20 Mini Desserts I Always Bring To Backyard BBQs (And They Are Always A Success!)
No summer barbecue feels complete without a little something sweet to wrap things up. Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned a lineup of bite-sized desserts that always vanish before the night’s over.
These mini treats are perfect for outdoor gatherings—easy to grab, fun to eat, and packed with flavor. Best of all, guests can try a few different goodies without feeling like they overdid it on dessert.
1. Two-Bite Brownie Cups
Fudgy chocolate goodness packed into a tiny muffin wrapper! These brownie bites strike the perfect balance between cake and fudge textures.
I add a secret ingredient, a pinch of espresso powder, that makes the chocolate flavor pop without tasting like coffee.
The crispy edges and gooey centers make these irresistible to chocolate lovers of all ages.
2. Strawberry Shortcake Skewers
Summertime on a stick! I thread hulled strawberries, cubes of pound cake, and a dollop of whipped cream onto cocktail skewers for an easy-to-grab treat.
The fresh berries’ sweetness pairs perfectly with buttery cake and fluffy cream. My neighbor once ate seven in a row and still asked for my “recipe” – I just laughed and told him it’s more assembly than baking!
3. Lemon Bar Bites
My lemon bars get cut into one-inch pieces, creating the perfect sweet-tart pop that cleanses the palate after barbecue. The buttery shortbread base holds up to the tangy lemon curd topping.
I dust them with powdered sugar right before serving to prevent melting. The bright citrus flavor is especially welcome after savory grilled meats.
4. S’mores Cups
Campfire classics without the mess! I press graham cracker crumbs mixed with butter into mini muffin tins, then add chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. After a quick broil, they emerge with perfectly toasted tops.
Last summer, I watched my usually dignified father-in-law sneak four of these into his napkin when he thought nobody was looking. They capture all the nostalgic flavors without sticky fingers!
5. Mini Cheesecake Bites
These scaled-down cheesecakes feature a graham cracker base topped with velvety cream cheese filling. I make several varieties – plain, strawberry swirl, and chocolate chip.
The tiny size means guests can sample multiple flavors without guilt. My secret is adding a touch of sour cream to the batter for that perfect tangy-sweet balance.
6. Banana Pudding Shooters
Southern comfort in shot glass form! Layers of vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and crushed vanilla wafers create a portable version of the classic dessert.
The clear plastic cups showcase the pretty layers. I top each with a tiny vanilla wafer and add a mini spoon for easy eating.
These nostalgic treats remind me of my grandmother’s kitchen, though her portions were definitely not mini!
7. Cookie Dough Truffles
Raw cookie dough without the food safety worries! I make eggless chocolate chip cookie dough, roll it into marble-sized balls, then dip them in chocolate. The contrast between the smooth chocolate shell and the slightly grainy, sweet interior is absolutely addictive.
During one memorable BBQ, these disappeared so quickly that the host accused me of not bringing the full batch I’d promised. I had – they were just that popular!
8. Mini Apple Pie Cups
America’s favorite dessert in handheld form! I press pie crust into muffin tins and fill them with spiced apple filling. A tiny lattice top or crumb topping finishes these adorable treats.
The buttery crust shatters perfectly with each bite, revealing cinnamon-scented apples inside. These remind guests of fall flavors year-round and pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream.
9. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Simple elegance that never goes out of style! Plump strawberries with stems attached get dipped in melted chocolate – dark, milk, or white. I sometimes add drizzles in contrasting chocolate or roll them in chopped nuts or sprinkles.
The juicy berry paired with snappy chocolate coating creates the perfect textural contrast. These always vanish first, probably because they look so beautiful on the dessert table.
10. Key Lime Pie Bites
I make these in mini tart shells with a graham cracker base and zesty lime filling. Each gets topped with a tiny dollop of whipped cream and a sliver of lime zest.
The bright, acidic flavor cuts through the richness of barbecue perfectly. My sister-in-law once followed me around a party with an empty plate, hoping to snag the last one before anyone else!
11. Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Cookie meets candy in this crowd-pleaser! I press mini peanut butter cups into warm, freshly-baked peanut butter cookie dough baked in mini muffin tins. The result is a crunchy-edged cookie cradling a melty chocolate-peanut butter center.
The salt from the peanut butter balances the sweetness perfectly. They’re substantial enough to feel like a real treat without being overwhelming.
12. Chocolate Mousse Cups
Airy chocolate decadence in elegant single servings! I pipe homemade chocolate mousse into small clear plastic cups for easy eating. A touch of coffee in the mousse enhances the chocolate flavor without tasting like mocha.
Each cup gets topped with a fresh raspberry and mint leaf. The contrast between the silky mousse and juicy berry creates a perfect balance of textures.
13. Mini Peach Cobblers
Summer’s bounty in individual ramekins! Sweet peaches tossed with cinnamon get topped with buttery biscuit dough and baked until golden.
The fruit bubbles up around the edges, creating caramelized spots that taste like candy. I bring these warm in a covered container.
My friend Mark, who claimed to dislike peaches, ate three of these last July and had to reconsider his stance!
14. Tiramisu Cups
Italian classic reimagined in shot glasses! I layer coffee-soaked ladyfingers with mascarpone cream and dust with cocoa powder. The small size means the flavors meld perfectly without getting soggy.
These sophisticated treats appeal to coffee lovers and dessert aficionados alike. They’re surprisingly simple to make but look impressively fancy on the dessert table.
15. Mini Pavlovas
Elegant meringue nests that shatter delightfully with each bite! I pipe small meringue bases and bake them until crisp outside but marshmallowy inside. Before serving, I top each with a spoonful of whipped cream and fresh berries.
The contrast between crunchy meringue, billowy cream, and juicy fruit creates a perfect textural symphony. These look fancy but are surprisingly simple to prepare.
16. Pineapple Upside-Down Cakelets
To make these, I place a pineapple ring and maraschino cherry in each cup of a muffin tin, then top with brown sugar, butter, and cake batter.
After baking, I flip them over to reveal the caramelized fruit topping. The buttery cake soaks up the sweet pineapple juices perfectly.
These remind me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house, though she never made the mini version!
17. Coconut Macaroon Bites
These chewy-crisp cookies feature sweetened coconut with a hint of almond extract for depth. I dip the bottoms in dark chocolate for the perfect flavor contrast.
The outer edges get toasty while the centers remain moist and chewy. Even coconut skeptics find these irresistible – my brother-in-law, who “hates coconut,” somehow manages to eat several every time.
18. Red Velvet Cake Pops
Festive red cake mixed with cream cheese frosting, rolled into balls, and perched on lollipop sticks – what’s not to love? I dip these in white chocolate and add red sprinkles for extra flair.
The moist cake interior combined with the candy coating creates an addictive textural contrast. These are especially popular with kids, though I’ve noticed plenty of adults sneaking seconds and thirds!
19. Mini Cannoli
Italian bakery classic in finger-food form! I fill store-bought mini cannoli shells with sweetened ricotta cheese mixed with mini chocolate chips and orange zest. Each end gets dipped in chopped pistachios for color and crunch.
The crisp pastry shell contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. I’ve learned to pack these separately and fill them on-site to prevent soggy shells.
20. Nutella Brownie Bites
Last but not least, these fudgy squares feature swirls of Nutella throughout the rich brownie base. I add chopped hazelnuts on top for crunch and visual appeal. The combination of chocolate and hazelnut flavors creates an irresistible European-inspired treat.
My neighbor’s teenage son once texted me at midnight asking for the recipe after thinking about them for days!