Some desserts take hours, dirty up the kitchen, and make you wonder if they were worth it. But not these. I’ve rounded up 10 desserts that only need one pan. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for when you want something sweet without juggling a pile of dishes. From fudgy brownies to peach cobblers, these one pan desserts will save you time and effort while still delivering big flavor. Grab your favorite 8 x 8 pan (or even a cast iron skillet) and let’s dig in.
1. Classic One Pan Brownies
You can’t go wrong with brownies. All you need is a single bowl and your baking pan. Melt butter, stir in cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, and flour. Bake it, cool slightly, then cut into squares. The best part? No stacks of mixing bowls to clean. Just rich, fudgy chocolate in every bite.
2. Peach Cobbler Skillet
This one screams summer. Fresh peaches (or canned if you’re short on time), a little sugar, and a simple batter poured over the top. Bake until golden and bubbly. Scoop it warm with vanilla ice cream. Trust me, it’s one of those peach dessert recipes that everyone will ask for again.
3. Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar
Think giant cookie, but baked in an 8 x 8 pan. No scooping dough ball by ball. Just spread the batter, bake, and slice. The edges turn crisp, the center stays gooey, and suddenly you’ve got a crowd-pleasing dessert with half the work.
4. Apple Crisp in a Cast Iron Pan
Apples, cinnamon, oats, butter—does it get cozier than this? Toss sliced apples with a touch of sugar and top with a crumbly oat mixture. Bake until the apples soften and the topping crisps up. It’s fall in a pan, and it’ll make your kitchen smell like heaven.
5. One Pan Lemon Bars
Zesty, tangy, and sweet, lemon bars are always a hit. The trick? Press your shortbread crust right into the pan, bake, then pour the lemon filling over the top. No fancy steps. Chill, slice, and serve with a dusting of powdered sugar.
6. Peanut Butter Blondies
If brownies had a nutty cousin, this would be it. Stir peanut butter into a basic blondie mix, pour into your pan, and bake until golden. They’re chewy, rich, and perfect with a glass of milk. Bonus: you can add chocolate chips if you want to level up.
7. One Pan No-Bake Cheesecake Squares
Yes, cheesecake without the springform pan! Line an 8 x 8 dish with parchment, press in a graham cracker crust, and spread a creamy no-bake filling. Chill until set. Slice into neat squares. It’s one of those baking recipes no bake fans will love.
8. Skillet S’mores Dip
Imagine gooey marshmallows, melted chocolate, and graham crackers for dipping—all in one pan. Layer chocolate chips, top with marshmallows, and pop under the broiler until golden. Grab your crackers and dig in. No campfire required.
9. Peach Dump Cake
This one’s almost too easy. Pour canned peaches into your pan, sprinkle with cake mix, dot with butter, and bake. The topping turns golden and crisp, the peaches get syrupy, and you’re left with one of the simplest peach desserts ever.
10. Cinnamon Roll Bake
Grab a tube of store-bought cinnamon rolls, cut them up, and toss into your baking dish. Whisk together eggs, milk, and cinnamon, pour over, and bake. What comes out is somewhere between bread pudding and sticky cinnamon rolls. Drizzle with icing and watch it disappear.
Why One Pan Desserts Work
Life’s too short for mountains of dirty dishes. That’s why I love these recipes. One pan, one bake, one happy cleanup. They’re perfect for weeknights, family gatherings, or those “I just want dessert now” moods.
Whether you’re baking in an 8 x 8 dish, a cast iron skillet, or even a sheet pan, these treats prove you don’t need fancy tools or endless steps to make something delicious.
Quick Tips for One Pan Baking
- Grease or line your pan for easier cleanup.
- Don’t overcomplicate—simple ingredients usually taste best.
- Double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd (just use a larger dish).
- Most of these desserts store well—so make extra for tomorrow.
FAQs
1. Can I make these one pan desserts in a glass dish instead of metal?
Yes, but keep in mind glass takes a little longer to heat, so your bake time may need a few extra minutes.
2. Are these recipes freezer-friendly?
Most of them are! Brownies, blondies, and cookie bars freeze especially well. Cheesecake squares too—just wrap tightly.
3. What’s the best size pan to use?
An 8 x 8 pan is the sweet spot for many of these recipes. But you can easily double for a 9 x 13 dish if you’re cooking for more people.
4. Can I swap canned fruit for fresh in peach dessert recipes?
Absolutely. Fresh peaches give a brighter flavor, but canned works perfectly when peaches are out of season.
5. What’s the easiest no bake dessert from this list?
Hands down, the cheesecake squares. They’re simple, creamy, and don’t even require turning on the oven.
