These mini dessert ideas are easy to stack, plate and pack up easily—and they often finish faster than anything else on the table.
32 Adorable Mini Dessert Ideas
Updated on Jul. 07, 2025
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Mini Cheesecake
Total Time
35 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Presto! We turned cheesecake into irresistible bite-sized snacks with these cute little treats. Feel free to use your favorite flavor of jam. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2/32
Truffle-Filled Cookie Tarts
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I made chocolate truffles as a Christmas tradition for many years. I created this recipe to incorporate my truffles into the center of fudgy cookies. It was a hit with friends and family. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
3/32
Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These treats are a perfect mouthful of strawberry, sweet cream cheese filling and just a drizzle of chocolate. Easy to fill
and fix ahead, they add tempting variety to brunch or party offerings—and make a delicious homemade gift. —Linda Baldt, Croydon, Pennsylvania
4/32
Red Velvet Cake Balls
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone loves red velvet, but any cake mix can work here. I've even rolled chopped macadamia nuts into pineapple cake and dipped them into white chocolate. Whatever you do, have fun! —Anne Powers, Munford, Alabama
5/32
Snickerdoodle Ice Cream Sandwich Minis
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband absolutely loves ice cream sandwiches and snickerdoodles, so I combined them into one fun treat. Here’s how we build this cool dessert. —Heather Pilon, Winslow, Maine
6/32
Orange Dream Mini Cupcakes
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The bright taste of these cute cupcakes reminds me and my friends of orange-and-vanilla frozen treats. —Jen Shepherd, St. Peters, Missouri
7/32
Peanut Caramel Brownie Bites
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These three-layered brownies are simply irresistible and my family's absolute favorite. —Ella Agans, Birch Tree, Missouri
8/32
Black Bottom Brandy Bites
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The idea for these bite-sized tarts started with little chocolate bottles of brandy. For an extra dash of fabulous, I place chocolate in the bottom of each pastry cup. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
9/32
Orange-Nutella Cookie Cups
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These cups are easy to put on a platter for impressive presentation—they're a true one-bite pleasure! Top them with the fresh fruit of your choice: Half a strawberry or a piece of mandarin orange complements the hazelnut chocolate flavor of the Nutella. —Joanie Fuson, Indianapolis, Indiana
10/32
Mini Cream Puffs
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is quick and easy to whip up, and the kids will love it! They are perfect to pack for a picnic or to have as a snack for family game night. I guarantee you can't eat just one—they are so addictive and perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth! —Jennifer Erwin, Reynoldsburg, Ohio
11/32
Miniature Peanut Butter Treats
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is one of my family's favorites, and I make the treats a lot, especially at Christmas. I have three children and eight grandchildren, and every one of them loves those "peanut butter thingies," as the grandchildren call them! —Jodie McCoy, Tulsa, Oklahoma
12/32
Miniature Pumpkin Cake Towers
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these pumpkin treats every autumn and they are gone in minutes. The spice combination is perfect for fall, and it is all wrapped up in a pretty little cake.—Deb Lyon, Bangor, Pennsylvania
13/32
Holiday Meringue Miniatures
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
about 7 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love these light melt-in-your-mouth cookies, and we have fun making them. These were always on our Christmas cookie plate when I was a kid, and now the tradition continues. —Susan Marshall, Colorado Springs, Colorado
14/32
Miniature Almond Tarts
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My family requests these adorable little tarts each Christmas. I always enjoy making them since the almond paste in the filling reflects our Dutch heritage. They're super popular at special gatherings. —Karen Van Den Berge, Holland, Michigan
15/32
Citrus Mini Cakes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These moist bite-size muffins are melt-in-your-mouth good. With their appealing look, they really dress up a party table. The recipe makes a big batch, so there are plenty to please a crowd. —Linda Terrell, Palatka, Florida
16/32
Strawberry Cookie Cups
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I learned to bake beside my mom and grandmother. When I was on break from college, I knew just how to entertain myself: I made cookies. Sharing this recipe with my mom and grandmother was a proud moment.—Andrea Zulauf, Livonia, New York
17/32
Miniature Christmas Fruitcakes
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve found that people who normally won’t eat fruitcake make an exception when they sample these. Using mini muffin pans for baking creates fun, single-serving cakes. —Libby Over, Phillipsburg, Ohio
18/32
Mini Cherry Cheesecakes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These little cheesecakes make a fun dessert that's just right for cooks who don't have a lot of time for fussy recipes. Plus, you get to eat a whole mini cheesecake yourself! —Kay Keller, Morenci, Michigan
19/32
Mini Pumpkin Spice Trifles
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These miniature trifles are so fun for fall holiday parties! The assembly takes a little longer than making one big trifle, but it's worth it to see everyone's reaction to getting their own! —Rhiannon Brownell, Newport News, Virginia
20/32
Mini Sweet Potato Pies
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My son Levi was only 2 years old when he helped me create this delicious recipe, and it was the first time he told me I love you! I’ll always remember making these with him. —Emily Butler, South Williamsport, Pennsylvania
21/32
Chocolate-Mint Cookie Cups
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When chocolate and mint get together with a hint of peppermint, mmm…magic happens. If you don't have mini muffin pans to make these cookies, use disposable foil baking cups.—Pam Correll, Brockport, Pennsylvania
22/32
Pecan Pie Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
While these are delicious year-round, you could easily turn them into an edible Christmas gift. They look festive on a decorative tray wrapped in red or green cellophane or tucked into a giveaway cookie plate. And don't forget to include the recipe so your recipient can enjoy this treat over and over again! —Pat Schrand, Enterprise, Alabama
23/32
Caramel Apple Bites
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids can help make these perfect fall bites by dipping the baked cookies in caramel and nuts. It's a fun food craft for all of us. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
24/32
Trail Mix Cookie Cups
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My granddaughter helped create these cookie cups for the first time by using ingredients from my pantry and fridge. We used trail mix to jazz them up. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
25/32
Mini Rum Cakes
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother and I tried many different types of rum cake to find the best one, and finally hit on this cake that doesn't dry out and imparts the most flavor. For a really moist cake, brush rum over the individual sponge cakes before topping them with the filling. —Dona M. Hoffman, Addison, Illinois
26/32
Glazed Doughnut Holes
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a simple recipe to create a colorful and fun breakfast—or snack! For the glaze, use any type of juice you like. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
27/32
Dipped Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
15 sandwich cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll love to give tins of these chocolate-coated cookies to your lucky friends. The shortcut holiday recipe is almost too simple to believe! Here's how to make peanut butter cookies without eggs. —Jackie Howell, Gordo, Alabama
28/32
Apple Pie Bites
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
These apple pie bites are fun for kids to make. Simply wrap strips of pastry around apple wedges and shake on some cinnamon-sugar. Then just bake and watch them disappear! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
29/32
Mini S’mores
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Want to sink your teeth into s’mores all year long? Here’s the answer! Just combine marshmallow creme, chocolate and graham crackers for an awesome bite.—Stephanie Tewell, Elizabeth, Illinois
30/32
Salted Caramel Cookie Cups
Total Time
40 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When I brought these salty-sweet treats to a potluck, I overheard people talking about how wonderful they were. I'm not sure if it was the cookie, the caramel or the chocolate that they loved best.—Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
31/32
Nutty Rice Krispie Cookies
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom and I used to prepare these Rice Krispie cookies for Christmas every year. Making them with just the microwave means they're super easy and fun to mix with the kids. —Savanna Chapdelaine, Orlando, Florida
32/32
Lemon Cheesecake Tarts
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
To make these cute tarts more quickly, add the filling to store-bought phyllo tart shells. —Sarah Gilbert, Beaverton, Oregon
Mini Dessert Ideas FAQ
What are some portable mini dessert ideas I can bring to my kid’s classroom?
Mini muffins and rice cereal bites are among the best portable desserts for classrooms because they’re individually portioned and easy to pack. But more importantly, you can customize them to avoid common allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, dairy or eggs that often show up on school restriction lists. Two-bite treats like oat-based bars, fruit-studded muffins or apple oatmeal cookies hold their shape well and stay safe at room temperature. They are easy to prep in bulk, store well in paper liners or reusable snack bags and won’t crumble during transport or serving. For classrooms with dietary restrictions, whip up small bakes and no-bake nut-free desserts that kids will surely approve.
What bite-sized treats can I make ahead?
Most mini desserts with a stable base, like brownies, cookie bars or mini cheesecakes, are easy to prep. You can bake, cool, refrigerate or freeze them in layers with parchment to keep their shape. It’s best to avoid soft frostings or delicate toppings until just before serving. For events, shallow containers with a cold pack or chilled water bottles can help keep everything fresh and in place. If you plan to bake for a large crowd, overnight desserts are travel-friendly and easy to prep early without losing quality.
What single-serve sweet recipes can I quickly make for myself?
The quickest single-serve desserts are those you can mix and microwave, freeze or chill in under 30 minutes like mug cakes, no-bake cookie dough bites or ice cream sandwiches made with pantry cookies. Keeping frozen cookie dough or leftover ganache on hand also means you can bake just one or two portions at a time. Also, two-ingredient desserts are perfect as a quick fix to satisfy dessert cravings without much fuss.
