Desserts in a Cup - 10 easy ideas for party desserts in a cup (2024)

According to the hottest party planners, desserts in a cup are super trendy right now and are great for all kinds of parties! Desserts in a cup are perfect Baby Showers, Gender Reveals, children’s parties as well as adult parties. Guests of all ages love to indulge in mini desserts in a cup. Plus they make some of the prettiest additions to your dessert table.

What are Desserts in a Cup?

Desserts in a cup are a spectacular alternative to a traditional cake. Not only are these individually sized desserts just the right amount of tasty morsels, but they are also less of a mess as well. Since everyone gets their own fun and festive dessert cup, these bits of sweetness are without hesitation appealing to your guests.

Furthermore, they are enticing and decorative and make an awesome-looking display. If you are planning a dessert table, then you certainly want to include some desserts in a cup! Also, they are easy to eat and serve, and because they’re mini, partygoers can always go back for seconds!

In addition, guests can decide which delicacy to choose from: mini cakes in a cup, pies in a cup, mouse in a cup, and parfaits are all possibilities! For example, decorate a mini dessert buffet table or alternate dessert cups at each place setting. Guests will enjoy sampling the beautiful variety. Equally important, they are fun to eat and will satisfy a sweet tooth without overdoing it.

How to make the best Desserts in a Cup?

Desserts in a cup are easy to make and look quite impressive. These mini treats are a perfect addition to your baby shower or children’s birthday party. Make in minutes and impress your guests with delicious flavors and eye-catching appeal. You will need to preselect the serving cup, keeping in mind how the finished dessert will look. A translucent glass will show off a parfait nicely. Likewise, another idea is to use a fancy mug for a cake or a cute dry herb jar with wrapped twine or ribbon for a pie recipe.

Prep time will depend upon which type or types of dessert in a cup you have chosen to make. First, choose your dessert. Since the desserts will be made in individual serving sizes, it is best to follow exact recipe directions for your selections. Some will require no baking whatsoever; others will use a microwave or a refrigerator to complete. Also, a food processor is called for in some recipes.

Next, gather a couple of good mixing bowls and you’ll be off to a good start! Also, the use of pre-crushed graham crackers for crust and whipped cream for filling and topping will come in handy for many recipes. Most recipes will use only a handful of ingredients to create something simple, elegant, and delicious! ‘Dessert in a Cup’ ideas are endless! Lastly, a bonus is that cleanup is minimal.

Top 10 Best Desserts in a Cup Recipes

Eton Mess in a cup

Originally invented at Eton College, this British dessert is a classic. First, you will need delicious fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Next, you’ll use either whipped cream or homemade cream. Then, the icing ingredients often include confectioner’s sugar. Also, pre-made mini meringues will add the perfect crunch to this dessert in a cup. Now serve this fresh berry dish in translucent glass cups making each layer pop with color. Perfect for a summer-themed dessert table.

Peppermint Mouse in a cup

This rich and creamy dessert is an excellent choice for those chocolate lovers on your guest list. Dress it up by serving it in a martini glass. Top it with alternating milk chocolate and white chocolate peppermint squares.

Key Lime Cheesecake in a cup

Are you looking for a dessert that requires no baking time? Try this delicious key lime cheesecake. It’s fast, delicious, and looks absolutely gorgeous garnished with a fresh slice of lime!

Mango and Coconut Triffle in a cup

Bright and bold mango slices peek through layers of coconut and macadamia nuts in this clever dairy-free Australian gem. This tropical treat is surely unique and won’t disappoint!

Pavlova in a cup

Switch things up a bit and serve Pavlova in a glass. It requires just a short bake time. Top this white flurry with a fresh raspberry for a spectacular finish. Every bite is soft and scrumptious!

Lemon Mousse in a cup

Tantalize your taste buds with this spectacular sweet and tangy lemon mousse. This tasty treat is made with lemon curd and ricotta and garnished with fresh mint and violets. This unique dessert in a cup is sure to add a little zing to your guests’ day!

Strawberry Shortcake Triffles

Your guests will not be able to resist Strawberry Shortcake Trifles. This combination of strawberries, fluffy cake, and whipped cream is beautifully layered in a cup. Everyone will be pleased with this fresh-tasting fruity dessert and it will be the highlight of your dessert table.

Brownie Strawberry Shortcake in a cup

Brownie Strawberry Shortcake rivals Strawberry Shortcake Trifles, except it uses brownie chunks instead of cake. This decadent dessert in a cup will satisfy not only your guests’ sweet tooth but their chocolate craving as well!

Banoffee Jars

Banoffee Jars are absolutely to die for. This no-bake pie is a cup full of gooey goodness! The mouthwatering layers of caramelized bananas, cream, and biscuit crumbles are the perfect trifecta. Drizzle with chocolate and enjoy!

Strawberry lemonade cupcakes in a jar

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are super fun and delicious. The blend of lemon cake, strawberry frosting, and lemon zest will certainly satiate any palate. This dessert in a cup is light and fluffy and you can mix things up by topping with a variety of berries.

As you can see, there are a heap of choices for making delectable desserts in a cup, and their popularity will continue to grow. Desserts in a cup are very trendy, tasty, and convenient.

They are simply a perfect choice for baby showers and children’s birthday parties. So if you are planning a dessert table, be sure to include some of these sweet treats!