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.
1/29
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
2/29
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
3/29
Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy
From the Recipe Creator:
With only three ingredients, these chocolate-swirl treats take just moments to whip up! If you have little ones visiting for the holidays, have them help you with the stirring. —Holly Demers, Abbotsford, British Columbia
4/29
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
5/29
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
6/29
Rainbow Jello Cubes
From the Recipe Creator:
These perky gelatin cubes are fun to serve and to eat! I vary the colors to match the occasion—pink and blue for a baby shower, school colors for a graduation party, and so on. Kids of all ages snap them up. —Deanna Pietrowicz, Bridgeport, Connecticut
7/29
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
8/29
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
9/29
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
10/29
Marshmallow Pops
From the Recipe Creator:
Making these pops is a fun activity for a children's party because any age can participate. Customize them for holidays or special occasions by rolling them in coordinating colored sprinkles. —Marcia Porch, Winter Park, Florida
11/29
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
12/29
Chocolate Truffles
From the Recipe Creator:
You may be tempted to save these chocolate truffles for a special occasion since these smooth, creamy chocolates are divine. But with just a few ingredients, this truffle recipe is easy to make anytime. —Darlene Wiese-Appleby, Creston, Ohio
13/29
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
14/29
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
15/29
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
16/29
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
17/29
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
18/29
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
19/29
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
20/29
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 very often because I always have the ingredients on hand. —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
21/29
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
22/29
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
23/29
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
24/29
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
25/29
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
26/29
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
27/29
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
28/29
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
29/29
Texas Tumbleweeds
From the Recipe Creator:
Tumbleweeds blow across the roads in some parts of Texas, and I think these cute stacks look like them. I've been making these sweets with my sister for years. —Karen Lemay, Seabrook, Texas
3-Ingredient Desserts FAQ
Can I make three-ingredient desserts ahead of time?
Yes, many three-ingredient desserts can be made in advance, especially those that need time to chill or set, like no-bake bars, frozen fruit pops and crisp palmiers. Cookie cups and sorbets hold up well, making them perfect, easy overnight desserts that save time on busy days. To keep them fresh, store desserts in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. For layered treats, lining pans with parchment makes removal and slicing easier. When transporting, use a cooler or insulated bag to maintain texture and flavor.
What three-ingredient no-bake desserts work for potlucks?
Peanut butter balls, cereal bars, chocolate bark and frozen fruit pops are easy no-bake desserts with just three ingredients that make perfect potluck treats. These recipes come together quickly, hold their shape in warm weather and are easy to portion for sharing. Other favorites include energy bites and yogurt-dipped snacks, which are just as simple and crowd-pleasing. For easy serving, pack them in single layers with waxed paper in between to prevent sticking.
Are three-ingredient desserts budget-friendly?
Yes, most three-ingredient desserts are budget-friendly since they often use pantry staples like peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, cake mix or granola mix. They’re perfect for feeding a crowd without stretching your budget. Opting for store brands or buying ingredients in bulk can cut costs further. Many budget-friendly desserts also allow smart swaps, such as canned fruit for fresh or using whatever chocolate or cookies you have on hand for a low-cost treat that still delivers flavor.
