Mini Dessert Cups

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in these adorable and delicious mini dessert cups, perfect for any occasion.

Jasmine Porter

Created by

Jasmine Porter

Last updated on 2025-12-23T00:06:39.548Z

These mini dessert cups are a perfect way to enjoy a variety of flavors in a single bite. Ideal for parties, gatherings, or simply a sweet treat at home!

Why You'll Love These Mini Dessert Cups

  • Adorable presentation that impresses guests
  • Versatile flavors to suit any palate
  • Easy to prepare and assemble

The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

Mini dessert cups are an excellent choice for celebrations, gatherings, or simply indulging yourself. Their small size makes them perfect for portion control while still allowing you to enjoy a variety of flavors. Whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or a casual get-together, these adorable dessert cups will surely be a hit among your guests. The charming presentation adds a touch of elegance, making them suitable for both casual and formal occasions.

With endless possibilities for fillings and toppings, you can customize these mini dessert cups to suit the theme of your event or the preferences of your guests. From classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla to more adventurous options like lemon curd or salted caramel, the choices are limitless. This versatility not only makes them appealing but also allows you to showcase your creativity in the kitchen.

Easy Preparation and Assembly

One of the best aspects of these mini dessert cups is how simple they are to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal equipment, you can whip up a delightful treat in no time. The graham cracker base requires no baking, which saves you time and effort. Additionally, the filling comes together quickly with just a few mixing steps, making this recipe accessible for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

Assembling the dessert cups is just as straightforward. Once the base and filling are ready, it’s simply a matter of layering them together in your chosen mini cups. This step can even be a fun activity to do with friends or family, allowing everyone to create their own personalized dessert. The ease of preparation ensures you can focus on enjoying your time with loved ones rather than being stuck in the kitchen.

A Delightful Flavor Experience

Ingredients

For the Base

  • 1 cup crushed graham crackers
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

For the Filling

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese

For the Topping

  • Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • Mint leaves
  • Chocolate shavings (optional)

Mix and match your favorite toppings for a personalized touch!

Instructions

Prepare the Base

In a bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of mini cups to form a base.

Make the Filling

In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in mascarpone cheese until well combined.

Assemble the Dessert Cups

Evenly distribute the filling over the prepared bases in each mini cup. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Add Toppings

Top each cup with fresh berries, mint leaves, and chocolate shavings if desired.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the mini dessert cups for at least 1 hour before serving to allow them to set. Enjoy!

Serve chilled for the best flavor!

Tips for the Best Mini Dessert Cups

To achieve the best results with your mini dessert cups, make sure to use high-quality ingredients. Fresh cream and mascarpone cheese will make a noticeable difference in the flavor and texture of your filling. Additionally, allow your dessert cups to chill sufficiently before serving; this will help the layers set properly and enhance the overall taste experience.

If you're preparing these cups ahead of time, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just wait to add the toppings until you're ready to serve to keep them looking fresh and vibrant. This makes them an ideal make-ahead dessert for busy schedules.

Serving Suggestions

When serving your mini dessert cups, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. This addition can elevate the dessert experience even further and offer a delightful contrast in temperatures. You might also serve them alongside a warm beverage, like coffee or tea, for a cozy touch.

For a more formal presentation, arrange the mini dessert cups on a decorative platter and garnish with additional fresh berries and mint leaves. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also makes serving easier, allowing guests to help themselves while enjoying the lovely display.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these dessert cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dessert cups a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

→ What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese for mascarpone, but it may alter the flavor slightly.

→ Are these dessert cups gluten-free?

You can make them gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers.

→ How should I store leftover dessert cups?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Mini Dessert Cups

Delight in these adorable and delicious mini dessert cups, perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Jasmine Porter

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 12 servings

What You'll Need

For the Base

  1. 1 cup crushed graham crackers
  2. 1/4 cup melted butter
  3. 2 tablespoons sugar

For the Filling

  1. 1 cup heavy cream
  2. 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  4. 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese

For the Topping

  1. Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  2. Mint leaves
  3. Chocolate shavings (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of mini cups to form a base.

Step 02

In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in mascarpone cheese until well combined.

Step 03

Evenly distribute the filling over the prepared bases in each mini cup. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 04

Top each cup with fresh berries, mint leaves, and chocolate shavings if desired.

Step 05

Refrigerate the mini dessert cups for at least 1 hour before serving to allow them to set. Enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 2g