all your friends. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
23/39
Gluten-Free Almond Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend loved these gluten-free almond cookies so much, she had to ask for the recipe! Quick and easy, they taste as good as the decadent treats I make using puff pastry and almond paste. Everyone loves them! —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio
24/39
Shortbread Cookie
From the Recipe Creator:
With only a few ingredients, these butter shortbread cookies are so simple to prepare. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire
25/39
S’mores No-Bake Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
There's no easier way to get that s'mores goodness in your kitchen than this recipe. Mix these cookies together and chill them till you're ready to share. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
26/39
Blueberry Cream Pops
From the Recipe Creator:
Blueberry and cream pops are such a fun after-school snack. Make them in the morning so the pops are ready to go when the kids come in the door. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
27/39
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
When my mother (who's now a great-grandmother) gave me this recipe for no-flour peanut butter cookies about 15 years ago, I was skeptical because it calls for only three ingredients (and no flour). But since then I've never had a failure, and I make them all the time! —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
28/39
S'more Pops
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughters and I came up with this treat when planning a candy-making party. The pops also make adorable hostess gifts, are perfect for potlucks and would sell out quickly at a bake sale. —Lisa Haboush, Geneva, Illinois
29/39
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
I have to be super careful when cooking for my daughter because of food sensitivities, so I make these no-bake peanut butter oatmeal bars with certified gluten-free oats. Everyone loves these bars when we go to picnics or potlucks, and I know there will be a dessert for my daughter! —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
30/39
Cake & Berry Campfire Cobbler
From the Recipe Creator:
This warm Dutch oven cobbler is one of our favorite ways to end a busy day of fishing, hiking, swimming or rafting. It's yummy with ice cream—and so easy to make! —June Dress, Boise, Idaho
31/39
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
It is amazing how much flavor is in these simple three-ingredient peanut butter cookies without brown sugar. I make them often because I always have the ingredients on hand. —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
32/39
Chocolate Butterscotch Haystacks
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother used to make this haystacks recipe to give to my cousin Vonnie and me when our parents didn't want us to have any more sweets. —Christine Schwester, Divide, Colorado
33/39
Pecan Caramel Candies
From the Recipe Creator:
Salty and sweet, these candies are the perfect little snack. Form a kitchen assembly line with your kids, and the making becomes just as fun as the eating. —Julie Wemhoff, Angola, Indiana
34/39
Blueberry Ice Cream
From the Recipe Creator:
The wild blueberries on our property spark recipe ideas. When my daughter and I made this ice cream at a Girl Guide meeting, it was well received. Even today, our 10 children, 19 grandkids and 4 great-grandchildren think it tastes great. —Alma Mosher, Mohannes, New Brunswick
35/39
Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m a busy teacher and pastor’s wife, and I wouldn’t dare show my face at a church dinner or bake sale without some of these tempting peanut butter treats. They’re quick, easy to make and always a hit. —Kristi Tackett, Banner, Kentucky
36/39
Minister's Delight
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this recipe several years ago. She said a local minister's wife fixed it every Sunday, so she named it accordingly. —Mary Ann Potter, Blue Springs, Missouri
37/39
Potato Chip Clusters
From the Recipe Creator:
Just three offbeat ingredients add up to one unique, delectable, no-bake treat. These super easy sweet-and-salty candy clusters make for merry munching during holiday trips or parties. They travel well in containers without melting or getting soft. —Donna Brockett, Kingfisher, Oklahoma
38/39
Quick Double-Chocolate Biscotti
From the Recipe Creator:
Refrigerated cookie dough gives you a head start on making biscotti from scratch. For true chocolate lovers, substitute chocolate chips for the vanilla. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
39/39
Frozen Banana Cereal Pops
From the Recipe Creator:
When we want a healthy snack, we dip bananas in yogurt, roll 'em in cereal, then freeze. Ta-da! —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
Three-Ingredient Desserts FAQ
Can I make three-ingredient desserts ahead of time?
Many three-ingredient desserts can be made in advance, especially those that need time to chill or set, such as no-bake bars and ice cream treats. Homemade sorbet and ice pops are perfect easy overnight desserts that save time on busy days. Most cookies and baked goods can be made ahead of time and will stay fresh in an airtight storage container at room temperature for three to seven days—sometimes longer depending on the recipe.
Are three-ingredient desserts budget-friendly?
Most three-ingredient desserts are budget-friendly since they need only a few ingredients and often use pantry staples like peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, cake mix or chocolate chips. Choosing store brands, buying ingredients in bulk or stocking up during sales can cut costs further. Many budget-friendly desserts also have optional add-ins and smart swaps, such as canned fruit in place of fresh or choosing different types of chocolate or crushed cookies, so you can use what you already have.
What are the best no-bake three-ingredient desserts for a potluck or party?
The best three-ingredient desserts for potlucks and parties, such as cookie bars, brownies and easy no-bake desserts like truffles or chocolate bark, are easy to eat, easy to transport and look more impressive than their short ingredient list suggests. These recipes come together quickly, hold their shape in warm weather and are easy to portion for sharing. For easy serving, pack them in layers with parchment or waxed paper in between to prevent sticking.
