14 Simple Desserts That Don’t Require Butter

Here’s a roundup of simple desserts that skip the butter but keep all the flavor. From quick no-bake treats to lighter baked options, these recipes prove that you don’t need butter to create something sweet and satisfying. They call for just a few basic ingredients, making them easy to prepare anytime, even if your pantry is running low. Whether you’re dairy-free, health-conscious, or just out of butter, these desserts are flexible, delicious, and ready to brighten any occasion.Explore, pick your favorite, and enjoy sweet treats made effortless.

1. Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

This no-bake fudge comes together with peanut butter, cocoa powder, coconut oil, and a natural sweetener like maple syrup. The coconut oil gives it a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while peanut butter adds richness. Just mix, pour, and chill , no stove or oven required. Because it skips dairy and butter, it’s a perfect choice for vegan or lactose-free diets, yet still feels decadent. Quick to prepare and easy to store, it’s a go-to treat for satisfying chocolate cravings anytime.

2. 3-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Sometimes simplicity is best, and this fudge proves it. All you need are chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and a sprinkle of nuts or sea salt if you want extra flavor. Melt the first two ingredients together, stir until smooth, then let it set in the fridge. The result is indulgent but fuss-free, making it a perfect last-minute dessert. With just three pantry staples, you can whip up rich, chewy fudge squares that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

3. Wacky Cake (Depression Cake)

Born out of necessity during the Great Depression, this cake uses no butter, milk, or eggs; just flour, cocoa, sugar, vinegar, and oil. The vinegar and baking soda react to create lift, while the oil keeps it moist. Despite its modest ingredients, wacky cake bakes into a tender, chocolatey treat that feels surprisingly indulgent. It’s budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and a reminder that creativity in the kitchen can turn the simplest pantry staples into something comforting and satisfying.

4. Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Butter

These cookies trade butter for oil, creating a chewy center with crisp edges that feels just as satisfying as the classic version. The dough comes together quickly, no long creaming process, no need to chill before baking. Use dairy-free chocolate chips for a fully vegan option. Perfect for spontaneous baking, these cookies offer a soft, gooey bite and that nostalgic cookie-jar aroma without requiring a stick of butter, proving you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for convenience.

5. 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge

With just peanut butter and chocolate, you can create a treat that feels indulgent without the need for butter or dairy. Simply melt the two ingredients together, spread into a dish, and chill until firm. The flavor is rich and balanced; creamy peanut butter meets velvety chocolate in every bite. This minimalist dessert is ideal for busy days when you crave something sweet but don’t want to spend time measuring or baking. Sometimes, two ingredients really are enough.

6. Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge (Vegan & Paleo)

This wholesome fudge skips butter but doesn’t skimp on flavor. Made with natural peanut butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup or another natural sweetener, it delivers a creamy, rich texture without refined sugar. The mixture is set in the fridge or freezer, so there’s no oven required. With its simple, nutrient-dense ingredients, this recipe caters to vegan and paleo diets while still tasting indulgent. Slice into squares and enjoy a guilt-free dessert that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

7. No-Bake Peanut Butter & Chocolate Vegan Fudge

This version focuses on clean ingredients and no refined sugar. Peanut butter, coconut oil, cocoa, and maple syrup are blended, then chilled until firm. The result is a creamy fudge with deep chocolate flavor and just enough sweetness. Because it doesn’t require cooking, it’s nearly foolproof and perfect for hot days when you’d rather skip the oven. A quick, freezer-friendly dessert that feels decadent while remaining simple, wholesome, and adaptable to whatever pantry staples you have available.

8. One-Bowl Coconut Cake (Oil-Based)

Light and fluffy, this cake relies on oil instead of butter for moisture, paired with coconut milk or shredded coconut for flavor. The batter comes together in a single bowl, making cleanup a breeze. Once baked, the cake has a soft crumb and a delicate coconut aroma that pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a dusting of powdered sugar. Easy to prepare and dairy-free, it’s a versatile dessert that works just as well for casual snacking as it does for special occasions.

9. Water Cake

This Italian-inspired cake is as minimalist as it gets, requiring only flour, sugar, baking powder, oil, water, and a splash of vanilla or citrus zest for flavor. The water replaces milk, keeping the cake light, while oil ensures a moist crumb. Though simple, the result is surprisingly tender and satisfying, especially when topped with fresh fruit or powdered sugar. It’s proof that even the humblest ingredients can create a dessert worth sharing, all without butter or dairy in sight.

10. Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Balls

Perfectly bite-sized and no-bake, these candy balls mix nut butter with melted chocolate and optional add-ins like oats, nuts, or coconut flakes. Rolled into small spheres and chilled until set, they’re easy to store and even easier to snack on. Their creamy centers and rich chocolate coating make them feel indulgent, yet they require no oven and no butter. Customizable and portable, these little treats double as a sweet bite for gatherings or a quick energy boost on busy days.

11. No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies are quick, chewy, and butter-free, made with oats or crushed cereal, peanut butter, and a natural sweetener. You can shape them by hand and let them set in the fridge, or give them a brief bake if you want more structure. They’re versatile enough to adjust with add-ins like raisins, chocolate chips, or seeds. With minimal ingredients and no complicated steps, these cookies are a fun and simple way to enjoy a sweet, wholesome treat anytime.

12. Edible Cookie Dough (Butter-Free Version)

This safe-to-eat dough delivers the nostalgic joy of cookie dough without raw eggs or butter. Use heat-treated flour, nut or seed butter for creaminess, and a sweetener of choice. Mix in chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts for variety. Served chilled, it’s creamy, chewy, and fun to customize. Unlike traditional dough, this version is meant for spoon-eating straight from the bowl, making it a playful, satisfying treat for anyone who loves the comfort of cookie dough without needing to bake.

13. No-Bake Bars or Squares

These bars combine crushed cookies or crackers with nut butter or oil and a sweetener to form a sturdy base. You can top them with melted chocolate or press in nuts, seeds, or dried fruit before chilling. Once set, they slice easily into portable squares that feel indulgent yet require no oven. Flexible and endlessly customizable, this recipe works with whatever you have on hand, offering a quick, butter-free dessert perfect for snacking, sharing, or storing in the freezer.

14. Fruit-Based Frozen Desserts

Frozen fruit can transform into refreshing desserts with minimal effort. Blend bananas for “nice cream,” freeze puréed fruit into sorbet, or mix berries with non-dairy yogurt for a simple frozen treat. These desserts are naturally sweet, dairy-free, and completely butter-free. They’re also endlessly adaptable; add cocoa, vanilla, or nut butter for extra richness. Perfect for hot days, these frozen delights let fruit shine while keeping preparation effortless, giving you a cool, satisfying dessert that feels both light and indulgent.