If you’re low on time, short on ingredients, or just craving something simple and comforting, two-ingredient recipes can be surprisingly delicious. With only a couple of pantry staples, you can create treats and meals that feel effortless yet rewarding. Here are a few ideas that prove you don’t need a long shopping list to cook something satisfying.
Yoghurt flatbread or pizza dough
One of the most useful two-ingredient tricks is the yoghurt flatbread or pizza-dough method. By combining self-rising flour with Greek yoghurt, you create a soft, pliable dough that can be turned into naan-style flatbreads, rolled out for a quick pizza night, or cooked in a pan for warm pockets to fill with dips or toppings. It’s fast, forgiving, and endlessly adaptable.
Fresh homemade pasta
Fresh pasta can also be made with just flour and eggs — a classic combination that, with a bit of kneading, transforms into silky sheets or tender noodles. Despite its simplicity, the result tastes fresher and richer than dried pasta, and it’s easy to shape into fettuccine, ravioli, or whatever you like. A small effort gives you a comforting, restaurant-quality base for any sauce you have on hand.
Two-ingredient scones
Two-ingredient scones are another clever shortcut. By mixing self-rising flour with cream (or sometimes lemonade), you get a soft dough that bakes into light, fluffy scones with barely any fuss. They are perfect for a last-minute morning tea, and taste even better warm with butter, jam, or cream.
Oreo mug cake
For something sweet and instant, a crushed Oreo mug cake is hard to beat. Just mix crushed Oreos with a splash of milk, microwave it for a minute, and you have a warm, gooey, cake-like treat. It’s ideal when you want dessert without baking, measuring, or washing more than a mug and a spoon.
Coconut macaroons
Coconut macaroons are equally straightforward: combine desiccated coconut with condensed milk, shape the mixture into mounds, and bake until golden. They’re chewy, sweet, and satisfyingly rich — a great option when you want a homemade treat with minimal prep.
Two-ingredient chocolate mousse
And for a surprisingly elegant finish, a two-ingredient chocolate mousse delivers impressive results. Simply melt chocolate and fold it into whipped cream; the mixture sets into a smooth, airy dessert that feels decadent despite the minimal effort. It’s an easy way to serve something special without needing a long list of ingredients.
Peanut butter fudge
Peanut butter fudge is one of the easiest sweets you can make at home. All it takes is peanut butter and condensed milk gently warmed together until smooth, then poured into a tin to set. The result is creamy, rich, and perfectly sliceable — a treat that tastes far more indulgent than the effort required.
Banana pancakes
Banana pancakes are a staple for good reason: mash a ripe banana, whisk it with one egg, and you have a simple batter that cooks into soft, slightly caramelised pancakes. They’re naturally sweet, gluten-free, and perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. Add berries or yoghurt on top if you want to dress them up.
Ice cream truffles
Ice cream truffles are another clever two-ingredient wonder. Soften a scoop of vanilla ice cream and roll it in cocoa powder or crushed nuts, then freeze again until firm. You end up with bite-sized, velvety treats that feel like something from a boutique dessert shop, despite taking only minutes to assemble.
