7 Bite-Size Desserts
Apple Cranberry Tarts
It’s hard to beat a classic like apple pie, so why try? That’s why I stuck as closely to the original as I could when making this version. I downsized, cut the sugar and added in tart cranberries to up the fruit factor. The end result: Less sugar and fewer calories, plus, all the yummy goodness we’ve come to expect from the beloved dessert—gooey fruit, flaky crust, pure satisfaction. Bonus: These Apple Cranberry Tarts take only 20 minutes to make, so you can whip them up whenever you want. How do you like them apples? If you’re feeling creative, customize your tart by adding chopped nuts or whipped cream on top.
Blueberry Crisp
Blueberries are the rockstars of the nutrition world. Packed with fiber and disease-fighting antioxidants, the fab fruit is a choice ingredient of seasoned chefs and amateur cooks alike. These gems take the starring role in a variety of dishes, from pancakes and parfaits to muffins and pies. I made a few simple tweaks to the crave-worthy blueberry crisp to cut back on sugar and fat, which allows the nutrient-rich blueberries to really shine through. You can make this as a weekend treat, but it’s easy enough to whip together any day of the week (I’m looking at you, hump-day Wednesday!). Heighten the experience by topping it with a scoop of fro yo or light ice cream. Blueberry heaven.
Fudgey Brownie Bites
Craving chocolate? If you’re like me, the answer is always a resounding yes! Now you can satisfy your hankering with these adorable and totally indulgent Fudgey Brownie Bites. It’s like a rich brownie in cupcake form for bite-size bliss. Bring these to a birthday celebration or office gathering and you will most definitely be the hit of the party.
Lime-Ginger Baby Cakes with Creamy Coconut Frosting
These Lime-Ginger Baby Cakes are almost too pretty to eat! Notice I said almost. This sweet treat features a unique combo of flavors—lime, ginger and coconut—that will satisfy all types of palates, from picky to sophisticated. And the creamy coconut frosting just takes it over the top. If you want to go gluten-free, simply substitute 1 cup of brown rice flour for the whole wheat pastry flour and all-purpose flour. Oh baby, these cakes are delish!
Mini Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting
Replace packaged cupcakes with these homemade, healthier gems. They feature a secret ingredient, which replaces the oil and eggs in the cake mix. Ok, I’ll spill the beans…it’s black beans! They add a boost of nutrition and make the cupcakes ultra fluffy and super moist. (Trust me, no one will ever guess it if you don’t tell them.) And don’t forget the frosting. My recipe might make store-bought versions green with envy because I managed to sneak in avocado for a dose of healthy fat and a crazy creamy consistency.
Mini S’more Muffins
Gooey marshmallows layered on top of mouthwatering chocolate and topped with crispy graham crackers—there is nothing quite like a s’more for sweet-crunchy-melty satisfaction. Don’t worry if you don’t have the campfire; you can satisfy your s’more cravings with these Mini Muffins. They are rich and delicious, and totally portion-friendly. At that rate, you can definitely afford to go back for … s’more. (Ha! I had to do it.)
Watermelon Cakes
Fruit often takes the lead role in dessert recipes–strawberry shortcake, cherry pie, blueberry crisp…you get the idea. What makes this one such a winner is it takes virtually no effort to put together, yet it looks so elegant and scrumptious. The creative Watermelon “Cake” features bite-size pieces of nutrient-rich and hydrating watermelon as the base topped with a swirl of aerated whipped cream. This could very well be the dessert of champions—a sweet treat that makes you feel good.
Mini But Mighty: 7 Bite-Size Desserts
Mini desserts may be small in size but they are HUGELY popular, and I totally understand why. You get to enjoy an indulgent treat without going overboard—it’s just enough to hit the spot. And think about it, it’s really the first few bites that matter most. If you use this sweet strategy, you can most certainly have your cake (cupcake, tart or other treat) and eat it, too.
Check out 7 deliciously dainty desserts you can enjoy (and go back for seconds of!)
