Serve mini desserts with big satisfaction.
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 could max profit
Chains and independents alike have keyed into the trend. From Kelsey's mini-dessert list of six, where diners choose one for $2.99, two for $4.99 or three for $5.99 to Casey's Bar and Grill's "Mini Dessert Selection," which lets diners choose sample-sized portions of two of their signature desserts for $2.99 each.¹
Did you know?
For the second year in a row, bite-size/mini desserts rank among the top three trends in the US's 2009 National Restaurant Association's "What's Hot?" Chefs Survey.
High-end restaurants are in the game too.
Toronto's Four restaurant serves "Petit Four" minis, at $2 a shot glass. 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 flavours that diners know and love.
Behind the Recipes
Peanut Butter Mousse Tartlets with OREO
Call it a tartlet or a mini peanut butter pie, this decadent treat is all about the subtle flavours of chocolate ganache and peanut butter, coupled with the rich, creamy texture of Philadelphia Cream Cheese.
Black Forest Parfait with OREO
Perfect for kids, or for a grown up wanting a small taste of nostalgia. This parfait packs the flavours they know and love with OREO, Jell-O Chocolate Instant Pudding, and cherry-pie filling.
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.
Pumpkin Mousse Tarts with Praline Crunch
These tarts are great for a holiday menu, offering seasonal favourites, like cinnamon and nutmeg, pumpkin and brown sugar. Philadelphia Cream Cheese and Jell-O Vanilla Instant Pudding give these minis a luscious mouthfeel.
¹ Prices current as of 2009.