They’re just as delicious and festive but much easier to make. Pumpkin pies and trifles are always winners after a holiday feast, but they need lots of dishes and take time to portion and serve. Plus, they’re not ideal if you’re only feeding a few. That’s why I love these mini Thanksgiving desserts! They’re perfectly portioned for individual servings, and you can make as many or as few as you need. Better yet, you don’t need to worry about who gets the biggest piece!
40 Easy Mini Holiday Dessert Recipes to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
1. Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifles
Pumpkin cheesecake trifles are beautiful layered desserts that take just minutes to assemble. Start with delicious Biscoff cookie crumbs and top it with a smooth-as-silk pumpkin cheesecake. Then layer on some whipped cream and repeat the process until the glass is full. These tiny trifles are a surefire crowd-pleaser. And you get all the same satisfying pumpkin pie flavors you crave without the hassle.
2. Turkey Candy Brownies
Add a bit of festive fun to your table with these adorable turkey candy brownies. You can even get the kids involved and make them together. Though that may take a little longer depending on how old they are. Either way, you’ll top a rich fudgy brownie with chocolate frosting. Then, just strategically place some candy for a cute turkey treat.
3. Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies
Mason jar apple pies are delicious, convenient, and super cute. Make an easy pie dough per the recipe, or buy it ready-made. It’s totally up to you! Whichever you choose, you’ll use the lids from the mason jars to cut the circles. Then add fruity, cinnamon-spiced apples for a real fall treat. Top it all off with an indulgent crumble, and these babies are unforgettable.
4. Mini Apple Pies
If you want a traditional Thanksgiving dessert, but still want to go tiny, try these mini apple pies. They’re incredibly adorable and the flavor is fantastic. Start with a flakey crust and fill it with delicious cinnamon-sugar apples. Add a lattice crust on top if you’re feeling adventurous, or go for a simple butter and sugar crumble. Delish!
5. Mini Maple Sweetened Pumpkin Pies
Pumpkin pie is another iconic Thanksgiving dessert. So here’s another mini pie recipe for all you purists. Silky and creamy, these pies are perfectly sweetened with maple syrup, which pairs wonderfully well with the warm spices and naturally sweet pumpkin. It’s such a lovely combination, and I promise these won’t last long – so stash a few for later before you put them out!
6. Mini Dark Chocolate Pecan Pies
Sugary, nutty, delicious pecan pies with a tasty upgrade? I’ll take three, please! Between the buttery pecans, sticky filling, and dark chocolate, these pies are bite-sized pieces of heaven. The slight bitterness of the chocolate is just what you need to keep the dish from being overly sweet. Serve it with warm vanilla cream. Yum!
7. Cranberry Apple Mini Pies
Cranberry apple mini pies are a fun and festive dessert the whole family will love. Sweet apples and tart cranberries combine to make a unique and flavorful treat that’s fruity and vibrant. Add some orange zest and cinnamon for a blast of fall flavor and watch as they fly off the plate.
8. Leftover Cranberry Sauce Mini Cheesecake
If you’re anything like me, you always make too much cranberry sauce. So why not use it up and make a tasty dessert? Mini cheesecakes are rich, creamy, and to die for. But when you add tart and tangy cranberries to the mix, they’re downright addictive. I like to add orange zest to the cheesecake for a kick of citrus. But you can also whip it into heavy cream if you like.
9. Mini Pecan Pies
Take a classic and make it mini! Who doesn’t love traditional pecan pie? These deep-dish style treats call for a pre-made crust for lightning-fast prep. And the ooey-gooey filling is sweet and deliciously crunchy – just the way it should be.
10. Dirt Cups
They may not have the nicest name, but dirt cups are crunchy, creamy, and chocolatey to the max. Plus, they’re so effortless to whip up, you can have a couple of dozen little cups ready to go in no time. And don’t think you have to use Oreos, either. Go ahead and make it more festive with gingersnaps or sugar cookies. I like snickerdoodles for the light spice! As for the gummy worms, I’m sure the kids will still want those. But if you can find mini pumpkins, they’ll make the perfect Thanksgiving-inspired finishing touch.
11. Oreo Cheesecake Bites
Oreo cheesecakes may be a less traditional option for Thanksgiving, but they’re perfectly tasty and a winner with kids and adults alike. I mean, how can you go wrong with cookies and cream? The filling is creamy and has the most divine cheesecake flavor. And then you get chocolatey Oreos in every bite. Plus, there’s an entire Oreo at the bottom, so it’s got terrific crunch to boot.
12. Apple Pie Cookie Cups
I doubt you’ve had apple pie quite like this before. These cookie cups take all the yummy sweet-tart apple taste you love and pairs it with a sweet and buttery sugar cookie crust for the ultimate fall dessert mashup. And again, feel free to use pre-made cookie dough to keep things simple.
13. Mini Tiramisu Cups
Thanksgiving involves a ton of cooking and baking. So why not give the oven a rest and make these no-bake tiramisu cups? Layers of creamy mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa make this luxurious and dreamy. It’s also a breeze to whip up!
14. Pecan Pie Bars
If you want pecan pie but even easier than those minis, try this pie bar recipe instead. Made with only nine ingredients, you’ll be shocked how tasty they are. Plus, they’re gluten-free and vegan – not that you can tell. Start with a simple shortbread base then pour over the sticky sweet pecan topping. After a spin in the oven, it’s crunchy, ooey-gooey, and so spectacular.
15. Cranberry Pear Pie Minis
Forget about pumpkin and apples for a minute – it’s time to bring out the pears! Pears are a lesser-used, but equally yummy fall fruit, and the mild, buttery taste go so well with tart cranberries. Although these two may not be the most common pie ingredients, I know you’ll love the blend of sweet and fruity. Top it with a flakey lattice crust for a stunning sweet treat.
16. Starbucks Cake Pops
Okay, okay – I know cake pops can take a bit of time to make. But if you use ready-made cake and frosting, you’ll cut the prep time in half! I like to find a nice buttery pound cake, then mix some with chocolate and some with vanilla frosting. This version is pink, which is super cute and probably totally fine for your dessert. But you can also make them chocolate or even orange.
17. Mini Monkey Bread
Monkey bread is a crowd favorite every time I bring it out. It’s sticky, warm, and pretty much irresistible. So if you make these individual servings for your next holiday feast, I can guarantee they’re be devoured in no time. These sinfully sweet cinnamon pull-apart desserts are super simple to make. You could even pep them the night before if you like! Just don’t expect leftovers!
18. Mini Apple Tarts with Salted Caramel Drizzle
Does it get any better than a buttery-tart apple pie? Actually, yes! A buttery-tart apple pie with lashings of salted caramel. Are you drooling too? You’ll use a shortcrust pastry crust for the most tender base, then add plenty of deliciously spiced apples. Before serving, you’ll drizzle on the sweet and salty caramel for a dessert everyone will be thankful for.
19. Ice Cream Balls
These may not be ideal for crowds, but if you’re feeding just a few, they’ll love this crunchy-cool dessert. That said, they’re super easy to recreate, so if you’ve got the time, give them a try! Use whatever ice cream you like, and coat it in a blend of crushed Graham Crackers, peanut butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Yum!
20. Mini No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecakes
Not in the mood for pumpkin but still want spice? How about these gingerbread cheesecakes? They’re the ideal dessert to end the Thanksgiving holiday because it’s like a fun, tasty bridge to the Christmas season. Smooth and full of incredible flavor, you’ll go nuts for the gingersnap crust. Top them with whipped cream and mini gingerbread cookies for the ultimate fall dessert.
21. Mini Oreo Icebox Cakes
If you live in a warm area, you may be craving something cool for dessert this Turkey Day. And these mini icebox cakes are the perfect solution. Layers of Oreos, strawberries and whipped cream create a lovely taste and textural contrast. Make them the day before and keep them chilled until after dinner.
22. Bisquick Donuts
For breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these mini cinnamon sugar donuts are dynamite. They’re crispy-crunchy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Even better than your local donut shop. Grab a glass of milk or coffee and enjoy a few mini cinnamon sugar donuts.
23. Mini Peach Pies
I know peaches aren’t in season come Thanksgiving, but that doesn’t mean they’re not welcome on my table. Mini peach pies are sweet, juicy, and stunning. I mean, you just can’t beat that sunny color! I usually buy, prep, and freeze fresh peaches during the summer. That way I can enjoy them all year. But you can make this recipe with canned if you prefer. Either way, they’re fruity, bright, light, and scrumptious.
24. Mini Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Carrot cake is my favorite fall cake. So why not make mini carrot cupcakes to mark the end of your family dinner? They’re tiny bites of moist, spiced cakes with the most dreamy cream cheese frosting on top. And they’re ideal for little hands, too! The carrots add the best texture and make the cake so unique. Plus, you can rest easy knowing the kids got some veggies with their dinner!
25. Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins
I know muffins aren’t the normal dessert you’d expect after Thanksgiving, but they’re sweet, moist, and cake-like – so why the heck not? They’re also a cinch to make, loaded with gooey chocolate, and great for kids. If you want, you can even top them with frosting! But the chocolate is more than enough.
26. Mini Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin and chocolate are an unlikely but delicious pairing. And these cookies are proof! Soft, chewy, and delectable, they have a stunning blend of spices and pumpkin flavor. Then the chocolate chips make them even more of a treat. You won’t be able to get enough of these. So while they make feeding a crowd easy, you’ll need to double the recipe (at least).
27. Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes
Bring some bright and sunny flavors to your table this holiday season. Mini lemon bundt cakes have lots of zesty flavor and bursts of juicy blueberries to boot. The cakes are light, fluffy, and perfectly moist. And when you add that tart lemon glaze, they’re pretty hard to resist.
28. Mini Oatmeal Cream Pies
I know oatmeal cookies can be divisive, but these mini oatmeal cream pies are a spectacular dessert everyone will want seconds of. With ingredients like cinnamon, brown sugar, and molasses, the cookies are chewy, tender, and caramelly. They have a rich, deep flavor that will satisfy even the biggest oatmeal skeptics. Sandwiched between two delightful cookies is a sweet and creamy filling that you’ll want to eat straight from the bowl.
29. Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes
Baked apple cider donut holes are jam-packed with delicious apple flavor. The spiced cider and apple sauce make them both tasty and moist! And since they’re baked (not fried) there’s less mess and unnecessary fat. Roll them around in crunchy cinnamon sugar for a sweet dessert or quick holiday breakfast.
30. Copycat McDonald’s Strawberry and Cream Mini Pies
Strawberries and cream are always a hit, and these mini pies are too good for words. If you can’t find fresh strawberries, I suggest using or making some jam. Frozen berries have a lot of moisture, and they may make the pie watery. Wrapped in crumbly pastry, these are ideal for any sweet craving of the day.
31. Mini Funnel Cakes
Mini funnel cakes are a unique and fun surprise to add to your Thanksgiving menu. Every ingredient in these tiny cakes is a pantry staple. And it’s so quick, you can make them right after dinner. Once they’re fried to golden, crispy perfection, be sure to dust them with plenty of powdered sugar. Or better yet, serve them with delicious sauces like chocolate or caramel for dipping.
32. Boston Cream Pie Cookie Bites
Is there anything better than a sweet sugar cookie with vanilla cream and chocolate? Not really! These would look terrific as mini cakes, but the cookie cups make them way easier to pop in your mouth!
33. Mini Caramel Apple Hand Pies
Caramel apple hand pies will leave you and your guests speechless – because you’ll be too busy chowing down. Pie isn’t usually designed to be eaten on the go, but these hand pies are just what you need if you’re hosting a lot of people. They can wander, mingle, and much as they chat. Plus, the kids will love them!
34. Mini Pecan Praline Cups
These are not your average nut butter cups, folks. These are absolutely irresistible. You’ll make homemade caramelized pecans and almond praline, which is easier to do than you think. When combined, it creates a filling that’s simply out of this world. Layer it with chocolate and you might go weak in the knees.
35. Mini Key Lime Cheesecakes
Key lime pie isn’t super Thanksgiving-esque, but it sure is delish. Creamy, tangy, and deliciously sweet, this cheesecake cuts through all that rich food and leaves your palate singing. It’s the light, bright Thanksgiving dessert you never knew you needed.
36. Mini Lemon Meringue Pies
And if lemon is more your thing, I’ve got you covered there too! Lemon meringue may not be a typical Thanksgiving treat, but you can’t deny it’s scrummy. Plus, it’s light and bright, giving you a nice kick of citrus. And these mini pies are so good, they’re sure to make it to next year’s menu. It starts with a tart lemon curd inside of a simple and crispy crust. The meringue is a marshmallow-ey topping that’s torched perfectly and totally scrumptious.
37. Mini Pumpkin Cakes
If you prefer pumpkin cake over pumpkin pie, these bite-sized delights are the way to go. Ideal for a crowd, mini pumpkin cakes will end the night on a sweet note. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make. Top these fluffy and flavorful cakes with sweet honey icing and enjoy!
38. Rum Balls
Fudgy, boozy, and loaded with chocolate, rum balls are a classic holiday treat you can serve after any family meal. They’re the perfect size to enjoy when you’re feeling full and have such a wonderfully smooth finish. Of course, if you coat them with chopped nuts, you’ll get plenty of crunch too!
39. Buckeye Brownies
Buckeye brownies are a flawless blend of nutty and fudgy. And since you’ll make them in a tray, you can easily cut them into bite-sized pieces. They’re chocolatey and loaded with peanut butter – though you could use almond butter if you prefer. I like to top them with a thin layer of ganache and scatter Reese’s pieces over the top for a holiday color palate.
40. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes with Oreo Crust
When you’re done with such a big feast, you don’t always want anything too big for dessert. But you still want dessert, right? That’s where these peanut butter bites come in. They’re like nutty truffles, and give you just enough sweet flavor to satisfy your sweet tooth. Only, they won’t leave you weighed down! Sprinkle a bit of sea salt over the top, while the chocolate is still wet, and be sure to wrap a few up for your guests to take home. Click on a star to rate it!
Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0 No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.
Share on social media: Let us improve this post!
