Hosting a dinner party? Impressing your guests with a stunning dessert is the ultimate way to finish the evening on a high note.
But what if you’re short on time? Here are three easy, last-minute microwave desserts that are quick to prepare and guaranteed to make a big impact.
These recipes offer sophisticated flavour with minimal effort—perfect for anyone in a pinch!
1. Microwave Chocolate Fondant Recipe
Ingredients
• 50g dark chocolate, chopped
• 30g unsalted butter
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: Icing sugar and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for serving
Method
1. Melt the chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-30 second bursts, stirring each time until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, and vanilla until frothy.
3. Add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, whisking until smooth.
4. Gently fold in the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
5. Grease a microwave-safe ramekin and pour in the batter.
6. Key Tip for Fondant: To get that classic fondant effect, only microwave on high for 45-50 seconds, checking it around 40 seconds if your microwave is powerful. The outer layer should be set, but the middle should stay soft and molten.
7. Let it sit for a minute, invert onto a plate, and carefully remove the ramekin. Dust with icing sugar and serve immediately with ice cream or double cream.
This microwave version is quick, but still delivers that rich, molten centre you’d expect from a classic fondant. Enjoy!
Quick Chocolate Pots de Crème in the Microwave
This silky, elegant chocolate pots de crème brings a touch of French sophistication to your dinner party. Quick to make and luxuriously creamy, it’s the perfect dessert when you need something easy but impressive.
Ingredients
• 200ml double cream
• 100g dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish
Method
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the double cream and chocolate, microwaving in 30-second intervals until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, sugar, vanilla, and salt.
3. Gradually mix the warm chocolate cream into the egg mixture to temper it.
4. Pour the mixture into small microwave-safe ramekins.
5. Microwave each ramekin on medium for 1-2 minutes, until set but still slightly wobbly.
6. Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least an hour before serving with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Why This Dessert Works: Pots de crème deliver a creamy, luxurious texture without hours of work, making them a perfect quick dessert for any dinner party.
Easy Microwave Chocolate Soufflé Recipe
A chocolate soufflé might sound like a challenging choice, but this microwave version makes it accessible and quick. Light, airy, and packed with chocolate flavour, it’s a stunning dessert that’s ready in just a few minutes.
Ingredients
• 50g dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 egg, separated
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• Dash of lemon juice
• Optional: Icing sugar for dusting
Method
1. Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-30 second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
2. Whisk the egg yolk with sugar and vanilla until combined, then stir in the cooled chocolate.
3. In another bowl, whisk the egg white with cream of tartar or lemon juice until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, keeping the texture airy.
5. Grease a microwave-safe ramekin, dust with a little sugar, and pour in the mixture, filling about three-quarters full.
6. Microwave on medium for 40-50 seconds, watching closely. The soufflé should rise and set, while remaining soft inside.
7. Serve immediately with a dusting of icing sugar.
Why This Dessert Works: This simplified soufflé removes the intimidation factor while delivering a light, airy texture and rich chocolate flavour.
Quick Tips for Microwave Dessert Success
• Timing is Key: Microwaves vary in power, so keep an eye on cooking times to avoid overcooking. It’s better to undercook slightly and let the residual heat finish the job.
• Presentation Matters: Serve each dessert in individual ramekins or cups, garnished with icing sugar, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings for that professional look.
• Add Extra Flavour: A pinch of espresso powder or a sprinkle of sea salt can elevate these desserts and enhance the chocolate.
These three quick and easy microwave dessert recipes prove you don’t need hours to create a memorable dessert for your dinner party.
From the indulgent molten lava cake to the luxurious chocolate pots de crème and the airy chocolate soufflé, each recipe is designed to be impressive yet achievable.
Perfect for last-minute preparation, these desserts ensure your evening ends on a high note—leaving your guests delighted and a bit amazed at your effortless culinary finesse