Creamy 3-Ingredient Dessert: Quick, Easy, and Delicious
If you’re craving a dessert that’s rich, creamy, and ridiculously easy to make, this 3-ingredient dessert is your new go-to. Perfect for last-minute treats, dinner parties, or even a simple weeknight indulgence, it’s simple enough that anyone can make it, yet luxurious enough to impress.
This dessert combines sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and a touch of flavoring to create a luscious, creamy treat that’s light, airy, and melts in your mouth. Best of all, it requires no baking, making it a hassle-free option for all skill levels.
Ingredients
You only need three main ingredients:
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1 can (400 g / 14 oz) sweetened condensed milk – This provides the perfect creamy sweetness and binds the dessert together.
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1 cup heavy cream (whipping cream) – Whipped to soft peaks, it gives the dessert its light, airy texture.
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1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a subtle, classic flavor. (Optional: For flavor variations, you can use cocoa powder, coffee, or fruit puree instead.)
That’s it! With just these three ingredients, you can create a dessert that tastes indulgent and looks elegant.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Whip the Cream
Pour the heavy cream into a clean, chilled bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream until it forms soft peaks. Soft peaks mean the cream holds its shape but still has a smooth, slightly flowing texture. Whipping the cream correctly is key to giving your dessert a light and airy texture.
Step 2: Combine Condensed Milk and Flavoring
In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk with vanilla extract. If you want to make a variation, this is the step to add cocoa powder, espresso, or fruit puree. Mix until smooth and well combined. This will form the rich, creamy base of your dessert.
Step 3: Fold the Mixture Together
Gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture. Folding, rather than stirring, ensures that the air in the whipped cream is preserved, keeping the dessert light and fluffy. Take your time and fold carefully until fully combined and smooth.
Step 4: Chill
Spoon the dessert into serving glasses, bowls, or a large dish. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours, or until fully chilled. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm slightly, giving it the perfect creamy texture.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve as-is, or garnish with optional toppings like fresh berries, chocolate shavings, crushed cookies, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. This dessert is versatile and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for parties or a quick sweet treat.
Tips for the Perfect 3-Ingredient Dessert
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Use cold cream: For best results, chill your mixing bowl and whisk. Cold cream whips better and holds its shape.
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Fold gently: Overmixing will deflate the whipped cream, resulting in a denser texture.
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Customize flavors: Swap vanilla for cocoa powder to make a chocolate version, or add 2–3 tablespoons of fruit puree for a fruity twist.
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Serving ideas: Layer with crushed cookies or graham crackers for added texture. Serve in small glasses for an elegant presentation.
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Make-ahead: Refrigerate for up to 2–3 days. This dessert tastes even better after a few hours when the flavors have melded together.
Flavor Variations
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Chocolate: Add 2–3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the condensed milk mixture.
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Coffee: Mix 1–2 teaspoons of instant espresso or coffee powder for a mocha dessert.
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Berry: Fold in 2–3 tablespoons of strawberry, raspberry, or mango puree for a fruity version.
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Caramel: Swirl in a tablespoon of caramel sauce for an indulgent twist.
Why This Dessert Works
The magic of this dessert lies in its simplicity. The sweetened condensed milk provides creaminess and sweetness, while the whipped cream adds lightness and volume. With just a teaspoon of vanilla, you have a flavor base that can easily be adapted to other variations. It’s a dessert that feels luxurious, yet requires minimal effort and only three ingredients.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced baker looking for a quick and delicious treat, this creamy 3-ingredient dessert will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family.
Final Thoughts
In just a few simple steps, you can create a dessert that is creamy, sweet, and indulgent. No baking, no complicated ingredients, and no stress—just a delightful treat ready in under 15 minutes (plus chilling time).
Try this recipe as-is, or experiment with different flavors and toppings. From chocolate lovers to fruit enthusiasts, everyone can enjoy this simple yet elegant dessert.