Top 15 'One-Bowl-Bliss' Desserts to try for beginners who hate doing dishes - Goh Ling Yong
Ah, the sweet, sweet bliss of dessert. That perfect fudgy brownie, a warm slice of banana bread, or a creamy spoonful of mousse. But then comes the aftermath: a sink piled high with mixing bowls, spatulas caked in batter, and measuring cups creating a precarious tower of doom. We’ve all been there. You crave something sweet, but the thought of the impending cleanup drains all the joy out of it.
This feeling—what I like to call "dish-pair"—is the number one reason many of us reach for a store-bought treat instead of creating something wonderful ourselves. But what if I told you that you could have decadent, homemade desserts without creating a kitchen disaster zone? What if the key to happiness was just one single bowl?
Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe in making food accessible, joyful, and fuss-free. That’s why we’ve curated the ultimate list for every aspiring baker and sweet-toothed procrastinator. These are the 15 best 'one-bowl-bliss' desserts that are perfect for beginners, small kitchens, and anyone who fundamentally believes that life is too short to spend it scrubbing dishes. Get your favorite bowl ready—things are about to get delicious.
1. The 5-Minute Microwave Mug Cake
This isn't just a recipe; it's a superpower. The microwave mug cake is the undisputed champion of instant gratification. It’s a warm, gooey, single-serving cake that you mix, cook, and eat from the very same mug. There is literally no other dish involved. It's the perfect solution for a sudden late-night craving when you need a chocolate fix, stat.
The process is delightfully simple: you melt a little butter or oil in the mug, then stir in your sugar, milk, and vanilla. Finally, you whisk in the dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, and a leavening agent—right on top. A minute in the microwave, and you have a personal-sized cake that’s begging for a scoop of ice cream.
Pro Tip: The line between a perfect mug cake and a rubbery sponge is a fine one. Start with 60 seconds in the microwave and add 15-second intervals until it's just set on top. For an extra decadent surprise, drop a single square of chocolate or a spoonful of Nutella into the center of the batter before cooking for a molten lava core.
2. Ultimate Fudgy One-Bowl Brownies
Brownies are a cornerstone of home baking, and this one-bowl method removes all the intimidation. The secret is in the order of operations. You start by melting your butter and chocolate together in a large, microwave-safe bowl. This warm, melted base is where the magic begins.
Once you have a glossy pool of chocolate, you whisk in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. The residual heat from the butter and chocolate helps dissolve the sugar, creating that signature crackly, paper-thin brownie crust. Then, you simply fold the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, salt) directly into the same bowl. Less mess, less air incorporated into the batter, and a fudgier, denser brownie as your reward.
Pro Tip: For extra chewy brownies with deep flavor, use melted butter instead of oil and add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder along with your dry ingredients—it enhances the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee.
3. No-Bake Cheesecake Jars
Want the elegance of cheesecake without the terror of water baths and springform pans? No-bake cheesecake jars are your answer. This dessert looks incredibly fancy but is secretly one of the easiest things you’ll ever make. The filling is whipped up in a single bowl, layered into glasses or jars, and chilled until firm.
In your bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar, a splash of cream, lemon juice, and vanilla. Beat until it's thick and luscious. That’s it. That’s your cheesecake filling. You can then layer it in jars with a simple base of crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits mixed with a little melted butter.
Pro Tip: Get creative with your layers! Swirl in raspberry jam, lemon curd, or melted chocolate for different flavor profiles. Topping with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream before serving makes it look like it came from a high-end patisserie.
4. Dreamy Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Before you say anything, hear me out. Using avocado in a mousse gives you an unbelievably creamy, rich texture without any dairy. It’s a healthy-ish dessert that tastes purely decadent. For this recipe, your "one bowl" is actually your blender or food processor, which contains the mess and does all the work for you.
Simply combine ripe avocados, cocoa powder, a liquid sweetener like maple syrup or honey, a splash of non-dairy milk, and a pinch of salt in your blender. Blend until it's completely smooth and silky. The result is a thick, spoonable mousse that’s packed with healthy fats and intense chocolate flavor.
Pro Tip: The key to a great avocado mousse is using perfectly ripe avocados—no brown spots! Also, make sure to chill the mousse for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up, making it taste even more like a traditional chocolate mousse.
5. 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
It sounds like magic, but it’s real. You can make unbelievably delicious, flourless peanut butter cookies with just three ingredients in—you guessed it—one bowl. All you need is peanut butter, sugar, and an egg. This recipe is a lifesaver when your pantry is looking bare but your sweet tooth is demanding attention.
Just dump one cup of peanut butter, one cup of sugar (or a bit less, to your taste), and one egg into a bowl. Mix until everything is combined. That's your cookie dough. Roll it into balls, press it down with a fork to make the classic criss-cross pattern, and bake. The result is a chewy, intensely peanut-buttery cookie that will blow your mind.
Pro Tip: Use a standard, creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for the best texture. Natural peanut butters can be a bit oily and cause the cookies to spread too much. Feel free to fold in half a cup of chocolate chips for an upgrade.
6. Foolproof Apple Crumble
An apple crumble is the dessert equivalent of a warm hug. While it technically involves a baking dish and a bowl, we're counting it because the "bowl" for the filling is the dish you bake and serve it in, massively cutting down on cleanup. It’s rustic, forgiving, and always a crowd-pleaser.
First, prepare your topping. In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Then, use your fingers or a fork to cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Set that aside. For the filling, you simply toss sliced apples with sugar, lemon juice, and spices directly in your baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples and bake until golden and bubbly.
Pro Tip: Don’t peel the apples! The skin adds color, nutrients, and texture. A mix of tart apples (like Granny Smith) and sweet apples (like Honeycrisp) will give you the most balanced and flavorful filling.
7. Dessert-Style Overnight Oats
Overnight oats aren’t just for breakfast anymore. By tweaking the ingredients, you can create a healthy, satisfying dessert that tastes like a decadent treat. The jar you mix it in is the jar you eat it from, making it a zero-mess dream.
Think of a base of rolled oats and chia seeds soaked in milk (dairy or non-dairy). Now, let’s make it dessert. For a "Black Forest" version, stir in cocoa powder, a little maple syrup, and some frozen cherries. For a "Tiramisu" style, add a shot of cold coffee and a dusting of cocoa powder on top. Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, and you have a pudding-like dessert ready to go.
Pro Tip: The ratio is key. A good starting point is a 1:1 ratio of oats to milk, plus a tablespoon of chia seeds per cup of oats to help it thicken. Layering it in a clear glass jar with yogurt or fruit makes for a beautiful presentation.
8. Effortless Eton Mess
This classic British dessert is a glorious, chaotic combination of crushed meringue, whipped cream, and fresh berries. Its name literally celebrates mess, so it’s impossible to get wrong, and it comes together in the single bowl you use to whip your cream.
Start by whipping heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla until it forms soft peaks. Then, gently fold in a handful of fresh berries (strawberries and raspberries are traditional) and some roughly crushed, store-bought meringue cookies. Spoon the beautiful mess into serving glasses and enjoy immediately.
Pro Tip: The contrast of textures is what makes Eton Mess so special. Don’t crush your meringues into dust; leave some larger chunks for a satisfying crunch against the soft cream and juicy berries.
9. No-Bake Energy Bites
Also known as bliss balls, these are the perfect little bites to have on hand when you need a quick and healthy burst of sweetness. Your food processor acts as the one and only bowl you’ll need. They are endlessly customizable and require absolutely no baking.
A classic formula involves combining rolled oats, a sticky binder like dates or honey, a healthy fat like nut butter or coconut oil, and your favorite mix-ins. A popular combination is dates, walnuts, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt for a brownie-like flavor. Just pulse everything in the food processor until it forms a sticky dough, then roll into bite-sized balls.
Pro Tip: If your mixture is too dry to stick together, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it comes together. If it's too sticky, add more oats. Roll the finished balls in shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or chopped nuts for a professional-looking finish.
10. Classic One-Bowl Banana Bread
Is there anything more comforting than the smell of banana bread baking? This recipe proves that this timeless classic doesn't require a mountain of dishes. The trick is to use a large bowl and add ingredients in stages.
Start by mashing your very ripe, brown-spotted bananas in the bottom of the bowl. The riper, the better—that’s where all the sweetness and moisture comes from! Then, mix in your melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Finally, sprinkle the flour, baking soda, and salt right on top and gently fold until just combined. Pour into a loaf pan and bake.
Pro Tip: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flour. A few lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing develops the gluten and can lead to a tough, dense loaf instead of a tender, moist one. Chocolate chips or toasted pecans are always a welcome addition.
11. Stovetop Rice Pudding
Creamy, nostalgic, and incredibly simple, rice pudding is a one-pot wonder. The pot you cook it in is the only dish you’ll have to wash. It’s a slow, gentle process that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum comfort.
In a medium saucepan, combine rice (Arborio works best), milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. You can also add a cinnamon stick or a vanilla bean for extra flavor. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the pudding has thickened to your liking.
Pro Tip: For an extra creamy finish, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the very end. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cold with a spoonful of jam.
12. 5-Minute Chia Seed Pudding
This is perhaps the easiest pudding on the planet. If you can stir, you can make chia seed pudding. It's a healthy, versatile dessert that sets itself in the fridge, and you can mix it directly in the bowl or jar you plan to serve it from.
The base recipe is simple: combine chia seeds with your milk of choice (almond, coconut, and oat milk all work well) and a sweetener like maple syrup. A good ratio to start with is 3-4 tablespoons of chia seeds per cup of liquid. Whisk it all together, let it sit for 5 minutes, give it one more good whisk to break up any clumps, and then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until it's thick and pudding-like.
Pro Tip: Blend the final pudding for a completely smooth, mousse-like texture. It’s fantastic layered with fruit purees, granola, or toasted coconut flakes.
13. Two-Ingredient Chocolate Bark
If you need a super impressive-looking dessert with shockingly little effort, chocolate bark is your best friend. All you need is chocolate and your favorite toppings. Your "one bowl" is the microwave-safe bowl you use to melt the chocolate.
Simply melt your favorite type of chocolate (dark, milk, or white) in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Once it’s smooth, pour it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spread it into a thin, even layer. Now for the fun part: sprinkle on your toppings. Crushed nuts, pretzels, dried fruit, sea salt, or even crumbled cookies all work beautifully. Let it set in the fridge, then break it into rustic pieces.
Pro Tip: To create a beautiful marbled effect, melt two different types of chocolate (like dark and white) separately, then pour them onto the parchment paper and gently swirl them together with a toothpick before adding your toppings.
14. Chewy One-Bowl Blondies
Think of blondies as the vanilla-and-brown-sugar-loving sibling to the brownie. They are just as easy to make and follow the same one-bowl principle for a chewy, butterscotch-flavored treat.
In a large bowl, melt your butter, then whisk in brown sugar, an egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. The brown sugar is key for that classic caramel-like flavor. Then, fold in your flour and salt until just combined. You can also stir in white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or chopped nuts. Spread the batter in a prepared pan and bake until the edges are set and the center is just barely cooked.
Pro Tip: For an extra deep, complex flavor, use browned butter. Simply melt the butter in a saucepan on the stove until it foams and little brown specks appear at the bottom. The nutty aroma is incredible and will take your blondies to the next level. Let it cool slightly before mixing with the sugar. As someone who appreciates deep flavors, I, Goh Ling Yong, can attest this extra step is worth it.
15. The Perfect Affogato
We end with the simplest, most elegant "one-bowl" dessert of all. An affogato is an Italian classic that literally means "drowned," and it consists of just two perfect ingredients: vanilla ice cream and hot espresso. It’s a dessert and a coffee all in one.
The assembly is almost too easy to be called a recipe. Place a scoop or two of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream or gelato into a small bowl or glass. Brew a shot of strong, hot espresso. Pour the hot espresso directly over the cold ice cream. The magic is in the contrast of hot and cold, bitter and sweet.
Pro Tip: The quality of the ingredients is everything here. Use the best vanilla ice cream you can find and freshly brewed, strong espresso for the most authentic and delicious experience. A sprinkle of chocolate shavings or a drizzle of amaretto liqueur on top is a fantastic, grown-up twist.
There you have it—15 delicious, beginner-friendly desserts that prove you don't need to sacrifice your sweet tooth or your sanity to the kitchen sink. Baking and dessert-making should be about joy, creativity, and, of course, eating something amazing. By keeping the process simple and the cleanup minimal, you're free to enjoy every last bite.
So go ahead, pick one that calls to you and give it a try. You might just discover that your new favorite dessert is only one bowl away.
Which one of these 'one-bowl-bliss' recipes will you be trying first? Let us know in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
Stay updated with the latest posts and insights by following on your favorite platform!