11 Simple 5-Ingredient Desserts That Will Wow Your Guests

Hosting guests and want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen? These 11 easy dessert recipes, each with just five ingredients, are here to save the day. Simple, delicious, and sure to wow your friends and family, these treats make entertaining a breeze!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful blend of creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate, making them an irresistible treat. With just five simple ingredients, they are quick to whip up and sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

The cookies are soft and chewy with a rich flavor that combines the nutty taste of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate chips. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies will have your guests coming back for more.

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Fold in the chocolate chips gently to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
4. Drop tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Lemon shortbread cookies are a delightful treat that combines a buttery texture with a refreshing citrus zing. These cookies are not only simple to make but also incredibly satisfying, making them perfect for impressing guests at any gathering.

With just five ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these cookies quickly. Their light and zesty flavor complements coffee or tea, making them an ideal addition to your dessert table.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
3. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest into the mixture, combining well.
4. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Roll the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, flattening each ball slightly.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool before serving.

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups

No-bake strawberry cheesecake cups are the perfect treat to impress your guests with minimal effort. Creamy, sweet, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, these delightful cups offer a satisfying combination of textures with a smooth filling and a crunchy crust.

This simple recipe is easy to whip up, requiring just five ingredients. You’ll love how quickly these desserts come together, making them an ideal choice for gatherings or a casual night in.

Ingredients

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup whipped cream
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of serving cups to form a crust.
2. Make the Filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream until just combined.
3. Layer the Dessert: Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the crust in each cup. Swirl in some fresh strawberry slices on top for added flavor.
4. Chill: Refrigerate the cups for at least 1 hour to set before serving. Top with additional strawberries for garnish.

Creamy Vanilla Panna Cotta

Creamy vanilla panna cotta is a smooth and silky dessert that delivers a delightful sweetness and a hint of vanilla. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

This classic Italian dessert is not only simple but also versatile. You can top it with fresh fruit, chocolate, or a berry sauce to elevate its presentation and flavor. With just five ingredients, you’ll have a show-stopping treat that feels gourmet!

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
• 1/4 cup cold water

Instructions

1. Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to soften.
2. Heat the Cream: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm but not boiling.
3. Add Gelatin: Remove the cream mixture from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin and vanilla extract until fully dissolved.
4. Chill: Pour the mixture into serving cups or molds. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
5. Serve: Once set, gently unmold if using molds, and top with your choice of fruits or sauces before serving.

Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

Chocolate dipped pretzels are the perfect balance of sweet and salty. These treats combine the crunch of pretzels with the rich flavors of chocolate, making them both satisfying and delicious. Plus, they are super easy to whip up, requiring just a few simple ingredients!

These pretzels are perfect for impressing guests at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a quick snack, they come together in no time. With a sprinkle of sea salt on top, they offer a delightful contrast to the smooth chocolate coating. Enjoy them with friends or keep them all to yourself!

Ingredients

• 2 cups pretzel twists
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smooth melting)
• Sea salt, for sprinkling
• Wax paper, for cooling

Instructions

1. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until smooth.
2. Dip the Pretzels: One at a time, dip each pretzel into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s well coated. Shake off any excess chocolate.
3. Sprinkle Sea Salt: Place the dipped pretzels on wax paper and sprinkle with sea salt while the chocolate is still wet.
4. Let Set: Allow the chocolate to harden at room temperature or place the pretzels in the refrigerator for quicker setting.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once set, serve your chocolate-dipped pretzels on a platter and watch them disappear!

Decadent Chocolate Mousse

Chocolate mousse is a rich and creamy dessert that’s perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort. With just five ingredients, it’s simple to whip up and offers an indulgent treat that melts in your mouth. The combination of chocolate and cream creates a luscious texture, while a touch of sweetness balances the flavors beautifully.

This dessert is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a charming addition to any dinner party. Serve it in elegant cups, topped with fresh berries or mint for a pop of color, and watch your guests delight in every spoonful!

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Melting the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the chopped chocolate over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold the cooled chocolate into the whipped cream until combined.
3. Prepare the Egg Whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, being gentle to maintain the airy texture.
4. Chill: Spoon the mousse into serving cups and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing it to set.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves before serving for an extra touch!

Fruit Tart with Cream Filling

This fruit tart is a delightful dessert that combines a flaky crust with a luscious cream filling, topped with vibrant, fresh fruits. It’s a perfect way to showcase seasonal produce and impress your guests with minimal effort. The balance of creamy and fruity flavors makes each bite refreshing and satisfying.

With just five simple ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Get ready to whip up a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to bring smiles all around!

Ingredients

• 1 pre-made tart shell
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and raspberries)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
2. Fill the Tart: Spoon the whipped cream into the pre-made tart shell and spread it evenly across the bottom.
3. Top with Fruit: Arrange the assorted fresh fruits on top of the cream filling in a decorative pattern.
4. Chill: Refrigerate the tart for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld and the cream set.
5. Serve: Slice the tart and enjoy your delightful fruit creation with family and friends!

Banana Bread Pudding

Banana bread pudding is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. It combines the warm, comforting flavors of ripe bananas and soft bread, creating a cozy, sweet treat that everyone will love. The creamy texture and rich taste make it perfectly indulgent, yet it’s surprisingly simple to whip up with just a few ingredients.

This dish is not only a fantastic way to use overripe bananas, but it also impresses guests with its homemade charm. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to steal the show!

Ingredients

• 4 ripe bananas, mashed
• 4 cups day-old bread, cubed
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 eggs

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, cubed bread, milk, sugar, and eggs until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, topped with your favorite ice cream or sauce!

Caramel Apple Nachos

Caramel apple nachos are a fun and simple dessert that brings together the sweetness of caramel and the crispness of fresh apples. This treat is perfect for gatherings, as it combines familiar flavors in a creative way that everyone will love.

With just five ingredients, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time. The balance of crunchy tortilla chips, smooth caramel, and juicy apple slices creates a delightful combination that will impress your guests without requiring much effort!

Ingredients

• 4 cups tortilla chips
• 2 large apples, sliced
• 1 cup caramel sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like peanuts or pecans)
• 1/4 cup chocolate sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Arrange the tortilla chips on a large serving platter.
2. Evenly distribute the apple slices over the tortilla chips.
3. Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the chips and apples.
4. Sprinkle the chopped nuts on top for added crunch.
5. If desired, drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Raspberry Sorbet with Mint

This raspberry sorbet with mint is a refreshing treat that’s both easy to make and delightful to enjoy. The vibrant flavor of ripe raspberries combines perfectly with a hint of mint, creating a cool dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

With just five ingredients, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to master. You’ll impress your guests with its bright color and refreshing taste. Plus, it’s a great way to cool off on warm days!

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh raspberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Blend the Raspberries: In a blender, combine raspberries, cooled sugar syrup, chopped mint, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
3. Strain the Mixture: Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds, pressing down to extract all the juice.
4. Chill: Transfer the strained mixture to a shallow dish and place it in the freezer. Stir every 30 minutes until the sorbet is firm and fluffy, about 2-3 hours.
5. Serve: Scoop into bowls and garnish with additional mint leaves, if desired. Enjoy your refreshing raspberry sorbet!

Coconut Macaroons

Coconut macaroons are a delightful treat that brings a tropical twist to any dessert table. With a chewy texture and sweet coconut flavor, these treats are sure to impress your guests. Plus, they are extremely easy to whip up with just a few ingredients!

These macaroons offer a wonderful balance of sweetness and a hint of toasted coconut. They are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations. And the best part? They require minimal effort while delivering maximum taste!

Ingredients

• 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well until all the coconut is coated.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg whites and salt until soft peaks form.
4. Gently fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture until just combined.
5. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop small mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet.