Are you looking for simple dessert ideas that you can make using your pantry staples? These recipes are easy, convenient, and delicious. No need to bake or run to the grocery store for extra pricey dessert ingredients. Keep reading to find out more!
Pantry Staple #1: Cookies or Crackers
Your grocery list is probably not complete without your family’s favorite snacks: cookies or crackers. These snacks are convenient and versatile because you can easily turn them into delicious desserts like the ones you buy in restaurants.
Mango Float
This classic all-year-round dessert is famous for two reasons: it’s easy to make and very delicious. Every bite of Mango Float brings a creamy and fruity sensation mixed with some sweetness from your chosen cookie crumbs. Mango is a fan favorite but you are free to choose any fruit you think your family would love.
What you need: Cookie or cracker crumbs (Graham), ripe mango, all-purpose cream, condensed milk
Ube Langkasuy Float
Cookies or crackers also go well with Ube or purple yam. If you want to serve something different for dessert, this is your chance. You won’t go wrong with Ube because it is as versatile as cookies and crackers. To make Ube Langkasuy Graham Float, just add jackfruit (langka), and cashew (kasuy) to your typical Graham float ingredients.
What you need: Cookie or cracker crumbs (Graham), Ube yam or Ube extract, jackfruit, cashews, all-purpose cream, condensed milk, whipped cream
Chocolate and Caramel Crunch Bars
Do you want to level up your typical chocolate brownie bars at home? This easy recipe of chocolate and caramel crunch bars can give you an exciting and delicious experience. Imagine biting into a thick and crunchy layer of rice crispies topped with rich chocolate and caramel. It would feel like you have a dessert shop at home!
What you need: Cookie or cracker crumbs (Graham), caramel bits, marshmallows, chocolate chips, all-purpose cream, and additional toppings of your choice
Pantry Staple #2: Bananas
Bananas are certainly one of the most popular fruits in every household. Almost every family eats bananas as part of their regular diet. Bananas are nutrient-rich fruits that bring many benefits to the body. Some kids are not very fond of bananas but these desserts may just change their minds!
Banana Cream Pie
If you’re a big fan of pies but you don’t have time for baking, this no-bake banana cream pie recipe may be what you are looking for. The crust is so easy to make and the pudding goes with it perfectly.
What you need: Ripe bananas, banana or vanilla pudding, Graham cracker crumbs (for the crust), vanilla extract, wafers, and whipped cream (optional)
Turon with Langka (Banana Spring Rolls)
This beloved Filipino street food and dessert reigns in crisp wraps and golden brown glaze. Turon with langka is unmistakably one of the Philippines’ dessert staples and you can find it anywhere, from streets to high-end restaurants. How about have it homemade today?
What you need: Saba bananas, jackfruit (langka), spring roll wrappers, and brown sugar
Banana Split
For ice cream lovers, this dessert can be enjoyed all year round. If you’ve got some bananas you don’t want to go bad, split them into half and scoop in your favorite ice cream flavors. This combination is irresistible, and your family will have a more fun snack time.
What you need: Bananas, ice cream of choice, chocolate syrup, marshmallows, whipped cream, nuts of choice for garnish, and cherries
Pantry Staple #3: Peanut Butter or Chocolate Spread
Go beyond your typical peanut butter and jelly or Nutella breakfast sandwich by trying out these desserts that kids will surely love. Peanuts are rich in protein, fat, and fiber. Meanwhile, chocolate boosts mood and enhances focus.
Peanut Butter Pudding
This pudding is extra creamy and tasty because every spoonful just melts in your mouth. Customize your favorite peanut butter spread and turn it into a pudding everyone will love.
What you need: Peanut butter, cornstarch, granulated sugar, salt, milk, butter, and vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Bars
Make this delicious peanut butter bars recipe with only 5 ingredients. This sweet treat combines a rich and velvety chocolate bar with a rich and creamy peanut butter base. It tastes like peanut butter cups too!
What you need: Peanut butter, cookie or cracker crumbs (Graham), confectioner’s sugar, butter, chocolate chips
Nutella Mousse
We already love bingeing on Nutella, but this recipe might even make us love it more! This Nutella mousse combines cheesecake and hazelnut, and they blend together perfectly making a regular snack time feel like a holiday.
What you need: Nutella, cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, dark chocolate, toasted hazelnut (optional), and whipped cream (optional)
Pantry Staple #4: White Bread
White bread for a sweet and indulgent dessert can be popular among kids once you start being creative with the treats you can make! Check out these recipes that surely speak bon appétit.
Cinnamon Rolls
In two easy steps, you’re ready to serve this sugary comfort food that everyone in the family will adore. Who thought a good treat comes this easy? Bask in that sweet aroma of cinnamon as you enjoy this filling and indulgent dessert.
What you need: White bread, cinnamon sugar, butter, and confectioner’s sugar
French Toast
This delightful recipe was born because of the exact reason you’re reading this: to enjoy bread as a delicious treat before it goes stale. Serve it as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack—it does not matter because its sweet aroma is irresistible.
What you need: White bread, eggs, milk, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon or nutmeg, honey (optional)