40 Delicious Desserts for Two

Blackberry Crisp for Two

I adapted this comforting dessert from a recipe my mother-in-law gave to me. Hers fed a family with nine growing kids who were never full, so there was never any left. There aren’t any leftovers when I make my downsized version, either! —Marliss Lee, Independence, Missouri

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Chocolate Bread Pudding

This is a fun recipe because the chocolate makes it different from traditional bread pudding. It's a rich, comforting dessert. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas

Cheesecake Berry Parfaits

The summer berry season is a real treat. This is an easy way to enjoy berries with cheesecake, which is a refreshing change from traditional pudding and fruit parfaits. —Patricia Schroedl, Jefferson, Wisconsin

Rustic Fruit Tart

My husband and I love pie, but we can't eat a whole 9-inch pie by ourselves. So I make these easy tarts using rhubarb and raspberries picked at home. Sometimes I substitute apples, peaches or our garden blueberries for the rhubarb. —Naomi Olson Hamilton, Michigan

Dark Chocolate Pecan Cake

Made in a single loaf pan, this doubly good chocolate cake has a nutty praline layer and two layers of fluffy whipped cream. This is the only cake my husband really likes. —Laura Draper, Garfield, Washington

Strawberry Rhubarb Cream

A friend gave me this recipe a long time ago. It’s rich and creamy yet refreshing. I make this often in early summer when rhubarb is readily available. —Norma DesRoches, Warwick, Rhode Island

Peach Cobbler for Two

Everyone notices a special taste in this cobbler. It's orange peel, which enhances the color and gives this traditional dessert a delicious distinction. Cobblers usually serve a large group, so it's convenient to have a recipe that makes just enough for two. — Betty Clark, Mount Vernon, Missouri

Cocoa Meringues with Berries

Meringues can be challenging on a humid day, but if you’re really craving one, meringues can be purchased at your favorite bakery. Add this sweet sauce, and you’re all set! —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario

Creamy Rice Pudding

I was fortunate to grow up around fabulous cooks. My mother and grandmother taught me to experiment with recipes, and we tried a lot of variations on this one. No matter how we chose to embellish it, it was always tasty. When I make this, it brings fond memories to mind. —Laura German, North Brookfield, Massachusetts

Pecan Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler

Chock-full of berries and rhubarb, this pretty cobbler is the perfect finale for a dinner for two. Pecans in the topping and the delicious dessert sauce make it extra special. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

Poached Pears with Orange Cream

End the meal with a flourish with this elegant and easy dessert recipe. A hint of orange lends just enough sweetness to temper the wine’s bold taste. —Julianne Schnuck, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Raspberry Sorbet for Two

You won’t believe that you made this refreshing, fruity sorbet yourself! This healthy freezer fare will satisfy even your sweetest tooth.

Bananas Foster Sundaes for 2

I have wonderful memories of eating bananas Foster in New Orleans and, as a dietitian, I wanted to find a healthier version. I combined the best of two recipes and added my own tweaks to create this southern treat. And with this version, it’s the perfect dessert for two! —Lisa Varner, Charleston, South Carolina

Individual Flans

I’m always on the lookout for desserts sized for two. This rich, comfy custard is smooth, easy and just right for my husband and me! —Lee Bremson, Kansas City, Missouri

Easy Berry Cheesecake Parfaits

These sweet little parfaits take everything that's wonderful about cheesecake and make it way easier. You get the rich creaminess, graham cracker crunch and bright berry flavor all in fun individual portions. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Lemon Sherbet

Lemon juice provides the snappy flavor in this wonderful lemon sherbet recipe from our Test Kitchen. The light, make-ahead treat looks splendid served in individual “boats” made from lemon halves. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Mocha Pudding Cakes

These mouthwatering mini cakes make the perfect treat for a twosome. My mom used to make these when I was a little girl. Now I whip them up for a speedy dessert. —Debora Simmons, Eglon, West Virginia

Cherry Cream Cheese Tarts

It’s hard to believe that just five ingredients and a few minutes of preparation can result in these delicate and scrumptious tarts! —Cindi Mitchell, Waring, Texas

Creamy Butterscotch Pudding for 2

One day when I had a craving for something homemade, I tried from-scratch pudding. It’s much better than the store-bought kind! —EMR, tasteofhome.com

Rosemary Citrus Sorbet

This pretty pastel dessert bursts with the fresh flavors of grapefruit, lime and rosemary. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah

Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake

I always get compliments when I whip up this rich little cheesecake. With layers of caramel, chocolate and vanilla, it's an instant classic. —Erin Byrd, Springfield, Missouri

Cinnamon Apple Dumplings

WHEN Mom made pies to feed the crew during wheat harvest, she always had plenty of dough left over, so she treated us kids to apple dumplings.
I’ve carried on this tradition in my own family. Now my husband and I enjoy this special dessert even when I’m not baking pies.

Warm Pineapple Sundaes with Rum Sauce

Pineapple, rum and sugar have a longstanding and flavorful relationship that takes on new meaning when you add ginger and butter and turn up the heat. —Jamie Miller, Maple Grove, Minnesota

Li'l Pecan Pies

These tempting little tarts have all the rich traditional taste of a full-size pecan pie in a much smaller package. The tarts are perfect for two. —Christine Boitos, Livonia, Michigan

Contest-Winning Easy Tiramisu

This recipe makes a great quick dessert for a special supper…or anytime. It’s easily doubled if needed. What a fun use for pudding snack cups! —Betty Claycomb, Adverton, Pennsylvania

Contest-Winning Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

I love the sweet-salty flavor of this pretty layered dessert. Sliced strawberries and gelatin top a smooth cream cheese filling and crispy pretzel crust. I think it’s best when eaten within a day of being made.
-Wendy Weaver
Leetonia, Ohio

Layered Chocolate Pudding Dessert

This layered dessert is cool, creamy, chocolaty and a winner with everyone who tries it. What's not to like? —Carma Blosser, Livermore, Colorado

Easy Almond Joy Chia Pudding

I enjoy making this coconut milk chia pudding recipe because it’s easy and I can find all the ingredients at my local market. No baking is required, and it’s served in individual jars for guests. For more flavor, add shredded coconut. —Ashley Altan, Hanover, Maryland

Spiced Chocolate Molten Cakes

This splurge dessert is the kind you just have to linger over. Plunge your fork into one of the cakes and the chocolate and conversation start flowing. —Deb Carpenter, Hastings, Michigan

Semisweet Chocolate Mousse

A friend shared this rich velvety chocolate mousse recipe with me. I love to cook and have tons of recipes, but this one is a favorite. Best of all, it's easy to make. —Judy Spencer, San Diego, California

Strawberry Biscuit Shortcake

It seams Mom was always making biscuits. She served them plain for breakfast and dinner, especially when we had stew or baked beans. My favorite was when she served them like this—topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream! —Elaine Gagnon, Pawtucket, Rhode Island

Crunchy Peanut Butter Tarts

For a fun, fuss-free dessert, try these darling tarts. They’re a satisfying, rich family favorite. —Mary Kelley, Wilmington, North Carolina

Chocolate Cayenne Souffles

This rich, chocolaty souffle has a surprise ending…a little kick of heat from the cayenne pepper. It’s very yummy. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas

Mocha Pudding Cakes

These mouthwatering mini cakes make the perfect treat for a twosome. My mom used to make these when I was a little girl. Now I whip them up for a speedy dessert. —Debora Simmons, Eglon, West Virginia

Mixed Berry Sundaes for 2

These delightful yogurt sundaes are an easy way to add fruit and calcium to your diet. Berries star in the dish, which I enjoy as a simple breakfast or healthy dessert for two. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah

Lemon Pudding Cake

My husband, Lloyd, loves this cake because it tastes like lemon meringue pie. The cake is no-fuss and makes just enough for the two of us.—Dawn Fagerstrom, Warren, Minnesota

Mixed Fruit Shortcakes

This delightful downsized recipe makes just two biscuitlike shortcakes. Fill them with fresh fruit of your choice and top with whipped cream for an impressive dinner finale. —Sue Ross, Casa Grande, Arizona

Citrus Cream Tartlets

This rich and creamy dessert is especially nice for company. It's attractive and easy to serve, and much of it can be made ahead of time. The citrus flavor is refreshing after a meal or on its own with coffee. —Brian Barger, Chevy Chase, Maryland

Blueberry Cake with Wojapi Sauce

This is my grandmother’s recipe, and the sauce is traditional Cherokee, which has been passed down for generations. It is very versatile and can be used on fry bread, pancakes, waffles and other desserts.

Raspberry Ice Cream in a Bag

Making homemade ice cream is fun for the whole family, and the fresh raspberry flavor of this treat makes it a perfect summer activity. Kids can shake the bags until the liquid changes to ice cream and then enjoy the reward! —Erin Hoffman, Canby, Minnesota