6-Ingredient (Or Less!) Desserts That Really Take the Cake — 23 Fast & Easy Recipes (2024)

When a sugar craving hits and the cake you’re thinking of making requires a long list of ingredients, suddenly that treat doesn’t look so sweet after all. Instead of taking an extra trip to the store with a long grocery list, we’ve got just the thing for you. We’ve gathered together the best dessert recipes from the Woman’s World test kitchen that mix up with jus six ingredients or less. Whether you prefer something decadently chocolate, fruity fresh or somewhere in between, there’s a recipe here that’s sure to please. Keep reading for easy desserts with few ingredients yet packed with flavor!

23 easy desserts with few ingredients

The only thing possibly sweeter than these treats is just how easy they are on you to prepare! So scroll on through and pick your favorite (or a few). And for even more recipes that are ready in a flash, click through for our favorite 5-minute desserts.

1. Choco-Peanut Butter Dream

This easier-than-it-looks dessert transforms premade pound cake and ice cream into a treat that layers up fast.

2. Caramel Apple Cupcakes

Shredded apple, pecans and a drizzle of caramel upgrade a spice-cake mix into a harvest treat that’s sure to impress.

3. Minty Chocolate Parfaits

These parfaits combine the flavors of a Girl Scout cookie favorite with the decadence of chocolate mousse.

4. Lemon-Coconut Butter Bundt

The secret to this dessert’s melt-in-your-mouth texture? We made it with butter cake instead of plain yellow cake mix.

5. Chocolate-Cinnamon Dream Cake

We made this delicious dessert with angel food cake mix because it’s both quick to bake and low in fat.

6. Triple-Chocolate Mini-Mousse Cakes

Thanks to a brownie mix and two chocolate-mousse mixes, these decadent treats are 3-ingredient easy.

7. Peach Melba Angel Food Cake

Transform box cake mix into a delicious masterpiece with juicy fruit and almond whipped cream.

8. Sky-High Malted Chocolate Mousse Cake

With a crunchy cookie crust and velvety filling, this dessert will have everyone begging for seconds.

9. Key Lime Cheesecake Parfaits

This twist on cheesecake is perfect for a potluck, thanks to single-serve Mason jars that are easy to take on the go.

10. Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Drizzle

This bakeshop-beautiful delight is a snap to put together, thanks to boxed cake mix and prepared caramel.

11. Neapolitan Cupcakes

These festive cupcakes can be made in a flash with prepared brownie and vanilla cake mixes.

12. Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Creamy cheesecake and lemon pie filing make for bars so delicious, no one will guess they’re gluten-free.

13. Peaches-and-Cream Puff Pastry Napoleons

Store-bought puff pastry and prepared caramel sauce are the shortcut secrets to these tiered delights.

14. Lemon Angel Food Cake

This dreamy layered wonder is a cinch to make, thanks to boxed cake mix and prepared lemon curd.

15. White Chocolate-Strawberry Cloud Cake

Fluffy angel food, tangy cream cheese frosting and sweet berry jam combine for a treat that’s sure to spread smiles.

16. Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

These decadent treats deliver all the flavor of your favorite cheesecake squares for a fraction of the carbs.

17. Lemon-Cream Cheese Bundt

This sweet-and-tangy cake is made with yogurt instead of oil for a moist, fluffy dessert that’s also low in fat.

18. Mini Caramel-Apple Streusel Cheesecakes

No-bake easy and five-star fabulous, these irresistible autumn treats are the ultimate indulgence.

19. Caramelized Apricot Pudding Parfaits

Buttery brown sugar-glazed apricots add an easy gourmet touch to melt-in-your-mouth French vanilla pudding.

20. Heavenly Chocolate Mousse Cake

Dark chocolate gives this no-sugar-added dessert its rich flavor while avocados add a light silky texture.

21. Apple Rose Tartlets

Convenient frozen puff pastry makes an easy crust for these beautiful tarts.

22. Mint-Layered Fudge Brownies

Box-mix brownies get a festive upgrade from layers of cool mint frosting and dark chocolate ganache.

23. Mini Lemon Curd Bundt Cakes

An easy cream cheese glaze and candied lemon slices give these easy treats a bakeshop-beautiful finish.

Want even more easy treats? Click through to these stories:

This ‘Lazy’ Oreo Mug Cake Satisfies Your Decadent Dessert Cravings in 5 Minutes

You Won’t Believe How Easy It Is To Make These To-Die-For Croissant Doughnuts

16 Fast, Easy Coconut Desserts That Are Creamy, Dreamy Delicious