20 Cute Mini Dessert Ideas Perfect for Any Gathering

Desserts are one of the great joys in life. That’s why they’re served after the main meal — to always save the best until last! Whether you choose cookies, cupcakes, macaroons, pies, or puddings, there’s always something sweet and decadent you can treat yourself with.

When you need some delectable goodies and don’t feel like baking in bulk, mini desserts are a perfect solution that will still satisfy your sugar cravings without the hassle. Whether you’re looking for elegant desserts for afternoon tea or easy bite-size dessert ideas for your next party, check out our best mini-dessert ideas — all tiny but big on taste.

Some mini desserts are already naturally tiny in size like macaroons, madeleines, or tartlets. However, bite-sized versions of larger, classic desserts like mini-trifles, s’mores tartlets, or mini key-lime pies are an ideal way of bringing more simplicity and fun to your next get-together. 

Mini desserts are simple to make and follow a similar recipe to the full-sized version. They’re usually served on a pretty dessert platter or in single-serve cups or ramekins.

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Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers, Original

Fresh Bananas

Best mini desserts ideas that are too cute to eat

Whether you’re craving something sweet or entertaining guests and need some sugar-filled goodies for a crowd, these ideas for mini desserts will hit the sweet spot.

1. Mini pumpkin whoopie pies

These pumpkin whoopie pies are light and billowy and reward you with a sweet creme-filled center. Bake cookie halves in batches and fill with marshmallow créme for a mini dessert ideal for any occasion. 

2. Hot fudge ice-cream bar dessert

This rich, enjoyable mini ice-cream bar dessert is super simple to make using ice-cream sandwiches and hot fudge sauce. Use smaller ice cream sandwiches, and you’ll get a larger batch out of it. 

3. Mini S’mores tarts 

Raise your s’mores game by creating these delicious mini s’mores tarts with chocolate frosting and marshmallow topping. Whether you’re impressing guests or just keeping the kids happy, these gooey mini desserts will do the trick!  

4. Chocolate key lime pie bites 

A miniature chocolate-covered version of a classic, these no-bake pie bites are a perfect combination of chocolatey and zesty. Simply mix, freeze, and drizzle in chocolate.

5. Mini lemon meringue pies 

Make these mini lemon meringue pies from scratch, and they’ll taste fresh and zesty. They’re topped with fluffy clouds of sweetness. 

6.  Mini peach roses

You only need a few ingredients to create these delicious peach rose mini desserts that incorporate real peaches, so you can feel good about treating yourself.

 7. Mini chocolate cheesecake brownie bars

Want mini cheesecakes and brownie bites? Try these mini chocolate cheesecake brownie bars for double the decadence. Topping with strawberries and hot fudge seals the deal.

8. Mini chocolate-chip shortbread cookies

These shortbread chocolate-chip cookies are effortless to make with everyday pantry items, and no eggs are needed. Half-dipping them in melty chocolate really lifts this mini dessert to new levels.

9. Peach pie pops

Don’t want to bake a whole peach pie? No need, these cute mini peach pie pops are perfect for when you have guests coming over, or just make them for the kids — they’ll love them.

10. Red velvet cake bites 

These red velvet cake bites bring a level of sophistication to your party platter with very little effort. You can use any cake mix and any candy coating, making these mini desserts totally versatile.  

Adorable mini desserts for an afternoon tea party

These adorable and elegant sweet bites are perfect for serving at a celebratory afternoon tea event or a more casual morning tea with friends.

11. Chocolate coconut macaroons

These delicate mini coconut macaroons are baked and then drizzled in dark chocolate for a light yet rich sugar hit.

12. Apple tartlets 

These apple tartlets made with red apple slices are beautifully sweet and tangy and a great mini dessert to go with afternoon tea.

13. Madeleines 

There’s no dessert more elegant and fitting for afternoon tea than madeleines. With their airy and deliciously light texture, they pair perfectly with a classy English tea.

14.  Mini almond tarts 

These dainty mini almond tarts will be a hit with guests. Topped with maraschino cherries, this chic mini dessert sets the scene for your afternoon tea platter. 

15. Cheesecake stuffed strawberries 

This effortless, no-bake sweet treat is a great addition to your morning tea goodies. Complex strawberry flavors are rounded out with the decedent cream cheese filling.

Easy bite-size desserts for parties

Throwing a party or having a gathering this weekend? You’ll need plenty of sugar-filled goodies for the dessert platter. Try these easy bite-size desserts perfect for parties and general crowd-pleasing.

16. Toffee bites 

Parties need fun and bite-size dessert offerings and these toffee bites cover both. Once the mixture is ready, pour and set them in a silicone ice tray for perfectly formed and delicious toffee treats!

17. Baked mini doughnuts

Everyone loves a doughnut at a party, and these baked mini-doughnuts are small enough to eat whilst mingling with minimal mess.

18.  Mini Bailey’s cheesecakes 

You need a boozy-pudding-style dessert at a party and mini Bailey’s cheesecakes are ideal. They add a little grown-up fun to your dessert platter while still being munchable on the go.  

19. Mini peanut butter treats 

These mini peanut butter treats are made by pressing peanut butter cups into freshly baked cookies to create a chocolate-peanut, doughy partnership that just works. 

20. Pretzel ice cream sandwich bites 

Equal parts salty, equal parts sweet, these mini pretzel ice-cream sandwiches are super easy to create. Dip in chocolate and then dip in coconut, pistachios, or sprinkles.

Mini desserts — tiny sweet treats that are big on taste

These mini desserts may be tiny, but they’re all huge in sweet satisfaction. Start creating these bite-size desserts for your next gathering by stocking up on your baking and cooking supplies. 

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