Easy Desserts that Don't Require the Oven

Sometimes the best recipes are the most simple ones. Satisfying an insatiable craving for sweet treats doesn’t have to be difficult, especially if you’ve got a big family and no ingredients. Try out some of these super-simple home-cooked treats that are so good, you won’t hear yourself asking “Alexa, where’s the closest bakery near me?”

Mug Desserts

If you’ve ever yearned for a fresh-baked cookie or brownie but haven’t wanted to bake a whole batch, you’re in luck! Mug desserts are single-serve desserts that are — you guessed it! — baked in a coffee mug. Simple, quick and so delicious! Choose from so many flavors, including:

• Chocolate chip cookie
• Fudge brownie
• Snickerdoodle
• Blueberry muffin

No-Bake Options

The dead of summer can be a precarious time to do any baking, especially if you don’t have air conditioning. Whether the family agrees unanimously that peanut butter is queen or you can’t decide on anything, there’s a no-bake taste for everyone. Plus, you’re not overheating the kitchen in your attempt to satisfy everyone’s unique needs. Try options like:

• Cookie dough squares
• Microwave fudge
• Rice Krispy treats
• S’mores

Fruit Salad, Yummy Yummy!

Fresh, wholesome desserts are almost always a crowd-pleaser. Cool and deliciously light, it’s hard to mess up a good old fashioned fruit salad. If you want to try something a little different, take a spin on cut-up fruit in a bowl (as tasty as it is!)

• Layer fruit with instant vanilla pudding or yogurt and granola to make a fruit parfait
• Cut up colorful fruit and make rainbow fruit kabobs
• Mix yogurt in with your fruit and freeze it. Cut it into squares (or use a muffin tin to freeze it) for a frozen fruity treat.

If you’re short on time and baking supplies, don’t fret. There are plenty of ways to satisfy your family’s sweet tooth while doing very little actual work.