When I’m away at school, there’s nothing I miss quite as much as perpetual access to a full kitchen and pantry. (Although, a close second may be the parents that inhabit said kitchen, and the friends that inhabit said pantry.) But in no scenario should no kitchen mean no dessert. The most important lessons in college come from the quest to satisfy cravings with only a microwave and a stolen cafeteria mixing bowl. If you love dessert, but not so much dining hall froyo, don’t fret — hope comes in the form of a dorm microwave. Here are some easy microwave desserts you can make in your dorm room.
#SpoonTip: Melting chocolate is tricky (it goes gooey to burnt real fast). Make sure to watch the microwave closely and keep checking on your chips—or even go microwave-less!
1. Puppy Chow
Puppy chow is the perfect not-too-decadent but still yummy snack, and it stays good for weeks. Easy university store friendly ingredients — cereal, peanut butter, chocolate, powdered sugar— and a microwave sets you up for munchie success. Check out these recipes for puppy chow.
2. Rice Krispies Treats
Rice Krispies are the perfect no-mess treat to bring to chapter meetings, club events, or to share around your dorm hall. Try easy upgrades by adding M&Ms, sprinkles, chocolate chips, and other candies.
3. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Chocolate-covered strawberries bring class, elegance, and grace to the dorm microwave. Dark chocolate strawberries with white chocolate drizzles to impress guests with your fancy desserts.
Also try dipping bananas, pretzels, marshmallows or any other snacks hiding in your room. Not about the fondue mess? Try this brilliant Spoon hack using an ice tray.
4. Popcorn Variations
Upgrade your movie night with sweet additions to your popcorn courtesy of microwave cooking. Add a chocolate drizzle, candy, and melted caramel, or try this dark chocolate and peanut butter popcorn recipe.
5. Cake Balls
Not only are cake balls cuter and easier to eat and store than regular cake, they also require no baking whatsoever. Try different flavors and dippings to customize your dessert.
6. Peanut Butter Bars
Peanut butter bars will earn you more dormitory street cred than regular old brownies and require much less effort. Say hello to your homemade, no-bake Reese’s upgrade!
7. Cookie Dough Bites
Eat no eggs and have no regrets when stuffing your face with cookie dough. Safe to eat and delicious, cookie dough bites will become your new constant craving.
8. Mug Cakes
Cake in a mug may be the most revolutionary and important use for a microwave in the modern age. A homemade serving of cake just for you without the hassle of ovens and pans.
No craving for dessert should ever go unsatisfied, so unleash the power of your dorm microwave and get to “baking.” There’s no way your roommate will be upset that you accidentally used all of her Chex cereal when you offer her some covered in chocolate.