13 One-Bowl Dessert Recipes That Make Cleanup a Breeze

Baking can be messy, and reading a recipe that’s packed with equipment—like a stand mixer, food processor or double boiler—can be intimidating. That’s why we love these simple desserts that can be whipped up in one bowl (or one saucepan.) They’re easy to tackle regardless of your skill level, and they don’t require a ton of prep or clean up. From no-bake cereal treats to decadent fudge, these recipes are perfect for enjoying at home or bringing to a holiday potluck. We love that they’re easy to prep and the minimal mess makes them even easier to enjoy. Read on for our favorite baked goods that come together with minimal equipment.

Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy apple pie is just as delicious for a special holiday dessert as it is for a midweek treat. Brown sugar adds deep, caramelized sweetness while lemon juice helps balance it out with natural acidity. Chopped pecans add a bit of crunch to the otherwise tender treat.

Quick, easy and efficient, this simple cake batter doesn’t call for any fancy equipment, so it’s an easy dessert to whip up when you’re expecting last-minute guests. Whether you turn it into a layer cake, sheet cake or cupcakes, it’s a versatile recipe that’s easy to adapt.

These peanut butter cookies are easy and timeless. Simply combine ingredients like peanut butter, salt, vanilla and flour in a bowl, then roll into balls, press with a fork and bake. Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish, the sweet and savory cookies couldn’t be easier.

This recipe starts with nutty, bubbly browned butter as a way to enhance flavor throughout every bite. The whole thing comes together in one pot on the stovetop, then sits to chill in the fridge once combined. A pinch of kosher salt helps balance out the sweetness of the marshmallows.

We love no-bake treats like this one that are sweet, sticky and perfectly chewy. Start by combining the peanut butter with confectioner’s sugar, graham cracker crumbs and butter, then form the mixture into balls. Let them harden in the refrigerator before dipping the balls in chocolate for extra richness.

These do-it-all brownies are a great recipe to keep in your back pocket. The simple brownie recipe can easily be dressed up with your family’s favorite toppings—like nuts, sprinkles or marshmallows. Better yet, they feed a crowd with minimal clean-up.

This cookie batter comes together completely in one bowl, so it's an efficient recipe that cuts down on clean up. Dried cherries add tangy pops of flavor and chewy texture to the chocolatey cookie that’s both rich and fruity.

Crunchy, creamy, salty and sweet, these no-bake chocolate cookies rely on a secret ingredient that makes them extra easy: store-bought buttery crackers! The crackers act as a crunchy filling that gets drizzled in chocolate and topped with sprinkles. A generous spread of peanut butter adds creamy texture to every bite.

A sweet, fruity dessert that can be ready in just two minutes? It might sound too good to be true, but this dessert is the real deal. Simply mix yogurt, crystallized ginger, honey and orange zest in a bowl, then top with extra berries and serve.

Dessert bark is an easy snack that’s perfect for a party, and this white chocolate-pistachio bark is no different. Pistachios, white chocolate, dried apricots and dried cranberries all come together in one bowl, making for an elegant dessert that’s easy to clean up.

While this recipe doesn’t use a bowl, all the ingredients come together in one pot on the stovetop instead, making for quick and easy results. Brown rice, peanut butter and honey make for a healthier version of the original crispy treat, and dried cherries add pops of tangy flavor.

With under five ingredients and requiring just a saucepan and baking dish, this quick and easy recipe is super rich and decadent. While we’re using crushed peppermint candies here, you could also opt for marshmallows, nuts or any other topping you’d like.