Serve up something sweet without breaking the bank with these tasty, cheap desserts. Each recipe is made with simple ingredients that are probably already in your pantry!
You might be surprised how little it takes to create a sweet, satisfying treat. These cheap desserts use pantry staples, like oats, pudding mix and simple fruits, to create no-bake bars and warm, bubbling bakes without a high grocery bill. These simple recipes are perfect for sharing, especially when looking for quick and easy snacks that taste special, while staying affordable.
To keep costs down, these recipes have short ingredient lists or rely on convenient shortcuts, like cake mix, so you don’t have to buy all the separate components. There are also some wildcard recipes that might be new to you. Take vinegar pie, a classic but unusual dessert with a custard-like filling that’s more luxurious than you’d expect. Potato candy turns plain, cooked potatoes into an irresistibly sweet delight. Chocolate and butterscotch haystacks snap and melt in the same bite, and sweet-salty peanut butter pretzel bars come together with barely any prep.
Keep a stocked pantry or freezer so you can make these desserts without much planning. Pick up extra frozen or canned fruit when it’s on sale, since it lasts a long time. Nuts can be pricy, so buy them in bulk and store them properly to stretch a small bag and keep them fresh. Prices vary across brands, so keep an eye on which one is lowest when you shop. Consider store brands as well, which are often cheaper options. Dessert doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to be worth it.
1/52
Potato Chip Clusters
From the Recipe Creator:
Just three offbeat ingredients add up to one unique, delectable, no-bake treat. These super easy, sweet-and-salty candy clusters make for merry munching during holiday trips or parties. They travel well in containers without melting or getting soft. —Donna Brockett, Kingfisher, Oklahoma
2/52
Almond Cherry Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
Cooked in the microwave, this fast fudge is a sweet addition to any holiday gathering. I make it when I need a quick treat for a school party or to take to a neighbor. —Shellie Tucker, Hendersonvlle, Tennessee
3/52
Lemon Snowflakes
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll need just four ingredients to make these delightful lemon snowflake cookies. Confectioners’ sugar highlights the cracked tops to give them their snowflake appearance. —Linda Barry, Dianna, Texas
4/52
Chocolate Mousse Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
I discovered a fast recipe for a delectable chocolate mousse some years ago and thought it might make a good filling for a pie. The chocolate lovers in our family endorse this scrumptious dessert, saying that it 'melts in your mouth'! —Keri Scofield Lawson, Fullerton, California
5/52
Chocolate Caramel Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
Taking dessert or another treat to a church or school potluck is never a problem for me. I jump at the chance to offer these rich, chocolaty bars. —Steve Mirro, Cape Coral, Florida
6/52
Lime Cheesecake Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This light citrus pie combines two of our favorite dessert flavors—lime and cheesecake. It’s the perfect treat on a hot day—and all the more inviting because you don’t have to heat up the kitchen to prepare it. —Vivian Eagleson, Lawrenceville, Georgia
7/52
Berries with Vanilla Custard
From the Recipe Creator:
What a simple, delectable way to enjoy fresh raspberries. For a change, also try the custard with strawberries or peaches. —Sarah C. Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire
8/52
Cake Mix Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
I take this dessert to work for Friday pick-me-ups. It's one of my favorite yellow cake bar recipes. I love to share them because they're so easy to eat, easy to make and easy on the wallet. —Amy Rose, Ballwin, Missouri
9/52
Crunchy Chocolate Mint Balls
From the Recipe Creator:
Get a jump on the holidays by making these four-ingredient truffles and tucking them away in the freezer to save for gift-giving. Present them in mini cupcake holders for an extra-special touch. —Amanda Triff, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
10/52
Mexican Wedding Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
As part of a Mexican tradition, I tucked these sugar-dusted Mexican wedding cookies into small gift boxes for the guests at my sister's wedding. Most folks said the cookies never made it home! We bake them around the holidays too. —Sarita Johnston, San Antonio, Texas
11/52
Easy Ice Cream Sundae Dessert
From the Recipe Creator:
In summer, nothing's better than ice cream sundaes. We kids couldn't wait to dig into this tempting dessert. It's cool and smooth with a ribbon of fudge inside. Whenever I make it for my family, I think of Mom. —Anne Heinonen, Howell, Michigan
12/52
Cranberry Pecan Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These are so tasty and simple to prepare! Each delightful little cookie is loaded with cranberries, nuts and vanilla, giving them the taste of a treat that’s been slaved over. —Louise Hawkins, Lubbock, Texas
13/52
Maine Potato Candy
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago, folks in Maine ate potatoes every day and used leftovers in bread, doughnuts and even candy. This chocolate potato candy recipe captures the old-school flavors. —Barbara Allen, Chelmsford, Massachusetts
14/52
Dipped Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll love to give tins of these chocolate-coated cookies to your lucky friends. The shortcut holiday recipe is almost too simple to believe! Here's how to make peanut butter cookies without eggs. —Jackie Howell, Gordo, Alabama
15/52
Macaroon Ice Cream Torte
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves frozen treats. With chocolate four ways, this one is so beautiful, people think it came from an ice cream shop. —Barbara Carlucci, Orange Park, Florida
16/52
Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of the best peach dump cake recipes in the world. It's sweet, tender cake with a beautifully crisp cobbler topping. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, and dessert's golden. —Keri Sparks, Little Elm, Texas
17/52
Kipplens
From the Recipe Creator:
My Great-Aunt Hilda makes this recipe every Christmas, and everybody loves them! Kipplens taste a lot like Mexican wedding cakes, but I like my aunt's version better. —Susan Bohannon, Kokomo, Indiana
18/52
Chocolate Butterscotch Haystacks
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother used to make this haystacks recipe to give to my cousin Vonnie and me when our parents didn't want us to have any more sweets. —Christine Schwester, Divide, Colorado
19/52
Chocolate Toffee Crunchies
From the Recipe Creator:
From the buttery crust to the golden toffee, melted chocolate and chopped pecans, these bars are filled with Noel flavor. —Joni Crans, Woodhull, New York
20/52
Almond Pear Tart
From the Recipe Creator:
I had never seen a "pie without a pan" until my daughter brought back this wonderful pear almond tart recipe from a Rotary Club exchange program in Belgium. It's still a family favorite after all these years. —Sherry LaMay, Capitan, New Mexico
21/52
Frosty Watermelon Ice
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fun twist on watermelon. It's so refreshing on a summer day, and you don't have to worry about seeds while you're enjoying it. —Kaaren Jurack, Manassas, Virginia
22/52
Sauteed Apples
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a sweet side dish my family loves. You can use it to top pancakes or French toast, but it’s wonderful with pork or chicken too. —Shirley Heston, Pickerington, Ohio
23/52
Pistachio Bundt Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Pistachio pudding mix gives this moist cake a pretty tint of green. As it bakes, the outside browns nicely to form a slightly crunchy crust. The cake slices beautifully and would make a fun dessert for St. Patrick's Day.
-Becky Gant, South Bend, Indiana
24/52
Grandma Pruit’s Vinegar Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This historic pie has been in our family for many generations and is always served at our get-togethers. —Suzette Pruit, Houston, Texas
25/52
Creme de Menthe Truffles
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this in a box of recipe clippings and decided to give them a whirl. I'm so glad I did! The minty flavor is perfect for Christmas. —Joe Mattes, Amana, Iowa
26/52
Coffee Bean Bark
From the Recipe Creator:
Chopped coffee beans add a yummy crunch to this pretty two-toned bark. Coffee lovers won’t be able to resist pieces of the chocolaty candy treat. —Anne Addesso, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
27/52
Slow-Cooker Baked Apples
From the Recipe Creator:
Coming home to this irresistible dessert on a dreary day is just wonderful; it’s slow-cooker easy. —Evangeline Bradford, Erlanger, Kentucky
28/52
Berry, Lemon and Doughnut Hole Trifle
From the Recipe Creator:
After my son called and said he was bringing home his college roommates, I was able to whip up this quick yet impressive dessert in only a few minutes. It's been a family favorite ever since. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
29/52
Church Window Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These church window cookies are a hit with kids—the little ones just love the colored marshmallows! —Emmilie Gaston, Wabash, Indiana
30/52
Strawberry Pillows
From the Recipe Creator:
Make cookie trays extra special with these mini pie look-alikes stuffed with sweet strawberry preserves. Yum! —Amy Sauerwalt, Columbia, Maryland
31/52
Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
My secret to these rich no-bake bites? Pretzels in the crust! They add a salty crunch to the classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
32/52
Oreo Ice Cream Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family loves dessert, and this chocolaty, layered treat is one of Mom's most-requested recipes. It's so easy to prepare this Oreo ice cream cake! —Kimberly Laabs, Hartford, Wisconsin
33/52
Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m a busy schoolteacher and pastor’s wife and I wouldn’t dare show my face at a church dinner or bake sale without some of these tempting peanut butter treats. They’re quick and easy
to make and always a hit. —Kristi Tackett, Banner, Kentucky
34/52
Fried Apples
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom often made these rich cinnamon-sugar apples when I was growing up. I swear the folks at Cracker Barrel copied her recipe! —Margie Tappe, Prague, Oklahoma
35/52
Matzo Toffee
From the Recipe Creator:
Once you start eating matzo toffee, you may not be able to stop! Matzo crackers are topped with buttery caramel, chocolate and slivered almonds and then baked to perfection. —Sharalyn Zander, Jacksonville, Alabama
36/52
Icebox Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
You don't have to bake to serve a wonderful dessert! This icebox cake is made from chocolate wafers and whipping cream. It is so delicious. —Cindy Hawkins, New York, New York
37/52
Pinwheel Mints
From the Recipe Creator:
Both my grandmother and my mom used to make these eye-catching confections as a replacement for ordinary mints. When I offer them at parties, guests tell me the candies are wonderful, and then ask how I created the pretty swirl pattern. —Marilou Roth, Milford, Nebraska
38/52
Chocolate Peanut Treats
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was in high school, I took these sweet and crunchy squares to bake sales—and they were the first to sell out. I still make them for family and friends who love the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter. —Christy Asher, Colorado Springs, Colorado
39/52
Apple Pie Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
These apple pie bites are fun for kids to make. Simply wrap strips of pastry around apple wedges and shake on some cinnamon-sugar. Then just bake and watch them disappear! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
40/52
Scottish Shortbread
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother, who is of Scottish heritage, passed this shortbread recipe, along with other favorite recipes, on to me. When I entered this treat at our local fair, it won a red ribbon. —Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba
41/52
Fruity Cereal Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
With dried apples and cranberries, these crispy cereal bars are perfect for snacks or brown-bag lunches. —Giovanna Kranenberg, Cambridge, Minnesota
42/52
Chocolate Mousse
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend shared this rich, velvety mousse recipe with me. I love to cook and have tons of recipes, but this one is a favorite. Best of all, it's easy to make. —Judy Spencer, San Diego, California
43/52
Marshmallow Pops
From the Recipe Creator:
Making these pops is a fun activity for a children's party because any age can participate. Customize them for holidays or special occasions by rolling them in coordinating colored sprinkles. —Marcia Porch, Winter Park, Florida
44/52
Cranberry Bog Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet and chewy, these fun bars combine the flavors of oats, cranberries, brown sugar and pecans. I like to sprinkle the squares with confectioners’ sugar before serving. —Sally Wakefield, Gans, Pennsylvania
45/52
Angel Food Christmas Candy
From the Recipe Creator:
It was my dad who inspired me to first try making this candy. He remembered it from when he was a boy. The ultimate compliment was when he told me my version tasted even better! My husband is a driver with a parcel service, so he works long hours around the holidays—which gives me time to make treats! —Shelly Matthys, New Richmond, Wisconsin
46/52
Pear Bundt Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Next time you make cake from a mix, try my easy and delicious recipe. The pears and syrup add sweet flavor and prevent the cake from drying out. And since there's no oil added to the batter, this tender fall-perfect cake is surprisingly low in fat. —Veronica Ross, Columbia Heights, Minnesota
47/52
Apple Yogurt Parfaits
From the Recipe Creator:
Get the morning started right with this super simple four-ingredient parfait. Try chunky or flavored applesauce for an easy variation. —Rebekah Radewahn, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
48/52
Gooey Chocolate-Peanut Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
These are so easy to make and take no time at all. They’re great to package up for those college kids looking for something from home. Everyone will want this recipe. —Elaine Grimme, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
49/52
Cream Cheese Cookie Cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Need a quick dessert? Try these yummy cookie bites. For a pretty look, use an icing bag to pipe the filling into the cups, then top each with mini M&M's. —Rachel Blackston, Mauk, Georgia
50/52
Coconut Pound Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
“This cake is easy to make and is always a big hit,” writes Lisa Varner from Charleston, South Carolina. “I like to serve it with ice cream for a double-dose treat!”
51/52
No-Bake Cereal Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
With two kinds of cereal and peanut butter, these bars taste almost like candy. —Pauline Christiansen, Columbus, Kansas
52/52
Grasshopper Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
I only need six ingredients to whip up this fluffy and refreshing grasshopper pie. I usually make two of the minty treats for our family, since we're never satisfied with just one slice. —LouCinda Zacharias, Spooner, Wisconsin
Cheap Desserts FAQ
What are the cheapest desserts to make?
The cheapest desserts rely on simple, everyday ingredients like flour, sugar, and basic flavors such as vanilla or cinnamon. Classic desserts like rice pudding, apple crisp or no-bake cookies using oats and peanut butter are budget-friendly choices that don’t skimp on taste and are easy to make. To keep costs low, focus on dessert recipes that use what you already have in your cabinet, like canned fruit or cake mix.
What are some no-bake, cheap dessert ideas?
Some of the best no-bake, cheap desserts include peanut butter clusters, easy chocolate fudge and icebox cakes made from layers of cookies and whipped topping. These treats come together quickly using basic ingredients and only require assembly. Customize them by adding a scattering of nuts or sprinkles for a final touch.
Can I make cheap desserts for a large group?
Yes, cheap desserts like sheet cakes, fruit crisps and no-bake cereal and marshmallow bars are perfect for feeding a crowd because they’re easy to scale up without adding much to the cost. Try desserts with shortcuts like these pies that start with pudding mix, which cuts costs and can be made ahead.
