Mini Dessert Cups

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in these elegant Mini Dessert Cups, perfect for any occasion.

Eden Clarke

Created by

Eden Clarke

Last updated on 2025-12-22T23:42:40.629Z

These Mini Dessert Cups are a delightful way to serve individual portions of your favorite sweet treats. With layers of flavor and texture, they are sure to impress your guests!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly portioned for guilt-free indulgence
  • Versatile with various flavors and fillings
  • Visually stunning for any celebration

The Charm of Mini Dessert Cups

Mini Dessert Cups are not only visually appealing but also incredibly versatile. Their petite size makes them the ideal choice for any gathering, allowing guests to enjoy a delightful treat without overindulging. They fit perfectly on dessert tables, offering a variety of flavors and textures that cater to different palates. Whether it’s a birthday party, wedding, or holiday gathering, these cups add a touch of elegance and sophistication.

Creating these mini desserts is a breeze, and they can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can experiment with different fillings, such as chocolate mousse, custard, or even cheesecake, while the graham cracker base provides a delightful crunch. The possibilities are endless, ensuring that you can impress your guests with unique combinations that reflect your creativity.

Perfect for Every Occasion

These Mini Dessert Cups are perfect for any occasion, making them a go-to recipe for celebrations of all kinds. From casual family gatherings to formal events, their charming presentation is sure to catch the eye of your guests. They can be made ahead of time, allowing you to focus on enjoying the moment rather than stressing about dessert preparation during your event.

Moreover, their individual servings make them an excellent choice for portion control. Guests can savor their dessert without feeling guilty about overindulgence. Plus, it's easy to accommodate dietary restrictions by offering a variety of fillings that are gluten-free or dairy-free, ensuring everyone can partake in the sweet experience.

Tips for Success

For the best results, ensure that your heavy cream is chilled before whipping. This helps the cream whip up faster and achieve the desired fluffy texture. Additionally, be cautious when adding powdered sugar; mix it in gradually to avoid clumping. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, adjust the sugar levels in the filling according to your taste preference.

When assembling your Mini Dessert Cups, consider the order of ingredients carefully. Start with the graham cracker base, followed by the whipped cream and berries, to create a beautiful layered effect. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully as they sit. Chill them before serving for an even more refreshing treat!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Mini Dessert Cups:

For the Cup:

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

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1 cup of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

For the Topping:

  • Mint leaves for garnish
  • Additional berries for decoration

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to assemble your Mini Dessert Cups:

Prepare the Cup Base

In a medium bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of small cups or glasses to form a base.

Make the Whipped Cream Filling

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip!

Assemble the Cups

Layer the whipped cream filling over the graham cracker base, then add a layer of mixed berries. Repeat the layers until the cups are full, finishing with a berry on top.

Garnish and Serve

Top each cup with a mint leaf and extra berries for decoration. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy!

These cups can be made ahead of time for convenience.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Mini Dessert Cups can be prepared in advance, making them a convenient option for busy hosts. You can assemble the cups a day ahead and keep them in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to develop. Just be sure to add any delicate toppings, like mint leaves or additional berries, right before serving to maintain their freshness and visual appeal.

If you have leftovers, store the cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, for the best taste and texture, it is recommended to enjoy them fresh. If you’re using ingredients like whipped cream, they may lose their fluffiness over time, so plan your servings accordingly!

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with your fillings and toppings! Instead of mixed berries, consider using seasonal fruits like peaches or mangoes for a tropical twist. You can also incorporate flavored whipped creams, such as chocolate or coffee, to add an exciting dimension to your dessert cups. Experimenting with different flavor profiles will keep your dessert offerings fresh and interesting.

For a more decadent treat, add layers of chocolate ganache or a rich caramel sauce between the whipped cream and berries. You can even incorporate a layer of crushed cookies or chocolate chips for added texture. The beauty of Mini Dessert Cups lies in their versatility, so let your imagination run wild!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these dessert cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cups a few hours in advance and refrigerate them until serving.

→ What other fillings can I use?

You can use chocolate mousse, cheesecake filling, or even pudding as alternatives.

→ How can I make these cups healthier?

Consider using Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream and opting for low-sugar graham crackers.

→ Are these dessert cups suitable for kids?

Absolutely! They are a fun and tasty treat that kids will love.

Mini Dessert Cups

Delight in these elegant Mini Dessert Cups, perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Eden Clarke

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 12 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cup:

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

For the Filling:

  1. 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
  2. 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
  3. 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  4. 1 cup of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

For the Topping:

  1. Mint leaves for garnish
  2. Additional berries for decoration

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a medium bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of small cups or glasses to form a base.

Step 02

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip!

Step 03

Layer the whipped cream filling over the graham cracker base, then add a layer of mixed berries. Repeat the layers until the cups are full, finishing with a berry on top.

Step 04

Top each cup with a mint leaf and extra berries for decoration. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 2g