What do you think?
Rate this book
Dessert Cooking for Two: 115 Perfectly Portioned Sweets for Every Occasion
Guilt-free indulgence—dessert delights just for two.
Say goodbye to pre-packaged sweets and hello to fresh and flavorful desserts. From The Very Best Chocolate Chip Cookies to Cinnamon Sugar Monkey Bread, Dessert Cooking for Two helps you create delicious desserts that are just the right size for two. Enjoy all the fun treats you crave without worrying about overindulging or wasting lots of leftovers.
Never made your own desserts before? Dessert Cooking for Two keeps things simple with recipes that use equipment you already own—plus tips to make things easier. You’ll also get helpful guides for melting chocolate, mixing ingredients, working with pastry dough, and other dessert-making techniques.
Dessert Cooking for Two includes:
115 yummy recipes—Dessert Cooking for Two satisfies your sweet tooth with a huge variety of small-portion treats, including Pumpkin Mini Pies, Blackberry Vanilla Bread Pudding, and Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake. Handy kitchen hacks—Become a dessert expert and master important skills at home—like how to create the perfect workarounds when you don’t have specialized equipment. Pick your perfect dessert—Recipes are indexed by both flavor (so you satisfy your current craving) and by leftover ingredients (so you make magic with whatever you have on hand).Cooking for two has never been sweeter than with Dessert Cooking for Two.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2019
104 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 13, 2019
I think this cookbook would have been better if it was an actual book instead of a kindle ebook since there were really no photos to speak of, however, I still enjoyed it and I liked the variety of dessert recipes offered in small, perfect portions. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this cookbook.
April 30, 2021
These recipes look yummy, and I appreciate the "normal" ingredients. I'm interested in trying several although I'm not sure baking in such small quantities will be successful. I'm thinking about purchasing print version of this as I prefer cookbooks that way. Will need to report back if I succeed in trying any herein.
February 5, 2020
I’ve loved all the recipes I’ve tried from this book, and appreciate the small number of portions. Sometimes a recipe is actually enough for 4, which is great for my family.
September 27, 2019
I love to bake, but I don’t always want to make a huge batch of cookies or a whole two-layer cake. I love the idea of small-batch baking, but it’s not easy to find recipes. Until now.
Dessert Cooking for Two offers over 100 recipes for all sorts of sweet treats that can be made in a small batch, perfect for just one or two people. Double Chocolate Cookies, Red Velvet Layer Bars, Apple Pie Bars, Classic Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream, Mini Carrot Cakes, Lemon Meringue Mini Pies, Bourbon Peach Cobbler, Lemon Curd Tarts, Chocolate-Hazelnut Filled Scones, Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups, Pecan Brittle, Chocolate Souffles, Salted Caramel Pot de Creme, and even Hot Fudge Brownie Sundaes with Spiced Candied Pecans. Just to name a few.
Author Robin Donovan is a food blogger and cookbook author who grew up with a sweet tooth. Her mother didn’t like to keep sweets around the house, but that just make Donovan want them more. When she became a mother, she didn’t want her daughter to go through that too, so she started experimenting with small-batch baking, so they could eat sweets, the really good homemade kind, but not have a bunch left over. We all get to benefit from her hard work.
These recipes include ones that are especially fast to make, some that are no-bake for when you don’t want to turn on the over, lightly sweet for when you want less sugar, and mini equipment. But don’t let the idea of “mini equipment” scare you. While you can go buy new pans for smaller baked goods, Donovan also offers hacks so that you don’t have to do that.
Not just recipes, Dessert Cooking for Two also gives you help setting up your pantry and introductions to baking techniques like melting chocolate, creaming, folding, cutting in, whipping eggs, tempering eggs, pastry dough, and decorating cake and cookies. She also offers advice on using leftover dairy ingredients and eggs as well as storage ideas for raw ingredients and baked treats both. This book could be used for beginners as well as advanced bakers, and it would be perfect for anyone with a tiny kitchen. I do wish that there were more photos, but the smaller size is nice too.
Dessert Cooking for Two offers over 100 recipes for all sorts of sweet treats that can be made in a small batch, perfect for just one or two people. Double Chocolate Cookies, Red Velvet Layer Bars, Apple Pie Bars, Classic Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream, Mini Carrot Cakes, Lemon Meringue Mini Pies, Bourbon Peach Cobbler, Lemon Curd Tarts, Chocolate-Hazelnut Filled Scones, Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups, Pecan Brittle, Chocolate Souffles, Salted Caramel Pot de Creme, and even Hot Fudge Brownie Sundaes with Spiced Candied Pecans. Just to name a few.
Author Robin Donovan is a food blogger and cookbook author who grew up with a sweet tooth. Her mother didn’t like to keep sweets around the house, but that just make Donovan want them more. When she became a mother, she didn’t want her daughter to go through that too, so she started experimenting with small-batch baking, so they could eat sweets, the really good homemade kind, but not have a bunch left over. We all get to benefit from her hard work.
These recipes include ones that are especially fast to make, some that are no-bake for when you don’t want to turn on the over, lightly sweet for when you want less sugar, and mini equipment. But don’t let the idea of “mini equipment” scare you. While you can go buy new pans for smaller baked goods, Donovan also offers hacks so that you don’t have to do that.
Not just recipes, Dessert Cooking for Two also gives you help setting up your pantry and introductions to baking techniques like melting chocolate, creaming, folding, cutting in, whipping eggs, tempering eggs, pastry dough, and decorating cake and cookies. She also offers advice on using leftover dairy ingredients and eggs as well as storage ideas for raw ingredients and baked treats both. This book could be used for beginners as well as advanced bakers, and it would be perfect for anyone with a tiny kitchen. I do wish that there were more photos, but the smaller size is nice too.
August 8, 2019
Since there are only two of us in the household and we both love treats, even though we really are not supposed to. Dessert Cooking for two is perfect though because then I don't end up making enough for 6-8 people. Then if we don't eat it all, although hubby takes care of most of it, it goes to waste. I am diabetic so I really need to watch the sugar. I do love sweets though so I like to have something once in awhile.
The first section of the book is how to cook for duos, how to portion, what equipment to use, how to shop, pantry staples. Then there is how to make use of leftovers and storing. The next section is skills and techniques. Techniques for eggs, working with pastry dough and decorating.
The recipes include anything from cookies, brownies and bars to frozen treats. There are 155 recipes, handy kitchen hacks, which is fun and good to know. So this cookbook is one way to get rid of packaged sweets and have fresh and flavorful desserts.
The recipes have concise and easy to read instructions, tips and some have equipment hacks. There are a lot of the recipes that I will be making. I love the ease of which I can find what I am looking for, via the table of contents.
Love sweets, don't want to make a lot? Then give this one a try! I love it!!
The first section of the book is how to cook for duos, how to portion, what equipment to use, how to shop, pantry staples. Then there is how to make use of leftovers and storing. The next section is skills and techniques. Techniques for eggs, working with pastry dough and decorating.
The recipes include anything from cookies, brownies and bars to frozen treats. There are 155 recipes, handy kitchen hacks, which is fun and good to know. So this cookbook is one way to get rid of packaged sweets and have fresh and flavorful desserts.
The recipes have concise and easy to read instructions, tips and some have equipment hacks. There are a lot of the recipes that I will be making. I love the ease of which I can find what I am looking for, via the table of contents.
Love sweets, don't want to make a lot? Then give this one a try! I love it!!
August 7, 2019
If, for some strange reason, you prefer to make desserts only for the immediate meal and you have two people to do that for, this is a good cookbook. I do have to try and figure out how to scale it up for three people for it to be truly useful in my household.
I love that each recipe immediately tells you want equipment you'll need at the top however it is also clear that not every kitchen will have all these tools so that cuts out some of the options. I also really love that there is a tip at the bottom of each recipe for how to make it slightly differently or to add other ingredients to it but I wish the tip was off to the side to make it more noticable.
I also wish this cookbook had more photos or even drawings of the finished desserts or the steps to make it. There are a couple of photos at the front of the book and each of the eight chapters has a photo but it is a lot less than I am used to with cookbooks. The upside is that this keeps the price lower but a photo can be reassuring that I'm doing it right, too.
I plan to hold onto this book because I can figure out desserts for four easily and sometimes we have a guest over so that will be useful. When one of my menfolk is away, I can use it as is.
I love that each recipe immediately tells you want equipment you'll need at the top however it is also clear that not every kitchen will have all these tools so that cuts out some of the options. I also really love that there is a tip at the bottom of each recipe for how to make it slightly differently or to add other ingredients to it but I wish the tip was off to the side to make it more noticable.
I also wish this cookbook had more photos or even drawings of the finished desserts or the steps to make it. There are a couple of photos at the front of the book and each of the eight chapters has a photo but it is a lot less than I am used to with cookbooks. The upside is that this keeps the price lower but a photo can be reassuring that I'm doing it right, too.
I plan to hold onto this book because I can figure out desserts for four easily and sometimes we have a guest over so that will be useful. When one of my menfolk is away, I can use it as is.
July 30, 2019
am always fond of trying out new desserts and this book provides you a choice of 115 recipes, perfectly portioned for two people and also provides some good kitchen hacks for the new cook. I like the variety of recipes from chocolate mousse to smores cake to salted caramel cupcakes, there is something for every taste. Most of the traditional recipes are covered, so if you are a very adventurous person in terms of desserts, this book may be a letdown and seem boring. But if you feel that fixing desserts with your partner may be a fun thing to do in the evening, this book is perfect for you and will find that the recipes are written in a very clear language, short and to the point instructions and you may even learn from substitutions or equipment hacks that make both of you better cooks.
i thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, took down some recipes that I am planning on trying and read the equipment hacks with particular interest. As I am downsizing and trying to economize what I keep in my kitchen, multi-use and multipurpose shortcuts are always welcome.
I received a free copy from the publisher.
i thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, took down some recipes that I am planning on trying and read the equipment hacks with particular interest. As I am downsizing and trying to economize what I keep in my kitchen, multi-use and multipurpose shortcuts are always welcome.
I received a free copy from the publisher.
August 6, 2019
This is a book I didn't know I needed. I'm used to making at least a dozen cookies, a whole cake, or a tray of brownies. The only time I make small portion desserts is when I make mug cakes and that isn't even very often. This book is great for couples, especially those that are trying to watch what they eat and not go overboard on the sweets. By not making full batches of desserts you'll no longer be tempted to have that second helping of cake or to keep sneaking cookies since there are so many leftover. This is all about cutting back, not worrying about leftovers, while still treating yourself. Some of the recipes included are: lemon pudding cakes, no bake chocolate peanut butter bars, pecan brittle, bourbon peach cobbler and more. They all sound so freaking good. There are well over 100 recipes and they vary in easiness and ingredients needed. I can't wait to work my way through this book.
August 7, 2019
This is a beautifully designed book with colorful and whimsical photos that will bring out the kid in everyone. The author does a masterful job of teaching the basics of baking to include terminology, technique, and tools. This would be the ideal gift for a new bride or an empty nester setting off on a new phase of life.
If your goal is to reduce the amount of dessert hanging around your kitchen as leftovers, this book will be your friend. However, if like me, you prefer full batches of cookies and treats so you can store leftovers in the freezer for weeks of indulgent treats this book will be a bit disappointing as each recipe only makes two servings.
Overall it’s a beautiful book with fabulous recipes and I will be using it during the holidays to make variety trays of desserts for parties and holiday gifts but on a day-to-day basis I’ll be sticking with my tried and true favorite recipes.
If your goal is to reduce the amount of dessert hanging around your kitchen as leftovers, this book will be your friend. However, if like me, you prefer full batches of cookies and treats so you can store leftovers in the freezer for weeks of indulgent treats this book will be a bit disappointing as each recipe only makes two servings.
Overall it’s a beautiful book with fabulous recipes and I will be using it during the holidays to make variety trays of desserts for parties and holiday gifts but on a day-to-day basis I’ll be sticking with my tried and true favorite recipes.
August 31, 2019
Can't Wait to Try Some of These
This is a cool 😎 recipe book. I am hard to plead but I can hardly wait to try some of these. Simple, few ingredients, little time involved and there are a lot of desserts that I like in this book. Ranging from banana cream or to cheesecake, truffles, and loads of cookies, the recipes are trimmed down to make only a couple of hours to a half dozen cookies. Just the right amount not only to satisfy a sweet tooth but also for not feeling so guilty about calories from second helpings. This, in my opinion, is one of the better books on cooking for two.
This is a cool 😎 recipe book. I am hard to plead but I can hardly wait to try some of these. Simple, few ingredients, little time involved and there are a lot of desserts that I like in this book. Ranging from banana cream or to cheesecake, truffles, and loads of cookies, the recipes are trimmed down to make only a couple of hours to a half dozen cookies. Just the right amount not only to satisfy a sweet tooth but also for not feeling so guilty about calories from second helpings. This, in my opinion, is one of the better books on cooking for two.
August 13, 2019
I love this cookbook. I love this cookbook so much I am going to buy the paperback version of it so I can have it easily at hand. As a single person this is the perfect solution to have a sweet treat without having to make a whole batch of something. I can't wait to make more of these desserts. This book is both great for single people, for couples for anyone who wants just a sweet treat without making a lot. They also taste really yummy!!
*I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
*I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
November 24, 2019
This is a great cookbook that would be a perfect wedding shower gift. I know my neighbors won't be real happy that this book shows smaller portions baking and cooking. I usually send half my desserts over to them. This book contains 115 recipes that are yummy, chapters for how to equip your kitchen, how to work with chocolate, dough and much more. There are two indexes that classify recipes by ingredients and what you're hungry for. Nicely illustrated and organized. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 11, 2019
First, I received this book as a kindle advanced copy from NetGalley. Being single and an avid baker I usually freeze or bring extra baked items to work. I was excited to order. The recipes seemed interesting. I would only use a few. I was terribly disappointed there were no photos or more directions. I really wouldn’t recommend buying online.
August 17, 2019
There are so many cookbooks that are geared towards cooking for two, but there are hardly any that focus on the true star of dinner - dessert! This book satisfies any sweet tooth with easy to follow directions for amazing desserts. I have made a few and cannot wait to make more!
July 31, 2019
Got hungry reading the book!
Most of the recipes sound very good. It’s hard to find recipes for small amounts like this. Can’t wait to try them!
Most of the recipes sound very good. It’s hard to find recipes for small amounts like this. Can’t wait to try them!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews