One-Bowl Baking: 16 Easy Recipes That Make Cleanup a Breeze

By Victoria Spencer
Updated July 27, 2020
Credit: John Kernick

We've gathered some of our favorite recipes for cakes, brownies, bar cookies, and muffins that require only one bowl—or sometimes just a mixer or food processor. All streamline the work and save on cleanup without scrimping on taste.

Start Slideshow

1 of 16

Credit: Mike Krautter

Maybe like you love to bake, but cleanup just isn't your favorite pastime. If so, you're not alone. Unfortunately, many recipes for baked goods require several bowls for measuring and mixing. Cake recipes often call for one bowl for dry ingredients, another for creaming butter and sugar, and sometimes even a third bowl for mixing it all together. And what if the cake has frosting? There might be melted chocolate and a bowl for mixing. Sure, a pile of dirty dishes isn't always a problem—you make the cake (or the cookies or the pie), then tackle the dishes while it's in the oven—but when you're in the mood for a treat but not a mess, you'll likely want a recipe that's more streamlined.

For those days when you want the joy of baking without the hassle of the cleanup, these smart recipes are exactly what you're looking for; these cakes, cookies, brownies, bar cookies, muffins, and quick breads all require just one bowl for mixing or come together in the food processor or mixer. But just because they're streamlined recipes doesn't mean they scrimp on taste. A simple skillet cake like Martha's Plum Skillet Cake, shown here, is as easy as it gets. Slices of fruit in the batter are all the decoration this cake needs. Serve it with whipped cream, crème fraîche, or ice cream for a truly crowd-pleasing dessert. We also have just the thing for anyone in need of a celebration cake when you are pressed for time. In those instances, you can't beat our One-Bowl Chocolate Cake.

It's not all cakes here, though. We've also got bar cookies—like Fig Crumble Bars, where the streusel does double duty as the crust and the topping—and unbeatable Blondies with Chocolate Chips and Walnuts. And if you're in the mood for muffins for breakfast or a bake sale, these Morning Glory Muffins with Banana are fast, healthy, and delicious.

Whatever type of baked good recipe you chose from this collection, less cleanup means more time to bake!

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 16

Blondies with Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

Credit: John Kernick
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

What's not to like about this treat? Our unbeatable blondie recipe combines the buttery flavor and chocolate chips from everyone's favorite cookies with the appealing texture of the best brownies. 

3 of 16

One-Bowl Chocolate Cake

Credit: Dana Gallagher
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Birthday? Anniversary? Going-away party? This super-easy one-bowl layer cake is the perfect dessert for any gathering of chocolate lovers. (Yes, you'll need another bowl for frosting, but it's worth it.)

Advertisement

4 of 16

Fig Crumble Bars

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Using one batch of dough for both the crust and streusel topping in this fruit-packed favorite means fewer dirty dishes—in fact all you need is the food processor.

5 of 16

Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Credit: Bryan Gardner
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Skillet cookies are magical. They offer minimal cleanup, but deliver maximum flavor. Made in one bowl, baked in a skillet (no special pans needed), and cut into slices to serve, this giant, fudgy chocolate version is just irresistible. 

6 of 16

Raspberry-Filled Molten Chocolate Cupcakes

Credit: Jonathan Lovekin
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Fancy enough for company, yet they require only one bowl and a hand mixer—or a stand mixer if that's what you prefer!

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 16

Morning Glory Muffins with Banana

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These muffins are so simple you could make them, then jump in the shower while they bake. And they're low in fat but surprisingly moist, thanks to the carrots, banana, and raisins.

8 of 16

Breton Butter Cake

Credit: Charles Schiller
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Those French bakers know a thing or two; this supremely simple cake uses just one bowl but produces an irresistible cake with a crisp, dense, almost shortbread-y texture.

9 of 16

Lucinda's Molasses Drops

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Generations of bakers have been baking with minimal prep and delicious results. These cookies are a tweaked version of Lucinda Scala Quinn's great-grandmother's recipe.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 16

Busy-Day Dump Cake

Credit: Johnny Miller
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This chocolate cake recipe wins for most minimal cleanup—the ingredients are blended in the very pan that goes into the oven. And you don't even need an egg to make this delicious dessert. Instead of making frosting, serve the cake with vanilla ice cream.

11 of 16

Flourless Peanut-Chocolate Cookies

Credit: Johnny Miller
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These chocolate chip and peanut-studded peanut butter cookies are a snap to make. Not only are they flourless, but they're also butter free; the peanut butter provides all the fat needed.

12 of 16

Chocolate-Zucchini Cakes with Walnuts

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

No one will ever guess there is zucchini in these moist little chocolate cupcakes—nor will they guess they are so simple to make.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 16

Brown Sugar, Maple, and Pecan Pound Cake

Credit: Con Poulos
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The ingredients for this nuanced treat are blended in the mixer bowl. While it's easy to make, it takes a while to bake. Even so, the rich maple taste is well worth the wait.

14 of 16

Coconut-Apricot Macaroons

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Coconut lovers and other cooks can whip up a batch of these in no time. The longest—and hardest—part of the recipe is waiting while they bake.

15 of 16

Pistachio Cupcakes with Raspberries

Credit: Con Poulos
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

For when you need a special treat but it should be easy and a tad healthy ,there are these delicate cupcakes packed with silvered pistachios and fresh raspberries. No frosting necessary.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 16

Flourless Double-Chocolate Pecan Cookies

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Dark and decadent, these chewy cookies are gluten-free—great for people with celiac disease or a wheat allergy—and they're quick to make.

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Victoria Spencer