15 Best Stovetop Desserts

Find the best stovetop desserts from around the web here, along with our top picks and aftercare stovetop tips to ensure your kitchen helper is always in top condition.

The stovetop has always been a cornerstone of cooking innovation. From sizzling skillets to simmering sauces, its role in transforming raw ingredients into delectable dishes is unmatched. 

But it is not just savory creations that the stovetop excels at. It has also become an essential tool in the world of dessert-making, where its versatility and precision have given rise to a culinary tradition: the art of making stovetop desserts. 

To explore this stovetop dessert-making trend, we’ve gathered a list of the best stovetop desserts from around the web, from decadent cakes to fluffy dumplings.

Top 5 Recipe Picks

No time to lose? Let’s make it quick. Here are the faves:

1. #2 Stovetop Apple Crisp has a crunch, thanks to oats, pecans, and sesame seeds. 
2. #4 Steamed Lemon Cake is flavored with lemon curd, giving it a refreshing taste.
3. #6 Chocolate Pudding can be made to be as rich, creamy, or chocolaty as you like.
4. #10 Haskap Berry Grunt offers a combination of sweet, tart, and refreshing notes.
5. #14 Stovetop Strawberry Dumplings only take about 15 minutes to put together.

Best Stovetop Desserts

1. Stovetop Apple Upside Down Cake

This stovetop cake is made with fresh apples, brown sugar, and butter and comes together in 35 minutes. The sweet treat is baked in a skillet on the stovetop, so there’s no need to turn on the oven. 

2. Stovetop Apple Crisp

By bypassing the need for an oven, the recipe offers a convenient and quick way to achieve the same flavors and textures of a traditional apple crisp. The overall flavor is tasty and comforting, and it’s ideal for a fall dessert.

3. Stovetop Chocolate Cake

This delectable treat is made right on your stovetop, offering a convenient alternative to traditional baking. The moist and fluffy cake is versatile enough to be topped with your favorite frosting or ganache.

4. Steamed Lemon Cake

This decadent dessert showcases the zesty essence of lemons with the soft, moist texture of a perfectly steamed cake. The lemon curd adds a subtle lemon flavor, while the baking powder helps to make the cake light and fluffy.

5. Churros

Flavored with cinnamon sugar, these golden delights are irresistibly crispy on the outside and soft and doughy on the inside. Just be careful not to overheat the oil, or the churros will burn.

6. Chocolate Pudding

This luscious dessert combines velvety cocoa flavors with a creamy texture, showcasing the art of creating a classic treat from scratch. Top with whipped cream or chocolate shavings for an extra special touch.

7. Caramel Dumplings

Caramel Dumplings are a sweet and simple dessert featuring a light and fluffy dough cooked in a rich caramel sauce. Serve warm with ice cream for a truly decadent treat.

8. Glazed Stovetop Stewed Peaches

Glazed Stovetop Stewed Peaches is a simple recipe that makes the most of fresh summer peaches. Simmered with brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, the peaches become tender, juicy, and accompanied by a luscious glaze. 

9. Stovetop Bourbon Candied Pecans

These candied pecans have a sweet, salty, and nutty flavor thanks to the blend of brown sugar and bourbon. Simply melt butter in a skillet with brown sugar, cinnamon, and bourbon, then stir in pecans and cook until coated. 

10. Haskap Berry Grunt

This Canadian favorite features juicy Haskap berries under soft dumplings, all cooked in a tasty sauce. Get creative by trying various buttermilk or maple syrup options to create your own unique variation.

11. Stovetop Cinnamon Apple

This recipe uses common, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The apples are cooked in a blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, and cornstarch until they’re fork-tender and the sauce has thickened.

12. Banana Upside Down Cake

This quick Banana Upside Down Cake is made in a frying pan and cooks in a mere 20 minutes. The ripe bananas are caramelized in butter and brown sugar, and the cake batter is poured over the top. 

13. Lemon Poppy Seed Stovetop Cake

This dessert recipe mixes zesty lemon notes and the subtle texture of poppy seeds, all cooked to perfection on the stovetop. It’s excellent for spring or summer when fresh lemons are in season.

14. Stovetop Strawberry Dumplings

This treat brings together plump and juicy strawberries simmered in a thick sauce, topped with tender dumplings that soak up the sweet essence. The addition of homemade whipped cream garnish elevates the flavor even further.

15. Dairy-Free Custard

This creamy dairy-free custard is a breeze to make on the stovetop, taking just 10 minutes. No need to worry about tempering. It turns out incredibly smooth and full of flavor, perfect to enjoy either warm or chilled.

The bottom line

The stovetop has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a staple cooking device. Once used primarily for boiling water and frying food, the stovetop is one of the leading players in dessert-making, thanks to its precise temperature control and versatility. 

This fun trend has democratized the creation of intricate sweets, making it possible for seasoned professionals and aspiring home chefs to experiment, innovate, and indulge in the world of delectable desserts.

After-Care Stovetop Tips After Dessert Making

After using the stovetop for dessert making, it’s important to ensure everything is properly cleaned and maintained. Here are some valuable after-care tips to consider:

• Turn off. Always remember to turn off the stove once you’re finished.
• Cool down. Allow the stovetop to cool before cleaning.
• Wipe spills. Quickly clean up any spills or drips.
• Gentle cleaner. Use a mild and suitable cleaner for the stovetop.
• Avoid scrubbing. Don’t use abrasive materials or cleaners.
• Clean grates and pans. Remove and clean removable parts separately.
• Care for knobs. Wipe the control knobs and make sure they’re dry.
• Check ventilation. Ensure vents and fans are unblocked.
• Inspect gas lines. For gas stovetops, periodically check for issues.
• Regular maintenance. Clean up promptly and maintain frequently.