Everybody loves a good dessert to round off a meal or to have as a treat. However, often the ingredients for fancy sweets can add up quickly and become a burden on your budget. Luckily, we’ve found some amazing, budget-friendly dessert recipes that are not only easy to make but are also incredibly delicious. So, let’s dive into our first scrumptious recipe.
1. Banana Bread: A Classic, Comforting Sweet
Banana bread is a staple dessert that’s not only delicious but also extremely cost-effective.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 cup of sugar (you can reduce this if your bananas are very ripe)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and butter a 4×8-inch loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
- Mix in the baking soda and salt. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix in the flour.
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour at 350°F (175°C), or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then remove the banana bread from the pan and let cool completely before serving.
With minimal ingredients, most of which are pantry staples, this dessert will satisfy your sweet cravings without putting a dent in your wallet.
2. Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Timeless Treat
You can’t go wrong with a classic chocolate chip cookie recipe. It’s a simple and low-cost dessert that’s loved by all ages.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons hot water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar in a bowl until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water, then add to the batter along with the salt. Gradually stir in the flour, then fold in the chocolate chips.
- Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans. Bake for about 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are nicely browned.
3. Rice Pudding: A Simple, Soothing Dessert
Rice pudding is an underrated gem among desserts. It’s simple, comforting, and very cost-effective as rice is a pantry staple in most households.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups milk, divided
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2/3 cup golden raisins
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil in a saucepan; stir rice into the boiling water. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- In another saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups cooked rice, 1 1/2 cups milk, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat until thick and creamy, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Stir in remaining 1/2 cup milk, beaten egg, and raisins; cook for 2 minutes more, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
4. Apple Crisp: A Fruity Delight
Apple crisp is another budget-friendly dessert that brings together the sweetness of apples and the crunchiness of a crisp topping.
Ingredients:
- 10 cups all-purpose apples, peeled, cored and sliced
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliced apples in a 9×13 inch pan. Mix the white sugar, 1 tablespoon flour and ground cinnamon together, and sprinkle over apples. Pour water evenly over all.
- Combine the oats, 1 cup flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and melted butter together. Crumble evenly over the apple mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes.
Each of these delicious, budget-friendly desserts can satisfy your sweet tooth without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a fan of fruity flavors, or prefer the simple goodness of rice pudding, these recipes have something for everyone. Enjoy these treats and delight your palate while keeping your budget intact!
