28 Mini Cakes for When You Need a Little Something Sweet

From the Recipe Creator: These individual pineapple upside-down cakes are an eye-catching addition to my holiday dessert table. A boxed cake mix makes them easy to bake anytime. —Cindy Colley, Othello, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: This deliciously different dessert, with a soft inside and a crumbly crust, is made in the slow cooker in jars instead of in the oven. When done, add final touches to the cooled shortcake jars and serve. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: I make these pumpkin treats every autumn and they are gone in minutes. The spice combination is perfect for fall, and it is all wrapped up in a pretty little cake.—Deb Lyon, Bangor, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: This easy, microwave-friendly cake is the quickest way to get dessert on the table for one (or even two). Use your favorite 12-ounce mug and enjoy a fluffy vanilla cake with almost no cleanup. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: This single-serving fluffy cake has a sweet sugar base like a chocolate chip cookie. But unlike a cookie, you only need your microwave and 15 minutes to bake it! —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: I grew up helping my mom make a lot in our farmhouse kitchen; strawberry shortcakes, roasts, soups and pies. This sunny strawberry shortcake recipe brings back memories of family summers on the farm. —Janet Becker, Anacortes, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: The combination of mocha and peanut butter will satisfy every sweet tooth at your table. The garnish is a little extra work, but what are special occasions for? —Tammy Bollman, Minatare, Nebraska

From the Recipe Creator: These little cheesecakes make a fun dessert that's just right for cooks who don't have a lot of time for fussy recipes. Plus, you get to eat a whole mini cheesecake yourself! —Kay Keller, Morenci, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: These moist, bite-size muffins from Linda Terrell of Palatka, Florida are melt-in-your-mouth good. "With their appealing look, they really dress up a party table," she notes. The recipe makes a big batch, so there's plenty to please a crowd.

From the Recipe Creator: My college friend shared this cupcake recipe that has pie crust on the bottom, raspberry jam in the middle and cake on top—scrumptious for a buffet or potluck. —Dana Beckstrom, Salt Lake City, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: I've tried different variations of these cakes for my family and this chocolate peanut butter mug cake is a winner! I have made it with almond milk and melted coconut oil, and both ways are delicious! —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: This was one of my first times spreading my wings with a recipe and trying to go a bit fancy. This is a breeze to make and a delight to serve. The recipe may look intimidating but after you try it once, you'll have it down pat. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

From the Recipe Creator: This apple cheesecake won the grand prize in an apple recipe contest. With caramel both on the bottom and over the top, every bite is sinfully delicious. —Lisa Morman, Minot, North Dakota

From the Recipe Creator: I first made these cakes for a friend when I lived in the dorms at college and had no access to appliances. Little did I know I would be making them 20 years later for my children! —Lara Pennell, Mauldin, South Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: I’ve found that people who normally won’t eat fruitcake make an exception when they sample these. Using mini muffin pans for baking creates fun, single-serving cakes. —Libby Over, Phillipsburg, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: My mother and I tried many different types of rum cake to find the best one, and finally hit on this cake that doesn't dry out and imparts the most flavor. For a really moist cake, brush rum over the individual sponge cakes before topping them with the filling. —Dona M. Hoffman, Addison, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: I saw these cute cakes at a local grocery store and decided to make my own version at home. They’re a hit at any fall gathering. —Jennifer Dorff, Waukesha, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: These mouthwatering mini cakes make the perfect treat for two. My mom used to make these when I was a little girl. Now I whip them up and pop them in my air fryer for a speedy dessert. —Debora Simmons, Eglon, West Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: I got hooked on these mini peanut butter and jelly cheesecakes when a friend made them. She let me steal her recipe, and now I'm sharing this tasty treat with you!—Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: This bread is irresistible! A friend gets mad whenever I make it because I give her a loaf, and she can't help but eat the whole thing! —Lisa Christensen, Poplar Grove, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: While these loaves may be small, they have a big rich flavor. The macadamia nuts make them a special treat with tropical flair. Plus, they're so pretty with the toasted coconut topping. —Kim Gilliland, Simi Valley, California

From the Recipe Creator: Made in a single loaf pan, this doubly good chocolate cake has a nutty praline layer and two layers of fluffy whipped cream. This is the only cake my husband really likes. —Laura Draper, Garfield, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: Presto! We turned cheesecake into irresistible bite-sized snacks with these cute little treats. Feel free to use your favorite flavor of jam. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: Using smaller pans and topping the cakes with amaretto glaze makes these loaves so incredibly moist. —Donna Lamano, Olathe, Kansas

From the Recipe Creator: To make these cute tarts more quickly, add the filling to store-bought phyllo tart shells. —Sarah Gilbert, Beaverton, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: Coffee lovers will line up for this rich coffee cheesecake. It's creamy and just mildly sweet, which allows the coffee flavor to shine through. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: Fruitcake always looked so festive to me but I did not like the hard citron fruit so I came up with my own recipe using dried fruits and nuts. I place these in Christmas themed petit fours paper cups and give them to neighbors and friends along with the many other cookies and candies I bake. These keep well in the freezer in an airtight container. Just thaw to room temperature and they taste fresh baked and moist. —Lisa McDermith, Highland, California