30 Dessert Recipes for the Microwave Perfect for Late-Night Cravings

Whether you’re short on time, avoiding a hot oven, or just craving something sweet right now, the microwave can be your best friend. Below you’ll find 30 reliable desserts that come together in minutes with everyday pantry staples. Each one has been tested to work in a standard 700–1,000-watt microwave; simply adjust times slightly if yours runs hotter or cooler. Grab a mug, a bowl, or a microwave-safe dish and let dessert happen—fast.

1. Classic Chocolate Mug Cake

This two-minute chocolate cake is the gateway dessert for microwave baking. Whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, milk, oil, and a pinch of baking powder directly in the mug, then zap until the top looks set. The result is a tender crumb that tastes surprisingly close to an oven-baked cupcake. Enjoy straight from the mug or invert onto a plate for sharing.

2. Warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp in a Mug

Diced apple tossed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice softens beautifully in the microwave. A quick crumble of oats, butter, and more brown sugar gets sprinkled on top and crisped in short bursts. Let it stand for a minute so the juices thicken slightly. It’s the perfect single-serve answer to pie cravings.

3. Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Mug Cookie

This chewy cookie skips the oven but keeps classic flavor. Stir peanut butter, a touch of butter, sugar, egg yolk, and flour in a ramekin, then dot with chocolate chips. Cook for about 40–50 seconds until the edges puff and the center is just set. The cookie firms up as it cools, so give it a brief rest before digging in.

4. Speedy Mixed Berry Cobbler

Frozen berries make this cobbler a year-round treat. Toss them with a little cornstarch and sugar, then top with a quick batter made from self-rising flour, milk, and butter. Two to three minutes in the microwave produces bubbling fruit and a soft, cake-style crust. Spoonfuls taste best warm with a dollop of yogurt or ice cream.

5. Maple Pecan Bread Pudding

Stale sandwich bread finds second life in this fast pudding. Whisk milk, egg, maple syrup, and vanilla, then fold in bread cubes and chopped pecans. Microwave until the custard sets and the edges puff. A final drizzle of warm maple syrup ties everything together.

6. Microwave S’mores Dip

This party-ready dip turns campfire flavors into a quick snack. Layer chocolate chips in a pie plate, cover with mini marshmallows, and microwave until the chocolate softens and the marshmallows puff. A quick torch from the broiler isn’t necessary but gives extra toastiness if you like. Serve immediately with graham crackers or pretzel sticks.

7. Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake

Canned pumpkin purée keeps this cake moist while adding fiber and flavor. Mix it with flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, milk, and a splash of oil, then microwave for about 90 seconds. The cake rises high and settles into a tender crumb with warm spice notes. Add cream cheese frosting if you’re feeling extra festive.

8. Vanilla Custard Cup

A classic baked custard translates well to the microwave when made in single portions. Whisk together milk, egg, vanilla, and sugar, then heat gently in 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until it coats the back of a spoon. Chill for a firmer texture or enjoy warm and spoonable. It’s comfort food simplicity at its best.

9. Banana & Chocolate Oat Mug Muffin

Mashed ripe banana naturally sweetens this wholesome muffin. Combine quick oats, banana, an egg, milk, and a few chocolate pieces, then microwave until the top feels springy. The oats give a tender, hearty bite while the chocolate melts into little pockets of richness. Breakfast or dessert—you decide.

10. Microwave Cheesecake in a Jar

Individual cheesecakes are easier than you think. Press buttered graham crumbs into the bottom of a heat-safe jar, then pour in a mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and egg. Microwave on medium power in 30-second spurts until just set. Chill for an hour and finish with fruit compote.

11. Caramel Popcorn Clusters

A quick caramel sauce of butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup cooks in under three minutes. Toss in freshly popped corn and return to the microwave for short bursts, stirring to coat evenly. Cool on parchment paper where it hardens into sweet, crunchy clusters. Perfect for movie night.

12. Brownie in a Bowl

If you like your brownies dense and gooey, this recipe delivers. Combine melted butter, cocoa powder, sugar, flour, and a splash of vanilla directly in the bowl. Microwave about one minute until the edges firm but the middle stays soft. Let it cool for a minute so you don’t burn your tongue on the chocolaty lava.

13. Coconut Rice Pudding

Leftover cooked rice becomes dessert with coconut milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture, stirring every 30 seconds, until thick and creamy. Stir in shredded coconut for texture and extra flavor. Serve warm or chilled with tropical fruit on the side.

14. Strawberry Jam Crumble

This shortcut crumble uses good-quality jam when fresh berries aren’t handy. Spoon jam into a ramekin and top with a mix of flour, oats, butter, and a pinch of salt. Microwave until the topping firms and the jam bubbles at the edges. Cool briefly so the fruit layer thickens before serving.

15. Mocha Mug Brownie

Adding instant espresso powder intensifies chocolate flavor and gives a subtle coffee kick. The batter stirs together in seconds and bakes up with a crackly top in about a minute. A drizzle of warm milk creates a mocha sauce right in the mug. It’s the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

16. Mug Sticky Toffee Pudding

Chopped dates soften in hot water and baking soda before being folded into a brown sugar batter. Microwaving produces a light, moist sponge in under two minutes. Pour over quick caramel sauce made from butter, brown sugar, and cream. The result tastes remarkably close to the British pub classic.

17. Orange Marmalade Bread Pudding

Swap maple syrup for citrusy marmalade to brighten standard bread pudding. The jam melts into the custard, flavoring every bite with sweet-bitter notes. A quick microwave sets the custard while the top edges toast slightly. Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

18. Nutella Swirl Mug Blondie

Blondies rely on brown sugar and butter for butterscotch flavor. Whisk those with flour, egg yolk, and vanilla, then swirl in a tablespoon of Nutella before microwaving. The finished blondie is chewy at the edges and soft in the center. Serve warm with a cold glass of milk.

19. Spiced Pear Crisp

Pears become silky and sweet after a quick cook. Toss sliced fruit with a little ginger and cinnamon, then layer with an oat-almond streusel. Microwave until the fruit is bubbling and the topping smells toasty. A dollop of Greek yogurt balances the sweetness.

20. Quick Fudge Bites

Condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter melt together seamlessly in the microwave. Stir until smooth, then pour into a lined dish and chill. The fudge sets within an hour and slices cleanly into bite-size squares. Add nuts or crushed cookies for variation.

21. Microwave Churro Chips

Cut flour tortillas into wedges, brush lightly with butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Microwave in short bursts, turning once, until crisp. The chips cool into addictively crunchy bites reminiscent of churros. Serve with warm chocolate sauce for dipping.

22. Almond Joy Oatmeal Cookie in a Mug

Channel a favorite candy bar with coconut, chocolate, and almonds folded into an oat-based batter. Microwaving yields a soft-centered, crisp-edged cookie in about a minute. Let it cool slightly so flavors meld. It’s a satisfying treat that also offers a bit of fiber.

23. Coffee Cup Tiramisu

Traditional tiramisu requires hours to set, but this quick version offers instant gratification. Combine mascarpone, sugar, and a dash of vanilla; layer with broken ladyfingers dipped in strong coffee. Microwave briefly—just 15 seconds—to warm and meld flavors, then chill for 10 minutes. The result is creamy, bold, and surprisingly authentic.

24. Peanut Brittle

Microwave candy making is less intimidating than stovetop stages. Cook sugar, corn syrup, and peanuts until golden, then quickly stir in butter, vanilla, and baking soda for lift. Spread thin on a greased surface and cool until crackly. Break into shards for snacking or gifting.

25. Pumpkin Pie in a Cup

All the flavor of pumpkin pie without the crust—or the wait. Blend pumpkin purée with egg, milk, sugar, and spices, then cook in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. The custard thickens into a silky pudding. Chill briefly and garnish with whipped cream for classic flair.

26. Matcha Mug Cake

High-quality matcha powder lends earthy flavor and a delicate hue. Mix it into a simple batter of flour, sugar, milk, and oil. Microwave until the cake pulls away from the sides and a toothpick tests clean. The slightly bitter matcha pairs beautifully with sweet ice cream.

27. Maple Cinnamon Granola Clusters

Homemade granola doesn’t need an oven. Stir oats, nuts, maple syrup, and a bit of oil, then microwave in short bursts, stirring for even toasting. The mixture crisps as it cools into snackable clusters. Add dried fruit after cooking to keep it soft and chewy.

28. Hot Chocolate Pudding

Cocoa powder, cornstarch, milk, and a touch of sugar thicken into a lush pudding in under five minutes. Whisk every 30 seconds to avoid lumps and ensure even cooking. The finished pudding is rich and silky, perfect for a chilly night. Serve warm for ultimate coziness.

29. Sugar-Free Berry Compote

Frozen berries cook down quickly with just a splash of water and a squeeze of lemon. The natural fruit sugars concentrate, so no added sweetener is needed. Microwave until berries burst and juices thicken slightly. Spoon over yogurt, pancakes, or any mug cake above.

30. Microwave Meringues

Believe it or not, small meringues can dry out in the microwave if handled carefully. Mix powdered sugar with a beaten egg white and pipe quarter-sized rounds on parchment. Microwave on low power in short bursts until firm and dry. They cool into airy sweets ready for nibbling or garnishing other desserts.