Deliciously Affordable: 10 Cheap Dessert Recipes That Won't Break the Bank

Everyone loves dessert, but sometimes they can be pricey. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with 10 cheap dessert recipes that taste amazing and won’t empty your wallet. From cakes to mug treats, these recipes are simple and use ingredients you probably already have at home. Let’s dive into these budget-friendly delights!

Key Takeaways

Affordable dessert recipes can be both delicious and easy to make.
Most of these recipes use common pantry ingredients you likely already have.
You don’t need fancy ingredients to make a tasty treat.
These recipes are perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to casual gatherings.
Baking at home is a great way to enjoy sweets without spending a lot.

1. Molten Chocolate Cake

A warm, gooey molten chocolate cake is the perfect way to end a meal, and believe it or not, it’s super easy and affordable to whip up at home. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s both fancy and comforting.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this decadent dessert:

4 ounces of bittersweet chocolate
1/2 cup of unsalted butter
1 cup of powdered sugar
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four ramekins and place them on a baking sheet.
Melt the chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
Stir in the powdered sugar until well combined.
Add the eggs and egg yolks, mixing thoroughly.
Fold in the flour until just incorporated.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins.
Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the edges are firm but the center is soft.
Let the cakes cool for 1 minute, then carefully invert onto plates.

Tip: For an extra flavor kick, add a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso to the batter. It enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Dust with powdered sugar or cocoa powder.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Add fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a fancy touch.

This recipe is not only easy to make but also a hit at any dinner party. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people think you spent hours in the kitchen. For a quick and easy molten chocolate lava cake recipe that doesn’t skimp on taste, this one’s a winner. So, next time you’re craving something sweet, give this a try!

2. Apple Crumble

Apple Crumble is like a warm hug in dessert form. It’s simple, comforting, and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. You probably have most of what you need already in your kitchen.

Ingredients

4 cups of apples, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 cup of flour
1 cup of oats
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/2 cup of butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar and cinnamon until they’re well coated.
Spread the apple mixture evenly in a baking dish.
In another bowl, mix the flour, oats, and brown sugar together.
Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredients and stir until crumbly.
Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples.
Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.

The beauty of this easy Apple Crumble recipe is its simplicity. With a few basic ingredients, you get a dessert that’s both delicious and satisfying. Perfect for any night of the week.

Tips

For an extra crunchy topping, add some chopped nuts.
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
You can swap out apples for pears or berries if you’re feeling adventurous.

Apple Crumble is a classic dessert that’s not only easy to make but also incredibly comforting. It’s all about the combination of warmly spiced, caramelized apples topped with a crunchy, buttery crumble. Enjoy this delightful treat without breaking the bank!

3. Banana Bread

Banana bread is a classic dessert that’s both comforting and easy on the wallet. It’s the perfect way to use up those overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. Transforming these bananas into a delicious loaf is both economical and satisfying.

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 beaten egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 4×8-inch loaf pan.
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
Mix in the baking soda and salt. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix in the flour last.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for a few minutes, then remove the banana bread from the pan and let cool completely before slicing.

This banana bread recipe is not only simple but also uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it an ideal choice for a budget-friendly treat.

With this banana loaf cake recipe, you can enjoy a moist and flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re having it as a snack or a dessert, it’s sure to please everyone.

4. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, making them a favorite for any dessert lover. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these delicious bars that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and peanut butter until smooth.
Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract, then add the flour and baking powder, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips, spreading the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
Let the bars cool before cutting into squares and serving.

These bars are a fantastic treat for any occasion. Their richness comes from the creamy peanut butter and chocolate combination, which melts in your mouth with every bite.

For a variation, you can add chopped nuts or use dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor. These bars are not only easy to make but also easy on the wallet, making them a go-to dessert in many households.

5. Copycat Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake

Craving a slice of that famous Cheesecake Factory cheesecake but don’t want to splurge? This homemade version is not only easy on the wallet but also a breeze to make. With just nine ingredients, you can whip up a cheesecake that tastes like it came straight from the restaurant.

Ingredients:

Cream cheese
Sour cream
Sugar
Vanilla extract
Three eggs
Water
Fresh berries (for garnish)
Graham crackers (for the crust)
Melted butter (for the crust)

Instructions:

Prepare the crust: Crush the graham crackers and mix them with melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
Make the filling: Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
Bake: Pour the filling over the crust and bake in a water bath at a low temperature to prevent cracks.
Chill: Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least four hours, or until set.
Serve: Top with fresh berries and enjoy your homemade treat.

“Indulge in this creamy delight without the hefty price tag. It’s a dessert that promises satisfaction with every bite.”

For those who love a classic graham cracker crust and creamy filling, this perfected cheesecake recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the richness without leaving your kitchen!

6. Coffee Cake

Coffee cake is that delightful treat that pairs perfectly with your morning brew or an afternoon tea. It’s not just for breakfast; this cake is a versatile sweet that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Imagine a moist, tender cake topped with a cinnamon sugar streusel that melts in your mouth.

Here’s how you can make your own:

Gather Your Ingredients:
Mix the Batter:
Prepare the Topping:
Assemble and Bake:

“A slice of coffee cake is like a warm hug from your oven, offering comfort and sweetness in every bite.”

Enjoy your homemade coffee cake with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, and savor the simple, delicious pleasure of this classic dessert. If you’re looking for a buttery, moist, and fluffy treat, this Coffee Cake recipe is perfect for any time of the day.

7. 3-Ingredient Nutella Brownies

Who doesn’t love a dessert that’s both simple to make and delicious to eat? 3-Ingredient Nutella Brownies are a game-changer in the world of easy baking. With just Nutella, eggs, and flour, you can whip up a batch of these fudgy delights in no time.

Here’s how you can make them:

Gather Your Ingredients: Make sure you have a jar of Nutella, a couple of eggs, and some all-purpose flour. That’s all you’ll need!
Mix It Up: In a mixing bowl, combine the Nutella and eggs until smooth. Gradually add in the flour and stir until you have a thick, even batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into a lined baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, let them cool before slicing into squares. Enjoy the gooey center and the slightly crackly top.

These brownies are perfect for a quick dessert fix, costing less than $5 for the whole batch. They taste like a gourmet treat without the hefty price tag.

For those interested in a slightly different take, try substituting almond flour for a nutty twist. This recipe highlights the simplicity and joy of making these delectable treats, proving that you don’t need a lot to create something truly special.

8. Cinnamon Roll Microwave Mug Cake

Cinnamon roll microwave mug cake with frosting in a mug.

When you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, a cinnamon roll microwave mug cake is your best friend. It’s a quick fix for dessert or even a breakfast treat, and it only takes a few minutes to whip up. This mug cake is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
2 tablespoons of milk
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
1 tablespoon of sugar
1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions

In a microwave-safe mug, mix the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
Add the milk, oil, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
Microwave on high for about 1-2 minutes, or until the cake has risen and is cooked through. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
Let it cool slightly before enjoying.

This cinnamon roll mug cake is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without breaking the bank or your schedule. It’s a delightful combination of simplicity and flavor, making it a favorite go-to dessert.

For a delicious twist, try using Kodiak Cakes pancake mix instead of flour for a protein boost and a slightly different texture. This Cinnamon Swirl Mug Cake is a quick and easy dessert that captures the essence of a cinnamon roll in just minutes, making it a hit among cinnamon roll lovers.

9. Lemon Slice

This Lemon Slice is a fantastic, no-bake dessert that’s both refreshing and easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this delightful treat in no time. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re having friends over or just want a sweet snack for yourself.

Ingredients

1 cup crushed biscuits (like Digestive or Graham crackers)
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the crushed biscuits and shredded coconut.
In another bowl, mix the condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
Pour the lemon mixture into the biscuit mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Press the mixture into a lined baking dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Tips for Success

Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
You can substitute the coconut with chopped nuts if you prefer.
This slice keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.

Enjoying a slice of this lemon treat feels like a little sunshine on your plate. It’s sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of creamy.

If you want to explore more citrus delights, consider making a homemade lemon tart for a more elaborate dessert experience.

10. Easiest Jam Drops

When you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, these jam drops are a lifesaver. With just three simple ingredients, they’re not only easy to make but also incredibly tasty. Perfect for when you need a quick dessert fix or a fun baking activity with the kids.

Ingredients

1 cup of self-rising flour
1/2 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of butter, softened
Your favorite jam for filling

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix the flour and sugar together.
Add the softened butter and mix until you get a dough-like consistency.
Roll small balls of dough and place them on the prepared tray.
Use your thumb to press a small indentation in the center of each ball.
Fill each indentation with a small amount of jam.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy these delightful bites with a cup of tea or coffee, and you’ll see why they’re a unique twist on traditional jam drops. The chewy texture combined with the sweet jam makes them irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, these treats are sure to win hearts without breaking the bank.

Wrapping It Up

So there you have it, ten dessert recipes that are easy on the wallet but big on flavor. Who knew you could whip up such tasty treats without spending a fortune? Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, these recipes prove that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something delicious. Next time you’re craving something sweet, give one of these a try. Your taste buds and your budget will thank you. Happy baking!