Pin It 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 made these mini desserts for a birthday celebration and the guests enjoyed sampling each flavor. Bringing out a colorful tray of these bites is sure to impress and spark conversation.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs: 100 g (3.5 oz)
- Unsalted butter (for cheesecakes): 40 g (3 tbsp), melted
- Cream cheese: 200 g (7 oz), softened
- Granulated sugar: 50 g (1/4 cup)
- Egg: 1 large
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 tsp
- Fresh berries: For topping
- Chocolate sandwich cookies: 100 g (3.5 oz), finely crushed
- Unsalted butter (for tarts): 40 g (3 tbsp), melted
- Dark chocolate: 100 g (3.5 oz), chopped
- Heavy cream: 75 ml (1/3 cup)
- Sea salt flakes: For garnish
- Ready-rolled shortcrust pastry: 1 sheet
- Lemon curd: 100 g (3.5 oz)
- Powdered sugar: 1 tsp, for dusting
Instructions
- Bake bases:
- Preheat the 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 base of 8 muffin cups. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Spoon mixture over crusts. Bake for 12 to 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 to form bases. Chill 10 minutes. Heat heavy cream to simmer, pour over chopped chocolate, stir until smooth, and 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 with a fork. Bake 8 to 10 minutes until golden. Cool completely. Fill tart shells with lemon curd and dust with powdered sugar.
Pin It My family loves choosing their favorite flavor, and this trio always disappears quickly at gatherings. Having a variety ensures everyone finds something to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange mini bites on a tiered stand with fresh fruit, edible flowers, or mint leaves for a festive look.
Pairings
Serve with Moscato dAsti, lemon verbena tea, or a fruit punch for a perfectly balanced sweet treat experience.
Storage Tips
Store bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Pin It Mini dessert bites bring fun and variety to any table. Enjoy making and sharing these sweet treats with loved ones.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What kind of crust is used for the mini cheesecakes?
The mini cheesecakes have a base made from graham cracker crumbs mixed with melted butter, pressed firmly into the cups.
- → How is the chocolate tart filling prepared?
The chocolate filling is made by heating heavy cream and pouring it over chopped dark chocolate, stirring until smooth and silky before chilling.
- → Can the lemon curd tarts be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the shortcrust pastry with a gluten-free version and use gluten-free cookies for other mini bites.
- → How long does it take to prepare these mini dessert bites?
Total preparation and cooking time is approximately 50 minutes, including chilling periods for set fillings.
- → What are some topping variations for these bite-sized treats?
Toppings can be varied with fresh passion fruit, chopped nuts, or whipped cream to enhance flavor and presentation.