Save Calories with Diminutive Desserts

By , SparkPeople Blogger
During the holiday season, social gatherings abound, with their endless buffets overflowing with temptations. Instead of avoiding the sweets altogether, why not just pare down?

One of our favorite ways to enjoy our cake and still fit into our pants come January 1 is to create bite-size desserts--and stick to just one or two.

Whether you're hosting a dinner for eight or a party for 50, these diminutive desserts are a great idea. They're easier to eat than a slice of a regular-size pie or cake (no silverware needed, just a cocktail napkin), and they are readily portion controlled.

We've rounded up some of our favorite recipes below, along with some tips to help you downsize your sweetest treats.

Chef Meg's Sweet Potato Tarts

Chef Meg's Mini Apple Tarts

Mini Cheesecakes

Mini Pumpkin Bites

Chef Meg's Angelic Peppermint Towers

Here are some great tips!

  • Bake mini cupcakes instead of a full-size cake.
  • Use a cookie cutter to cut out mini pie crusts, then bake in muffin tins.
  • Serve pudding or custard in small ramekins.
  • Use a cookie cutter to cut out small round of cake.
  • Buy a mini cookie scoop or use a small teaspoon to measure out cookie dough.
  • Slice bar cookies into half-size portions and serve in mini muffin liners.
  • Buy mini cookie cutters.


What is your best tactic for portion controlling desserts? What is your favorite sweet treat?

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