18 Effortless 2 Ingredient Recipes Quick

Who says delicious meals have to be complicated? If you’re craving something quick, easy, and downright tasty, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up 18 effortless 2-ingredient recipes that prove less is more—whether you’re whipping up a last-minute dinner, a cozy snack, or a sweet treat. Say goodbye to stress and hello to flavor with these simple yet satisfying combos. Let’s get cooking!

2-Ingredient Banana Pancakes

Who knew breakfast could be this simple? These fluffy pancakes come together with just two pantry staples—no flour, no fuss!

Ingredients:

• 1 large ripe banana (the spottier, the sweeter!)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional, but adds warmth)
• 1 tbsp butter or coconut oil (for cooking)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, mash the banana with a fork until smooth. Whisk in the eggs and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (if using) until fully combined—the batter will be loose but pourable.
2. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and melt 1 tbsp butter or coconut oil. Pour 2-tbsp portions of batter into the pan, spacing them apart. Cook for 2–3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set.
3. Gently flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden. Repeat with remaining batter, adding more butter or oil as needed.

The magic? These pancakes taste like caramelized banana French toast—naturally sweet with a custardy center. Perfect for lazy weekends or sneaking fruit into picky eaters’ plates!

Tip: For extra fluffiness, let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking (the eggs will bind better).

2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

These impossibly easy cookies prove that sometimes, less really is more—just creamy peanut butter and sugar transform into chewy, crinkly delights.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup smooth peanut butter (not natural-style)
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix 1 cup peanut butter and 1 cup sugar until fully combined—the dough will be thick and slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
3. Roll dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tbsp each), place on the baking sheet, and flatten slightly with a fork in a crosshatch pattern.
4. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set (centers will look soft but firm up as they cool). Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring.

The magic? The sugar caramelizes just enough to give these cookies a delicate crisp shell with a fudgy middle—no one will guess there’s no flour or eggs!

Tip: For extra richness, use dark brown sugar instead of granulated, but reduce the amount to ¾ cup since it’s sweeter.

2-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse

This impossibly silky mousse proves that sometimes, less really is more—just two ingredients and a little patience create pure magic.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (6 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped high-quality chocolate)
• 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream, plus 2 tbsp for melting chocolate

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and 2 tbsp heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until completely smooth (about 1 minute total). Let cool slightly.
2. Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, beat remaining 1 cup cold heavy cream with a hand mixer on high until stiff peaks form, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Fold gently: Add half the whipped cream to the melted chocolate, folding with a spatula until combined. Add the remaining cream and fold just until no streaks remain—don’t overmix!
4. Chill: Divide into serving cups and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight) until set.

The secret? The whipped cream lightens the chocolate without eggs or fuss, giving it an airy yet decadent texture that’s like a cross between pudding and clouds.

Tip: For extra flair, top with a pinch of flaky sea salt or fresh berries just before serving.

2-Ingredient Yogurt Flatbread

This impossibly simple flatbread is soft, pillowy, and ready in minutes—no yeast or fancy ingredients required!

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240g) plain whole-milk yogurt (not Greek)
• 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, flour, and salt until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 2–3 minutes until smooth (add a sprinkle of extra flour if sticky).
2. Divide the dough into 6 equal balls. Roll each into a 1/4-inch-thick circle, dusting with flour as needed.
3. Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each flatbread for 2 minutes per side, until puffed and lightly charred in spots. Stack cooked flatbreads under a towel to keep soft.

The magic here? Yogurt adds tangy flavor and tenderness without any butter or oil—perfect for scooping up dips or wrapping around grilled meats.

Tip: For extra fluffiness, let the dough rest 10 minutes before rolling.

2-Ingredient Ice Cream

Who knew creamy, dreamy ice cream could be this simple? No churner, no fuss—just two ingredients and a little patience.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whip the 2 cups heavy whipping cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Gently fold in the 1 can sweetened condensed milk until fully combined, being careful not to deflate the cream.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or airtight container, smooth the top, and freeze for at least 6 hours (or overnight) until firm.

The magic here? The condensed milk keeps the ice cream scoopably soft, while the whipped cream gives it a luxuriously light texture. No icy chunks—just pure indulgence.

Tip: For fun variations, swirl in mashed berries, chocolate chips, or a spoonful of peanut butter before freezing.

2-Ingredient Cheese Crisps

These crunchy, salty crisps are the ultimate low-effort snack—just cheese and a sprinkle of seasoning transform into irresistible bites.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably finely shredded)
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange shredded cheddar cheese in small mounds (about 1 tbsp each) on the sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Sprinkle evenly with ½ tsp garlic powder.
3. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges turn deep golden and the centers stop bubbling. Let cool completely—they’ll crisp up as they sit!

The magic? These crisps shatter like glass but melt in your mouth, with a sharp cheesy punch amplified by the garlic. Perfect for topping soups or sneaking straight from the tray.

Tip: For extra heat, swap garlic powder with smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne.

2-Ingredient Nutella Brownies

These fudgy brownies prove that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the best—just Nutella and eggs for a rich, decadent treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups (370g) Nutella
• 2 large eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 6×6-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk the 2 large eggs until fully blended. Gradually add the 1 1/4 cups Nutella, stirring until smooth and glossy (about 2 minutes).
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 20–22 minutes until the edges are set but the center still looks slightly soft.
4. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing—this ensures those dreamy, fudgy layers.

The magic here? Nutella’s built-in richness means no butter or flour needed, yet the texture stays luxuriously dense. A sprinkle of sea salt before baking takes it over the top!

Tip: For clean cuts, chill the brownies for 10 minutes before slicing with a warm knife.

2-Ingredient Lemon Bars

These lemon bars are so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with complicated recipes—just two ingredients and a whole lot of zesty sweetness!

Ingredients:

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and fresh lemon juice until smooth and slightly thickened (about 1 minute).
3. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and bake for 15–18 minutes, just until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
4. Let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares.

The magic here? The lemon juice thickens the condensed milk into a luscious curd without eggs or butter—just pure tangy creaminess.

Tip: For extra zing, sprinkle the bars with lemon zest before baking!

2-Ingredient Pasta Sauce

Who knew a rich, velvety pasta sauce could come together with just two pantry staples? This no-fuss recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine crushed tomatoes and heavy cream. Stir until fully blended.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
3. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and develops a deep red-orange hue.

The magic here is how the cream transforms acidic tomatoes into a luxuriously smooth sauce with just the right balance of brightness and richness. It clings to pasta like a dream!

Tip: For extra depth, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the salt—the subtle heat plays beautifully against the creamy tomatoes.

2-Ingredient Homemade Fudge

This impossibly easy fudge is so rich and creamy, no one will believe it only takes two ingredients and 10 minutes to make!

Ingredients:

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring vigorously after each, until completely smooth (about 2 minutes total).
3. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to slice.
4. Lift the fudge out using the parchment overhang and cut into 1-inch squares. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

The magic here? The sweetened condensed milk gives this fudge an ultra-smooth meltaway texture without any graininess. It’s like biting into a chocolate cloud!

Tip: For festive variations, stir in a handful of crushed peppermints, chopped nuts, or mini marshmallows before chilling.

2-Ingredient Avocado Dip

This creamy, dreamy dip proves that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying—just grab a bag of chips and dig in!

Ingredients:

• 2 large ripe avocados, halved and pitted
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat for extra richness)
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Instructions:

1. Scoop the avocado flesh into a medium bowl and mash with a fork until mostly smooth (a few small chunks are fine for texture).
2. Add the Greek yogurt and salt, then stir vigorously until fully combined and creamy, about 1 minute.
3. Taste and adjust salt if needed—the yogurt’s tang should balance the avocado’s richness perfectly.

The magic here? The yogurt adds a light tang and keeps the dip vibrantly green longer than guacamole. No lemon required!

Tip: For a spicy kick, stir in a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce with the yogurt.

2-Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins

These muffins prove that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most satisfying—just two pantry staples and you’re minutes away from fluffy, spiced goodness.

Ingredients

• 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease lightly.
2. In a large bowl, combine the 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin puree and 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix. Stir until just blended—the batter will be thick but avoid overmixing.
3. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups (they’ll be about ¾ full).
4. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

The magic here? The pumpkin keeps these muffins moist for days while the cake mix delivers warm cinnamon-clove notes without any extra spices. Perfect for sneaking in veggies at breakfast!

Tip: For extra flair, sprinkle the tops with pepitas or a dusting of powdered sugar right after baking.

2-Ingredient Garlic Breadsticks

Who knew two ingredients could turn into crispy, garlicky breadsticks perfect for dunking in marinara or serving alongside pasta night?

Ingredients:

• 1 (11-oz) tube refrigerated French bread dough (like Pillsbury)
• 3 tbsp salted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Unroll the French bread dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and cut into 12 even strips using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
2. Twist each strip gently into a spiral shape, leaving about 1 inch between breadsticks on the sheet.
3. Stir garlic powder into the melted butter, then brush evenly over all breadsticks (reserve any extra).
4. Bake for 15–18 minutes until puffed and golden. Brush with remaining butter mixture right after pulling from the oven.

The magic here? The dough’s buttery layers crisp up while staying soft inside—no yeast or kneading required!

Tip: For cheesy breadsticks, sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan during the last 5 minutes of baking.

2-Ingredient Coconut Macaroons

These chewy, golden macaroons prove that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most magical—just coconut and sweetened condensed milk for maximum flavor with zero fuss.

Ingredients

• 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut and ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk until fully combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
3. Scoop 1-tbsp portions onto the sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart. Gently shape into mounds with damp fingers.
4. Bake for 20–22 minutes until the edges are deeply golden and the tops feel set. Let cool completely on the sheet—they’ll firm up as they rest.

The magic here? The condensed milk caramelizes in the oven, giving these macaroons a subtly buttery flavor and crisp edges that contrast the tender interior.

Tip: For extra decadence, dip the cooled macaroons in melted chocolate and let set on parchment.

2-Ingredient Fruit Sorbet

This fuss-free sorbet is pure fruity bliss—no ice cream maker required, just your freezer and a blender!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups frozen fruit (mango, berries, or peaches work best)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. Add the frozen fruit and 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup) to a high-powered blender or food processor.
2. Blend on high, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed, until completely smooth (about 2–3 minutes). If the mixture is too thick, add 1 tbsp of water at a time to help it blend.
3. Transfer to a loaf pan or airtight container and freeze for 1 hour to firm up slightly (or enjoy immediately as a soft-serve texture).

The magic here? The fruit’s natural sweetness shines, and the texture stays scoopable straight from the freezer—no icy chunks!

Tip: For extra creaminess, blend in 1/4 cup of coconut milk or yogurt before freezing.

2-Ingredient Cheese Biscuits

These impossibly easy biscuits are flaky, cheesy, and ready in minutes—no butter or buttermilk required!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup self-rising flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup cold water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix 1 cup self-rising flour and 1 cup shredded cheddar until combined. Gradually stir in 1/3 cup cold water until a shaggy dough forms (add 1 extra tbsp water if too dry).
3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface, knead gently 3–4 times, then pat into a 1-inch-thick rectangle. Cut into 6 squares.
4. Arrange on the baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes until puffed and golden. Serve warm.

The steam from the cold water creates pockets of flakiness, while the cheddar crisps into savory edges—magic with just two stars!

Tip: For extra tang, swap half the cheddar for grated Parmesan.

2-Ingredient Chocolate Truffles

These decadent truffles prove that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most luxurious—no fancy techniques or equipment required!

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (1 1/3 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Place the 8 oz (1 1/3 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the 1/2 cup heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit undisturbed for 1 minute. Stir slowly with a spatula until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.
3. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm enough to scoop. Use a tablespoon to portion the mixture, then roll into 1-inch balls between your palms (dust hands with cocoa powder if sticky).

The magic here? The truffles develop a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth texture as they chill—like a grown-up version of chocolate ganache you can pop straight into your mouth.

Tip: For extra flair, roll the truffles in cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or flaky sea salt before serving.

2-Ingredient Sweet Potato Fries

These fries prove that sometimes, less is more—just sweet potatoes, oil, and a hot oven create crispy-edged, caramelized perfection.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb total), scrubbed and dried
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick fries (leave skins on for texture). Toss with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp salt until evenly coated.
3. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring no overlap. Bake for 20 minutes, flip fries, then bake another 10–15 minutes until edges are deeply golden and centers are tender.

The high heat coaxes out the potatoes’ natural sugars, giving you fries with a crackly exterior and creamy middle—no flipping halfway through needed for the first half, so they get extra caramelized where they touch the pan.

Tip: For extra crispness, soak cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes before drying and oiling—this removes excess starch.

Conclusion

With these 18 effortless 2-ingredient recipes, quick and delicious meals are just minutes away! Whether you’re short on time, ingredients, or energy, these simple combos are lifesavers. Give them a try, then let us know which ones you loved in the comments. Don’t forget to share this roundup on Pinterest to spread the ease—happy cooking!