Mini treats make every gathering feel more fun and less formal, giving everyone the chance to try a little bit of everything without committing to a whole slice of cake. They’re perfect when you want variety on the table or when you’re hosting a crowd and need portions that are easy to serve.
These recipes are simple enough for busy weekends but pretty enough to impress your guests. Most can be made ahead, which means less stress and more time to actually enjoy the celebration.
Lemon Blueberry Mini Cheesecakes
These creamy little cheesecakes have a bright, fresh flavor that feels light after a big meal. The graham cracker base gives them just enough crunch, and the blueberry topping adds a pop of color that looks beautiful on any dessert table. They’re also easy to make in a muffin tin, so you don’t need any special equipment.
Servings: 12 mini cheesecakes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Chilling Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 38 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, 3 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until it looks like wet sand.
- Press about 1 tablespoon of the crumb mixture into the bottom of each liner, packing it down firmly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
- Beat the cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar together until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition, then stir in the vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Divide the cheesecake batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three quarters full.
- Bake for 18 minutes, until the centers are just set but still slightly jiggly.
- Let the cheesecakes cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- Before serving, toss the blueberries with honey and spoon them over the tops of the chilled cheesecakes.
Tips and Substitutions:
- You can swap the blueberries for strawberries or raspberries if you prefer.
- These cheesecakes can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge in an airtight container.
- If you want a firmer crust, bake the crusts alone for 5 minutes before adding the filling.
Carrot Cake Bites
All the warm spices and cream cheese frosting you love from traditional carrot cake, but in a two-bite size. These little rounds are moist, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to put together. They’re great for people who want a classic flavor without feeling too full.
Servings: 24 bites
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely grated carrots
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the oil and brown sugar together, then add the eggs and vanilla.
- Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, then fold in the grated carrots.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about two thirds full.
- Bake for 15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bites cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth, then add the powdered sugar and vanilla and mix until fluffy.
- Spread or pipe a small amount of frosting on top of each cooled carrot cake bite.
Tips and Substitutions:
- Add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture.
- Store unfrosted bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- You can make the frosting sweeter by adding an extra 1/4 cup powdered sugar if you like.
Coconut Macaroon Nests
These chewy coconut cookies are shaped into little nests and filled with candy eggs or jelly beans. They’re fun to make with kids and always get compliments for how cute they look. The sweet coconut flavor is simple but satisfying.
Servings: 18 nests
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 54 small candy eggs or jelly beans (3 per nest)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Stir together the coconut, sugar, flour, and salt in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites, vanilla, and almond extract until frothy.
- Pour the egg white mixture over the coconut mixture and stir until everything is well combined and sticky.
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to drop mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to press a shallow indent into the center of each mound to create a nest shape.
- Bake for 18 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
- As soon as the nests come out of the oven, press 3 candy eggs gently into the center of each one.
- Let the nests cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a serving plate.
Tips and Substitutions:
- Use unsweetened coconut and increase the sugar to 2/3 cup if you prefer a less sweet cookie.
- These nests stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- You can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled nests for an extra touch.
Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Layers of soft vanilla cake, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries all tucked into individual cups. These are light, fruity, and incredibly easy to assemble. They’re also a great way to use up ripe strawberries.
Servings: 12 cups
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy, then add the egg and vanilla.
- Add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture in two additions, alternating between the two and mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups and bake for 12 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely, then remove them from the liners and crumble each one into small pieces.
- Toss the diced strawberries with 2 tablespoons sugar and let them sit for 10 minutes to release their juices.
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Layer the crumbled cake, strawberries, and whipped cream in small clear cups or jars, repeating the layers once.
Tips and Substitutions:
- Use store-bought pound cake or angel food cake to save time.
- These cups are best assembled just before serving, but you can prep all the components a day ahead.
- Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Homemade peanut butter cups are richer and more flavorful than anything you can buy at the store. The combination of smooth chocolate and creamy peanut butter is always a hit. These are also really simple to make, even if you’ve never worked with melted chocolate before.
Servings: 12 cups
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
- Line a 12-cup mini muffin tin with paper liners.
- Melt 1 cup of the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate into each liner and use the back of a spoon to spread it up the sides slightly.
- Place the tin in the freezer for 10 minutes to set the chocolate.
- Meanwhile, mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, salt, and softened butter in a small bowl until smooth.
- Remove the tin from the freezer and place a small spoonful of peanut butter filling in the center of each chocolate cup, pressing it down gently but not all the way to the edges.
- Melt the remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips and spoon it over the peanut butter layer, spreading to cover completely.
- Return the tin to the freezer for at least 1 hour, until the cups are firm.
- Store the peanut butter cups in the fridge until ready to serve.
Tips and Substitutions:
- Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a peanut-free version.
- These cups will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
- You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet if you prefer.
Lemon Curd Tartlets
Bright, tangy lemon curd sits in buttery pastry shells for a dessert that feels fancy but comes together quickly. The tartness balances out sweeter treats on the table. You can make these with store-bought shells or homemade if you have the time.
Servings: 12 tartlets
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 12 pre-baked mini tart shells
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
- Fresh berries for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Set the pre-baked tart shells on a baking sheet or serving platter.
- Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together in a medium saucepan until smooth and slightly pale.
- Add the lemon juice and lemon zest, then place the saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook, whisking constantly, for about 10 minutes, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter pieces one at a time until melted and smooth.
- Pour the lemon curd through a fine mesh strainer to remove any lumps or zest pieces.
- Spoon the warm lemon curd into the tart shells, filling each one almost to the top.
- Refrigerate the tartlets for at least 1 hour, until the curd is set.
- Top with a small dollop of whipped cream and a fresh berry before serving, if desired.
Tips and Substitutions:
- You can use lime juice and zest instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.
- The lemon curd can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Fill the tart shells just a few hours before serving to keep the pastry crisp.
Brownie Bites with Cream Cheese Swirl
Fudgy brownies with a ribbon of tangy cream cheese baked right in. The contrast between the rich chocolate and the light cream cheese makes every bite interesting. These are perfect for chocolate lovers who want something a little more special than plain brownies.
Servings: 24 bites
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
- Melt the butter and chocolate chips together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in 3/4 cup sugar, then add the 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla and mix well.
- Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, stirring until just combined.
- In a separate small bowl, beat the cream cheese, 3 tablespoons sugar, egg yolk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until smooth.
- Fill each muffin cup about two thirds full with brownie batter.
- Drop about 1/2 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture on top of the brownie batter in each cup.
- Use a toothpick to swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter with a gentle circular motion.
- Bake for 18 minutes, until the brownies are set but still fudgy in the center.
- Let the brownie bites cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing them.
Tips and Substitutions:
- Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra chocolate.
- These brownie bites freeze well for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
- If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, bake in a regular muffin tin for 22 to 25 minutes.
Vanilla Pudding Parfait Cups
Layers of creamy vanilla pudding, crushed cookies, and whipped cream make these parfaits feel indulgent but come together in minutes. They’re great for feeding a crowd because you can assemble them ahead of time. The crushed cookies add a nice crunch.
Servings: 12 parfaits
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
- Sprinkles for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- Whisk the pudding mix and cold milk together in a medium bowl for 2 minutes, until thickened.
- Cover the pudding and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Crush the vanilla wafers in a sealed plastic bag using a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass.
- Spoon a layer of crushed cookies into the bottom of 12 small clear cups or jars.
- Add a layer of vanilla pudding on top of the cookies, using about half of the pudding.
- Add a layer of whipped cream, using about half of the cream.
- Repeat the layers once more, ending with whipped cream on top.
- Sprinkle the tops with a few more cookie crumbs or colorful sprinkles before serving.
Tips and Substitutions:
- Use graham crackers or chocolate cookies instead of vanilla wafers.
- You can make these parfaits up to 4 hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge.
- Swap the vanilla pudding for chocolate or butterscotch for a different flavor.
Raspberry White Chocolate Truffles
These bite-sized truffles have a sweet white chocolate coating with a hint of tangy raspberry inside. They look elegant on a dessert platter and melt in your mouth. You only need a few ingredients, and they’re easier to make than they look.
Servings: 20 truffles
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons seedless raspberry jam
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz white chocolate, chopped (for coating)
- Freeze-dried raspberry powder or sprinkles for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- Place 8 oz of chopped white chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl.
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Pour the hot cream over the white chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Stir in the raspberry jam and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 1 to 2 hours, until the mixture is firm enough to scoop.
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form the mixture into 20 small balls, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze the truffles for 30 minutes to firm them up.
- Melt the remaining 8 oz of white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip each truffle into the melted chocolate using a fork, letting the excess drip off, then place back on the parchment paper.
- Sprinkle with freeze-dried raspberry powder or colorful sprinkles before the coating sets, if desired.
Tips and Substitutions:
- Use strawberry or apricot jam instead of raspberry for a different flavor.
- Store the truffles in the fridge for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
- If the white chocolate is too thick for dipping, stir in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to thin it out.
Related
Mini Banana Cream Pies
Creamy banana custard, sliced bananas, and whipped cream in a crispy graham cracker crust. These little pies taste like the classic diner dessert but in a size that’s easy to grab and go. They’re best served cold.
Servings: 12 mini pies
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 31 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and 6 tablespoons melted butter until combined.
- Press about 2 tablespoons of the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup.
- Bake the crusts for 6 minutes, then let them cool completely.
- Whisk together 1/3 cup sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan.
- Add the milk and egg yolks, whisking until smooth, then cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons butter and vanilla extract.
- Let the custard cool for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Place a few banana slices in the bottom of each cooled crust, then spoon the custard over the bananas.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until the custard is fully set.
- Before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, then top each pie with a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips and Substitutions:
- Brush the banana slices with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- The crusts can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature.
- Use instant vanilla pudding instead of making custard from scratch to save time.
Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti
Crunchy twice-baked cookies studded with pistachios and dried cranberries. These are perfect for dipping in coffee or tea and have a festive look. They’re also great because they keep well for days without going stale.
Servings: 24 biscotti
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, beat the sugar and butter together until light and fluffy, then add the eggs, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Gradually stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the chopped pistachios and dried cranberries.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes, until the logs are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Remove from the oven and let the logs cool for 10 minutes, then use a serrated knife to cut each log diagonally into 12 slices.
- Place the slices cut side down on the baking sheet and bake for another 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and lightly golden.
- Let the biscotti cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Tips and Substitutions:
- Swap the pistachios for almonds or hazelnuts if you prefer.
- Store biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Dip one end of each cooled biscotti in melted white chocolate for an extra touch.
No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake Cups
Rich, creamy cheesecake layered with crushed Oreos and topped with whipped cream. These cups require no baking, which makes them perfect for warm days or when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. They’re also incredibly easy and always disappear fast.
Servings: 12 cups
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 24 Oreo cookies
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Whipped cream for topping
- Mini Oreos or cookie crumbs for garnish
Instructions:
- Crush 18 of the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
- Mix the cookie crumbs with the melted butter until combined.
- Divide the cookie mixture among 12 small clear cups or jars, pressing it down to form a crust.
- Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla together in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
- Spoon or pipe the cheesecake mixture over the crusts in each cup.
- Crush the remaining 6 Oreos and sprinkle the crumbs over the cheesecake layer.
- Refrigerate the cups for at least 3 hours, until set.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a mini Oreo or extra cookie crumbs before serving.
Tips and Substitutions:
- Use any flavor of sandwich cookies instead of Oreos for a different twist.
- These cups can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored covered in the fridge.
- For a firmer texture, add 1 teaspoon of gelatin dissolved in 2 tablespoons of hot water to the cream cheese mixture.
Lemon Raspberry Cake Pops
Moist lemon cake mixed with frosting, rolled into balls, dipped in white chocolate, and decorated with freeze-dried raspberries. Cake pops are always fun to serve on a stick, and the lemon raspberry combination is refreshing. These take a bit of time but are worth the effort.
Servings: 24 cake pops
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 box lemon cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1/2 cup lemon frosting
- 12 oz white chocolate melting wafers
- 24 lollipop sticks
- Freeze-dried raspberries, crushed (for decoration)
Instructions:
- Bake the lemon cake according to package directions in a 9×13 inch pan, then let it cool completely.
- Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl until it resembles fine crumbs.
- Add the lemon frosting and mix with your hands or a spoon until the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Roll the mixture into 24 balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate the cake balls for at least 2 hours, or freeze for 30 minutes, until firm.
- Melt the white chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate, then insert it about halfway into a cake ball.
- Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, covering it completely, and gently tap off any excess.
- Stand the cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or cup and immediately sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried raspberries.
- Let the chocolate coating set completely before serving or packaging.
Tips and Substitutions:
- Use vanilla cake mix and vanilla frosting if you prefer a simpler flavor.
- The cake pops can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container.
- If the melted chocolate gets too thick, add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to thin it out.
Salted Caramel Pretzel Clusters
Sweet caramel, crunchy pretzels, and melted chocolate all topped with a sprinkle of sea salt. These little clusters are salty, sweet, and totally addictive. They’re also one of the easiest recipes on the list.
Servings: 18 clusters
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups small pretzel twists
- 1 cup soft caramel candies, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Break the pretzels into smaller pieces and set aside.
- Combine the caramel candies and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and melted.
- Stir the broken pretzels into the melted caramel until well coated.
- Drop spoonfuls of the caramel pretzel mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming 18 small clusters.
- Refrigerate the clusters for 15 minutes to set the caramel.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle or spoon the melted chocolate over each cluster, covering the top.
- Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over each cluster while the chocolate is still wet.
- Refrigerate for another 15 minutes, until the chocolate is fully set.
Tips and Substitutions:
- Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor.
- These clusters will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Add chopped peanuts or pecans to the caramel mixture for extra crunch.
Coconut Lime Mini Bundt Cakes
Moist coconut cakes with a hint of lime and a light glaze drizzled on top. The flavors are tropical and bright, making them a nice change from heavier chocolate desserts. The mini bundt shape also makes them look really pretty on a platter.
Servings: 12 mini bundt cakes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon coconut milk
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 12-cup mini bundt pan.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, then add the eggs and vanilla.
- Add the flour mixture and 1/2 cup coconut milk to the butter mixture in two additions, alternating between the two, and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the shredded coconut and lime zest.
- Divide the batter evenly among the bundt cups, filling each about two thirds full.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, lime juice, and 1 tablespoon coconut milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bundt cakes and let it set before serving.
Tips and Substitutions:
- Use regular milk instead of coconut milk if you prefer a milder coconut flavor.
- These cakes can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Add a few drops of green food coloring to the glaze for a fun presentation.