Dessert recipes that don’t need you to go for a grocery run

If you’re one of us—mere mortals who can’t resist the midnight cravings for that sweet something—then this read is definitely for you. Imagine this: it’s late into the night, you’re cuddled up with your beau, and as the night progresses you crave for some sugar accompanied with a dollop of chocolate or other sweets. While you can choose to order in, we had something fun, cute, and different in mind: turn those midnight cravings into a full-fledged baking date. And you know what the best part is? You’re likely to have the ingredients for at least one of these recipes—so, don’t fret if you’re too comfy to go for that grocery run. 

Peanut butter fudge 

This one is for the peanut butter junkies. You’ll need some smooth or chunky peanut butter, some butter, and some powdered or regular sugar. 

In microwaveable bowl, mix 1 cup of peanut butter with ½  cup butter. After you combine it well, put it into the microwave and heat for a minute. Stir and heat for another minute until it’s completely smooth. Take out the mixture from the microwave and add ½ a cup of powdered sugar. Mix well until it becomes a thick, paste-like batter. Don't forget to shower your bae with some squishes and kisses while you’re at it. 

Next, line a tray with parchment paper and pour the batter onto the tray. Press another sheet of parchment onto the mixture until it is evenly spread across the tray. Put into the refrigerator until it solidifies. Cut them into pieces and enjoy! 

Chocolate mug cake 

A chocolate cake that could be ready in seven minutes? Absolutely. A mug cake is the easiest way to satisfy that pastry craving—and it’s yum!

Here’s what you need:
6 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 tbsp cocoa powder
¼+⅛ tsp baking powder
3 tbsp brown sugar (or use castor sugar)
6 tbsp milk, room temperature
3 tbsp oil

*You can replace the cocoa powder with Nutella, in case you don’t have it at home. 

In a microwave-safe mug, first combine all the dry ingredients. Then, add the milk and oil and mix until the batter is smooth. Next, pop the mug into the microwave for a minute. Take it out and take a look at the texture. If it’s too runny, heat it for another 30 seconds and you should be good to go! We’d also recommend pairing this with one (or more) scoops of vanilla ice cream. 

Chocolate-covered strawberries 

Definitely an aphrodisiac, chocolate-covered strawberries are the perfect end (or beginning) to a warm and cuddly date night. They’re super easy to make and delicious to eat in the middle of the night. All you need is some white, milk, or dark cooking chocolate and, of course, strawberries. 

First, you’ll need to melt the cooking chocolate on a double boiler or just toss some slab into a glass bowl and melt in the microwave. Stir until the mixture is smooth and without any lumps. 

Next, prepare a tray lined with parchment paper to place the dipped strawberries on. After you’ve washed and dried the strawberries, dip and roll them into the chocolate mixture. It’s honestly a ton of fun and if you want to turn it up a notch, take cue from Serena and Nate’s strawberries-with-whipped cream on the kitchen counter scene and have your own fun with the melted chocolate. 

Once dipped, allow the strawberries to rest on the tray until the chocolate is set. Enjoy. 

Shortbread cookies 

What’s a good baking date without some freshly baked cookies? These shortbread cookies are all you need to satisfy that sugar craving. You’ll need flour, butter, some brown sugar, and a whole lots of looove to make these. 

For a batch of 12 small shortbread cookies, mix 1/3 cup of flour, ½ cup of cold butter and 1 ½ cups of brown sugar into a bowl. Mix and fold with a spatula until the dough is well-combined. 

Remove the dough onto a flat surface (or tray) sprinkled with flour and knead. Keep in mind that the dough should be soft, and smoot but not sticky. Once done, you can cling-wrap the dough and refrigerate for 17-20 minutes. At this time, pre-heat the oven to 325 F. 

After the dough is chilled, divide into mini dough-balls and use a cookie cutter (if you have) to cut them into different shapes. 

Now all you need to do is put the cut-out cookie dough onto a parchment paper/buttered tray, and put it inside the oven to bake for 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden-brown. Once they’re out, you can enjoy them with a dash of chocolate or rainbow sprinkles, some jam, or a dollop of Nutella! 

Cinnamon baked Apples

If you’re craving something sweet but want to be a little conscious of what you’re eating in the middle of the night, then this recipe is for you.

You’ll need: 2 apples, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of butter and some sugar (brown or castor), maple syrup or any other sweetener of your choice. 

First things first, wash and chop the apples into slices, or bite-sized pieces. Then, in a large bowl, combine the apples with the butter, sweetener, and cinnamon. 

Microwave it for two-four minute as per your preference on how soft you want it to be.

And voila! It’s ready to eat. Eat it alone or pair it with some vanilla ice cream or as a topping on graham crackers. 

Images: Pinterest