The microwave has been a lifeline for many people — broke college students and otherwise. How else could we heat up a Lean Cuisine meal in just a few minutes, make popcorn for movie night, or reheat that leftover pizza ?
It’s also a quick and easy way to prepare desserts — no apron or preheating required. Come see what we mean with these 19 desserts that are delicious, creative, and all made in a few minutes or less!
1. Lucky Charms marshmallow treat
Feeling lucky? You’ve got to try this sweet dessert.
Typically, rice crispy squares require you to heat up marshmallows on the stove and wait for everything to chill in the refrigerator.
You don’t need any of those steps with this cooking hack!
You simply need six marshmallows, one tablespoon of butter, and a small box of Lucky Charms.
You can double or triple the recipe if you want to make more (no judgment).
You can also make this with any kind of cereal that you fancy, such as Froot Loops or the classic Rice Krispies.
2. Chocolate cake
Just remembered that it’s your boyfriend’s birthday today? No sweat!
You can prepare a full chocolate cake (yes, not just a serving) using this microwavable recipe. If the cake is just for a Friday night treat, we get that, too.
You’ll need most of the ingredients that go into a traditional oven-baked chocolate cake.
The beauty of this cake — besides the decadent, chocolatey goodness — is that the cooking time is way less.
It only takes about 10-15 minutes. If a single serving is what you’re after, simply adjust the ingredient quantities and the cooking time.
3. Lava cake
Craving one of those lava cakes from the fair? What if we told you that you could make it at home in only a few minutes and only 105 calories!
Yeah, we were excited, too. This recipe manages a healthier eat by taking advantage of ingredient swaps.
You’ll use almond milk instead of full-fat milk, for example.
And instead of sugar that loads up the calories, this lava cake relies on stevia instead (you could use any low-cal sweetener that you like). Serve it with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream!
4. Cheesecake
Been watching Golden Girls and craving cheesecake?
Here’s a microwaveable dessert for you . Since it’s so easy to make, it might even inspire you to make cheesecake a lot more often. You can pair it with the Golden Girls frap from Starbucks!
All you need for the cake is soft cream cheese, Greek yogurt, flour, and powdered sugar.
The crust is also easy: you simply need graham crackers and melted butter.
It all comes together in 45 seconds and then you chill and serve.
5. Oreo mug cake
This next dessert is one of TikTok’s latest trends. It goes to prove that anyone can make a cake with only two ingredients!
For this, you need four Oreo cookies (or more, if you want more cake) and three tablespoons of milk.
6. You crush the Oreos in a mug or blender and then add the milk.
If you want a cake that’s really fluffy, you can sprinkle in some baking powder.
If not, add everything to a mug as normal and microwave for about 90 seconds. Feel free to add extra toppings if you’d like.
7. Apple crisp
If you’re — gasp — not much of a chocolate fan, there’s a fruity dessert for you.
It might even be better than the one your grandmother makes (maybe). All it takes is a few traditional ingredients, such as apple (duh), flour, and rolled oats.
8. Apple chips
Speaking of apples, this next recipe deserves an A+ for being so addictive . Apple chips are a great alternative to regular chips.
They have all the crunch you love, minus all the calories. Since they’re gluten-free and everything else free, they meet every diet under the sun.
9. Banana bread
Continuing with the fruit trend, you have to make this banana bread in a mug. You will go bananas for it! Pun intended.
You could even have a banana bake-off with your friends to see who makes it the best.
10. Melted chocolate
Up until now, making melted chocolate was such a chore. That’s because you have to use a double-broiler and be extra careful not to accidentally seize the chocolate.
With this microwave version , you can melt chocolate anytime to add to desserts.
11. Microwave caramel popcorn
Can’t make it out to the fair? Bring the fair to you with this microwavable caramel popcorn recipe ! You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make. All you need is popcorn, brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, baking soda.
12. Pecan caramel turtles
As much as we love Turtles (the animal and the candy), the chocolate version can be expensive to buy.
So, why not make them at home? The combo of chocolate, pecans, and caramel makes it a great gift during the holidays.
13. Nutella mug cake
If you loved the Oreo mug cake, you’re sure to love this Nutella version. Who doesn’t love Nutella? All you need are three ingredients to make your day a whole lot better: Nutella, an egg, and flour.
14. Birthday cake mug cake
It doesn’t have to be your birthday for you to enjoy the sweet goodness of a birthday cake.
These TikTok users did and they LOVED it. “I made this it was really good thanks,” one wrote. “Mine is in the microwave right now!” added another.
15. Pumpkin spice mug cake
Finally, we come to a dish that is basic to make (and perfect for those who consider themselves #basic).
Whether you make it now or wait until it’s actually fall, you just need a few ingredients and your trusty microwave!
