3-Ingredient Dessert Recipes You Have To Try

Have you ever been craving dessert but just can't be bothered to go out and get something? Yeah, we've all been there. So you're definitely too lazy to make something, right? Think again. Did you know that you can make a ton of tasty dessert recipes at home with just three ingredients? We would know — we've done it.

That's why we've compiled all of our three-ingredient dessert recipes in one place, so it's easy for you to make all of your dessert dreams come true. Whether you're more of an ice cream person or you'd prefer more of a baked good, you have plenty of options open to you.

Even if you're not a great cook or baker, you'll be surprised at how easily these recipes come together. And the best part? You barely need anything in your house to make them. With just three ingredients, you can throw together some of the tastiest desserts around. Want to learn how to make them? Check out these top-notch recipes you'll always want to have on hand when your sweet tooth starts acting up.

The best 3-ingredient apple cake

Making a cake with three ingredients? It may sound impossible, but it's actually not. Not when you decide to throw together this 3-ingredient apple cake, at least. All you're going to need for this recipe is some eggs, yellow boxed cake mix, and apple pie filling. Yes, it tastes just as good as it sounds when you mix all those ingredients together. The pie is super moist and sweet, and it's the perfect easy dessert to whip up when you have friends coming over. They probably won't even be able to tell that you didn't make it from scratch.

Of course, you only need three ingredients to make this cake. But what if you want to take things to the next level? No worries. With one extra ingredient, you can up the indulgence factor just a bit. Add some whipped cream or icing on top, and you'll have an even better treat to enjoy with family members and friends.

The best 3-ingredient apple cobbler recipe

Sometimes, you just need a taste of fall, whether you're in the middle of October or in the midst of spring. And when you want that warm, comforting dessert taste you love, you have to turn to the best 3-ingredient apple cobbler recipe.

Now, if your grandma made apple cobbler for you in the past, you may not believe you can make this iconic autumnal dessert with only three ingredients. But we're not lying. Just run to the grocery store (or your pantry), and get some apples, cinnamon sugar, and pre-made cinnamon rolls. This dessert may not be made from scratch, but does it really matter when it tastes oh-so-good?

Here's a pro tip: If you're going to eat some after it's already cooled, pop it in the microwave or the oven for a few minutes to heat it up. You can't deny that ooey gooey texture is just what you're going for when you whip up some apple cobbler.

The best 3-ingredient copycat Starbucks Vanilla Bean Créme Frappuccino recipe

If you're like us, you take a trip through the Starbucks drive-thru more than you would like to admit. Getting your favorite drink might be one of the best ways to brighten up your day, after all. But after you find yourself going through the drive-thru and ordering a Vanilla Bean Créme Frappuccino for the third time in the week, it might be time to admit to yourself that you have a problem.

We're not talking about downing all those calories — we're not here to judge. No, we're talking about the damage that frequent Starbucks runs are going to do your wallet. Instead, you can try making this famous Frappuccino in the comfort of your own home.

No, you don't need all the fancy equipment or ingredients you'll find at your local Starbucks. In fact, you'll only need three ingredients total. Those include vanilla bean ice cream, ice, and whipped cream. The texture isn't exactly the same as a Frappuccino, but it's close enough that it shouldn't make too big of a difference. And the flavor? It's absolutely out of this world. Why wouldn't you want to end your day with one of these bad boys ... especially when you can make it in your very own kitchen?

A 3-ingredient copycat McDonald's Oreo McFlurry you can make at home

It's late at night, and you find yourself at the McDonald's drive-thru once again. Sure, you want a Big Mac, but what's going to happen when your Big Mac has been consumed and the bottom-of-the-bag fries are all gone? That's when you're going to want something sweet. You think of this ahead of time, and that's why you ask for the essential drive-thru dessert when you pull up to the window: You want an Oreo McFlurry.

Then, all of a sudden, you hear the words you were dreading — the words you should've been prepared for: "Our ice cream machine is broken."

Ahh, have you ever experienced this kind of sadness before? You're not alone. And that's why it's time to take matters into your own hands. That's just where this 3-ingredient copycat McDonald's Oreo McFlurry comes into play. You can make it at home by combining Oreo cookies, ice cream, and whole milk. Can it really be that easy? Yes, it can. Never succumb to a McFlurry-less McDonald's run again.

The 3-ingredient copycat Frosty you can make at home

When was the last time you took a trip to Wendy's? If you know what's good, you ordered a Frosty with whatever else you got off the menu (and hopefully you got the spicy nuggets). Every Frosty fan knows that chocolate is the superior Frosty flavor and should be your top choice every time. But what if you don't want to sit in line at the drive-thru? Well, do we have a solution for you.

You can make this three-ingredient copycat Frosty recipe in the comfort of your own home. And since it has so few ingredients, there's a good chance that you already have everything you need in your refrigerator to make this delectable treat right now.

Before you go rushing off, check out the recipe. All you're going to need is some frozen chocolate milk (you should do that ahead of time), Cool Whip, and sweetened condensed milk. Want to make it taste even better? Add in some vanilla extract if you just happen to have some sitting in your pantry. Mix these ingredients together, and in a matter of minutes, it'll taste like you just went through the Wendy's drive-thru. Now, if only you could make a copycat Whopper.

Try these 3-ingredient Nutella brownies you can make at home

Sometimes, when you have a craving for sweets, you think back to what your mom would make for dessert. If your mom was like a lot of moms out there, she knew how to whip up a delicious batch of brownies. If you ever saw her make them from scratch, you probably don't even want to think about doing all that work when you're just trying to make a quick dessert. But if you use the right ingredients, you can whip up a batch of brownies using just three ingredients. It's really that easy.

You may be wondering if one of those ingredients is brownie mix ... it's not. In fact, all you're going to need is some Nutella, eggs, and all-purpose flour. It doesn't take much to create a treat that everyone around the table will love. However, you don't have to stop there if you don't want to. Adding a few extra ingredients will take this dessert to the next level. Baking soda will create a cakey texture, and adding salt will give the brownies more flavor.

Of course, topping your brownies with other ingredients can also add a lot of flavor. Peanut butter or cake frosting could be tasty if you want to make things extra indulgent. But even if your cupboards are relatively bare, this recipe still makes it possible to eat well.

The best 3-ingredient peach cobbler recipe

When you think of the perfect summer recipe, what's the first thing that comes to mind? If you're like a lot of people, you want something fruity. But that doesn't mean it has to be light and airy. Why not make a peach cobbler? Peaches are freshest in the summer, and that's when they're guaranteed to be full of flavor. However, since this recipe calls for canned peaches, you can technically make this dessert at any time of the year — especially when you're craving a taste of summer.

Wondering what else you'll need? Just take a look at the recipe. It calls for yellow cake mix and unsalted butter. Don't have cake mix? No problem. You can actually make your own cake mix, which will work just as well. Just keep in mind that you'll have to use more ingredients in that case.

Once you finish baking this cobbler, you won't believe how fruity and juicy it tastes. The sweetness of the peaches and the cake come together perfectly, and the result is moist and will melt in your mouth. Kids and adults alike are going to be big fans of this summertime (or anytime) treat.

The best 3-ingredient fudge recipe

When you want the richest, densest dessert imaginable, which sweet treat do you turn to? If you're an unabashed chocolate lover, then you probably think of fudge first. But unless you pick some up at the store, you're probably not indulging in it that much.

But what if you knew you could make it at home with just three ingredients that you may already have on hand? If your sweet tooth is acting up, then that may just sound like heaven on earth. For this 3-ingredient fudge recipe, you'll need to have semisweet chocolate chips, though other types of chocolate may work just as well. In addition, you should pick up some sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. If you made some of the other recipes in this roundup, there's a good chance you already have that stuff on hand.

Of course, just like many of these other recipes, you can add more ingredients if you want to customize the taste. Do you know what tastes really good in this fudge? Chopped nuts. You can also get creative and think of your own fillings.

Even though it sounds incredibly simple, when it's all said and done, this recipe is outrageously delicious. The fudge is firm and has a nice texture to it, but the second you eat it, it melts in your mouth. Forget the complicated fudge recipes you've tried to work on in the past, and try this recipe out sometime soon.

The best 3-ingredient peanut butter frosting recipe

So, you've made a cake, a tray of brownies, or some simple sugar cookies. Your dessert tastes amazing, and you're definitely proud of it. But you can't help wondering what it would be like if it had something extra on top. You know ... like some sort of frosting? You may check in the back of your cabinet to see if you can find a jar of the stuff hanging out, but no luck. Instead, you're left to use your imagination ... or to check out this 3-ingredient peanut butter frosting recipe.

You barely need to have anything on hand in your kitchen to whip up this frosting. And since it's so simple with so few ingredients, it won't take long to make at all. Just grab some creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and unsalted butter.

No matter what you want to put this on, it's going to taste great. It can top all kinds of treats, so don't be afraid to make some extra to save for later. And what if you don't have anything to put it on? Well, we're not telling you to eat it on its own, but you can't let it go to waste, can you?

The best 3-ingredient sugar cookie recipe

Baking cookies? Who has time for that anymore? If you're one of those people who always seems to have a jam-packed schedule, it can seem like baking a tray of cookies is completely out of the question. Not only does it take a while to mix all the ingredients and throw them in the oven, but you also have to think about picking up all the ingredients beforehand.

But what if you already had everything you needed, and you found a way to throw together a super-fast and easy sugar cookie recipe? You could share it with family members, bring some to your colleagues at work, or keep them all to yourself to satisfy your sweet tooth whenever the craving should hit.

That's exactly what you'll get from this 3-ingredient sugar cookie recipe. All it takes is some unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and sugar. Now, take a look in your pantry and in your fridge. Do you already have that stuff there? If so, you're ready to go as we speak. Make a batch of cookies the next time you want a tasty and inexpensive treat.

The best 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies

Here at Mashed, we love cookies of all shapes, sizes, and flavors. Seriously, we don't discriminate. But there's something about a peanut butter cookie that brings back memories of simpler times that we just love. It's probably a treat you grew up with as a kid, and these cookies still taste good to this day.

When was the last time you had a peanut butter cookie? If it's been a while, you may want to make some for yourself. Luckily, it's as easy as can be when you use this 3-ingredient peanut butter cookie recipe. To make these cookies, you're going to need a single egg, some white sugar, and creamy peanut butter. Already have that stuff at home? You're in luck.

This recipe may sound super simple (and it is), but don't think that means it's not absolutely delicious. The cookies are the perfect texture, with just a little bit of softness that makes you want to grab another one every time. Though they may come out kind of plain-looking, scoring them with your fork creates a cool, effortless, and sophisticated look that will make you want to set these out whenever you have people over.

The best 3-ingredient Nutella chocolate cake

You've already read out our 3-ingredient Nutella brownies, and they are seriously delicious. But not everyone is a brownie person. After all, this is a super rich dessert, and not everyone likes that. If you're the type who prefers something that's more airy (but you still can't resist the taste of Nutella), then this 3-ingredient Nutella chocolate cake recipe is the recipe for you.

You'll need Nutella, eggs, and all-purpose flour to whip up this chocolate-y cake. The great thing about this cake is the fact that there's Nutella both baked into the cake and on top. That's right: It's an ingredient for both the mix and the frosting. Because of that, the Nutella flavor comes through intensely. But somehow, it manages not to be too sweet.

One important thing to remember, though: You should frost the cake after it's cooled. While Nutella seems like it could hold up to the heat, you may find that it drips down the sides of the cake if you apply it when the cake is still too hot.

Other than that, this cake is really easy to make, and you should be able to throw it together in no time.

3-ingredient marshmallow pumpkin cake

Sometimes, you just need a good slice of cake — and you need it fast. Whether it's been a long day at work or you just need a dose of the sweet stuff, it's totally understandable. That's why so many people make their way to Starbucks for the ever-popular marshmallow pumpkin cake. Yes, it's got your favorite fall pumpkin flavor going on, but the marshmallow topping is what really takes it over the edge. The fluffy, sweet frosting is to die for, and you have to try it for yourself.

Luckily, you can actually make it yourself at home. And no, you don't have to be an expert baker. In fact, you can whip up this dessert with just three ingredients. Does it sound too good to be true? Perhaps. But when you try the recipe for yourself, you'll see what all the hype is about, and before long, you'll want to make it all the time. This may just become your standard lazy day dessert. Who wanted to take the trip to Starbucks, anyway?

3-ingredient berry cobbler recipe

At first glance, berry cobbler seems like a summer dessert. After all, using fresh summer berries makes this sweet treat exactly what you want to chow down on after a long day in the sun. But in reality, you can make a berry cobbler at any time of the year — even when you're feeling lazy. How? Just try out this super-easy three-ingredient berry cobbler recipe. Yes, it's true: You can make a berry cobbler with only three ingredients. This recipe calls for butter, yellow cake mix, and berries. While you can always use fresh berries, frozen ones will work just as well.

The end result is sweet but not too sweet, with the berries providing just the right amount of tartness. If you have a few more ingredients sitting around at home, you can bring this recipe to the next level. Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream make the perfect topping to your cobbler. And adding just a sprig of mint on top offers just a touch of freshness that will brighten up the whole dish.

The best 3-ingredient vanilla cake

Baking a cake sounds great in theory. But when it comes to actually doing it? If you're not a baker, it can sound downright intimidating. Luckily, it doesn't have to be — if you follow the right recipe. If you're looking for a simple and easy cake that will actually taste great once you take it out of the oven, you can't go wrong with this three-ingredient vanilla cake. It's simple, it's easy, and you won't have to spend hours in the kitchen making it. Just gather the ingredients, throw them all together, put the cake in the oven, and let it cool. After that, you'll be ready to start snacking.

Wondering what you'll need for this recipe? The first thing is some melted vanilla ice cream. Then, locate a box of white cake mix, which you can easily find in the baking section of your local grocery store. Finally, you'll need three eggs. There's a good chance that you already have all of these in your kitchen anyway.

The ice cream in this cake provides a unique flavor that you could never get from a box mix alone. If you're looking to improve your baking skills in a low-risk way, this three-ingredient cake may just be your answer.

The best 3-ingredient cherry cobbler

What's not to love about a good cobbler? It has everything you'd want in a dessert. You've got sweetness and carbs, tartness from the berry of your choice, and a smooth, creamy texture if you decide to add a scoop of ice cream on top. Cobbler may be viewed as more of a summer treat, but truthfully, you can enjoy the delicious dessert all year round. That's why you're definitely going to want to whip up this three-ingredient cherry cobbler for yourself. Yes, it's just as mouthwatering as it sounds, and yes, you have to make it as soon as you have some extra time to spend in the kitchen. All you'll need is a box of white cake mix (or the mix of your choice), a stick of butter, and a can of cherry pie filling.

This is a sweet dessert, for sure, but in the end, it's all about the balance; the tartness of the cherries really takes this cobbler to another level. It's so versatile, in fact, that both kids and adults are sure to love it.

If you truly want your cobbler to taste as good as possible, we highly encourage adding some vanilla ice cream. The hot and the cold temperatures mixing together just adds another layer of richness and complexity to this already-scrumptious dish. Aren't you drooling already?

The best 3-ingredient peppermint bark

When the holidays roll around, there are a few treats you just have to try. One of the most popular? Peppermint bark. Let's be real: Who doesn't like the stuff? You can always go pick some up at the store, but it's almost always better when you make it homemade. However, for many people, the holiday season can be an unbelievably busy and stressful time, so making your own might seem like too much of a challenge. But that's where this amazing three-ingredient peppermint bark recipe comes in.

It's quick and easy to make, and it's going to come out tasting delicious. All you'll need for this recipe are semi-sweet baking chocolate, white almond bark, and a cup of crushed candy canes. Hey, if it's around the holiday season, you may have this stuff in your pantry anyway. The recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, so you don't even have to carve out a huge portion of your day to throw it together. And the best part? You get to break up the bark yourself. If you're the neat, tidy type, you could just cut it into nice little squares. But if you're looking for a way to get some aggression out, smashing your peppermint bark is super-satisfying and leaves you with those charming, oddly shaped pieces that give peppermint bark its signature look.

If you're looking for a truly simple holiday recipe you can share with family and friends, you have to try this one.