Here is the summary table for the 30 no-bake desserts you can make in under 15 minutes.
There are moments when the need for a sweet treat is immediate and non negotiable. In those times, the idea of a lengthy recipe is out of the question. This is where the beauty of the lightning fast no bake dessert truly shines.
These recipes are your go to for instant gratification, requiring just a handful of ingredients and less than 15 minutes of your time.
From rich chocolate fixes to refreshing fruit creations, this list proves you are never more than a few moments away from a delicious, homemade dessert.
Instant Chocolate Fixes
When a chocolate craving hits, there is no time to waste. These recipes are decadent, satisfying, and incredibly quick.
1. 2 Ingredient Chocolate Mousse
This is the fastest path to an elegant desser t. It is rich, airy, and deeply chocolatey, tasting like it took far longer than five minutes to prepare.
DIY Tips:
- Use a high quality chocolate bar for the best flavor and smoothest texture.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the slightly cooled melted chocolate to maintain a light, airy consistency.
- Serve in small glasses and top with a single raspberry for a beautiful finish.
2. 3 Ingredient Oreo Truffles
These truffles taste impossibly decadent for being so simple. Crushed Oreos are blended with cream cheese and rolled into balls.
DIY Tips:
- Use a food processor to turn the Oreos into fine crumbs in seconds.
- For the fastest version, skip the chocolate coating and simply roll the truffle balls in cocoa powder or festive sprinkles.
- A quick 5 minute chill in the freezer will make the balls firmer and easier to handle.
3. Fudgy No Bake Oat Cookies
An old fashioned favorite, these cookies are made by briefly boiling a chocolate mixture and stirring in oats. They set up quickly and are wonderfully chewy.
DIY Tips:
- Have your oats and wax paper ready before you start, as the process moves very quickly once off the heat.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies and the fastest portioning.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract along with the oats for a richer flavor.
4. 5 Minute Microwave Fudge
This foolproof fudge comes together in a microwave safe bowl. It is the perfect recipe for a last minute sweet treat that everyone will love.
DIY Tips:
- Use chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and a knob of butter for the classic base.
- Stir in mini marshmallows or chopped nuts right after you take it out of the microwave.
- Line a small dish with parchment paper for easy removal and cutting once it sets in the fridge.
5. Chocolate Haystack Cookies
A super simple treat made by melting chocolate chips and mixing them with crunchy chow mein noodles or crushed pretzels.
DIY Tips:
- Use your microwave to melt the chocolate in 30 second intervals to prevent scorching.
- Add a scoop of peanut butter to the melted chocolate for extra flavor.
- Drop by the spoonful onto wax paper and chill in the fridge for 10 minutes to set instantly.
6. Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
A creamy peanut butter base is topped with a simple chocolate layer. They taste like a candy cup but are so much easier to make.
DIY Tips:
- Use a pre made graham cracker crumb mixture for the base to save time.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets to enhance the flavor.
- A quick trip to the freezer will set these bars in about 10 minutes.
Creamy & Dreamy Delights
These luscious, creamy desserts require no cooking, just a few minutes of mixing before they are ready to chill.
7. Lemon Icebox Pie in a Mug
Get the flavor of a whole pie in a single serving. This is a simple mix of crushed graham crackers, and a filling of cream cheese, lemon juice, and sugar.
DIY Tips:
- Layer the ingredients directly in a mug or glass for zero cleanup.
- Use store bought lemon curd for an even faster, more intense lemon flavor.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream from a can.
8. Key Lime Pie Mousse
This recipe captures the taste of key lime pie without the wait. It is a simple mix of cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and whipped topping.
DIY Tips:
- Use bottled key lime juice for convenience and consistent tangy flavor.
- Serve in individual glasses and top with crushed graham cracker crumbs to mimic a crust.
- Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a thin slice of lime.
9. 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Pie
A creamy, dreamy pie with a rich peanut butter filling that comes together with just cream cheese, peanut butter, and powdered sugar in a prepared crust.
DIY Tips:
- Use a pre made Oreo cookie crust for a delicious chocolate and peanut butter combination.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the pie for a simple, elegant decoration.
- A hand mixer will make the filling smooth and creamy in under a minute.
10. No Bake Cheesecake Parfaits
Layer crushed graham crackers, a quick no bake cheesecake filling, and canned pie filling in a glass for an instant, single serving dessert.
DIY Tips:
- The cheesecake filling can be as simple as whipped cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a little vanilla.
- Use clear glasses or jars to show off the beautiful, distinct layers.
- Cherry or strawberry pie filling are classic and delicious choices.
11. Tiramisu Cups
A lightning fast version of the Italian classic. Layer crushed ladyfinger cookies, a quick mascarpone cream, and cold coffee in individual glasses.
DIY Tips:
- The mascarpone cream can be made by simply whipping mascarpone with a little powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Use instant espresso powder dissolved in a little hot water for a fast coffee component.
- Dust the top with cocoa powder for that authentic look.
12. Dirt Pudding Cups
A kid friendly favorite, this dessert features layers of chocolate pudding and crushed Oreo cookies, often decorated with gummy worms.
DIY Tips:
- Use instant chocolate pudding mix for a filling that sets up in five minutes.
- Put the Oreo cookies in a zip top bag and crush them with a rolling pin for quick “dirt” crumbs.
- Serve in clear plastic cups so you can see the fun layers.
Quick & Refreshing Fruit Treats
Celebrate nature’s sweetness with these light, refreshing, and fruit forward desserts that require almost no prep time.
13. Berry Yogurt Bark
A healthy, beautiful, and refreshing treat made by spreading yogurt on a baking sheet, topping it with berries, and freezing until solid.
DIY Tips:
- Use Greek yogurt for a thicker, higher protein bark.
- Swirl a little honey or maple syrup into the yogurt for extra sweetness.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper so the bark is easy to break apart once it is frozen.
14. Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
These bite sized treats are made by hollowing out fresh strawberries and filling them with a simple no bake cheesecake mixture.
DIY Tips:
- After filling the strawberries, dip the bottom in crushed graham cracker crumbs to mimic a crust.
- Use a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off for easy, mess free filling.
- These are best served immediately for the freshest taste.
15. 2 Ingredient Tropical Whip
A healthy and refreshing dessert, this is a simple blend of frozen pineapple or mango and a splash of coconut milk.
DIY Tips:
- For the creamiest texture, use a high speed blender and a tamper to push the frozen fruit down.
- You can swap the pineapple for frozen mango or banana for a different tropical flavor.
- Serve immediately for a perfect soft serve consistency.
16. Eton Mess
A traditional English dessert that is a delightful “mess” of crushed meringue cookies, fresh berries, and sweetened whipped cream.
DIY Tips:
- Use store bought meringue cookies to make this dessert in just a few minutes.
- Gently fold the ingredients together; you want distinct pieces of meringue, not a uniform mush.
- Serve immediately after mixing to ensure the meringues stay nice and crunchy.
17. Banana “Nice” Cream
The ultimate one ingredient wonder. Frozen banana slices are blended in a food processor until they become a smooth, creamy soft serve.
DIY Tips:
- Use very ripe, spotty bananas for the sweetest flavor. Peel and slice them before freezing.
- Add a spoonful of cocoa powder or peanut butter to the food processor for a different flavor.
- You may need to scrape down the sides of the food processor a few times to get it perfectly smooth.
18. Ambrosia Salad
A classic fruit salad that easily doubles as a dessert, ambrosia is a simple mix of canned fruit, miniature marshmallows, and a creamy binder.
DIY Tips:
- Use a can of fruit cocktail, drained, and a can of mandarin oranges for the classic fruit base.
- A container of whipped topping or a cup of sour cream can be used as the creamy binder.
- Add shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.
19. Watermelon Pizza
A fun and healthy dessert. A large, round slice of watermelon is topped with yogurt, berries, and mint to look like a pizza.
DIY Tips:
- Pat the watermelon slice dry with a paper towel before adding the toppings.
- Use a thick Greek yogurt as the “sauce.”
- Let kids decorate their own “slice” with their favorite fruits.
Effortless Bites, Bars & Dips
These easy, portable treats are perfect for parties, movie nights, or a quick and satisfying sweet fix that is ready in minutes.
20. Classic Rice Krispie Treats
The ultimate nostalgic no bake bar, made by simply melting marshmallows and butter, then stirring in crispy rice cereal.
DIY Tips:
- Use fresh marshmallows for the best gooey, soft texture; old marshmallows can be dry.
- Do not press the mixture into the pan too firmly, or the treats will become hard and dense.
- Stir in a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt with the cereal for a boost of flavor.
21. 5 Ingredient Energy Bites
These healthy, customizable bites are made with a base of oats, a binder like peanut butter, a sweetener like honey, and your favorite mix ins.
DIY Tips:
- If the mixture is too sticky to roll, chill it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
- Use a small cookie scoop to create uniform sized balls quickly.
- Roll the finished bites in shredded coconut or cocoa powder to prevent them from sticking together.
22. Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
A simple, classic treat that satisfies both sweet and salty cravings. Just dip pretzels in melted chocolate and let them set.
DIY Tips:
- Dip pretzel rods and cover them in sprinkles for a fun, festive treat.
- Lay the dipped pretzels on parchment paper and chill them in the fridge to speed up the setting process.
- Create a marbled effect by drizzling a contrasting color of melted chocolate over the top.
23. Edible Cookie Dough Dip
A safe to eat, eggless cookie dough that is served as a fun, sweet dip. It is perfect for parties with pretzels, apple slices, or graham crackers.
DIY Tips:
- Use heat treated flour to eliminate any risk from raw flour (you can do this by briefly microwaving it).
- Mini chocolate chips work best for a dippable consistency.
- Serve with a variety of dippers for a fun and interactive dessert board.
24. 3 Ingredient Fruit Dip
A classic, creamy dip that is perfect for any fruit platter. Simply mix a block of softened cream cheese with a jar of marshmallow fluff and a splash of orange juice.
DIY Tips:
- Use a hand mixer to whip the ingredients together for the fluffiest texture.
- Add a little bit of fruit zest, like orange or lemon, for a brighter flavor.
- Serve with a colorful platter of fresh strawberries, grapes, melon, and apple slices.
25. Quick Chocolate Fondue
You do not need a fancy fondue pot for this classic. Simply melt chocolate chips with a little heavy cream in the microwave until smooth and dippable.
DIY Tips:
- Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, to prevent the chocolate from seizing.
- A splash of vanilla or a flavored liqueur can be stirred in at the end.
- Serve with an array of dippers like marshmallows, pound cake cubes, strawberries, and pretzels.
26. Peanut Butter Balls (Buckeyes)
A creamy peanut butter mixture is rolled into balls and then partially dipped in melted chocolate, leaving a small circle of peanut butter showing at the top.
DIY Tips:
- Use a toothpick to dip the peanut butter balls into the chocolate for a clean, easy process.
- Chill the peanut butter balls for 10 minutes before dipping to help them hold their shape.
- After dipping, you can smooth over the toothpick hole with your finger.
27. S’mores Snack Mix
A deconstructed, no mess version of the campfire classic. Simply toss Golden Grahams cereal, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips together in a bowl.
DIY Tips:
- Add other fun ingredients like peanuts or mini peanut butter cups.
- For a slightly more decadent version, drizzle the mix with a little melted chocolate.
- This is the perfect snack for a kids’ party or a movie night.
28. Caramel Apple Nachos
A fun and shareable dessert. Sliced apples are arranged on a plate, drizzled with melted caramel and chocolate, and sprinkled with toppings.
DIY Tips:
- Use a tart, crisp apple like a Granny Smith to balance the sweet toppings.
- Melt soft caramel candies with a splash of milk in the microwave for a quick caramel sauce.
- Top with mini chocolate chips, toffee bits, or chopped nuts.
29. Strawberry Fluff Salad
A retro, light as air dessert “salad” made with strawberry Jell-O, cottage cheese, crushed pineapple, and whipped topping.
DIY Tips:
- Use a blender to whip the cottage cheese first for a completely smooth and creamy texture.
- Drain the crushed pineapple very well to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- This is a dump and stir recipe that is ready as soon as it is mixed.
30. Chocolate Salami
A fun and unique dessert where crushed cookies and nuts are mixed with a chocolate binder, formed into a log shape, and chilled. When sliced, it resembles a salami.
DIY Tips:
- Use simple, buttery cookies like shortbread or biscotti for the best texture.
- Roll the log tightly in parchment paper to get a uniform, round shape.
- A dusting of powdered sugar on the outside before slicing completes the “salami” look.
Conclusion
With this collection of lightning fast recipes, a fantastic homemade dessert is never more than 15 minutes away. These no bake treats prove that you do not need a hot oven or a complicated process to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you are craving rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, or fresh fruit, there is an effortless and nearly instant option waiting for you. So embrace the beauty of simplicity and get ready to enjoy a delicious, stress free dessert anytime the craving strikes.