These 16 small batch desserts are great If you cook for one or two, because you may not want to eat a whole recipe of cookies, brownies or bars. No more getting tired of desserts or wasting them!
[This list of small batch desserts was originally posted in April 2021. It has been updated with additional recipes, tips, and FAQ]
Table of contents
Why make smaller batch desserts
One of the hardest parts of cooking for one is adjusting recipes so you don't have to eat the same meal or dessert day after day. Even as delicious as desserts are, it can be tough throwing away unfinished brownies or cookies.
That's why I want to share this list of small desserts. Make enough for a couple days or a week and you'll enjoy them without feeling obligated to eat more than you'd like or throwing uneaten desserts away.
In this list you'll find cookies, crisps, a chocolate cake!!, ice cream, brownies, and fruit filled desserts.
Desserts for 'one' don't have to lead to mounds of leftovers or only be one mug cake that doesn't end up tasting like a traditional cake.
Lots of times, it's just not worth it to bake something for 30 minutes for just one serving, that's where these 2-4 serving desserts come into play. Make a couple extra servings for leftovers. Eat through the week or freeze for later.
Cookies
Cookies are my favorite small batch dessert. It takes about the same amount of time to make a small batch as a single cookie. They freeze well, and are great to make leftovers of.
These are the chocolatiest chocolate cookies. Cocoa powder and dots of chocolate chips take these dark chocolate cookies over the top. If you're not a dark chocolate fan-just use milk chocolate chips!
I've tested these cookies lots to get the perfect peanut butter flavor and texture. You'll get 5-6 tasty, peanut butter-y cookies in this small batch dessert recipe. Dip them in chocolate for bonus flavor!
I'm a huge fan of making a small batch of cookies instead of a single serving. I mean it takes the same amount of effort and energy to whip up a few cookies as one, so make and bake a few extras for leftovers. Plus cookies freeze well!
Who doesn't love sugar cookies? Make this small batch dessert for yourself or a small crowd. Top them with your favorite sprinkles for a holiday treat or special occasion.
Cakes, Bars
You can make a small cake or batch of bars for yourself or a small gathering. You may have a few extra ingredients, but other than eggs, they can all be used in so many other recipes (ok, eggs too, they just need to be used up quickly!)
If you love chocolate cake, but can't eat a whole cake fast enough, this is your recipe! It's smaller than many recipes and is perfect for leftovers or a small crowd.
After a few fall recipes, it's time for a tasty winter/holiday small batch dessert. This easy gingerbread pound cake is made in a loaf pan for a smaller batch. It's bursting with holiday flavors, and makes a great holiday gift.
Make this small batch no bake pumpkin cheese cake bars recipe in a loaf pan. They're great for a small fall party or dessert with leftovers. Make sure to use gingersnaps in the crust for super fall flavors!
I usually cut 9 oatmeal bars out of this cherry dessert. Enjoy for a week or so, or freeze for later. These cherry oatmeal bars are one of my favorite desserts. Plus they freeze well. So they'll last a long time!
Frozen Treats
Ice cream, popsicles, and frozen yogurt can easily be made for small batch desserts. These are great because they last a long time, and will help cool you down during the hot summer months!
If you don't have an ice cream maker (I mean who does, especially if you're cooking for one), this small batch blueberry oreo ice cream is your homemade ice cream! Sweet, chocolatey cookies and bursts of blueberries are delicious!
These yogurt and fruit popsicles can be enjoyed as dessert or any other time of day. They've got lots of flavor, and are so easy. Make them for a small crowd for a summer holiday or make extras for yourself to cool down on a hot day.
This is a great no-churn recipe, but to make frozen Greek yogurt instead of ice cream. The tangy yogurt and tart cherry sauce are delicious together. You just need a few ingredients for this easy recipe.
Other Tasty Small Batch Desserts
These small batch desserts don't fit into a specific category, but they're still so easy and tasty.
Ok this isn't a dessert on it's own, but it's so easy, takes 5 minutes, and is delicious on ice cream, frozen yogurt, angel food cake, cookies, and so many other small batch desserts.
Even though this is listed as a Halloween recipe, you can enjoy it any time of year. This chocolate bark is great with dried fruit, chocolate, nuts, candies, and so many toppings. Definitely add the quinoa, it's equally great as the candy.
This skillet peach crumble makes 2-3 servings, so it's a perfect small- small batch dessert. It just requires 5 ingredients, including cake mix (leftovers can be used for a small cake!). Enjoy this dessert with ice cream or whipped cream.
S'mores are one of my favorite summer treats. Sweet, charred marshmallow, complex chocolate and crisp graham crackers. Plus you can add lots of tasty toppings. Make them on the stove or in the oven for an easy any day dessert.
Make a small batch dessert with this easy chia pudding recipe with cherries, chocolate, and coconut milk. It's great for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
FAQ
Lots of desserts freeze well, cookies, brownies, already frozen desserts. Even cake, with frosting freezes well.
If you want to make a smaller batch of baked goods, find a recipe for the size batch you want. Sometimes adjusting the servings of a baked good doesn't work. Halving or doubling a recipe works more frequently, though.
Cookies are often a go to dessert, they're usually pretty quick, easy and universally loved. No bake desserts are great too, as they're sometimes faster to make and are great in the summer.
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Colleen says
This is a perfect collection of delicious desserts. Exactly what I need for just my husband and me!
Rebecca says
yay! it's great for 1-2
veenaazmanov says
Thanks for such amazing and delicious recipes and ideas. Have to store them in my best collection. Everything so yum.
Rebecca says
great
Sonal says
What a great collection. I am eyeing to try that Mini chocolate cake. I think small batch baking is what we need these days. Most of the baking recipes yield such huge quantities that it’s overwhelming to bake and then finish those.
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
Thank you for the recipe, it was absolutely delicious and we all loved it!
Rebecca says
which one was your favorite?
Marlynn says
I love this collection of recipes! So often we don't need to make a huge batch and some of my fave recipes are in here.