If you thought toaster ovens were just for reheating leftovers and making toast, think again! These compact kitchen appliances are perfect for baking small-batch desserts without heating up your whole kitchen. Whether you’re craving gooey brownies, a quick cake, or a crispy fruit crumble, your toaster oven can handle it all.
Here are some delicious and easy toaster oven dessert recipes you’ll love!
1. Fudgy Toaster Oven Brownies
Brownies are one of the easiest desserts to make in a toaster oven. This small-batch recipe is perfect when you’re craving chocolate but don’t want to bake a whole pan.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish or pan.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla, and mix well.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Stir until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before cutting into squares.
2. Mini Toaster Oven Chocolate Cake
Craving cake but don’t want to make a full-size version? This single-layer chocolate cake is rich, moist, and bakes perfectly in a toaster oven.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons hot water
Instructions:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a small cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Add oil, milk, and vanilla, and mix until combined. Stir in the hot water.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool before adding frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar.
3. Quick Toaster Oven Apple Crisp
This simple fruit crisp is warm, comforting, and topped with a buttery oat crumble. Perfect for fall, but delicious year-round!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium apple, peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons oats
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish.
- In a bowl, toss the chopped apple with sugar and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter, oats, flour, and brown sugar to form a crumbly topping.
- Spread the apples in the dish and sprinkle the crumble on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream!
4. Toaster Oven Peanut Butter Cookies
These small-batch peanut butter cookies are soft, chewy, and incredibly easy to make in your toaster oven.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
Instructions:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Roll dough into small balls and place on the baking sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before enjoying!
5. Toaster Oven Mug Cake – Ready in 5 Minutes!
No oven? No problem! This mug cake comes together in minutes and bakes perfectly in a toaster oven.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (177°C).
- In a microwave-safe mug or ramekin, mix flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- Add milk, oil, and vanilla, and stir until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake is set and springs back when touched.
- Let cool slightly before digging in!
Toaster Oven Baking Tips
✔️ Use the Right Pan Size – Since toaster ovens are smaller, mini loaf pans, ramekins, or small cake pans work best.
✔️ Adjust Baking Time – Toaster ovens cook faster than regular ovens, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early.
✔️ Preheat for Best Results – Just like a standard oven, preheating ensures even baking.
✔️ Use the Right Rack Position – The middle rack is usually best for even browning.
Who knew you could bake brownies, cakes, cookies, and even fruit crisps in a toaster oven? These desserts are easy, quick, and perfect for small batches, making them great for solo treats or quick family desserts.
