This Timeless Dessert is Always a Hit
When I first stumbled upon this 5-ingredient Martha Stewart dessert, I had no idea it would become a decade-long favorite. Whether I’m hosting dinner parties or need a quick, sweet treat after a long day, this simple yet elegant dessert never fails. It’s rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced, and the best part? It only takes five pantry staples and minimal effort. Over the past 10 years, I’ve tweaked it ever so slightly to make it even easier—and more delicious. If you love no-fuss recipes that deliver big flavor, this one will become your go-to too.
Why You’ll Love This 5-Ingredient Dessert
There’s something magical about a recipe that’s both incredibly simple and show-stoppingly good. This dessert has everything: a creamy texture, rich flavor, and a light, sophisticated finish. It works year-round and feels fancy enough for guests, yet it’s so easy, even beginner bakers can master it.
Here’s why people love it:
- Only 5 ingredients – all pantry staples!
- Takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
- No special tools required—just a whisk and a baking dish.
- Customizable with fruit, chocolate, or spices.
- Crowd-pleasing for all ages, every single time.
Even after 10 years, I still look forward to making—and eating—this dessert. It’s pure comfort and elegance in one bowl.
Ingredients (in Detail)
To make this Martha Stewart-inspired dessert, you’ll need:
- Heavy cream (2 cups): This creates the rich, velvety base.
- Sugar (½ cup): Adds just the right sweetness to balance the richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): For warm, aromatic depth.
- Gelatin powder (1 packet or about 2¼ tsp): Helps set the dessert to a silky-smooth consistency.
- Water (¼ cup, cold): To bloom the gelatin.
All five ingredients are likely already in your kitchen—or easy to find at any grocery store. No flour, no eggs, no complicated steps. Just a few simple staples blended into a classic dessert you’ll make over and over.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 17g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 20mg
Note: Nutrition values may vary slightly depending on brands used and serving size.
Recipe Tips (Top 5)
Use quality vanilla extract – It makes a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t skip blooming the gelatin – This ensures a smooth texture.
- Heat the cream gently – Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
- Strain before chilling – For an ultra-silky finish.
- Chill for at least 4 hours – Or overnight for best results.
Make-Ahead Tips
This dessert is perfect for making ahead, which makes it ideal for dinner parties or busy weeks. Since it needs time to chill and set, you can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply pour the mixture into ramekins, small jars, or a large dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
Want to get fancy? Garnish just before serving with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a sprig of mint. You can even freeze it for longer storage—just thaw in the fridge for several hours before serving. The texture holds up beautifully.
If you’re entertaining, having this ready to go means one less thing to worry about. It’s always a hit, and no one needs to know it only took 15 minutes to put together!
Detailed Tips for Making It Better
The key to getting this dessert just right lies in the temperature control. When heating the cream, do it slowly over medium-low heat. This avoids scalding and ensures the sugar dissolves evenly without burning. Always stir gently and keep an eye on it—don’t let it boil.
Another pro tip: after mixing in the bloomed gelatin, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into your serving dish or ramekins. This removes any undissolved bits or foam, leaving a flawlessly smooth texture that sets perfectly.
Lastly, presentation goes a long way. Serve this in glass cups or jars for a clean, modern look. Toppings like macerated strawberries, a drizzle of honey, or a dusting of cinnamon add contrast and color, elevating this humble dessert to restaurant-worthy status.
Recipe Card: The 5-Ingredient Martha Stewart Dessert
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 packet (about 2¼ tsp) unflavored gelatin
- ¼ cup cold water
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over ¼ cup cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine cream and sugar. Heat over medium-low, stirring until sugar dissolves (do not boil).
- Remove from heat, stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved, then add vanilla extract.
- Strain mixture through a fine sieve into serving containers.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set. Serve chilled, with optional toppings.