Single-serve desserts that look like you tried way harder than you did.
Nothing makes you look like you tried harder than dessert in a cute little cup. These are our go-to “oh, I just threw this together” desserts that absolutely look like you did not just throw them together.
Whisk, spoon into cups or little glasses, add a crunch on top, and chill. That is the whole move, and it scales up beautifully for a party.
From tahini chocolate pudding cups to a dense salted caramel pot de crème to a make-ahead berry chia parfait, here are our favorite pudding cups and dessert cups. Every one is no-bake.
Chocolate pudding with a nutty tahini swirl and a little crunch on top. Fancy in a cup, easy in real life.
Deep caramel flavor in a silky, spoonable cup. Layer it, chill it, done.
Cinnamon-sugar pudding that tastes just like the cookie, spooned into little cups.
A dense, spoon-coating salted-caramel custard with a flaky-salt finish. Restaurant energy, home effort.
Layered pudding, berries, and chia in a jar. Make a few ahead and grab one on the way out.
A few tips
- Clear glasses or mason jars show off the layers, which is half the appeal of a dessert cup.
- Make the pudding layer ahead and add crumbles or toppings just before serving so they stay crunchy.
- A crunchy layer (crushed cookies, granola, cocoa nibs) plays off the creamy pudding beautifully.
- Scale up for a party by making one big batch of pudding and portioning it into cups.
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Frequently asked questions
What are dessert cups?
Single-serve desserts layered in a cup or glass, usually pudding plus a crunch and a topping.
Are dessert cups no-bake?
Yes, all of these. Whisk, layer, and chill.
Can I make dessert cups ahead for a party?
Yes. Make the pudding layer ahead and add crunchy toppings just before serving so they stay crisp.
What should I serve pudding cups in?
Small glasses, mason jars, or clear cups so the layers show.
How long do pudding cups keep?
Two to three days in the fridge, covered.