11 ultra-simple sweets with 2 ingredients... and 18 more that need just one extra

Monday 2 March 2026 12:40 - Juliette Hess
11 ultra-simple sweets with 2 ingredients... and 18 more that need just one extra

We tend to think that a good dessert needs a long ingredient list, fancy techniques and half an afternoon in the kitchen. But that’s not always true. Some of the most satisfying sweets come from very simple formulas: a couple of good ingredients, the right ratio and a bit of heat or cold.


This collection is all about proving that point. Here you’ll find ultra-easy desserts with 2 or 3 ingredients that deliver flavor, texture and that “I made this myself” satisfaction; without demanding time, skill or a fully stocked pantry.


Let's begin with the 2 ingredient only recipes!

Did you know you only need 2 ingredients to make quite a few desserts and sweet bases? No tricks, no secret pantry items, no “plus a pinch of…”. Just two things you probably already have at home.

Some of these ideas are building blocks: a base you can later fill, a cream to layer, a topping to dress up any cake. Others are so good on their own that you can simply mix, chill (or bake)… and enjoy as they are. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s proof: with the right pairing, two ingredients are enough to give you flavor, texture and a homemade treat in minutes.

Here’s the list of our favorite 2-ingredient recipes:

Oreo truffles - 2 ingredient recipeRecipe Oreo truffles - 2 ingredient recipe

With only 2 ingredients, recreate our Oreo cookie truffles! Easy, melt-in-your-mouth, and indulgent, they are perfect for your tea or coffee break or to create a delightful dessert plate. You will need Oreo cookies, sweetened condensed milk, and......

How to make meringues?Recipe How to make meringues?

Do you have leftover egg whites? Don't throw them away! Instead, make delicious little meringues :-) An ideal recipe for reducing waste and perfect for accompanying your tea or coffee. With just 2 ingredients, follow our easy step-by-step recipe below ↓

Simple and quick puff pastry palmiersRecipe Simple and quick puff pastry palmiers

For dessert or a snack, make your own puff pastry palmiers at home! You'll see that it's almost as easy as opening a box of store-bought cookies :-) With just 2 ingredients (puff pastry and sugar), follow our step-by-step homemade recipe that will...

Kinder bueno-flavored spread – only 2 ingredientsRecipe Kinder bueno-flavored spread – only 2 ingredients

Are you also crazy about the extra-indulgent filling in Kinder Bueno bars?! Good news: we're sharing the recipe! Plus, it contains just two ingredients. As you can see, there's no reason not to try this wonderful spread ♥ Here are our step-by-step...

Chocolate and apple fudge, the super-easy dessert you can make with just 2 ingredients!Recipe Chocolate and apple fudge, the super-easy dessert you can make with just 2 ingredients!

After the pear version we loved, discover our delicious apple and chocolate fudge ! If it works, don't fix it: this recipe still uses just two ingredients —fruit (in this case, apples) and chocolate. No added sugar , making it perfect for an...

Puff pastry palmiers with chocolate spreadRecipe Puff pastry palmiers with chocolate spread

Perfect for a coffee break or a crunchy snack, choose these puff pastry palmiers with chocolate spread! A simple recipe that requires only 2 ingredients! It's a great opportunity to invite your kids into the kitchen and nurture their inner little chef....

Pear and chocolate fudge: the super-easy dessert made with just 2 ingredients!Recipe Pear and chocolate fudge: the super-easy dessert made with just 2 ingredients!

Fudge is known for its rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This no-bake version (except for the pears, which you can cook if you like!), with no gluten, no added sugar, and no added fat , is as healthy as it is indulgent when you're craving something...

Quick and gluten-free banana pancakes (bananas + eggs)Recipe Quick and gluten-free banana pancakes (bananas + eggs)

There is no simpler breakfast recipe than these banana pancakes! You only need 2 ingredients: 1 banana and eggs! Just mix them together, cook them in a pan, and enjoy them as they are or with a delicious topping (maple syrup, jam, fruit...). Nothing is...

Mini croissant cerealRecipe Mini croissant cereal

If croissants are delicious for breakfast, imagine a bowl full of dozens of mini croissants! :D You only need one roll of puff pastry and a little sugar to caramelize them, and that's it! In less than 15 minutes, you'll have mini croissants worthy of...

The famous "japanese cheesecake" with 2 ingredients — super easyRecipe The famous japanese cheesecake with 2 ingredients — super easy

Impossible to miss: this express "cheesecake" is making the rounds on TikTok and Instagram, and it's easy to see why... All you have to do is stick a few cookies (here we opted for Biscoff speculoos) in some Greek or skyr yoghurt, smooth the...

Chocolate dessert with only 2 ingredients!Recipe Chocolate dessert with only 2 ingredients!

These little persimmon and chocolate creams are proof that a dessert can be as delicious as it is simple to make! After trying apple and pear , it's the persimmon 's turn to shine in this recipe. Its soft, sweet flesh blends perfectly with the...

And now let's make some desserts with 3 ingredients!

And if 2 ingredients already feel like kitchen magic, wait until you add just one more. With 3 ingredients, the game changes: you can play with more textures, add crunch, bring in creaminess or depth, and get desserts that look and taste much closer to “bakery-style” while still being incredibly simple. No long shopping list, no complicated steps, no special equipment.


In this section you’ll find 3-ingredient recipes that go a step further: small cakes, truffles, cookies, mousses and other sweet bites where each ingredient has a clear role and nothing is unnecessary. They’re perfect for lazy weekends, last-minute guests or whenever you want a little wow effect with minimal effort and maximum payoff.


Here’s the list of our favorite 3-ingredient recipes:

Lemon posset, the no-bake lemon dessert you'll loveRecipe Lemon posset, the no-bake lemon dessert you'll love

If you like your desserts light, refreshing and simple, Lemon Posset is the perfect choice. This British classic, made with just cream, sugar and lemon, stands out for its creamy texture and delicious citrus flavor . Plus, you don't need to bake...

Oreo mousseRecipe Oreo mousse

If you love Oreos, you're sure to adore this mousse for dessert! Creamy, indulgent, and slightly crunchy thanks to the cookie pieces. With just 3 ingredients, recreate this mousse with all the details provided in writing, photos, and videos. A recipe...

3-ingredient banana and chocolate cookiesRecipe 3-ingredient banana and chocolate cookies

These cookies are made with only 3 ingredients! Enjoy our easy recipe for vegan cookies featuring oats, banana, and chocolate chips. Perfect for a snack or dessert!

Nutella meringuesRecipe Nutella meringues

To use up your leftover egg whites, nothing beats meringues! The perfect way to avoid waste and enjoy with tea or coffee ;-) This time, we make them even more indulgent by adding chocolate hazelnut spread :-) Tested and approved by the whole team, you...

Mango and lime sorbet with just 3 ingredients, ready to enjoy in 5 minutes!Recipe Mango and lime sorbet with just 3 ingredients, ready to enjoy in 5 minutes!

Looking for an extra-fresh, fruity ice cream recipe you can make without an ice cream maker ? Well, you've come to the right place! With just 3 ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious mango sorbet in no time. There's nothing like a good sorbet to...

Super-easy vegan banana ice cream with a cookie dough flavor! vegan cookie doughRecipe Super-easy vegan banana ice cream with a cookie dough flavor! vegan cookie dough

One of our favorite ice creams? Cookie Dough! You know, that delicious cookie dough studded with chocolate chips, before it's shaped into little cookies and baked. Well, a famous ice cream brand turned it into an ice cream flavor, and it wins us over...

Speculoos cookies with just 3 ingredientsRecipe Speculoos cookies with just 3 ingredients

You don't need much to enjoy a treat at snack time! These 3-ingredient cookies are proof of that ;-) They feature the fragrant flavors of speculoos cookie spread ♥ A real delight to keep in your pantry! Follow the simple steps of our recipe below!

Nutella cookies - video recipe!Recipe Nutella cookies - video recipe!

Nothing as simple as these fluffy and melty cookies, flavored with chocolate spread !

Vegan aquafaba meringuesRecipe Vegan aquafaba meringues

Yes, you read that right: “vegan”—there isn’t a trace of egg whites in this recipe! So what’s in them? Brace yourself... chickpea juice, also known as aquafaba! Yes, it’s surprising, but don’t worry: your meringues will be just as delicious ;-) See for...

Apple compote - video recipe!Recipe Apple compote - video recipe!

An homemade apple sauce that will go well with your roasts, or an apple pie, or even as a dessert itself.

Chocolate truffles with a coatingRecipe Chocolate truffles with a coating

To finish your Christmas meal, what could be better than chocolate truffles? Their exquisite flavors melt in your mouth and will delight the taste buds of the whole family! As for difficulty, it's hard to find an easier recipe! And don't hesitate to...

Chocolate mousse, creamy and tasty - video recipe!Recipe Chocolate mousse, creamy and tasty - video recipe!

Chocolate mousse , this iconic dessert of French gastronomy , has delighted young and old alike for generations. Both airy and creamy, it combines the richness of dark chocolate with the lightness of whipped egg whites to create an irresistible...

Extra-crispy chocolate peanut butter cornflake clustersRecipe Extra-crispy chocolate peanut butter cornflake clusters

You asked for an easy, no-bake dessert with only 3 ingredients?! These cornflake clusters should go down a treat :-D And for an extra touch of indulgence, we've added peanut flavor! A perfect recipe to make with the kids as a fun family activity ;-)

Pear and cinnamon compote (no added sugar)Recipe Pear and cinnamon compote (no added sugar)

Are your pears looking sad? Don't throw them away! Instead, try our super-easy recipe to reduce food waste! A deliciously smooth and fruity compote that won't even need added sugar! A hint of cinnamon will enhance the flavor of your pears and delight...

Coconut brigadeirosRecipe Coconut brigadeiros

Craving sunshine and something sweet for snack time? Travel to Brazil with this recipe for coconut brigadeiros! Naturally gluten-free, you'll only need 3 ingredients to make these delightful treats. A perfect idea for enjoying coffee with a sweet treat...

Homemade kinder country, only 3 ingredientsRecipe Homemade kinder country, only 3 ingredients

Nothing is more comforting than making your own childhood snacks at home, right? Our guilty pleasure is Kinder, with their delicious milk chocolate and hazelnut flavor :-) And even though we're huge fans of Kinder Bueno , Kinder Country have always...

Vanilla whey ice cream: high-protein, quick, and made with just 3 ingredients!Recipe Vanilla whey ice cream: high-protein, quick, and made with just 3 ingredients!

Fancy a quick , healthy and delicious homemade ice cream ? This vanilla whey version ticks all the boxes! With just 3 ingredients - a banana, whey and a little milk - you get a creamy, nice cream texture, with no added sugar and rich in protein....

Oreo cake with just 3 ingredients, ready in 6 minutes in the microwave!Recipe Oreo cake with just 3 ingredients, ready in 6 minutes in the microwave!

Extra moist and, best of all, quick to make, you'll only need 3 ingredients for this Oreo cookie cake! Indulge in the deliciousness after microwaving it ;-) Both kids and adults will undoubtedly love this dessert ;-) Now, let's get to the details in...


The next step is yours:

In the end, these recipes are less about strict minimalism and more about freedom.

When you realize what you can do with just 2 or 3 ingredients, desserts stop feeling “complicated” and start feeling accessible, playful and spontaneous.


Save this collection for lazy Sundays, busy weeknights or those moments when your sweet tooth wakes up and the pantry looks empty. You’ll know that, with just a couple of good ingredients, you’re already much closer to dessert than you think.

Juliette HessJuliette Hess
I have been creating culinary content for Petitchef since 2017.
I love travelling and discovering new dishes, trying out new food trends and exploring new restaurants.
I’m a huge fan of pasta and noodles in all their forms ❤ from udon noodles to tagliatelle, I love cooking them and even making them from scratch!
I’m currently preparing, filming and photographing your next recipe, and I hope you’ll enjoy it!

Comments

Rate this article:
3.5/5, 6 votes