This collection of 15 easy 6-ingredient desserts proves that some of the very best desserts come together with just a handful of ingredients. From classic shortbread and creamy pies to rich no-bake favorites and impressive bakery-style treats, these recipes are simple, reliable, and always crowd-pleasing.
You donโt always need a long grocery list or complicated steps to create a memorable homemade dessert.
My team and I gathered several of our most-loved 6-ingredient dessert recipes and include them below.
These are recipes we make again and again because theyโre approachable, dependable, and consistently loved by readers, friends, and family alike. (Many of the desserts in this collection are longtime reader favorites with glowing reviews!)
Take these no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars, for example. Theyโve been one of the most popular recipes on my website since 2013! The same goes for classic rice krispie treats, which never last long around here.
And while desserts like pavlova and crรจme brรปlรฉe may seem fancy or intimidating, they surprisingly require very few ingredients. With a little attention to detail and clear instructions, both are absolutely achievable at home.
Pavlova pairs perfectly with my easy 3-ingredient homemade whipped cream and 5-ingredient lemon curd.
Which of these 6-ingredient desserts will you try?
15 Easy 6-Ingredient Desserts
Cookies & Cream Pie
This cookies & cream pie is mostly no-bake, sets up in the refrigerator, and tastes like the filling of an Oreo!
Shortbread Cookies
You can make buttery shortbread wedge cookies using this simple yet flavorful dough, and there’s no chilling required since the cookies bake in round cake pans.
Upside Down Key Lime Pie
This is a fun one! Baked and served in individual ramekins, this custardy key lime filling packs a big flavor punch.
Family-Favorite Rice Krispie Treats
The addition of a little extra butter and marshmallow, plus a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, makes my family-favorite rice krispie treats recipe a cut above the rest.
Chocolate Swirl Pistachio Ice Cream
This homemade no-churn ice cream recipe pairs decadent chocolate ganache with a creamy, salty-sweet pistachio ice cream base, and it doesn’t require an ice cream maker.
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
These no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars are incredibly decadent, simple to make, and taste similar to the inside of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.
Coconut Macaroons (GF & DF)
Everyone loves homemade coconut macaroons that are sweet, moist, and chewy on the inside with a delightfully crisp exterior. No dough chilling required!
Easy Crรจme Brรปlรฉe
Flecked with espresso and vanilla, you only need a few simple ingredients to make the most flavorful and creamy crรจme brรปlรฉe. Prep is quick, as they’re ready to bake in only 15 minutes.
Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie
My peanut butter ice cream pie combines a no-bake Oreo cookie crust, extra creamy peanut butter ice cream filling, swirls of peanut butter, and plenty of Reese’s Pieces.
Oreo Balls (Truffles)
Oreo balls are a simple-ingredient, no-bake treat everyone loves! Choose regular, golden, mint, or another flavor of Oreo cookies, and white or dark chocolate for coating these easy Oreo truffles.
Pavlova (GF)
Pavlova is crisp on the edges, chewy on top, and marshmallow soft and creamy in the centers. Pile high with lemon curd, whipped cream, and fresh fruit for a lovely finishing touch.
Chocolate-Covered Date & Almond Truffles
These chocolate-covered date and almond truffles are made quickly and easily from just a few whole, natural ingredientsโฆ but still taste perfectly indulgent. Theyโre a great make-ahead treat, too.
Easy Baked Apples
Like individually portioned apple crisp, this dessert is great for a small family and you easily can halve or double the recipe as needed.
Creamy Lemon Pie
If you opt for a classic graham cracker crust (in lieu of the almond graham cracker crust in the written recipe), you’ll only need 6 simple ingredients to make this deliciously cool and creamy lemon pie.
Homemade Chocolate Mousse
This easy, creamy dessert is smooth, rich, made with real chocolate, and perfect for any occasion.
Angel Food Cake
I wouldn’t consider this recipe “easy,” but it’s very straightforward and requires just 6 ingredients. Thorough instructions will help guide you along!
