25 Delicious Mini Desserts & Recipes (2024)

The true life of any party has to be the mini dessert tray. Just watch everyone’s faces when these cute desserts make an appearance and count the number of smiles you see.

These mini desserts are adorable. From miniature hamburgers to other types of cookies and cakes, you can serve up some delightful desserts to your guests. Because they’re small, everyone can sample a few different ones. Also, if you’re watching calories, having miniature desserts can help you be sure you’re consuming fewer calories.

One of the great things about mini desserts is that you can enjoy a variety of very different desserts on one plate and not feel like you just ate an entire bakery.

Who says bigger is always better? Mini desserts are here to prove that sometimes, a smaller treat can still pack a punch of impeccable flavor and presentation. As you explore the world of mini desserts, you’ll find a myriad of options perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the added guilt or feeling overwhelmed.

From miniature cheesecakes to tiny tarts, these delightful creations offer delectable tastes in manageable sizes. With vibrant colors and intricate designs, mini desserts are not only pleasing to the palate, but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any event or gathering. Their petite size makes them easy to serve and sample, allowing you and your guests to try a variety of delicious treats.

As you delve into the realm of mini desserts, you’ll discover countless recipes and techniques for crafting these edible works of art. Your creativity knows no bounds as you experiment with flavors, textures, and presentations. So go ahead and indulge in the delightful world of mini desserts – they’re proof that good things come in small packages.

Small desserts are absolutely ideal for any occasion or get-together with a lot of guests. And unlike other foods like appetizers and main courses, you can never have too many bite sized desserts (we think it’s actually somewhere).

From hot apple pie pops to sticky sweet mini-maple cinnamon rolls, we’ve got 25 insanely delicious mini dessert recipes that will make any event a huge success.

Source: tablespoon.com

1. Mini Cookie Burgers

It’s amazing what you can do with a little shredded coconut, some cookies, and decorative icing. Mini-burger cookies are absolute show-stoppers.

These sinfully delicious cookie sliders are simply ideal for any backyard bbq or 4th of July party.

They look just like tasty sliders, and some (more lubricated) guests might actually think they are the real deal!

But, once you bite into one of these delicious treats, you’ll know right away that you’re tasting sweet paradise.

And if you’re not a big fan of coconut, you can substitute it for green frosting using a leaf tip on your frosting bag.

We also found adding peanut butter to the recipe had very satisfying results.

Source: betterbatter.org

2. Mini-Lemon Meringue Pies

Mini-pies are one of some of the most fun mini dessert ideas out there. Let’s be honest, we all have our favorite pie, and the idea of feeling like a giant while snacking on these adorable mini-lemon meringue pies has to cross your mind.

There’s nothing like the creamy, tart, and sweet flavor of the lemon custard hugged by a soft crust and topped with heavenly meringue.

The contrast of tartness and sweetness is like lemonade in a pie, but the meringue with its sweet egg flavor takes this dessert to a different level.

In fact, this dessert pairs well with flavored lemonades like strawberry and peach.

Source: butterwithasideofbread.com

3. Snickers Mini M&M Brownie Bites

When you take one of the most beloved candy bars in the world and turn it into a brownie, folks are going to lose it (in a good way).

These Snickers mini brownie bites combine the best of both worlds and even throw in a few M&Ms for good measure!

Can you just imagine biting one of these warm finger food desserts and experiencing the gooey, chocolatey riot happening in your mouth?

Any tray carrying these at any birthday party is bound to get much lighter in seconds.

Now, just add a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, and let’s just say your taste buds won’t be in Kansas anymore!

Source: cookingduringstolenmoments.com

4. Mini-Lemon Scones

Even if you’re not the biggest fan of English cuisine, the taste of these delicious mini-lemon scones will undoubtedly win you over!

What we love about these bite-sized desserts is the understated sweet and sour flavor of the scones complemented by the sweet tartness of the lemon glaze.

Some may be a bit perplexed by the “dryness” factor of scones, but in our opinion, that just adds to the unique experience.

These are the perfect treat that will go over just as well at a Sunday night NFL party as they would at the fanciest tea party.

These also make for a tasty treat with your morning coffee.

Source: justjennrecipes.com

5. Chi Chi Dango Mochi

If you’re a dessert fan looking for your next new sweet thrill, then you’ll love Chi Chi Dango Mochi.

This dessert hails from Hawaii and consists of soft, colorful squares of a unique cake called mochi.

The taste consists of a mix of coconut, vanilla, and sugar, but you can also flavor your mixture with more robust fruit flavors.

However, we love the simplicity of these sweet, strange little cakes that make for a great conversation piece when you serve them to your guests.

If you’re ready to try something a little different, we guarantee Chi Chi Dango Mochi won’t disappoint you!

Source: goodto.com

6. Apple Pie Pops

It seems ever since Starbucks got us addicted to those darned cake pops, more and more desserts have found their way on a stick. Not that we’re complaining!

These apple pie pops are not only delicious and adorable, but they are pretty cheap and easy to make, taking just under an hour to prepare and bake 16 mini pie pops.

These are fantastic desserts for large parties but keep some extra napkins around because the filling can get a bit messy.

And if you want to add a little something extra, a lot of folks dip them in chocolate or caramel.

You can also cover them with powdered or coarse sugar.

Source: goodto.com

7. Homemade Mini Donuts

Like everything else, the price of donuts has gone through the roof. And while you can settle for mass-produced donuts sold at grocery stores, you can make your own from home that tastes just as good if not better than even donuts from the best donut shop in town.

Best of all, you can make 12 mini donuts at a fraction of the cost of buying them at a donut shop in about 30 minutes!

You can also use toppings such as melted chocolate, caramel, or your favorite store-bought or homemade frostings.

These possibilities for this recipe are endless, and your guests will think you spent big bucks on special order catering from a local donut shop.

Source: chocolatemoosey.com

8. Mini Cheesecakes

Try a little experiment. Go to a party, and mention the word “cheesecake” a little too loudly and see how many folks look around.

These cheesecake mini cupcakes are one of our favorite mini cake ideas. They fit right between your fingers, and you can top them with any sweet your mind can imagine.

Try adding cereal pieces like fruity and cocoa pebbles, cinnamon toast crunch, or lucky charms.

Or you can go the traditional route with chocolate, caramel, melted peanut butter, or fresh fruit and fresh berries like strawberry, apricot, and cherry.

And if you have a few lollypop sticks, you can make some pretty adorable mini cheesecake pops!

Source: perudelights.com

9. Bite-Sized Dulce de Leche Alfajores

If you love caramel and never had dulce de leche, we’ve got a treat for you. This bite-sized dulce de leche Alfajores recipe combines two soft cookies with a creamy filling similar to caramel.

Actually, the only difference between regular caramel and dulce de leche is that caramel is made with water and sugar. In contrast, dulce de leche is made with milk and sugar or condensed milk.

Now, which of these two versions sounds creamier?

While this recipe does require a bit of patience, the time and effort you put into making this delicious Latin dessert will be well worth it!

These bite-sized Alfajores are the perfect treat to have with coffee or tea, as a party dessert, or just a special treat at the end of a long day.

Source: shugarysweets.com

10. Red Velvet Cake Truffles with Cream Cheese Frosting

For a dessert fit for royalty, red velvet cake truffles with cream cheese frosting are sure to make anyone feel like an aristocrat.

Aside from their incredible taste, the aesthetics of this dessert is something to admire. The white cream cheese frosting with fudge stripes, tiny candy beads, and deep red velvet cake looks more like something that belongs in an art gallery rather than on your plate.

However, once you bite into one of these delicious truffles, you’ll quickly get past their fancy looks and continue to inartfully put away one after the other as the sweet and moist red velvet cake and cream cheese icing melt in your mouth.

Please don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Source: thymeforco*cktails.com

11. Salted Bacon Maple Mini-Cinnamon Rolls

We know we should probably use a fork and knife, but come on? There’s something magical about feeling a soft, warm, gooey, sticky cinnamon roll between your fingers as you take your first bite.

Suppose you have an aversion to using silverware while eating regular cinnamon rolls. In that case, you’ll forget they ever existed when you pull out a pan of these salted bacon maple-cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven!

Just look at these beautiful specimens of decadence? How can you not eat these with your hands and lick the sweet and salty icing and bits of bacon from your fingers?

Don’t resist. Just go with it.

Source: stylemysweets.com

12. Tiramisu Pudding Shots (non-alcoholic)

You’ve had an enormous meal and know you just can’t bear to have another bite of anything. But then, something like these tiramisu pudding shots come strolling in like they own the place, and you know it’s spoon time!

This fancy-looking dessert cup will make your guests feel as though they’ve been teleported to a fancy Italian restaurant. You can also discretely live a bill with someone to heighten the effect!

Now, keep in mind this is the kid-friendly version. But, if you want a flavor closer to the adult version, you can use an imitation non-alcoholic coffee liqueur. You can buy it premade or make it yourself using simple syrup and instant coffee.

You’ll add the non-alcoholic coffee liqueur to your milk or dark chocolate pudding and milk mixture.

Now, if you want to convert this recipe to the adult version, you’ll just use regular coffee liqueur and mix it together with your chocolate pudding mixture. Then mix the vodka in with your white chocolate pudding and milk mixture.

Source: ohmypetitecakes.com

13. Mini-Red Velvet Bundt Cakes Loaded with Cream Cheese Frosting

While we’ve already covered a form of this dessert in one recipe, can anyone honestly say there’s such a thing as too much red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting?

Anyone? *crickets*

We didn’t think so. And when you see the finished results of these adorable mini-red velvet bunt cakes loaded with cream cheese frosting, you’ll know you made the right call.

Most recipes call for just adding the cream cheese frosting on top of the cake, but with this one, you get three dreamy layers of cream cheese frosting in between sweet, melt-in your mouth layers of red velvet cake!

This dessert is one offer you cannot refuse!

Source: dailymail.co.uk

14. Mini Pistachio and Cherry Simnel Cakes

If you’re looking for a new and exciting version of a classic Easter dessert, then we’ve got a treat for you!

Royal Wedding cake maker Fiona Cairns created this mini pistachio and cherry simnel cakes recipe, and we must say it truly is a high-class-level dessert!

Now, this recipe has quite a few ingredients and will take a bit more investment than most Simnel cake recipes.

However, the incredible results will make all your hard work well worth it, especially when you see the looks on your guest’s faces when you bring these upper-class sweets out to the table.

We suggest wearing white gloves and a toque balance (baker’s hat) when presenting for full effect.

Source: tablespoon.com

15. Mini-Banana Split Milkshake Shooters (Adult-Version)

You just can’t beat a good milkshake, but if you’re looking for something a little *ahem* “stronger” for your next ice cream social, then this recipe for alcoholic mini-banana split milkshake shooters might do the trick.

These punchy little milkshakes only take about ten minutes per four shooters, and they taste just like eating a banana split.

We recommend heavy cream over milk, or you can substitute coconut cream or milk for a unique twist.

Now, if you would like to keep this recipe G-rated for the kids, you can substitute the vodka for a bit of vanilla extract. Just start with maybe a teaspoon, blend, and add more until you’re satisfied with the flavor.

Source: myfavouritepastime.com

16. Banana Beignet Bites

If you can’t make it out to the Big Easy for Mardi Gras next year, you can still enjoy the flavor of New Orleans right from your kitchen table.

This recipe for banana beignet bites is worth throwing a parade over!

The beignets have a crispy outer shell covered in cinnamon sugar, and the insides combine the taste of buttermilk, nutmeg, and sugar with fresh bananas for an incredible flavor.

You can also substitute the cinnamon sugar with powdered sugar for a more traditional taste and appearance.

We highly recommend dipping these in some Nutella, peanut butter, chocolate ganache, or caramel sauce.

Yummy!

Source: myfoodandfamily.com

17. Fantasy Fudge Recipe

Chocolate fudge and marshmallow fluff? Sign us up!

Fudge is one of the richest and sweetest indulgences you can eat, and it’s super-easy to make.

This recipe has only seven ingredients and makes about 40 servings!

In about 30 to 40 minutes (depending on time to cool), you’ll have dozens of delicious fudge squares that are guaranteed to please any crowd.

We recommend drizzling a little salted caramel or melted peanut butter on top, but if you prefer plain, we completely understand!

Source: kqed.org

18. Maple-Bacon Doughnut Bites

Just like red velvet cake and cream cheese frosting, there’s no such thing as too much maple and bacon.

And these sweet little maple-bacon doughnut bites are beyond delicious!

Best of all, this recipe makes a huge batch of doughnut holes, 56 to be exact, which is more than enough for a large group.

Now, just make sure to allow your dough to rise appropriately, either in a warm location for about an hour, or you can leave it overnight in the refrigerator. However, please make sure you let the dough set out at room temperature for at least an hour before moving on to the next step.

You can also substitute bacon for other toppings like some crushed graham cracker or tiny chocolate chip drops.

After all your efforts, you’ll have mounds of addictively delicious maple bacon doughnut bites to enjoy…err, we mean to share with your guests.

Yes…right. “Share.”

Source: clairekcreations.com

19. Rum-Pa Pa Pum Mini-Praline Shortbread Sandwiches

Have you started gearing up for the Christmas season yet? Here’s a fantastic recipe for rum mini-praline shortbread sandwiches that will give your holidays a little “rum-pa pa pum.”

Shortbread on its own is always a crowd favorite, but this recipe gives it a delicious twist by adding the taste of rum and pecan.

We definitely recommend not skipping out on toasting your pecans in the cream and brown sugar. It really makes a world of difference.

Once these cute little cookie sandwiches are done, your guests will have a treat filled with Christmas spirit!

Source: tarasmulticulturaltable.com

20. Mini-Meyer Lemon Parfaits

This simple recipe for mini-Meyer lemon parfaits is like eating heaven in a cup (or, in this case, a shot glass).

Tart lemon curd layered with creamy vanilla yogurt and sweet crushed graham cracker delivers a taste that’s out of this world!

Meyer lemons are considered among the best lemons in the world, and for a good reason. These lemons have a much sweeter and floral taste than regular lemons, making them better suited for lemon desserts and drinks.

Now, if you don’t happen to have shot glasses handy, mini-mason jars should do the trick, plus they look absolutely adorable!

However, any small plastic shot-like cups will do, and you can find those at your local party supply store or online.

You can also use broken ladyfingers instead of graham cracker.

Source: mybakingaddiction.com

21. Blueberry Trifles with Mascarpone Whip

Strawberries, cherries, lemons, and apples are usually the big four fruits that dominate the dessert scene, which is why it’s constantly refreshing to find a delicious blueberry-based sweet.

And this recipe for blueberry trifles with mascarpone whip is guaranteed not to disappoint!

The concept is similar to a strawberry shortcake shot.

And, not only is this recipe easy to make, but it looks incredible in a small glass.

This recipe combines the taste of lemon zest, Mascaphone cheese, vanilla, pound cake, and canned blueberries for a taste that’s like a catchy song you can’t get out of your head!

Source: theslowroasteditalian.com

22. Mint To Be Dangerous Chocolate Cookie Trifles

James Bond’s got nothing on this mint chocolate cookie trifle recipe that uses pieces of crushed mint chocolate cookies, layered with creamy chocolate pudding and whipped cream, along with a layer of Andes mints.

The dessert is then topped with a homemade mint-flavored whipped cream with a cookie and Andes mint as garnish.

You can assemble this dessert in any container you wish, such as mini trifle dishes or shot glasses.

BTW, this recipe will self-destruct in five seconds, so you better hurry!

Source: foxeslovelemons.com

23. 3-Step Easy Baklava Tartlets

This delicious dessert hails from Greece and is a very popular sweet over there.

Baklava Tartlets are like tiny little pies. These little treats have a crisp and sweet pie crust, filled with delicious honey-nut baklava filling, topped with walnuts.

You can also substitute the walnuts for any nut you like, such as pecan or pistachios.

And for a bit of twist, try substituting the lemon for a bit of zest and orange juice.

Source: savvysavingcouple.net

24. Mini-Blueberry Pies

We’re showing one of our favorite under-represented fruits a little more love with this recipe for adorable mini-blueberry pies.

As you can see from the picture, these tiny pies are bursting at the seams with juicy blueberry filling.

Best of all, you make the filling yourself using fresh blueberries!

Now, I know it might be tempting to use canned blueberries, but honestly, it’s so easy to make your own (which tastes worlds better) you probably won’t ever go back to the canned stuff.

For the shells, you can use store-bought pre-made shells. However, the taste of this recipe’s unique crust, made with Armour Premium All-Natural Lard, can’t be beaten!

You can probably find this lard at your local grocery store or online.

These are fantastic with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Source: simplygluten-free.com

25. Mini-Citrus Upside-Down Cakes

Like all of the miniature desserts we’ve shared so far, these gluten-free mini-citrus upside-down cakes are flat-out delicious!

Not only does this recipe taste amazing, but it’s also better for you than traditional upside-down cake since it doesn’t use as much sugar.

However, you can also make it even healthier using a few ideas included in the recipe for making it grain-free.

The total time to make four servings of these sweet treats is about 45 minutes, but trust us, your taste buds will thank you!

If you loved these recipes as much as we have, here’s a video with more incredible dessert ideas.