14 Three Ingredient Desserts That Taste Like Way More Work Than They Are

Some nights you want something sweet, but a long recipe feels like too much. These three ingredient desserts are the answer. Every treat below uses just three pantry staples, so you can shop at a glance, skip the stress and still bring something special to the table this holiday season..

Three Ingredient Desserts: Cookie and Cream Cheese Truffles

If you only make one recipe from this list, make this one. Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and soft cream cheese turn into a rich, fudgy center that tastes like cheesecake met a cookie. A smooth white chocolate shell makes them look like they came from a candy shop. They keep well in the fridge, so you can make them days before a party. Be honest: how many would you eat before they even reach the plate?

You will need: 1 package (about 36) chocolate sandwich cookies, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 12 oz white chocolate melting wafers.

How to make it: 1. Crush the cookies into fine crumbs and save 2 tablespoons for the top. 2. Mix the rest with the cream cheese until it forms a dough. 3. Roll into 1 inch balls and chill for 30 minutes. 4. Melt the white chocolate in short bursts in the microwave. 5. Dip each ball, set on parchment and sprinkle with the saved crumbs. 6. Chill until firm.

Three Ingredient Desserts: Peanut Butter Cookies

No flour, no butter, no mixer. These soft, chewy peanut butter cookies are the kind of recipe grandma kept on an index card because it simply works every time. The famous fork crisscross is not just for looks; it flattens the dough so the cookies bake evenly. They come out tender in the middle with crisp edges. Did you grow up with these, or are you trying them for the first time?

You will need: 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F and line a tray with parchment. 2. Stir everything together until smooth. 3. Roll into 1 inch balls and press a crisscross on top with a fork. 4. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges set. 5. Cool on the tray for 5 minutes before moving them.

Chocolate Hazelnut Mug Brownie

This is dessert for one, ready in about the time it takes to make a cup of tea. A spoonful of chocolate hazelnut spread does all the heavy lifting here, bringing sugar, fat and flavor at once. The result is a warm, gooey little brownie you eat straight from the mug. It is proof that three ingredient desserts can be ready in minutes. Quick poll: what goes on top? A) a scoop of vanilla ice cream, B) whipped cream, C) a pinch of sea salt, D) nothing, eat it hot.

You will need: 4 tablespoons chocolate hazelnut spread, 1 large egg, 3 tablespoons all purpose flour.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the spread and egg in a large mug until smooth. 2. Stir in the flour until no dry spots remain. 3. Microwave 60 to 80 seconds, checking at 60. 4. The center should look just set. 5. Rest 1 minute and dig in.

Banana Cinnamon Pancakes

Got a spotty banana on the counter? Breakfast or dessert is sorted. Mashed banana and eggs cook up into thin, tender pancakes that taste a little like warm banana bread. A pinch of cinnamon makes the whole kitchen smell like a fall morning. They are delicate, so keep them small and flip gently. Top with fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup if you want to go beyond the three.

You will need: 1 large ripe banana, 2 large eggs, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

How to make it: 1. Mash the banana until almost smooth. 2. Whisk in the eggs and cinnamon. 3. Heat a nonstick pan over medium low with a little oil or butter. 4. Pour 2 tablespoon rounds of batter. 5. Cook about 1 to 2 minutes per side, flipping carefully.

Two Minute Chocolate Fudge

Old fashioned fudge used to mean candy thermometers and a lot of nerves. This version skips all that. Sweetened condensed milk melts with chocolate chips into a glossy, silky fudge that sets up firm in the fridge. Cut it into small squares and pack it in a tin, and you have a homemade holiday gift that people actually remember. Of all the three ingredient desserts here, this is the best one to give away. Who on your list would love a box of this?

You will need: 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips, 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

How to make it: 1. Line an 8 inch square pan with foil or parchment. 2. Melt the chips and condensed milk together over low heat, stirring. 3. Take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla. 4. Spread into the pan and smooth the top. 5. Chill at least 2 hours, then cut into small squares.

Three Ingredient Desserts: Chocolate Mousse

Chocolate mousse sounds fancy, but it is one of the easiest desserts you can make for guests. Whipped cream is folded into melted chocolate, and that is really the whole secret. It turns light, airy and deeply chocolatey. Spoon it into small glasses and it looks like something from a French bistro. Would you serve this at Thanksgiving, or keep it all for yourself?

You will need: 4 oz dark chocolate (chopped), 1 cup cold heavy cream, 1 tablespoon sugar.

How to make it: 1. Melt the chocolate gently and let it cool until just warm. 2. Whip the cream with the sugar to soft peaks. 3. Stir a third of the cream into the chocolate to loosen it. 4. Fold in the rest gently so it stays fluffy. 5. Spoon into glasses and chill 2 hours.

Buttery Scottish Style Shortbread

Shortbread proves that three ingredient desserts can be the very best. Good butter, sugar and flour bake into a cookie that is crisp, sandy and melts on your tongue. It is a classic holiday tin cookie for a reason, and it keeps for a week or more. Use real butter here; it is the main flavor. Cut it into fingers or press it into a round and score it into wedges.

You will need: 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter (softened), 1/2 cup sugar, 2 cups all purpose flour.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 325F. 2. Beat the butter and sugar until creamy. 3. Mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. 4. Press into an 8 inch pan and prick all over with a fork. 5. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until pale golden. 6. Cut while warm and cool in the pan.

Three Ingredient Desserts: Pumpkin Spice Muffins

These muffins taste like fall in every bite, and nobody will guess they started with a box. Canned pumpkin replaces the eggs and oil in a cake mix, making soft, moist muffins with a lovely orange crumb. A spoon of pumpkin pie spice deepens the flavor. They are great for school lunches, a Halloween party or a cozy breakfast with coffee.

You will need: 1 box (about 15 oz) yellow or spice cake mix, 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F and line a 12 cup muffin pan. 2. Stir the cake mix, pumpkin and spice together. The batter will be thick. 3. Divide among the cups. 4. Bake 18 to 22 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. 5. Cool 10 minutes before serving.

Five Minute Strawberry Sorbet

You do not need an ice cream maker for this. Fruit makes some of the freshest three ingredient desserts. Frozen strawberries blend with a little sugar and lemon into a bright, smooth sorbet that tastes like summer, even in late October. It is light after a heavy holiday meal and naturally dairy free. Which fruit would you try next? A) mango, B) raspberry, C) pineapple, D) peach. For a creamy version, try our three ingredient coconut ice cream.

You will need: 3 cups frozen strawberries, 1/4 cup sugar or honey, 2 tablespoons lemon juice.

How to make it: 1. Let the berries sit 5 minutes to soften slightly. 2. Add everything to a food processor. 3. Blend, scraping down the sides, until smooth. 4. Serve right away for soft serve. 5. Freeze 1 to 2 hours for firmer scoops.

Chewy Coconut Macaroons

Golden on the outside and chewy inside, coconut macaroons are a favorite at holiday cookie swaps. Whipped egg whites keep them light, while condensed milk holds everything together and adds sweetness. They are naturally gluten free, which makes them a kind choice when friends have different diets. Dip the bottoms in chocolate if you want to show off.

You will need: 14 oz sweetened shredded coconut, 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk, 2 large egg whites.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 325F and line a tray with parchment. 2. Mix the coconut and condensed milk. 3. Whip the egg whites to stiff peaks and fold them in. 4. Scoop small mounds onto the tray. 5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until golden. 6. Cool fully on the tray.

Three Ingredient Desserts: Puff Pastry Apple Roses

These look like they came from a fancy bakery window, but they are surprisingly simple. Thin apple slices are softened, laid along strips of puff pastry and rolled up into roses. The jam glues it all together and adds shine. Set them out at brunch and watch people take photos before they take a bite.

You will need: 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed), 2 red apples (thinly sliced), 1/3 cup apricot jam.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375F and grease a muffin pan. 2. Microwave the apple slices in a little water for 2 minutes to soften. 3. Cut the pastry into 6 long strips and brush with warmed jam. 4. Line apple slices along one edge, skin side out, and roll up. 5. Bake in the pan 35 to 40 minutes.

Chocolate Nut and Pretzel Bark

Sweet, salty and crunchy, this bark disappears fast at parties. Melted chocolate is spread thin, then loaded with roasted nuts and broken pretzels. Break it into rough pieces and it becomes a perfect last minute gift. Everyone has a favorite piece: the one with the most nuts or the one with the biggest pretzel? Tell us which camp you are in.

You will need: 12 oz dark or milk chocolate, 1 cup roasted mixed nuts, 1 cup mini pretzels (lightly crushed).

How to make it: 1. Line a baking sheet with parchment. 2. Melt the chocolate in short bursts, stirring each time. 3. Spread it about 1/4 inch thick. 4. Scatter the nuts and pretzels over the top and press lightly. 5. Chill 30 minutes, then break into pieces.

Frozen Yogurt Berry Bark

This one is light, cold and pretty enough for a kids party. Thick Greek yogurt is sweetened with honey, spread on a tray and dotted with berries before it goes into the freezer. Snap it into pieces and serve straight away, because it softens fast. It is a fun way to get the whole family making dessert together.

You will need: 2 cups plain Greek yogurt, 3 tablespoons honey, 1 cup mixed berries.

How to make it: 1. Line a baking sheet with parchment. 2. Stir the honey into the yogurt. 3. Spread it about 1/2 inch thick. 4. Press the berries into the top. 5. Freeze at least 3 hours until solid. 6. Break into pieces and serve right away.

Warm Caramel Apple Dip

Caramel apples are a fall favorite, but they are messy to eat. This dip gives you all the flavor without the sticky chin. Soft caramels melt with a splash of cream into a silky sauce for dunking crisp apple slices. Final poll: which apple is the best dipper? A) Granny Smith, B) Honeycrisp, C) Gala, D) Fuji. Whatever you pick, this is one of those three ingredient desserts that pleases a crowd.

You will need: 11 oz soft caramel candies (unwrapped), 1/3 cup heavy cream, 4 crisp apples (sliced).

How to make it: 1. Add the caramels and cream to a small saucepan. 2. Melt over low heat, stirring often, until smooth. 3. Pour into a small serving bowl. 4. Slice the apples and toss with a little lemon water so they stay bright. 5. Serve the dip warm.