Mini desserts. I know, right? Totally crazy. And totally delicious. We are just straight up defying traditional dessert categories over here. In my (pre-mini-dessert) mind, making tiny desserts was something for people who make their own everything.
You’re one of those people who makes their own crackers. Riiiight. But now, in my (post-mini-dessert) mind, mini desserts are actually AMAZING and actually AMAZINGLY EASY.
1. Maple-Bacon Doughnut Bites
Okay, I’m completely obsessed with the whole maple-bacon thing. It’s just one of those combos that’s pure gold. These little doughnut bites are ridiculously easy to make.
You just mix up the batter and drop it right into the hot oil. Forget cinnamon sugar; these get a heavy drizzle of maple glaze and a shower of bacon bits. YES. It’s everything.
2. Mini Cherry Cheesecakes
Are you kidding me with how adorable these are? I can’t even. We’re talking a velvety, dreamy cheesecake filling on a perfect graham cracker crust, with a pop of juicy cherry on top.
These little guys are perfect for literally any reason, because honestly, who ever needs a reason to eat cheesecake? Never.
3. Apple Pie Pops
Hand-pies and pie-pops are just such a cute way to do a big pie. They’re awesome for taking on the go and perfect for eating while wandering around.
Just make sure to chop your apples nice and small, since these only bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. With store-bought pastry, you can cut them into any fun shape you can dream up!
4. Mini-Lemon Scones
It is so easy to make scones that are overworked and overbaked. If you think you’re not a fan, you probably just had a dry batch. But if you’re worried that making them tiny will make them dry, this recipe is a total game-changer.
These are deliciously lemony, and a secret ingredient guarantees they’ll have a moist crumb! That instant lemon pudding mix boosts the lemon flavor and helps keep these little bites super moist inside. Win, win.
5. Tiramisu Pudding Shots
After a huge meal, sometimes you just can’t imagine taking another bite. But then again, sometimes you don’t have a choice! It’s impossible to say no to these tiramisu pudding shots.
This boozy mini-dessert is definitely not for the kids, combining chocolate pudding with Kahlua and white chocolate pudding with vodka.
6. Best Brownie Bites
Brownie bites are an absolute must for all the corner lovers out there! They have that crisp edge and a perfectly fudgy center that just ticks all the right boxes.
To get that amazing ratio, you’ll want a mini-muffin pan for baking these little guys. For an extra gooey and sweet treat, try adding marshmallows or a mini-peanut butter cup before you bake them.
7. Mini Cannoli Cups
I absolutely adore cannolis. But making the shells from scratch is such a hassle. That’s why this recipe is my new obsession!
You get that same crunchy crust with the most heavenly ricotta filling, but these cups are so much easier to put together!
8. Mini S’mores Cups
These mini s’mores cups are the perfect bite-sized treat when you’re craving that classic campfire flavor.
With a graham cracker crust, melted marshmallows, and a chocolate kiss on top, they will take you right to your favorite camping spot, without any of the bugs or sleeping bags.
9. Mini-Cosmopolitan Cheesecakes
Cheesecake is a total crowd-pleaser, no matter what form it’s in. I’m a big fan of a good cheesecake bar, but I also love a cute cheesecake shot. That being said, I am always drawn to anything that’s a little different.
This recipe has a lovely, light ricotta-based cheesecake that is smooth, creamy, and totally no-bake! And that topping is so eye-catching!
10. Pumpkin Spice Blondie Bites
Get ready to spice up your life with these pumpkin spice blondie bites! Your tastebuds will absolutely sing. These little bites are packed with all the warm, cozy flavors of fall.
They are so cute and bite-sized, you can eat as many as you want without feeling any guilt!
11. Mini Profiteroles with Strawberry Cream
These Instagram-worthy mini cream puffs are light, sweet, and super delicate. I am in love with the pale pink color and the fact that you can just pop the whole thing right in your mouth in one bite.
Plus, changing up the filling is so easy. Feel free to use whipped ganache, lemon curd, or just plain whipped cream.
12. Mini-Maple Cinnamon Rolls
Here’s a controversial opinion: sometimes cinnamon rolls are just too big. Don’t get me wrong, they are ridiculously yummy! It’s just that sometimes it feels like a little too much sugar all at once.
And that’s why mini-cinnamon rolls are genius. If you’re looking to cut back, one or two is perfect. And for anyone with a sweet tooth, you can totally dig in and have four!
13. Mini Lava Cakes for Two
Get ready to just melt into a pool of chocolatey goodness with these mini lava cakes! Each bite is like a warm, gooey hug from a chocolatey friend.
And the best part? These little cakes are so easy, you can whip them up in no time. They are so perfect for a date night in.
14. Blackberry, Marshmallow, and Mascarpone Trifles
Trifle is such a classic, and it usually shows up in an oversized glass dish. Not only is this blackberry trifle a surprising twist that your guests will love, but these mini-portions are also an Instagrammer’s dream.
If you’re short on time, you can totally use vanilla pudding instead of the homemade custard.
15. Mini Key Lime Pies
These mini Key lime pies are like a zesty party for your senses! With a perfectly tart filling and a buttery graham cracker crust, these bite-sized delights are impossible to resist.
Go ahead and grab a handful, or two, and get ready to be transported to a tropical paradise.
16. Baklava Tartlets
I know what you’re thinking, and yes, tartlets are basically mini-pies. But whatever you call them, if you like sweet, crisp, honey-nut baklava, you have to try this recipe.
Traditional baklava can be time-consuming and messy, but this recipe takes everything you love about the dish and simplifies it. Even though the ingredients only list walnuts, feel free to add any chopped nuts you like.
17. Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
These chocolate chip cookie bites are so easy to eat by the handful. Each bite-sized morsel is just bursting with gooey chocolate chips and buttery goodness.
They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings or for packing in school lunches.
18. Mini-Simnel Cakes
Fruit cakes like this one can definitely be divisive. For some people, they’re too dense and dark. For others, they’re delicious with everything from brandy sauce to slices of cheese! Yes, I’m being serious.
This recipe asks for the fruit to be soaked in amaretto, but if you prefer, you can use brandy or rum instead.
19. Mini-Burger Cookies
Remember when sliders first came on the scene? Just like with mini-desserts, there’s just something appealing about mini-food in general. Well, just wait until you see these little cuties.
The grasshopper cookies seriously look like little patties, and you don’t have to worry about being neat with the ‘ketchup and mustard.’ If you’re not a coconut lover, you can use a “leaf tip” and some green frosting instead.
20. Meyer Lemon Parfaits
Desserts in shot glasses are the perfect little dessert bites. You can make them in any flavor combination, and they look beautifully uniform when you line them all up.
If you don’t have shot glasses, mini-mason jars will look just as adorable. You can also find a bunch of different-shaped plastic shot-like cups online and in party stores.
For this little dessert, you’ll start with some broken ladyfingers and top them with whipped cream and a lip-smacking lemon curd.
21. Mini Apple Pies
These mini apple pies are just bursting with warm, comforting flavors! Each bite is like a hug from your favorite aunt who always makes the best pies.
These little pies are so cute, you won’t be able to resist taking a picture before you devour them.
22. Strawberry Shortcake Cookie Cups
Sweeten up your day with these strawberry shortcake cookie cups that are guaranteed to make you smile!
Each bite is like a little taste of heaven, with a buttery cookie cup that’s filled with luscious whipped cream and juicy strawberries. These are perfect for parties, or events like bridal showers and baby showers.
23. Mini Peanut Butter Pies
These mini peanut butter pies are like little pockets of joy that just explode with nutty flavor in your mouth. Each bite is a trip down memory lane, to a time when life was simpler and peanut butter was king.
These tiny treats are perfect for sharing with friends, or for sneaking a few for yourself when nobody’s looking.
24. Mini-Blueberry Pies
I’m a big fan of pie. It’s great in the summer when it’s filled with banana cream or fresh blueberries. And it’s just as good served warm in the winter, packed full of apples.
With these mini-blueberry pies, every bite gives you a mouthful of perfect buttery pastry. You can even find mini-tart shells in the freezer section of most grocery stores.
The blueberry filling is sweet and just bursting with flavor. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream and be ready to have more than one!
25. Mini-Lemon Meringue Pies
With only 6 ingredients and just 10 minutes, you can have the most delicate little canapés. This mini-dessert is a total winner, using ready-made meringue shells and a simple mix of cream cheese, citrus zest, and icing sugar.
If you’re looking for some variety, try adding some passion fruit or chopped cherries and chocolate instead.
26. Red Velvet Cake Truffles
Cake truffles and cake pops are pretty much the same thing. The only real difference is that one of them is on a stick. Personally, I think cake truffles have a slightly classier look.
Just put them on a serving platter or a decorative plate, and they look like they came from a store. They are also insanely easy to make. Cake mix and ready-made frosting come together to form the fudgy center, which then gets smothered in white chocolate.
27. Banana Beignet Bites
The absolute best thing about beignets is that crisp outer shell covered in all that powdered sugar. So you can just imagine how good beignet bites are! This recipe is so simple: just mix the ingredients in order and drop them into hot oil.
There’s no need for any kneading or rolling out. And the banana addition is a total dream! Try dipping them into some salted caramel sauce or a bit of Nutella.
28. Mini-Red Velvet Bundt Cakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
I love the way a bundt cake looks, and I’ve made a few in my day. But if you’ve learned anything about me from this list, it’s that I love mini-versions of big treats!
You can find a selection of mini-bundt pans online, and I really think they are a great investment. For the frosting, try to make it a little on the thinner side so you can get that wonderful drip.
29. Mini-Donuts
I’m not exactly sure why I love donuts so much. There’s something about that round, colorful, sprinkle-covered treat that makes me feel nostalgic. And then I discovered mini-donuts and just completely lost it.
Mini-donuts are the absolute peak of mini-desserts if you ask me. And with a mini-donut maker, there’s no guesswork involved. Whether you’re tossing them in sugar or covering them with a brightly colored glaze, they are by far my favorite on this list.
30. Chi Chi Dango Mochi
Mochi are soft and chewy rice cakes. They’re made with rice flour, sugar, coconut milk, and a thickener, which creates delicate and colorful candies.
For some extra texture, try rolling these little balls in freeze-dried raspberries or chocolate shavings.
31. Mini Carrot Cakes with Candied Pecans
Get ready to indulge in these mini carrot cakes with candied pecans that are sure to steal the show! These little cakes are moist, fluffy, and packed with flavor, thanks to the juicy carrots and warm spices.
And those candied pecans? They’re like little bites of heaven right on top.
32. Rum-Praline Shortbread Bites
Delicate buttery shortbread combined with toasted and caramelized pecans, plus a little bit of rum. Now that I have your attention… This recipe is seriously good.
Shortbread is a big favorite in my house, and a lot of that has to do with how easy it is to modify. But this recipe is truly something you have to try. Please don’t skip toasting the pecans with the sugar. It adds something really special!
33. Mini-Milkshake Shooters
If you’re looking for something different, how about some adorable milkshake shots? This recipe combines vanilla ice cream with marshmallow fluff for a sweet after-dinner treat that both kids and adults will love.
For a pop of color, dip the top of the glass in chocolate and roll it in sprinkles. Serve them with a colorful paper straw.
34. Mini Fruit Tarts
These mini fruit tarts are almost too cute to eat! Each bite-sized treat is packed with juicy fruit and a buttery, flaky crust that will have you doing a happy dance.
They’re perfect for any occasion, from a fancy get-together to just a casual snack. These treats are guaranteed to impress!
