Diminutive treats are natural offshoots from the small-plates trend. Indeed, mini desserts, tapas, sliders, snack wraps and cupcakes dot today's culinary landscape, like bite-sized beacons of restrained indulgence.
Mini trend, Max profit.
Chains and independents alike have keyed into the trend. From Darden-owned Seasons 52 "Mini Indulgences" menu, offering eight classic desserts downsized and priced at $2.50 each, to Brinker-owned Chili's, with its "Sweet Shots" menu that features shot-glass sized treats from $1.99 for one or three for $5.49.
Did you know?
For the second year in a row, bite-size/mini desserts rank among the top three trends in the 2009 National Restaurant Association's "What's Hot?" Chefs Survey.
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High-end restaurants are in the game too.
Wave at the W Lakeshore Hotel in Chicago features a mini-only dessert menu, offering a choice of three for $8; four for $10 or five for $12. What's the appeal? Lower price point may be one motivator for diners, but the attraction runs deeper than dollars. For those looking for a wee taste of something sweet to round off their meal, mini desserts offer just the smallest—almost guiltless—indulgence. And they bring novelty to the table—a true smorgasbord of delightful treats, ready for sampling and sharing—with little commitment. Trends we see point to minis starring classic, simple dessert profiles. We asked our chefs to develop recipes that capture the best of the trend: small presentations with familiar flavors that diners know and love.
Behind the Recipes
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Blueberry Cheesecake Mini Parfaits
Like a genie in the bottle, our chefs capture the best of cheesecake in this mini parfait, serving just a taste of creamy cheesecake with market-fresh blueberries.
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Blueberry Cheesecake Mini Parfaits
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Peanut Butter Mousse Tartlets with Oreo
Call it a tartlet or a mini peanut butter pie, this decadent treat is all about the subtle flavors of chocolate ganache and peanut butter, coupled with the rich, creamy texture of Philadelphia Cream Cheese.
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Peanut Butter Mousse Tartlets with Oreo
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Black Forest Parfait with Oreo
Perfect for kids, or for a grown up wanting a small taste of nostalgia. This parfait packs the flavors they know and love with Oreo, Jell-O Chocolate Instant Pudding, and cherry-pie filling.
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Black Forest Parfait with Oreo
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Pumpkin Mousse Tarts with Praline Crumble
These tarts are great for a holiday menu, offering seasonal favorites, like cinnamon and nutmeg, pumpkin and brown sugar. Philadelphia Cream Cheese and Jell-O Vanilla Instant Pudding give these minis a luscious mouthfeel.
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Pumpkin Mousse Tarts with Praline Crumble
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Strawberry Shortcake Mini Parfait
Bringing to mind warmer days, this little treat delights with textural play—from the crunch of Nilla Wafer Pieces and almonds to the creaminess of Jell-O Instant Vanilla Pudding.
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Strawberry Shortcake Mini Parfait
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Mini Chocolate Éclair Tarts
Simplicity meets decadence in this tart with the marriage of Jell-O Vanilla Pudding & Pie Filling, chocolate ganache and fresh raspberries.
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Mini Chocolate Éclair Tarts
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