Budget-Friendly Dessert Recipes – 35 Easy to Make Desserts

Share with friends!

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.
35 budget friendly dessert recipes.
  • 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!

  1. Sโ€™MORES RICE KRISPIE TREATS RECIPE 
Sโ€™mores Rice Krispie Treats

                                   Photo: pieladybakes

Get ready for a fun and delicious treat! Make your homemade Sโ€™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

  1. BLUEBERRY SOUR CREAM COFFEE CAKE RECIPE 
piece of blueberry coffee cake on a white plate

                                   Photo: pieladybakes

This simple recipe is the perfect addition to breakfast, brunch, or a snack whenever you want. 

The best part is that itโ€™s fast and easy to make, resulting in the perfect breakfast or meal every time.

Get the full recipe from Pie Lady Bakes

  1. HOMEMADE ICE CREAM SAUCE TRIFECTA | THE BEST SUNDAE SAUCES EVER! 
Three Homemade Ice Cream Sauces

                                   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

  1. BISQUICK APPLE COBBLER RECIPE {EASY APPLE DESSERTS!} 
glass dish with bisquick apple cobbler and apples in background

                                   Photo: pieladybakes

Thereโ€™s no denying my love for baked apple desserts โ€“ 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! Itโ€™s a soothing touch to your day โ€“ like a warm hug on a plate!

Get the full recipe from Pie Lady Bakes

  1. QUICK AND EASY RICE KRISPIE TREATS WITH CHOCOLATE CHIPS RECIPE 
stack of chocolate chip rice krispie treats

                                   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 weโ€™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

  1. CHOCOLATE COVERED GRAPES 
chocolate covered grapes with walnuts sprinkled on top

                                   Photo: asweetalternative

These chocolate-covered grapes are a delicious addition to any dessert table. Theyโ€™re easy to prepare and are perfect for parties and other special occasions.

If youโ€™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. Theyโ€™re delicious and so easy to make.

Get the full recipe from A Sweet Alternative

  1. AMERICAN JIGGLE-O (VANILLA PANNA COTTA)
bowls of panna cotta with raspberries and blueberries and mint leaf garnishes

                                                      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

  1. GLUTEN-FREE FRENCH APPLE CAKE (VEGAN, ALLERGY-FREE) 
gluten free apple cake on a white plate with fork

                                   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

  1. EASY CRANBERRY MOUSSE WITH FRESH WHIPPED CREAM 
cranberry mousse in fluted glass garnished with whipped cream

                                                 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

Itโ€™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? Itโ€™s only 4 ingredients to make and EASY.

Get the full recipe from Savvy Mama Lifestyle

  1. CAKE IN A MUG FROM CAKE MIX 
cake in a white mug with spoon sprinkled with funfetti sprinkles

                                   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 

  1. CHOCOLATE COVERED GRAHAMS 
chocolate covered graham crackers with sprinkles

                            Photo: sugarandsoul

If holiday baking with extensive ingredients isnโ€™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

  1. COCONUT MILK RICE PUDDING (EGGLESS AND DAIRY FREE)
coconut milk rice pudding in glass dish with jam and a spoon on the side

                                     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

  1. FUNFETTI COOKIES
funfetti cake mix cookies on a white plate

                              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

  1. ARROZ CON LECHE RECIPE (MEXICAN RICE PUDDING) 
mexican rice pudding in white tin mugs with cinnamon sticks

                              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, weโ€™re keeping this easy recipe pretty simple.

Get the full recipe from The Forked Spoon

  1. SICILIAN LEMON GRANITA RECIPE (GRANITA AL LIMONE) 
lemon granita in glass dish with mint leaf

                              Photo: irenemercadal

This Sicilian granita is the lemon version of granitas. itยดs 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

  1. CEKODOK PISANG (MALAYSIAN KUIH KODOK BANANA DONUTS) 
malaysian banana donuts on white plate

                              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

  1. CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER MOUSSE (VEGAN & LOW CARB) 
chocolate peanut butter mousse in white dishes with coconut and blueberries and peanuts on top

                           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 Chefโ€™s Apron

  1. DAIRY-FREE COCONUT PANNA COTTA {2 WAYS}โ€“A FANCY YET OH-SO-EASY DESSERT 
coconut panna cotta with blueberries

                             Photo: wholenewmom

This Coconut Panna Cotta is a surprisingly easy dairy-free dessert looks super fancy, but itโ€™s so easy, you simply wonโ€™t believe it! 

You only need a few simple ingredients to have this on the table in no time. Plus there are 2 great versionsโ€“regular and blended with a fruit puree.

Get the full recipe from Whole New Mom

  1. BAKED PUMPKIN DOUGHNUTS WITH MAPLE GLAZE 
baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze stack of three

                                           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

  1. RAINBOW ICE CREAM 
vanilla rainbow ice cream with sprinkles in white bowl with spoon

                                    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

  1. EASY MIXED FRUITS IN CREAM DESSERT  
Mixed fruits and cream in glass dish on white serving plate

                             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

  1. PEACH DELIGHT 
peach cheesecake with piece removed from baking dish

                                                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

  1. EGGLESS CUPCAKES
vanilla cupcakes in red wrappers with marshmallow and funfetti toppings

                        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 canโ€™t tell itโ€™s an eggless recipe.

Get the full recipe from The Conscious Plant Kitchen

  1. HOT FUDGE PUDDING CAKE 
hot fudge pudding cake in glass baking dish

                                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

  1. BEST CROCK POT APPLE DUMP CAKE 
apple dump cake in blue and white serving dish

                                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

  1. AIR FRYER APPLES
air fryer apples on white plate with ice cream

                                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 Iโ€™ve found to make apples like this, and you can use them in so many ways!

Get the full recipe from All Nutritious

  1. BEIGNETS 
small square beignets sprinkled with powdered sugar on white plate and baking rack

                         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

  1. ARROZ DOCE 
Portuguese rice pudding in white baking dish topped with ground cinnamon

                                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

  1. BISCOFF BITES 
A close-up of an energy bite made with oats and nut butter, resting on parchment paper with scattered oat flakesโ€”one of the best budget-friendly dessert recipes for a quick, wholesome treat.

                                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

  1. NO BAKE PINEAPPLE DREAM DESSERT (1 MINUTE RECIPE!) 
pineapple slices with whipped cream on a biscuit base

                                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 Christinaโ€™s Cucina

  1. BAKED CUSTARD 
baked custard in serving dishes

                                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.

  1. NO BAKE STRAWBERRY DESSERT 
no bake strawberry dessert on striped napkin with additional serving and baking dish in background

                                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

  1. CORN SYRUP FREE PEANUT BRITTLE 
homemade peanut brittle on white plate

                                             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

  1. AMBROSIA SALAD 
Ambrosia salad in glass serving dishes with sprigs of mint as garnish

                              Photo: littlesunnykitchen

Ambrosia salad, just like grandma used to make! This classic fruit salad lies somewhere in between a side dish and dessert. 

Itโ€™s sweet and delicious, but also somewhat healthy with bananas, mandarin orange, and pineapple throughout.

Get the full recipe from Little Sunny Kitchen

  1. MANGO ICE CREAM RECIPE
mango ice cream in glass serving dishes with spoons

                                 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.

If you havenโ€™t already, you can sign up for my weekly email newsletter using this link. It’s absolutely free, and you’ll never miss out on any of my new recipes.

See you soon!

Judy

Budget friendly dessert recipes.

Share with friends!

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.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *