• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

One Dish Kitchen logo

  • Recipes
  • Articles
  • Store
  • About
  • FAQ
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Articles
  • Store
  • About
  • FAQ
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Articles
  • Store
  • About
  • FAQ
×

Home » Cooking for One Articles

By Joanie Zisk Published: Jan 24, 2021 · Updated: Jan 25, 2021 · This post may contain affiliate links · Please read my disclosure

Single Serving Dessert Recipes

vanilla pudding in a clear glass with a raspberry and mint on top.

Easy dessert recipes that are tailored for one serving. These incredible single serving desserts are to be enjoyed at the end of dinner or as a guilty pleasure anytime! These recipes are hard to resist! Cakes, pies, cookies, puddings and many more.

a picture of strawberry shortcake, chocolate chip cookie, a cupcake and vanilla pudding.

If you've ever wanted to indulge in a little something sweet but didn't want to commit to an entire tray or pan, these easy and delicious "dessert recipes for one" are for you.

The dessert recipes below are easy to make and purely decadent.

These recipes have been carefully created and tested. There's a science behind creating single serving meals and especially desserts. Many dessert recipes can't just be cut in half. Ratios are important.

With these recipes, the work has been done for you. These sweet treats are just the right size to serve one person and they're all incredible! Your biggest challenge will be deciding which dessert to make first!

Why These Recipes Work

  • Many of us want to enjoy a dessert at the end of a meal. When "cooking for one" or when you want to satisfy a sweet craving, a single serving of your favorite dessert will surely hit the spot.
  • There's no need to make an entire pie or a dozen cookies. You don't have to worry about desserts going stale or having to throw leftovers away. These easy dessert recipes are just the right size.
  • If you're feeling generous, you can share, but you don't have to. With these delicious treats, you don't need to feel guilty if you finish them off. Absolutely no sharing required!
  • From a rich and creamy chocolate dessert to a small batch of cookies, these single serving dessert ideas will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Each of the easy recipes are accessible by clicking the link for each recipe and then going to the bottom of the specific recipe’s page.

RELATED: Cooking For One - 5 Simple Tips

cooking for one subscription ad

Single Serving Dessert Recipes

Lemon Cheesecake Mousse

Lemon Cheesecake Mousse with crust on glass plate
Indulge in our Single-Serving No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Mousse! With a crisp graham cracker crust, it's a zesty delight ready in a snap!

Recipe: Lemon Cheesecake Mousse


Small Batch Microwave Fudge

six pieces of fudge on a wooden table next to a red and white napkin
Microwave Fudge For One - a single serving recipe for rich, smooth, incredibly delicious homemade chocolate fudge. One bowl and a microwave is all you need to make this small batch of fudge!

Recipe: Small Batch Microwave Fudge


Baked Apples

one baked apple stuffed with brown sugar and oats on a green plate next to a scoop if ice cream
Baked Apples Recipe - two apples filled with brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Easy to make and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. An easy apple recipe that's perfect when cooking for one or two people.

Recipe: Baked Apples


Half Batch Cowboy Cookies

a silver tray filled with big cowboy cookies next to an orange napkin
Cowboy Cookies, also known as Texas Governor's Mansion Cookies - these famous jumbo cookies are filled with oats, chocolate chips, pecans, and coconut and are spectacular! You'll love this half batch recipe for these soft and chewy cookies.

Recipe: Half Batch Cowboy Cookies


Two Ingredient Chocolate Mousse For One

chocolate mousse made with two ingredients in a bowl
Easy 2 ingredient chocolate mousse recipe made with just cream and chocolate. A rich and creamy single serving dessert that can be whipped up in minutes.

Recipe: Two Ingredient Chocolate Mousse For One


Vanilla Pudding For One

homemade vanilla pudding in a dessert bowl topped with whipped cream, berries, and fresh mint
Vanilla Pudding For One! Rich and creamy vanilla pudding recipe made with a few simple ingredients. Better than instant pudding mix and so easy to make!

Recipe: Vanilla Pudding For One


Small Batch Ladyfingers

four ladyfingers in a glass jar.
Ladyfingers are light and airy sweet biscuits that are often used in desserts such as tiramisu but are also lovely little cookies to enjoy with coffee or tea. This easy ladyfingers recipe calls for just 4 ingredients!

Recipe: Small Batch Ladyfingers


Tiramisu For One

tiramisu for one | one dish kitchen
Easy Tiramisu recipe made with coffee-dipped lady fingers (store-bought or homemade) surrounded by a lightly sweetened, creamy, egg-free filling. This wonderful no bake Italian dessert can be ready in minutes!

Recipe: Tiramisu For One


Small Batch Peppermint Bark

chocolate candies cut into wedges topped with crushed peppermint candy.
Peppermint bark is so easy to make! This delicious treat is made with semi-sweet chocolate, white chocolate, peppermint extract, and a crushed candy cane.

Recipe: Small Batch Peppermint Bark


Lemon Mango Pie

Lemon mango pie with sliced lemon and whipped cream on top
Perfect balance of tart and sweet, this lemon mango pie is made with a butttery graham cracker crust. Single serving dessert that is so easy to make.

Recipe: Lemon Mango Pie


Mini Flourless Chocolate Cake

a chocolate flourless cake topped with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder
A decadent, gluten-free, mini flourless chocolate cake that's made with both chocolate and cocoa. Super rich, very easy to make, and the perfect size for one or two people.

Recipe: Mini Flourless Chocolate Cake


Deep Dish Peanut Butter Cookie For One

a mini peanut butter cookie in a small ramekin
Soft, easy-to-make deep dish peanut butter cookie baked in a small ramekin or baking dish. You only need a few ingredients and a few minutes to make this single serving cookie recipe.

Recipe: Deep Dish Peanut Butter Cookie For One


Rice Krispie Treats For One

Rice Krispies Treats For One | One Dish Kitchen | Game Day Recipes
Rice Krispie Treats For One, a single serving version of a classic dessert made in the microwave. Only three ingredients needed and so easy to make.

Recipe: Rice Krispie Treats For One


Banana Cream Pie For One

a small banana cream pie in a dessert dish next to a floral napkin
Homemade banana cream pie made with one banana, creamy vanilla pudding and a cookie crust. Deliciously rich single serving recipe.

Recipe: Banana Cream Pie For One


Blueberry Crumble For One

a blueberry crumble in a rectangular baking dish next to a bowl of blueberries
Mini blueberry crumble made with a handful of blueberries and topped with a crisp, buttery oat topping. A wonderful single serving dessert! Quick, easy, and so delicious!

Recipe: Blueberry Crumble For One


Strawberry Milkshake For One

an overhead view of a milkshake with a red straw next to the glass.
Whip up a delightful single-serving strawberry milkshake with our easy, customizable recipe. Enjoy a creamy, refreshing treat in minutes!

Recipe: Strawberry Milkshake For One


Small Batch Meringue Cookies

three meringue cookies on a doily on top of a white plate next to a beige napkin and eggs
This is a classic recipe for meringue cookies! This small batch cookie recipe will yield 5-6 melt in your mouth meringues. It's the perfect recipe to use when you have one egg white. Crispy on the outside and wonderfully chewy in the center, these meringues are irresistible!

Recipe: Small Batch Meringue Cookies


Sweet Potato Pie For One

a small sweet potato pie in a square baking dish next to a plate of sliced sweet potatoes
Rich, creamy Sweet Potato Pie For One! This popular Southern dessert starts with a buttery graham cracker crust and is filled with a delightful sweet potato custard.

Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie For One


Mini Spice Cake

A tender and buttery spice cake packed with the warm flavors of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This mini cake is easy to make and perfect for serving one or two people.

Recipe: Mini Spice Cake


Chocolate Mousse For One

Chocolate Mousse For One | One Dish Kitchen
This incredibly rich Chocolate Mousse is a chocolate lovers’ dream! This elegant single serving dessert is made with only a few simple ingredients and is so easy to make.

Recipe: Chocolate Mousse For One


Small Batch Apple Cinnamon Scones

an apple cinnamon scone topped with a glaze and chopped pecans on a baking sheet
Buttery Apple Cinnamon Scones filled with bits of sweet apples and toasted pecans and topped with a delightful maple glaze. This wonderful small batch recipe will yield 4 tender scones.

Recipe: Small Batch Apple Cinnamon Scones


Small Batch Brownies

two brownies with nuts stacked on top of each other on a plate
The best brownie recipe! This small batch brownie recipe delivers rich, chewy, chocolatey brownies baked in a small baking dish. Ready in minutes!

Recipe: Small Batch Brownies


How To Make Two Vanilla Cupcakes

Vanilla Cupcakes | One Dish Kitchen | Game Day Recipes
Satisfy a cupcake craving with this small batch recipe for TWO vanilla cupcakes. These delicious cupcakes have a lovely melt-in-your-mouth texture and are topped with a rich, indulgent buttercream frosting. One bowl and no fancy equipment needed and can be made in a toaster oven or conventional oven.

Recipe: How To Make Two Vanilla Cupcakes


Lemon Meringue Pie For One

a small lemon meringue pie on a silver tray next to fresh lemons
This single serving lemon meringue pie has a big fluffy toasted meringue topping, a perfectly balanced sweet and tart lemon filling, and a crisp graham cracker crust. Baked in a ramekin it's the perfect size for anyone cooking for one.

Recipe: Lemon Meringue Pie For One


Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie

a spoon on the side of a deep dish chocolate chip cookie
Indulgent deep dish chocolate chip cookie. Buttery, crisp edges and warm, gooey center. Delightful indulgent treat for one person.

Recipe: Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie


Small Batch Apple Fritters

four apple fritters topped with powdered sugar on a white plate
Crispy on the outside and soft with sweet bits of apples and crunchy pecans on the insides, these Apple Fritters are a delight. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, this small batch recipe will yield about four fritters, depending on how large you make them.

Recipe: Small Batch Apple Fritters


Strawberry Shortcake For One

a single strawberry shortcake on a clear plate next to a bowl of strawberries
Indulge in a scrumptious, single-serving strawberry shortcake using our foolproof, customizable recipe. Experience dessert bliss in every bite!

Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake For One


Healthy Dessert Recipes

If you're looking for healthy desserts, here are a few of our most popular single serving healthy dessert recipes:

Click on the recipe title to go directly to the recipe

  • Keto Fat Bombs - this small batch keto dessert recipe requires only a few ingredients! Cream cheese, cream, a low carb sweetener, vanilla, and cinnamon. Fat bombs taste just like mini crustless keto cheesecakes and are perfect for anyone following a ketogenic diet.
  • Watermelon Strawberry Sorbet - this refreshing dessert is made with just 3 ingredients; watermelon, strawberries, and honey. No ice cream maker needed! A healthy, and delicious single serving recipe!
  • Mango Sorbet - this creamy sorbet is made with 1 fresh mango or frozen mango chunks, honey and lemon juice. This healthy, single serving dessert recipe can be made in the blender and no ice cream maker needed!
  • Small Batch Peanut Butter Bars - just 4 ingredients needed to make these healthy Peanut Butter Bars; natural peanut butter, oats and honey. These no bake bars are topped with a light cream cheese and honey frosting. They’re a healthier version of traditional peanut butter bars and this small batch recipe can be ready in minutes!
  • Chocolate Avocado Tart - a simple recipe for a Chocolate Avocado Tart made with a gluten-free crust. A rich, creamy, guilt free dessert that can be ready in minutes. Made with an avocado and cocoa powder and sweetened with a touch of melted chocolate and honey. Vegan option too!

Expert Tips

  • If a recipe calls for using softened butter, it is important to know what softened butter really is. Softened butter should still be cool to the touch but when you press your finger into the butter, your finger will leave an indentation. The best way to soften your butter is to put it out on the kitchen counter for a half hour before you want to use it. Another way to quickly soften butter is to put the cold butter in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. If you use this method, be sure to watch carefully - you don't want the butter to melt at all.
  • Measure flour by using the spoon and level method. To measure flour correctly, use a spoon to scoop flour into a measuring cup and slightly overfill. Then, use the back of a knife or other straight edged utensil to level the flour across the cup. Do not scoop the flour. When you scoop, the flour gets packed too tightly and you will end up with more flour than the recipe calls for.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Make Brown Sugar?

If you find that you don't have any brown sugar on hand, no need to rush to the store. Make your own brown sugar instead by following this easy brown sugar recipe.

Can Any Of These Dessert Recipes Be Doubled?

Yes, most of the recipes featured here can be doubled if you would like to make more. Click on the link to the specific recipe and read the recipes notes to see if the recipe doubles successfully.

Other Single Serving Recipes

  • Single Serving Breakfast Recipes
  • Dinner For One Recipes
  • Side Dish Recipes For One
  • Appetizer Recipes For One
  • Single Serving Salad Recipes
  • Single Serving Soup Recipes

If you’ve tried any of these single serving dessert recipes or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!

More Cooking for One Articles

  • a bowl of black eyed peas next to a fork and corn muffins
    New Year's Recipes For One
  • a blonde woman in a kitchen chopping vegetables to prepare a meal
    How To Reduce A Recipe
  • a mason jar with pumpkin spiced granola spilling out onto a silver tray
    Single Serving Pumpkin Recipes To Get You Ready For Fall
  • a scone filled with fresh pieces with a glaze poured over the top next to a sprig of fresh mint.
    Recipes Made With One Peach

About Joanie Zisk

Joanie Zisk is the creator behind OneDishKitchen.com, the number one website for single-serving recipes. Joanie has over 10 years of experience in developing and publishing recipes, author of “The Ultimate Cooking for One Cookbook”, and a passionate home cook. Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single-serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Tonya says

    October 14, 2020 at 10:43 am

    I love blueberries so I decided to try your recipe for one muffin. It was delicious! Because the muffin was so big, I cut it in half and ate it for breakfast over the course of 2 days. I will definitely make this muffin again.

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      October 14, 2020 at 5:42 pm

      I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you for your feedback.

      Reply
  2. Susan says

    November 24, 2019 at 7:01 am

    Hi! I make desserts for clients who are in hospice when it’s their birthday. I just came across your desserts for one and this will be perfect! Have not made any of them yet, but they look delicious and easy to make so I’m looking forward to giving them a try. Thank you for the recipes!

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      November 26, 2019 at 6:50 am

      Hi Susan,

      What a wonderful thing to do! I'm so happy you found our site and hope you enjoy the recipes.

      Thank you.
      Joanie

      Reply
  3. JoAnn Winter says

    January 29, 2019 at 11:07 pm

    I wanted to thank you. I have made your ginger bread and the fettuccine alfredo, AWESOME. I am looking forward to trying more of your delicious recipes. Perfect for hubby and me!

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      January 31, 2019 at 5:44 pm

      Thank you so much, JoAnn. I'm so happy you are enjoying the recipes!
      Joanie

      Reply
      • Nancy Muzzy says

        August 16, 2019 at 5:06 pm

        I'm so excited to begin cooking again with your cooking for one recipes. And, thank you for the "Jump To Recipe" option which lets me file the recipe then go back to read your comments when time permits.

  4. Debbie Adkins says

    May 30, 2018 at 10:47 am

    Thank you so much for all your wonderful recipes! I never would make any desserts because I would eat the whole thing myself. Now I can get my fix and not feel guilty. I have tried several of them and they are so delicious!

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      June 04, 2018 at 9:00 am

      I'm so happy you love the recipes, Debbie. Thank you for reaching out to let me know. If you have a favorite recipe that you would like to see made into a single-serving version, please let me know.
      Have a great week!

      Reply
  5. kelly smith says

    September 22, 2017 at 3:48 am

    Oh wow, It’s looking so tasty
    Can’t wait for much to taste it

    Reply
« Older Comments

Primary Sidebar

Your Cooking for One Source - Because you are worth it - info graphic
joanie zisk leaning on a counter in the kitchen.

Welcome to One Dish Kitchen, I’m Joanie and I’m incredibly happy you’re here! Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

More about me →

Newsletter signup graphic
10% off when you purchase the cookbook and 5-inch baking dish together

Summer Recipes

  • a bowl filled with chicken salad with grapes next to a bowl of crackers
  • a mini icebox cake topped with strawberries on a tray
  • two stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish
  • a plate of shrimp scampi on a silver tray next to a brown napkin
  • ratatouille in a bowl next to a block of Parmesan cheese
  • Low Carb Lemon Cake | One Dish Kitchen

Featured On...

Logos of publications that One Dish Kitchen has been published

Popular Recipes

  • banana muffin with piece taken out
    Easy Small Batch Banana Muffins Recipe
  • stack of pancakes for one with blueberries on top
    Fluffy Pancakes For One
  • a loaf of french bread on a dark counter.
    How To Make A Small Loaf Of French Bread
  • slices of pound cake on a plate.
    Mini Pound Cake Recipe

Cooking for One Tips

Cooking For One - Tips To Eat Healthy and Save Money - Whether you live alone, you're a parent that wants to indulge while the kids enjoy their favorites, or you have a partner who travels, you're sure to find these simple tips for cooking for one and tasty recipes helpful. | One Dish Kitchen

Footer

↑ back to top

One Dish Kitchen

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Statement
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Contact
  • Work with Us

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Food and Recipes

  • Recipes
  • Meal Plans
  • Cookbook
  • FAQ
  • Store

Copyright © 2023 One Dish Kitchen