Budget-Friendly Dessert Recipes – 35 Easy to Make Desserts
Are you looking for budget-friendly dessert recipes that won’t break the bank? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of 35 delicious desserts that are easy on your wallet.
Whether you’re hosting a party or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these desserts are sure to impress without costing a fortune.
Easy to make bars, pies, puddings and other sweet treats!
Enjoy this variety of recipes.
Tips for Saving Money when making budget-friendly dessert recipes:
Everyone is trying to save money on their food budget these days. But you still want to indulge in some delicious desserts right?
Here are some ways to save money while still enjoying your favorite sweets:
- Buy in bulk: Buying ingredients in bulk can save you a lot of money in the long run. For example, you can buy a big bag of flour and use it to make multiple desserts instead of buying small bags of flour every time you need it.
- Use simple ingredients: You don’t need to use expensive ingredients to make delicious desserts. Simple ingredients like sugar, flour, eggs, and butter can be used to make a variety of desserts.
- Make your own whipped cream: Instead of buying whipped cream, you can make your own by whipping heavy cream with sugar. This is not only cheaper but also tastier than store-bought whipped cream.
- Use leftovers: Don’t throw away leftover cake, bread, or cookies. You can use them to make delicious desserts like bread pudding, add-ins for ice cream, trifle, or cake pops.
- Watch for sales at your local grocer: Items like flour, sugar, butter and even cake mixes go on sale just prior to most holidays, when there will be lots of baking happening. Make sure you check expiry dates on all ingrediets.
By following these tips, you can save money while still enjoying delicious desserts. Ready to check out our budget-friendly dessert recipes? Let’s go!
Photo: pieladybakes
Get ready for a fun and delicious treat! Make your homemade S’mores Rice Krispie Treats with this simple recipe.
With just about thirty minutes of prep time and only four simple ingredients, you can whip up these gooey, chocolatey treats in no time. And the best part? This is definitely a budget-friendly dessert recipe.
Get the full recipe from Pie Lady Bakes
Photo: pieladybakes
This simple recipe is the perfect addition to breakfast, brunch, or a snack whenever you want.
The best part is that it’s fast and easy to make, resulting in the perfect breakfast or meal every time.
Get the full recipe from Pie Lady Bakes
Photo: pieladybakes
These ice cream toppings would be great for ice cream sundaes or are delicious and simple to add to apple slices and other fruits as well.
These are just a few of my favorite ways to create an easy recipe or two with simple ingredients.
Get the full recipe from Pie Lady Bakes
Photo: pieladybakes
There’s no denying my love for baked apple desserts – they are pure, cozy comfort food at any time of the year.
This Bisquick Apple Cobbler, one of my all-time favorite dessert recipes, is no exception! It’s a soothing touch to your day – like a warm hug on a plate!
Get the full recipe from Pie Lady Bakes
Photo: pieladybakes
If you are looking for a recipe to make yummy treats that the whole family will love, look no further.
Our Rice Krispie Treats with Chocolate Chips Recipe is based on the original recipe and we’ve kicked it up a notch by adding mini chocolate chips to that wonderful mixture of butter, melted marshmallows, and rice krispies cereal.
Get the full recipe from Pie Lady Bakes
Photo: asweetalternative
These chocolate-covered grapes are a delicious addition to any dessert table. They’re easy to prepare and are perfect for parties and other special occasions.
If you’re making these grapes for a party and would like another simple treat to add to the dessert table, try these chocolate-covered pumpkin seeds. They’re delicious and so easy to make.
Get the full recipe from A Sweet Alternative
Photo: cusskitchen
Bring a little jiggle to your next party with Creamy Vanilla Panna Cotta. You need to plan with this dessert, but it is an easy dessert that you can whip up in 15-20 minutes.
Panna cotta is a classic dessert that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world. Panna Cotta is so smooth and delicious- so impressive and so versatile.
Get the full recipe from Cuss Kitchen
Photo: strengthandsunshine
This Gluten-Free French Apple Cake is soft, delicate, and full of fresh apple chunks! A simple and traditional dessert that can even be enjoyed for breakfast or brunch!
Vegan, allergy-free, and made without alcohol, this classic French cake recipe is so easy and made with a light, moist, and buttery custard-like cake batter, apples, and rum extract for flavor!
Get the full recipe from Strength And Sunshine
Photo: savvymamalifestyle
After a heavy Christmas dinner, sometimes you just need a light and refreshing dessert. Stick with this light and delicious Cranberry Mousse dessert recipe.
It’s a great individual dessert that you can prepare ahead of time too. My guests always love the creamy texture and how festive it looks. The best part? It’s only 4 ingredients to make and EASY.
Get the full recipe from Savvy Mama Lifestyle
Photo: fitandfull
Cake In A Mug from Cake Mix is the perfect individual dessert that can be prepared in minutes, offering a deliciously indulgent treat.
Its simplicity makes it a popular choice among dessert lovers. With just a few ingredients and a microwave, you can enjoy a warm, moist cake in a matter of minutes.
Get the full recipe from Fit And Full
Photo: sugarandsoul
If holiday baking with extensive ingredients isn’t your thing, then look no further than these chocolate-covered Grahams!
These chocolate-dipped grahams come out looking (and tasting!) like a gourmet treat that belongs in a nicely packaged box yet is simple to make right at home with minimal ingredients!
Get the full recipe from Sugar And Soul
Photo: flavourstreat
Rich and creamy coconut milk rice pudding made with just 4 ingredients is an incredibly delicious dessert perfect to enjoy either warm or chilled. It is an egg-free dairy-free free and gluten-free recipe.
This easy coconut rice pudding is one such creamy dreamy dessert that is so easy and simple to make with just a handful of ingredients that is an ideal dish to make specifically for beginners.
Get the full recipe from Flavours Treat
Photo: dinneratthezoo
These Funfetti cookies are soft cake mix cookies that are rolled in sprinkles and baked to golden brown perfection. A super easy dessert idea!
Who can resist a great sprinkle cookie? These Funfetti cake mix cookies come together in just minutes and taste as pretty as they look.
Get the full recipe from Dinner At The Zoo
Photo: theforkedspoon
Arroz con Leche (or Mexican Rice Pudding) is a delicious Mexican dessert made from simple ingredients including rice, milk, cinnamon, and sugar.
It can be served hot or cold and is guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. For today, however, we’re keeping this easy recipe pretty simple.
Get the full recipe from The Forked Spoon
Photo: irenemercadal
This Sicilian granita is the lemon version of granitas. it´s delicious, super fresh, and very easy to make, perfect on a hot summer day!
We could also prepare it with oranges, tangerines or grapefruits. We can find this Italian ice all over Italy, for example in Messina it`s usually made of coffee granita, or in Catania of almonds.
Get the full recipe from Irene Mercadal
Photo: cinnamonsnail
These easy-to-make banana donuts have everything you love about banana bread, but perfectly moist and cakey inside and just a tiny bit crisp around the edges.
Get the full recipe from Cinnamon Snail
Photo: mychefsapron
With only five ingredients, a few garnishes, and in 5 minutes, you can whip up this rich and finger-licking chocolate vegan peanut butter mousse.
Its smooth texture melts in your mouth while simple toppings such as berries or fresh fruit of your choice complete this decadent treat.
Get the full recipe from My Chef’s Apron
Photo: wholenewmom
This Coconut Panna Cotta is a surprisingly easy dairy-free dessert looks super fancy, but it’s so easy, you simply won’t believe it!
You only need a few simple ingredients to have this on the table in no time. Plus there are 2 great versions–regular and blended with a fruit puree.
Get the full recipe from Whole New Mom
Photo: bakewithjamie
Savor the essence of fall with these delicious baked pumpkin doughnuts with maple glaze. These doughnuts feel indulgent and fancy, but they’re so simple to bake in the oven
They include a blend of aromatic cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, canned pumpkin puree, rich brown sugar, and maple syrup.
Get the full recipe from Bake With Jamie
Photo: keep-calm-and-eat-ice-cream
This easy vanilla rainbow ice cream with sprinkles is a fun and nostalgic treat. All the colors of the rainbow and no ice cream maker needed!
This rainbow vanilla ice cream is a simple, no-churn recipe that’s easy to make and lots of fun to eat! With just five ingredients your kids will be asking you to make this all summer long!
Get the full recipe from Keep Calm And Eat Ice Cream
Photo: recipepocket
If you are after a super easy dessert, then you have to make this easy mixed fruits in cream dessert.
It is light, creamy, quick to make, and perfect for sharing. It requires no cooking, and you can use whatever fruit you have on hand.
Get the full recipe from Recipe Pocket
Photo: gracefuldame
Smooth, sweet, and creamy cheesecake atop a perfect, graham crust that has been piled high with fresh peaches.
With just one bite, you’ll know why this family favorite dessert is called “peach delight! It’s simple, dreamy, and perfectly delicious!
Get the full recipe from Graceful Dame
Photo: theconsciousplantkitchen
These Eggless Cupcakes are easy egg-free vanilla cupcakes with a moist crumb and creamy vanilla frosting. Plus, these cupcakes are also dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
Most people prefer egg-free cupcakes over regular cupcakes. They are light and fluffy, and you can’t tell it’s an eggless recipe.
Get the full recipe from The Conscious Plant Kitchen
Photo: thecookinchicks
Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is an easy, show-stopping dessert that is made with simple ingredients! The rich chocolate fudge sauce forms underneath a layer of chocolate cake while baking, all by itself!
Decadent chocolate cake layered with the most delicious homemade fudgy chocolate sauce, all baked together in one pan!
Get the full recipe from The Cookin Chicks
Photo: suburbansimplicity
For one of the tastiest and easiest desserts ever, make this Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake.
You only need 4 ingredients for this no-fuss slow cooker cake that tastes like freshly baked apple pie!
Get the full recipe from Suburban Simplicity
Photo: allnutritious
These Air Fryer Apples are sweet, a little spiced, soft, and warm. A perfect healthy dessert you can serve with ice cream. Gluten-free and low-calorie.
This is truly one of the easiest ways I’ve found to make apples like this, and you can use them in so many ways!
Get the full recipe from All Nutritious
Photo: spatuladesserts
Popular in French cuisine and a staple in the Louisiana city of New Orleans, these New Orleans-style homemade beignets are fun to make and hard to resist!
Their light, sweet, and pillowy texture make them the perfect treat to enjoy any time of day: For breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert. Top them with sugar, fill them with cream, or dip them in your morning coffee.
Get the full recipe from Spatula Desserts
Photo: thericechick
Thick, sweet, and creamy arroz doce (Portuguese rice pudding). And to top it off, eggs and butter are used to make this already creamy dessert even creamier.
This recipe for rice pudding is so simple to make and is perfect for an after-dinner dessert, a sweet treat, or for special occasions like birthdays and Christmas.
Get the full recipe from The Rice Chick
Photo: thymeforflavor
These no-bake biscoff bites are a great sweet treat that is ready in no time. They are great for morning tea, afternoon tea, parties, a light dessert, or even for tail gaiting food.
With only 5 ingredients, this easy dessert is perfect for any time of the year or day! Biscoff bites are a simple, delicious, and quick snack that can be made in about 15 minutes.
Get the full recipe from Thyme For Flavor
Photo: christinascucina
No-bake pineapple dream dessert is a super easy no-cook dessert that tastes like something much more time-consuming.
Everyone loves these tropical treats that my Aunt Virginia created. Oh, and can you believe this cream is not even whipped?
Get the full recipe from Christina’s Cucina
Photo: ihearteating.
This classic baked custard recipe is an old-fashioned dessert. This easy recipe makes silky smooth baked egg custard.
This simple dessert is made from just a few pantry-staple ingredients. It is very easy to make, and blending the custard mixture gives it its creamy texture.
Get the full recipe from I Heart Eating.
Photo: cinnamonandsageco
Creamy and sweet No Bake Strawberry Dessert is a refreshing and cool summer treat that will leave everyone asking for more.
With crunchy graham cracker crumbs, fresh and juicy strawberries, and a light whipped cream, this dessert is simply irresistible.
Get the full recipe from Cinnamon And Sage Co
Photo: servedfromscratch
A sweet, crunchy, salty, peanut-packed treat, but this recipe is made without corn syrup! Everything you love about a sweet, buttery, crunchy peanut brittle, but made without corn syrup!
Our Corn Syrup Peanut Brittle is everything you love about this classic treat but without any of the unnecessary additives!
Get the full recipe from Served From Scratch
Photo: littlesunnykitchen
Ambrosia salad, just like grandma used to make! This classic fruit salad lies somewhere in between a side dish and dessert.
It’s sweet and delicious, but also somewhat healthy with bananas, mandarin orange, and pineapple throughout.
Get the full recipe from Little Sunny Kitchen
Photo: amummytoo
This mango ice cream recipe is sweet, creamy, delicious, naturally vegan, and gluten-free. With just two ingredients, you’re sure to love this frozen dessert.
Enjoy! And. If you fancy something a little different, try dusting with a pinch of chili powder!
Get the full recipe from A Mummy Too
Frequently Asked Questions
What budget-friendly dessert recipes are suitable for serving large groups?
When serving a large group, it’s important to choose desserts that are both delicious and budget-friendly. Some great options include sheet cakes, fruit salad, rice pudding, and homemade cookies. These desserts can be made in large quantities and are sure to please a crowd without breaking the bank.
Which budget-friendly dessert recipes can be made using minimal ingredients?
If you’re short on ingredients, don’t worry! Many delicious desserts can be made using just a few simple ingredients. Some ideas include peanut butter cookies, fudge, chocolate bark, and no-bake cheesecake. By using minimal ingredients, you can create a tasty dessert without spending a lot of money.
Final Thoughts
This collection of amazing budget-friendly dessert recipes are not only easy on your weekly food budget, but they’re fun to make too. I just know you will find one or two recipes that will quickly become a family favorite!
THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the Pie Lady Bakes community! We’re all about sharing easy-to-make vintage recipes that remind us of the ones our moms and grandmas used to make.
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Judy
Judy Kahansky
Judy Kahansky is an experienced writer and baker, creating delicious desserts (including pie!) for over 40 years. She loves to take classic and vintage recipes and update them to fit the busy lives of her readers. When not baking, Judy and her husband Mark are passionate golfers, enjoy the simple life, and are travelers and dog lovers, spending as much time as they can with their sweet pup Ruby.
