15 Mini Thanksgiving Desserts (Individual Servings Perfect for Sharing)

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Mini Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
15 Mini Thanksgiving Desserts (Individual Servings Perfect for Sharing)

Elegant Individual Treats

Mini Thanksgiving desserts offer elegant presentation while solving practical serving challenges. These fifteen individual portion recipes allow guests to sample multiple flavors while reducing waste and simplifying logistics. From pumpkin tartlets to chocolate bites to pecan mini pies, each recipe creates sophisticated servings perfect for modern entertaining. Individual desserts transform holiday tables into upscale experiences while maintaining ease of preparation and service.

Why Mini Desserts Work for Thanksgiving

Individual servings eliminate cutting and plating complications at the table. Guests enjoy multiple flavors by trying several mini options. Portion control prevents over-serving while appearing thoughtfully curated. Mini desserts present elegantly without requiring advanced plating skills. These portions suit modern entertaining while honoring tradition through flavor.

Mini Pumpkin Desserts

1. Pumpkin Spice Tartlets

Time: 50 Minutes Makes: 12 Mini Tarts

Individual tarts with silky pumpkin custard and crispy shells.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package mini tartlet shells
  • 15 ounces pumpkin puree
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • Whipped cream for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In bowl, combine pumpkin, cream, sugar, egg, and pumpkin pie spice.
  3. Mix until smooth.
  4. Divide filling among tartlet shells.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until set.
  6. Cool completely.
  7. Top each with dollop of whipped cream before serving.

2. Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups

Time: 30 Minutes (plus 4 hours chilling) Makes: 8 Individual Cups

No-bake individual cups become elegant, impressive servings.

Ingredients:

  • 8 vanilla wafer cookies
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Candied pecans for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Place one vanilla wafer in bottom of each small cup or ramekin.
  2. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
  3. Add pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla.
  4. Beat until combined.
  5. Spoon filling over wafers in cups.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  7. Top with candied pecans before serving.

3. Pumpkin Mousse in Glasses

Time: 20 Minutes (plus 2 hours chilling) Makes: 6 Individual Servings

Light, airy mousse becomes elegant presentation.

Ingredients:

  • 15 ounces pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • Cinnamon for garnish
  • Candied pecans for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
  2. In separate bowl, mix pumpkin, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice.
  3. Fold whipped cream into pumpkin mixture gently.
  4. Divide among small glasses or cups.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  6. Top with candied pecans and light dusting of cinnamon before serving.

4. Mini Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Time: 45 Minutes Makes: 24 Mini Cupcakes

Tender cupcakes with decadent frosting become bite-sized treats.

Ingredients:

  • 15 ounces pumpkin puree
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 egg
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
  3. In large bowl, mix pumpkin, sugar, oil, and egg.
  4. Add dry ingredients and stir until combined.
  5. Line mini muffin tins with paper liners.
  6. Fill each liner half full with batter.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool completely.
  9. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter.
  10. Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
  11. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes.

Mini Apple and Fruit Desserts

5. Apple Pie Tarts

Time: 45 Minutes Makes: 12 Mini Tarts

Individual apple pies become elegant bite-sized servings.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package mini tartlet shells
  • 3 apples, peeled and diced small
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Whipped cream for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  3. Add diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
  4. Cook for 5-8 minutes until apples soften.
  5. Cool apple filling slightly.
  6. Fill tartlet shells with apple mixture.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until shells are golden.
  8. Cool slightly.
  9. Top with whipped cream before serving.

6. Cranberry-Apple Hand Pies

Time: 50 Minutes Makes: 8 Hand Pies

Portable mini pies with tart and sweet filling.

Ingredients:

  • 2 prepared pie crusts
  • 2 apples, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 egg, beaten

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In bowl, combine apples, cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon.
  3. Cut each pie crust into 4 squares.
  4. Place spoonful of filling on each square.
  5. Fold to create triangle.
  6. Press edges with fork to seal.
  7. Place on baking sheet.
  8. Brush with beaten egg.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
  10. Cool slightly before serving.

7. Individual Fruit Crisps

Time: 40 Minutes Makes: 4 Individual Servings

Warm crispy topping with tender fruit underneath.

Ingredients:

  • 3 apples, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup pecans, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Divide diced apples and cranberries among 4 small baking dishes.
  3. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
  4. In bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and pecans.
  5. Add melted butter and mix until resembles coarse crumbs.
  6. Divide topping among dishes.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until fruit is tender and topping is golden.
  8. Serve warm with whipped cream.

Mini Chocolate and Nut Desserts

8. Mini Pecan Pie Bites

Time: 40 Minutes Makes: 24 Mini Tarts

Nutty classic becomes sophisticated bite-sized servings.

Ingredients:

  • 2 packages mini tartlet shells
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup corn syrup
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pecan pieces

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In bowl, beat eggs.
  3. Add corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla.
  4. Stir in pecan pieces.
  5. Divide filling among tartlet shells.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes until filling is set.
  7. Cool in tins for 10 minutes.
  8. Remove and cool on wire racks.

9. Chocolate Mousse Cups

Time: 20 Minutes (plus 2 hours chilling) Makes: 6 Individual Cups

Elegant chocolate mousse in delicate servings.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Candied pecans for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Heat 1/4 cup cream until steaming.
  2. Add chopped chocolate and butter.
  3. Stir until melted and smooth.
  4. Add sugar and vanilla.
  5. Cool for 10 minutes.
  6. Whip remaining cream until stiff peaks form.
  7. Fold whipped cream into chocolate mixture.
  8. Divide among small glasses or cups.
  9. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  10. Top with candied pecans before serving.

10. Mini Chocolate Tarts

Time: 35 Minutes Makes: 12 Mini Tarts

Silky chocolate filling in crispy shells.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package mini tartlet shells
  • 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Whipped cream for topping
  • Fresh berries for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Heat cream and butter until steaming.
  2. Pour over chopped chocolate.
  3. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
  4. Add sugar.
  5. Cool for 5 minutes.
  6. Spoon chocolate filling into tartlet shells.
  7. Refrigerate for 20 minutes until set.
  8. Top with whipped cream and fresh berries before serving.

Quick Mini Dessert Options

11. Pumpkin Spice Cake Bites

Time: 30 Minutes Makes: 16 Bites

Crumbly cake bites dusted with cinnamon sugar.

Ingredients:

  • 1 store-bought pound cake
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 15 ounces pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Cut pound cake into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Mix sugar and cinnamon.
  3. Brush cake cubes with melted butter.
  4. Coat with cinnamon sugar mixture.
  5. Place on baking sheet.
  6. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes until edges are toasted.
  7. Mix pumpkin, powdered sugar, and vanilla for dipping sauce.
  8. Serve warm cake bites with pumpkin dip.

12. Mini Cheesecake Bites

Time: 25 Minutes (plus 4 hours chilling) Makes: 12 Mini Bites

Individual no-bake cheesecake becomes elegant presentation.

Ingredients:

  • 12 vanilla wafer cookies
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Fresh berries for topping
  • Caramel sauce for drizzle

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Using small melon baller or spoon, form cheesecake into balls.
  3. Place one ball on each vanilla wafer.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  5. Top each with fresh berry.
  6. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

13. Candied Cranberry and Pecan Bites

Time: 35 Minutes Makes: 12 Bites

Tart and nutty combination in elegant presentation.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. In saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water.
  2. Simmer for 12-15 minutes until berries burst and mixture thickens.
  3. Cool completely.
  4. Toast pecans with butter and brown sugar in skillet for 3 minutes.
  5. Cool pecans.
  6. Using small spoon, form 1-inch bites alternating cranberry and pecan.
  7. Place on parchment-lined plate.
  8. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

14. Mini Cinnamon Rolls

Time: 40 Minutes Makes: 12 Mini Rolls

Warm spiced rolls become impressive small servings.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package crescent roll dough
  • 3 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
  3. Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
  4. Spread mixture on each triangle.
  5. Roll up starting from wide end.
  6. Place on greased baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
  8. For glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
  9. Drizzle warm rolls with glaze.

15. Stuffed Apple Slices

Time: 35 Minutes Makes: 8 Stuffed Slices

Baked apple slices with pecan-cream cheese filling.

Ingredients:

  • 4 apples, cored
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup water

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Cut each apple into thick slices horizontally.
  3. Mix cream cheese, pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
  4. Spoon filling between apple slices.
  5. Place filled apple slices in baking dish.
  6. Dot with butter and add water to dish.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until apples are tender.
  8. Cool slightly before serving.

Mini Dessert Success Tips

Use proper serving containers:

Small plates, cups, or tartlet shells provide elegant presentation. Consistent sizing creates professional appearance. Proper vessels elevate simple desserts visually.

Prepare components ahead:

Make shells, crusts, and fillings the day before. Assemble just before serving for optimal freshness. Advance preparation reduces day-of stress.

Add garnishes strategically:

Fresh herbs, berries, or candied nuts elevate presentation dramatically. Garnishes add color, texture, and sophistication. Small touches make enormous visual impact.

Create visual variety:

Arrange mini desserts on tiered serving stands for impact. Mix colors and shapes for visual interest. Varied presentations encourage guests to sample multiple options.

Control portion sizes:

Use consistent scoops or molds for uniform servings. Uniform sizes create cohesive, professional appearance. Proper portions prevent overindulgence while satisfying cravings.

Label dessert options:

Small cards identify each mini dessert and ingredients. Helpful for guests with allergies or preferences. Simple courtesy shows thoughtfulness.

These fifteen mini Thanksgiving desserts prove that individual servings become more elegant and manageable than traditional large presentations. Create memorable dessert experiences through thoughtful portion sizing and sophisticated presentation.

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