Budget-friendly desserts
Fancy a treat without breaking the bank? Try one of these delicious budget desserts, from chocolate pots and microwave mug cakes, to no-bake cheesecakes and more
Satisfy your sweet tooth without overspending with these cheap, fuss-free desserts. There's something here for everyone, whether you're after a speedy lemon posset for after dinner, a no-bake cheesecake to feed a crowd or no-churn ice cream to satisfy a craving.
These cheap desserts are made either using low-cost cooking methods, such as a microwave or air-fryer, or budget-friendly, accessible and minimal ingredients, including seasonal produce – ideal when you need a quick and indulgent dessert without making a trip to the shops.
For more cheap and cheerful desserts, see our collections of quick desserts, three-ingredient dessert recipes, microwave dessert recipes and no-bake dessert recipes.
1. Easy lemon posset
Our five-star-rated lemon posset is the perfect low-cost dessert for a dinner party. These individual citrussy set puddings are easy to make using just three ingredients: cream, sugar and lemons.
See more of our best lemon dessert recipes.
2. Chocolate bark
You need just four ingredients and 10 minutes to create this homemade chocolate bark, decorated with salty pretzel pieces and honeycomb chunks. Feel free to use up any leftover chocolate you have, too.
Find more easy chocolate bark recipes.
3. Microwave mug cake
Mug cakes are a trend that shows no sign of stopping, and we're big fans of anything delicious that can be made in the microwave. Mix up a few cheap storecupboard ingredients and microwave for a brilliant way to satisfy sweet cravings without turning the oven on.
See more of our best mug cake recipes and microwave recipes.
4. Microwave brownies
Need a quick chocolate fix? These fudgy brownies are made in under 15 minutes in the microwave. This recipe calls for everyday storecupboard ingredients, so there's a chance you'll have everything you need already.
Find more gooey brownie recipes.
5. Chocolate berry mousse pots
These chocolate berry mousse pots can be whipped up in just 20 minutes, making them a brilliant option for last-minute guests. All you need is dark chocolate, yogurt, egg whites, sugar and your choice of berries.
See more ideas in our mousse recipe collection.
6. Quick banana ice cream
This no-churn ice cream is as easy as it gets. Just throw frozen bananas into a food processor and whizz until smooth, with just enough milk to achieve a creamy texture. It's a freezable pud that you can have on standby for whenever you need it. Not only is this quick and easy, it counts as one of your five-a-day.
Discover more quick and easy ice cream recipes.
7. Chocolate hazelnut ice cream cheesecake
It's hard to believe this rich and creamy cheesecake requires only four ingredients. It's a clever no-cook, make-ahead dessert that's fit for feeding a crowd.
Check out more of our cheesecake recipes.
8. S'mores dip
A Saturday night type of dessert, this epic s'mores dip is made with a bar of chocolate, 2 tbsp milk and a pack of mini marshmallows, plus your choice of treats for dunking (keep it basic with a pack of digestive biscuits, or go seasonal with strawberries or pineapple skewers).
Find more American desserts and marshmallow recipes.
9. Blackberry & lemon fool
Create this elegant budget dessert for two using just four ingredients: blackberries, icing sugar, lemon and double cream. It can be whipped up in just 10 minutes, then chilled for a few hours – perfect if you've got a friend over for a last-minute dinner.
See more of our quick desserts.
10. Strawberry mousse
Strawberries, sugar and cream are all you need to make this light and creamy mousse. This simple recipe serves up to four, but try sizing up to feed a crowd at a summer gathering.
Check out more simple mousse recipes.
11. Air-fryer banana bread
Make everyone's favourite bake in the air-fryer instead of the oven to save energy. You can give this classic a flavour boost by adding pecans or chocolate chips, or keep it simple.
Find more air-fryer recipes for energy-efficient cooking.
12. Easy banoffee pie
You can cater to a crowd without breaking the bank thanks to this easy banoffee pie that combines a classic biscuit base with oozy caramel, bananas and cream.
See more in our banana recipe collection.
13. Air-fryer lemon drizzle cake
Who knew air-frying lemon drizzle cake was possible? This simple recipe keeps the ingredient list short, calling for basic, budget-friendly ingredients, such as eggs, flour and, of course, lemons.
While using your air-fryer for baking is not ideal for perfectly even cakes, it's great for a fuss-free loaf cake like this one. See more air-fryer recipes for beginners.
14. Lemon cheesecake
This zesty no-bake cheesecake, made with just a few basic storecupboard ingredients, is a fun dessert with minimal fuss. It's also well-loved, with over 200 five-star ratings to date.
Cheesecake is a brilliant no-bake option. Find more in our no-bake cheesecake recipes.
15. Lemon curd yogurt fool
Transform a jar of lemon curd and a punnet of raspberries into this easy, summery dessert, ready in just five minutes. Serve with some shortbread or any biscuits you have in the cupboard.
Find more easy no-cook summer desserts, raspberry recipes and lemon recipes.
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