Category: Desserts and Treats

Dinner and lunch are good, but life isn’t quite as enjoyable without something sweet. Some of these recipes are a single serving, some are small batch desserts and treats. The small batch recipes are half- or quarter-size cake recipes for cakes and brownies.  They are more than one serving, but just enough for one person to finish over the course of a few days.  In other words, no stale cake!

By the way, if you don’t have one, I do recommend getting a small baking dish to make these recipes.  A dish that’s about six inches square is perfect.

No mug cakes though.  I just don’t think they work well!

There are a couple of exceptions. The cheesecake and the chocolate mousse are full size recipes.

Single Serving Desserts

Poached Pears with Chocolate Sauce and Ice Cream

Cinnamon Sugar Bananas with Brandy

Small Batch Cakes and Desserts

Peach Crumble Recipe

Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake Recipe

Small Batch Cinnamon Sugar Apple Bread

Small Batch Chocolate Dessert Recipes

Small Batch Brownies with Cocoa Powder

Greek Yogurt Chocolate Cake

Gooey Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

I’ve been trying to create gooey small batch chocolate chip cookies for ages. I’d made a full batch of chocolate chip cookies for years without problems. And got lots of compliments, despite using a standard recipe right off the package. But with less traveling lately, there are fewer chances to share. And it’s tough to eat a full batch all by myself.

But when I started to think about it and consciously tried to figure out why my cookies were so different, I got…flat cookies.

And most of the recipes I found online for gooey chocolate chip cookies were either too big, nearly the same amount of work as a large batch, or came up flat. Some called for cornstarch (in cookies?), others said to chill the dough for hours. And wait for my cookies??? No!! Still others recommended increasing the amount of brown sugar.

None of this helped. Especially since I knew I hadn’t been doing any of those things before.

After years (!) of wondering what the heck happened, and why thinking about my process messed up my cookies, I finally figured out the secret to gooey small batch chocolate chip cookies. It’s not cornstarch and it’s not chilling the cookies either! This recipe requires no chilling!

The secret? Well maybe two secrets. Secret number one: don’t soften the butter. Secret number two: have a stand mixer.

The result is gooey, small batch chocolate chip cookies (about 20 of them). Just enough for one person. Lasts about a week (or less, depending on your sugar cravings).

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More Chocolate Recipes

Easy Chocolate Mousseeasy chocolate mousse

Only five ingredients. It’s simple, it’s easy, and you don’t have to fuss with separating eggs or double boilers. Just boil water.

 

Mini chocolate banana breadChocolate Banana Bread

Banana bread is great. But chocolate banana bread takes it to a whole new level.  Moist, chocolatey, and minified for one.

 

small batch brownies cocoa powderSmall Batch Brownies with Cocoa Powder

A batch of brownies sized perfectly for one person.  Again, no melting chocolate or fussing (they’re made with cocoa).

 

single serving double dark chocolate pudding recipeSingle Serving Double Dark Chocolate Pudding Recipe

Super duper extra chocolatey pudding.  It’s really two recipes (because you can also use it to make extra thick hot chocolate).

 




Small Batch Hamantaschen Recipe

Never heard of hamantaschen? Well, they are a special triangular cookie served on Purim.  More about that in a bit. However, since this is a single serving blog, I’ve made a small batch hamantaschen recipe, not a full one (even though the cookies are delicious, a full recipe is too much)!

I have adapted this from Tory Avey’s butter hamantaschen recipe. She has a non-dairy version too (but any excuse for butter is fine with me!) Back to Purim. Purim, like many Jewish holidays, commemorates when some evildoer tried to exterminate the Jewish people, but we survived. The running joke is, “they tried to kill us, we won, let’s eat!” This often means particular foods that have a special association with the holiday (so latkes for Chanukah, matzo for Passover, and so on).

In this case, we eat triangular cookies. These are in the shape of Haman’s hat,  or possibly his ears, or his pockets. The exact translation depends on where you are from and whether you are translating from Hebrew or Yiddish. Haman, by the way was the villain in the story.  He may have been a villain, but the cookies are delicious.

Now, this recipe works in several steps. Yes, it’s a bit fiddly, but that’s why it’s a holiday treat! First you make the cookie dough and let it chill (so it’s easier to work with). Then, you cut the dough out into circles, and fill them with jam, or some other filling, and finally fold them into triangles and bake. The traditional flavors are apricot, raspberry, poppy seed, and sometimes chocolate. I’ve made mine with strawberry jam (because once I made all those cookies, I didn’t want to fuss with making a special filling too). Yet, another reason (besides not being able to eat a full recipe), why this is a small batch hamantaschen recipe!

Note: There are two methods for shaping the cookies. The first is to wet down the edges and then pinch the sides together. The second is to overlap the edges. I found I got the best results by combining the two methods: dampen the edge, then fold.

This is the pinch folded version (which is easier, but doesn’t hold shut as well):

small batch hamantaschen pinch fold
small batch hamantaschen pinch fold

Here’s what the overlap version looks like (step by step)

small batch hamantashen left fold
left fold small batch hamantaschen
right fold small batch hamantaschen
right fold small batch hamantaschen
small batch hamantaschen finished overlap
small batch hamantaschen finished overlap




Tools for Making Small Batch Hamantaschen

Norpro bench scraper/chopper

Norpro Bench Scraper/Chopper

Helpful for getting the dough out of the bowl (since it’s crumbly) in order to knead it. If you are working in a small space, use the bench scraper to cut the dough in half before you roll it out. This will make it easier to manage. Use this for hamantaschen, challah, mini pies, or for transferring diced veggies from your cutting board to a pot.

JK Adams French rolling pin

J.K. Adams FRP-1 Maple French Rolling Pin

Hamantaschen dough is crumbly and thin, so you will get better results with a heavy-duty rolling pin.  It’s easier to hold than the kind with handles, and does a much better job of rolling out the dough.

More Small Batch Dessert Recipes

easy plum tart

Easy Plum Tart

This recipe needs no special tools, or fancy ingredients.  My ordinary six-inch baking pan worked just fine. Use Italian plums or the regular kind. Simple and delicious.

 

mini blueberry hand piesMini Blueberry Hand Pie Recipe

A pie that you can take to go. No plate and no utensils needed.  Great for a picnic or packing in your lunch for work.

 

rustic pear tart with vanilla ice creamRustic Pear Tart

Looks, and tastes like pie, but faster and easier to make. Only six steps required. Just the thing for a quick, sweet treat.

 

caramelized pineapple chunksCaramelized Pineapple Chunks for One Person

It may be cold outside as I type this, but you can still have an easy summery dessert. No fresh ingredients needed (or a trip to the store). And, it’s ready in minutes.

 




Easy Plum Tart Recipe for One

I had some Italian plums I’d bought with the vague idea of making one of various recipes for a plum cake or a torte, or even mini pies. But, I (naturally) wanted something smaller, didn’t have the right pan, and I didn’t have the patience for lots of little crusts and fillings. Stumped, I stared at my bookshelf and thought, hey there’s a Pierre Franey cookbook I haven’t opened in a while. That’s silly. And lo and behold, there was an easy plum tart recipe inside. One pan, one crust, and no fiddly time-consuming individual filling.  Plus,  you only have to chill the crust for a few minutes, rather than hours. Less wait time. Perfect!

So, I cut the ingredients in half, and got myself an easy delicious dessert.  It requires no special tart pan and there’s no need to run to the store for non-standard or expensive ingredients (like puff pastry).  My ordinary six-inch baking pan worked just fine.  I used Italian plums (the oblong kind), but ordinary, round plums would work too.




 

 

Easy Plum Tart Recipe for One Substitutions and Variations

  • Experiment with different fruits: try it with sliced apples and some cinnamon, or use sliced pears, cinnamon, and ginger
  • Replace 1 T of flour with 1 T of ground almonds
  • Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the tart
  • Brush the crust with egg for a beautiful shine
  • Or, try some heavy cream or milk on the edges to make it golden brown

Tools for This Recipe

Zulay Kitchen Pastry Cutter
Zulay Dough Blender

This is one of my favorite baking gadgets.  It’s much easier to use than the two knife method, and takes up a lot less space than a food processor.  It’s held up really well (I bought it about four years ago), and it now comes in your choice of colors (so it will match your kitchen).

JK Adams French rolling pin

J.K. Adams FRP-1 Maple French Rolling Pin

I started out baking with an old, relatively small rolling pin that I got as a gift.  It was pretty (with incised patterns), but a real pain the neck to clean. It was also too small. This one is miles ahead.  It’s easier to manipulate and hold, and does a much better job rolling out dough.

More Fruit Dessert Recipes

mini blueberry hand piesMini Blueberry Hand Pie Recipe

A pie you can hold right in your hand. One pie is one portion—just right for a treat without going overboard. You don’t even need a plate.

 

rustic pear tart with vanilla ice creamRustic Pear Tart

A rich dessert that seems like pie (but is much easier to make. There are only six easy steps. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth (without a lot of work or waiting).

 

caramelized pineapple chunksCaramelized Pineapple Chunks for One Person

A sweet dessert straight from your pantry.  And, it’s ready in only a few minutes.  Eat it as is, or serve with chopped nuts.

 

easy one serving apple crisp recipeEasy One Serving Apple Crisp Recipe

This treat comes together in a single bowl.  It’s warm, cinnamony, and made with oatmeal (so it’s healthy!).

 

 




Holiday Treats and Desserts for One Person

Sure the holidays can be stressful. And this year brings that to a whole new level. But we can still enjoy ourselves, even if we can’t do it with others. And that means dessert! Most dessert recipes are designed for a family, but these holiday treats and desserts are for one person.

And, as I mentioned last week, everyone enjoys dessert, regardless of which holiday(s) you celebrate.

I have gathered a few seasonal favorites here, including chocolate cake, brownies (top them with chocolate sauce and ice cream for a decadent treat), bananas with brandy, pear crepes, and super-easy chocolate mousse. They’re all easy and uncomplicated. Yes, even the crepes. I cheat. Shhh.

Now, I admit the mousse is technically four servings. However, in 2020, I think what’s normally four servings counts as just one! Also, if you freeze it, it comes out tasting like chocolate fudge ice cream.

If you’re pairing these with sparkling wine or champagne, the champagne goes really well with fruit desserts. The chocolate is a bit trickier, but you want a wine that’s sweeter than the chocolate. Try a fruity sparkling rosé.

I wish you all a happy and healthy 2021! Goodbye 2020 and good riddance!

greek yogurt chocolate cakeTriple Chocolate Cake

Want chocolate? Want lots of it? This cake has three kinds: cocoa, chocolate chips, and a super easy ganache on top. Because it’s 2020, and we need chocolate!

 

 

cinnamon sugar bananasCinnamon Sugar Bananas with Brandy

This dessert is ready in minutes, with little fuss. Make it as is, or add chocolate sauce, or ice cream. Or, swap the brandy for some rum.

 

 

 

pear dessert crepeEasy Pear Crepe Dessert Recipe for One Person

Making proper crepes is tricky and requires a lot of practice. My way is easy. I cheat. Great by itself or topped with  ice cream.

 

easy chocolate mousseEasy Chocolate Mousse

One of the first recipes I ever made. It’s only got five basic ingredients. And it is really super-easy. None of the complicated usual mousse steps. You never have to separate a single egg, or put anything in a double boiler. Easy, delicious, and chocolate. What more could you want?

Mini Chocolate Banana Bread

Take banana bread to the next level of deliciousness and make it mini chocolate banana bread instead! This recipe is adapted slightly from Smitten Kitchen. The original recipe is divine as is, but a whole chocolate banana bread is just too much for one.  Not to mention, I only had two bananas and the original recipe called for three. I used one and a half for this, then ate the other half with my lunch.  Plus, I just got some mini loaf pans I was dying to try out! I couldn’t resist.  It worked beautifully.

The bread is rich, moist, and chocolatey delicious.  I admit I skipped the chocolate pieces. You see, it was supposed to be double chocolate banana bread.  However, the chunk of chocolate I had was too cold and hard to break up and I was too lazy to wait for it to soften. And, I wanted banana bread ASAP!

If you want it super-chocolatey go for both and add about 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate. Then you get chocolate chocolate chip banana bread.




Tools for Mini Chocolate Banana Bread

Wilton mini loaf pan

Wilton Mini Loaf Pan

I got two of these. They’re about half the size of a normal loaf pan, and just perfect for smaller scale baking. I used them for this chocolate banana bread first.  Then, I took my white bread recipe and divided it between the two pans. Voilà, two mini breads instead of one large one! And, they won’t go stale before I can finish them.

The pans also work for other kinds of quick breads and mini meat loaf too. Eat one, freeze the second one. Or, cook once, eat twice.

More Banana Recipes

banana smoothie for oneBanana Smoothie Recipe for One

Easy, refreshing, and not too sweet. A good in-between meal snack you can make in minutes.

 

strawberry banana yogurt popsicles plateStrawberry Banana Yogurt Popsicles

Beat the summer heat with this sweet treat that’s actually good for you. It’s loaded with fruit! And there’s no added sugar either.

 

cinnamon sugar bananasCinnamon Sugar Bananas with Brandy

Whip up an elegant dessert without a lot of work. All you need is bananas, a bit of butter, brandy, and only a touch of sugar.

 




Mini Blueberry Hand Pie Recipe

This week would have been my dad’s 84th birthday.  I thought about writing a tribute post last year, when he died, but I was in no mental condition to do it. And then all hell kept breaking loose and I was too physically and emotionally wrung out to do anything that wasn’t absolutely necessary.  However, one thing about my dad: he had a terrible sweet tooth. He loved desserts, chocolate, and pies. Especially pies.  Particularly strawberry and blueberry pies. Sadly, I haven’t found the right strawberry pie recipe yet. For some reason, most of them have rhubarb, which he hated, or cream cheese, or even jello?! (nope nope nope) but this mini blueberry hand pie recipe is something he would have loved.

The pies are stuffed with blueberries, they’re sweet, and they taste like long, summer days.

I happen to like the fact that this mini blueberry hand pie recipe makes a bunch of little, one person serving hand-held pies, rather than a single large one.  It’s much easier to just eat one, and a hand-held pie is a lot less messy than a standard pie.  You don’t need silverware or a plate, you can just pick one up and eat it. They make a wonderful, sweet, summery treat. They’re easy to eat, and easy to pack for lunch or a picnic, without making a big mess. A slice of pie doesn’t travel all that well!

I’ve adapted this recipe from King Arthur, cutting the recipe in half to make four pies, rather than eight. Eight was a bit much! If you don’t have time to finish the recipe all at once, you can make the filling, chill the dough, and then come back to it later. The finished pies will keep well in the fridge for several days, or you can freeze them.




More Fruit Dessert Recipes

Poached Pears with Chocolate Sauce and Ice Creampoached pears with chocolate sauce and ice cream

Fruit, ice cream, and chocolate! It’s the dessert trifecta.  Gently cook the pears, drizzle them with chocolate sauce, and add vanilla ice cream.  Great for company, but you don’t have to share! Because this is food for one.

rustic pear tart with vanilla ice creamRustic Pear Tart

An easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Make the dough, let it rest, cut the fruit, and bake.  Simple.

 

easy one serving apple crisp recipeEasy One Serving Apple Crisp Recipe

A one bowl, one pan easy one serving apple crisp recipe that’s perfect for one. You don’t have to over-indulge (or worry about it going stale).

 

cinnamon sugar bananasCinnamon Sugar Bananas with Brandy

Treat yourself to this simple dessert with a bit of butter, a touch of cinnamon, some brown sugar, and a splash of brandy.

 




Rustic Pear Tart

Let’s face it, most pear tart recipes are complicated.  You have to make the dough, then let it rest.  Next you have to pre-bake the crust, or maybe go out and get some frozen puff pastry. I’ve even seen recipes calling for making the puff pastry at home (not happening).   Or, there are recipes requiring a traditional full-blown pie crust.  I have a lovely apple pie recipe I hardly ever make because it’s just too much fussing.  This rustic pear tart, on the other hand, is fairly easy and straightforward.

You don’t have to crimp the edges, or pre-bake the crust. You don’t even have to cook the pears in advance. I saw one recipe that had 22 steps! Nope. Nope. Nope. This recipe is much easier than that! There are only six steps.  Much better! The active time is about 15 minutes of work, and the whole thing is done in about an hour and a half (including resting in the fridge and baking).

First you make the dough. That’s only five basic ingredients you likely already have at home.  Then, you let it cool in the refrigerator for an hour, and press out the dough into a roughly circular shape. Next, add the fruit, sprinkle the spices on top, and bake.

I’ve made this tart with pears, because I had some extremely ripe pears I wanted to use up. If you don’t have pears, or would rather use something else, apples will work beautifully too. And, both are in season now.  Once summer comes back around, you might try it with peaches or maybe plums too.

The original recipe (which I cut in half) required a food processor. If you don’t have one, you can use a pastry cutter or two sharp knives instead. I have included instructions for both.

UPDATE: I suppose I should say that I decided this was still too complicated and simplified it. What really happened was I looked at the wrong tart recipe and followed the dough recipe for that instead!  Oops! But, a happy mistake, because it was delicious and easier! Win-win!

 

rustic pear tart




Rustic Pear Tart Substitutions and Variations

  • Don’t have pears? Make this with apples instead (or try peaches in the summer)
  • Add some green cardamom to the tart (along with the other spices)
  • Replace some of the flour with ground almond meal
  • Add a little Reisling or other dessert wine to the filling
  • Top with slivered almonds




More Pear Dessert Recipes

ginger pear breadSmall Batch Ginger Pear Bread

Sweet, juicy pears balanced with the bite of some cinnamon and a bit of ground ginger, topped with chopped almonds.

 

poached pears with chocolate sauce and ice cream

Poached Pears with Chocolate Sauce and Ice Cream

Indulgent? Maybe. So what. It’s rich, creamy, and delicious. Looks hard, but it’s really quite simple to make. Fancy enough for company, but worth it for yourself.

 

pear dessert crepeEasy Pear Crepe Dessert Recipe for One Person

Real crepes are hard. This is easy. I cheated. Dessert in a few minutes, no bother. Still delectable.  Serve plain or top with whipped cream or ice cream.

Strawberry Banana Yogurt Popsicles

I’m told it’s popsicle week this week, and who am I to argue?  It’s barely summer but NY has already hit “swelter season.”  That means it’s what we call 3H weather: hazy, hot, and humid.  Strawberry banana yogurt popsicles are sweet, cold, and have no additional sugar added. They’re the perfect summer treat when the temperature hits “Oh no, you gotta be kidding me!”  There’s also no cooking or heating anything involved; ideal when it’s just too warm and sticky to face a hot stove.

All you have to do is measure the ingredients, blend everything together, and then freeze. About 2 hours later,  you’ve got a great snack.

I adapted the recipe slightly from one I found online here.  The original recipe was for 10 pops, which is way too much.  So, I cut it in half.   I also used strawberries instead of mixed berries. It’s the height of strawberry season and they are outrageously delicious!

strawberry banana yogurt popsicles

I have a four-pop mold popsicle set, which holds about three ounces each.  I’ve had them for years, which is both great and annoying. Great because they’ve held up well; annoying because since the pops all insert into one tray, it’s hard to get only one pop at a time.  I’d much rather have something like this,  which is designed to make it easier to get one pop out at a time.

Some molds are bigger (or smaller), so the final number of pops you get will depend on the size of the mold you have. If you don’t have a mold at all, you can pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and stick toothpicks in it. That will give you a dozen bite size mini-pops instead.




Strawberry Banana Yogurt Popsicles Substitutions and Variations

  • Use blackberries, raspberries, or a combination of berries instead of just strawberries
  • If you have leftover mixture, add some crushed ice, blend it again, and make a smoothie
  • Add a splash of vanilla extract and/or nutmeg
  • Go for some tequila or rum and make adult popsicles (figure roughly one ounce of liquor per five ounces of everything else)
Ozera popsicle molds
Ozera Reusable Popsicle Molds

This design makes it far easier to get one popsicle at a time. Each mold sits in its own individual slot, so you don’t have to struggle to get just one pop. There’s also a little tiny brush to clean them with. Or, just put them in the dishwasher.

Zuko pop makerZoku Duo Quick Pop Maker

 

If you really want to get fancy, try out this juice pop maker. Freeze the container ahead of time, then add the ingredients, and you’ll get a tasty frozen treat in just 7 minutes. It doesn’t even need electricity. Note that this will only work with sugar-sweetened pops (not sugar-free or artificial sweeteners).

More Fruit Desserts and Drinks

juice popsicleOne Ingredient Juice Popsicles

My mom used to make these when I was little. They were delicious then, and still are. A healthy, sweet treat that’s great on hot days.

 

banana smoothie for oneBanana Smoothie Recipe for One

A sweet drink that’s packed with vitamins and potassium, rather than processed sugar. Great for a snack.

 

cinnamon sugar bananasCinnamon Sugar Bananas with Brandy

Treat yourself with an easy dessert that takes very little effort to make. Serve plain or top with chocolate sauce or ice cream.

 

strawberry basil mojitoStrawberry Basil Mojito with Lime

Kick back, relax, and enjoy a refreshing adult beverage. Close your eyes and pretend you’re on a tropical beach, swaying under the palm trees.

 




Caramelized Pineapple Chunks for One Person

I love chocolate, but sometimes it keeps me awake at night. So, I’m always on the lookout for delicious desserts that don’t take a lot of time to make, especially in warmer weather when I don’t want to keep the oven on for a long time.  Caramelized pineapple chunks hits the spot perfectly.  It’s only got four ingredients and takes only about 15 minutes to make. Perfect!

This is a dessert that’s sweet, fruity, and seems decadent (but isn’t really). The pineapple chunks are cooked with just a bit of butter and some brown sugar to form a rich brown caramel sauce.  The rest is basically fruit (and optional nuts).  It only takes a few minutes to make, so you don’t have to stand over the stove for half the day.  The original recipe called for rum (which I didn’t have), so I left it out.  If you do have it, by all means use it.  Dark rum would be best.

You can also garnish it in different ways. Top it with some chopped pistachios, or crushed almonds.  Or, add some strawberries (one fruit is good, two fruits are even better).  It’s both sweet and somehow savory at the same time.

While you can use a fresh pineapple, then you have to worry about using up the rest of it.  I got around this problem by going to the market and getting cut up chunks of fresh pineapple. It’s much easier, less cutting, no mess, and no concerns about eating the rest of it before it spoils (which would be a shame!).

If you can’t get the fresh chunks, you can use the canned variety in a pinch. Just make sure to get the kind in juice, not in syrup.  If you use the canned version, cook the pineapple in the juice from the can (if you like) instead of orange juice.

One thing, don’t walk away from it. Leave it in the pan too long and the sugar will burn, making a terrible mess (ask me how I know this).

If you want, you can make the whole thing in advance and eat it the next day. It’s better slightly warm or at room temperature, so let it sit out for a while to warm up before you eat it.




Caramelized Pineapple Chunks Substitutions and Variations

  • Top the pineapple with a shot of dark rum or brandy (or try adding the rum to the sauce)
  • Garnish the fruit with chopped nuts (pistachios or ground almonds)
  • Add some strawberries on top
  • Serve with butter cookies
  • Top with crème fraȋche or sour cream

More Fruit Dessert Recipes

pear dessert crepeEasy Pear Crepe Dessert Recipe for One Person

Crepes are hard. Using a tortilla instead is easy. Lightly cook the pears in butter, add cinnamon and sugar, and roll into the “crepe.”  Brandy would be good too. Or pear liqueur.

 

cinnamon sugar apple breadSmall Batch Cinnamon Sugar Apple Bread

A moist, sweet quick bread that’s chock-full of apple chunks and topped with crackly cinnamon sugar.

 

poached pears with chocolate sauce and ice creamPoached Pears with Chocolate Sauce and Ice Cream

Gently cooked in butter, drizzled with chocolate sauce, and garnished with ice cream.  An easy dessert you can enjoy just for yourself (or with company).

 

mini blueberry hand piesMini Blueberry Hand Pie Recipe

Packed with blueberries, these homemade pies fit in your hand. You don’t have to cut it or get a plate. Just pick one up and eat.

 




Single Serving Double Dark Chocolate Pudding Recipe

In keeping with last week’s theme of indulgence, here’s a bit more. Because it’s the holiday season, and why not? This recipe, which I adapted from Tina’s Cookings, was billed as a thick European-style hot chocolate, which is sort of a runny pudding you can drink. That’s not quite what I got.  Instead, I got a single serving double dark chocolate pudding recipe. Even better! I’m not sure if I transposed it incorrectly (her measurements are metric), but I did it twice and got the same result.

In any case, this is rich, decadent, and utterly delicious! And since it’s seriously bitter cold outside, warm pudding (or hot chocolate is perfect).

So why not give yourself a little treat? We’ve all been working hard over the holidays, and we all deserve a reward.

Make sure to use high quality chocolate and cocoa to make this. I used Cadbury Bourneville cocoa and Trader Joe’s Belgian chocolate (which is really Callebaut in a clever disguise). It’s worth it!

If you use the Callebaut callets (essentially chocolate chips), you’ll need about 2 or 3 oz (by weight).  Then you don’t have to break up the chocolate and it will melt faster.




Single Serving Double Dark Chocolate Pudding Recipe Substitutions and Variations

  • Add more milk or reduce the cornstarch and get European-style hot chocolate
  • Top with whipped cream or sliced strawberries
  • Top with broken up candy canes
  • Sprinkle some cinnamon and nutmeg or chocolate shavings on top
  • Try a splash of brandy or Kahlua

More Chocolate Dessert Recipes

greek yogurt chocolate cakeGreek Yogurt Triple Chocolate Cake

Not one, not two, but three kinds of chocolate: cocoa, chocolate, and a chocolate ganache icing on top. Because why not.

 

easy chocolate mousseEasy Chocolate Mousse

One of the very first recipes I learned to make. Only five ingredients, no melting chocolate in a double boiler and no separating eggs either. Easy!

 

small batch brownies cocoa powderSmall Batch Brownies with Cocoa Powder

Normal brownie recipes are too much for one person to eat. I’ve scaled this one down so it’s a perfect mini recipe for one.

 

poached pears with chocolate sauce and ice creamPoached Pears with Chocolate Sauce and Ice Cream

Not entirely chocolate, but a quick and elegant dessert that is easy to prepare.