Save A delightful assortment of bite-sized cheesecakes and tarts, perfect for parties or sweet cravings. These trendy mini desserts are easy to serve, visually appealing, and bursting with flavor.
I first tried making these mini dessert bites for a holiday party, and they instantly became the most requested treats. Guests love choosing their favorite flavor from the trio, and they always disappear quickly!
Ingredients
- For Mini Cheesecakes: 100 g (3.5 oz) graham cracker crumbs, 40 g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter (melted), 200 g (7 oz) cream cheese (softened), 50 g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, fresh berries (for topping)
- For Mini Chocolate Tarts: 100 g (3.5 oz) chocolate sandwich cookies (finely crushed), 40 g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter (melted), 100 g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate (chopped), 75 ml (1/3 cup) heavy cream, sea salt flakes (for garnish)
- For Mini Lemon Curd Tarts: 1 sheet ready-rolled shortcrust pastry, 100 g (3.5 oz) lemon curd, 1 tsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare Muffin Tin:
- Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
- Mini Cheesecakes:
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press 1 heaping teaspoon into the base of 8 muffin cups. Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Spoon mixture over crusts. Bake for 12–15 minutes until set. Cool to room temperature, then chill. Top with berries before serving.
- Mini Chocolate Tarts:
- Mix crushed cookies and melted butter. Press into 8 muffin cups. Chill for 10 minutes. Heat cream to simmer, pour over chopped chocolate, and stir until smooth. Spoon ganache into crusts. Chill 30 minutes until set. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes.
- Mini Lemon Curd Tarts:
- Cut 8 rounds from shortcrust pastry and press into remaining muffin cups. Prick bases. Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden. Cool completely. Fill shells with lemon curd and dust with powdered sugar.
Save My kids love helping assemble the toppings and choosing which tart to try first. These mini treats always make for a fun family baking moment!
Required Tools
Mini muffin tin (24-cup), mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, small saucepan, spoon or small scoop
Allergen Information
Contains dairy, eggs, wheat (gluten), soy (may be in chocolate or cookies); check packaged ingredients for hidden allergens
Nutritional Information
Approximate per bite: 110 calories, 7 g total fat, 10 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein
Save Serve chilled and let guests pick their favorites: these mini bites guarantee a sweet finish to any occasion.
Recipe FAQ
- → What are the main components of the mini dessert bites?
They include mini cheesecakes with a graham cracker crust, mini chocolate tarts with a cookie base and ganache, and mini lemon curd tarts with a shortcrust pastry shell.
- → How long does it take to prepare and cook these bites?
Preparation takes about 30 minutes and cooking approximately 20 minutes, totaling around 50 minutes to make all three varieties.
- → Can the base be customized for dietary needs?
Yes, gluten-free cookie crumbs and pastry can be used to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- → What toppings can enhance these mini bites?
Fresh berries, sea salt flakes, powdered sugar, passion fruit, chopped nuts, or whipped cream work well to add flavor and visual appeal.
- → What are some recommended beverage pairings?
These mini bites pair nicely with Moscato d'Asti wine or a soothing lemon verbena tea.
- → Are there any common allergens to be aware of?
These include dairy, eggs, wheat (gluten), and soy, especially in chocolate and cookies; always check ingredient labels carefully.