15 Muffin Tin Desserts (That Aren’t Cupcakes)

Updated: Apr. 12, 2024

Cheesecakes, pies, tarts and more all made in a muffin tin.

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Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

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
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Pecan Butter Tarts

I searched for the perfect butter tart for ages. After many attempts, I discovered this favorite that begs for a scoop of ice cream on top. —Susan Kieboam, Streetsboro, Ohio
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Creamy Frozen Fruit Cups

I love to prepare these cool, fluffy fruit cups to give a refreshing boost to many meals. They've been well received at family gatherings and summer barbecues. There's no last-minute fuss since you make them well in advance. —Karen Hatcher, St. Amant, Louisiana
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Mini Blueberry Tarts

I served this recipe to my family while we were on vacation and they were all amazed! The best part: I didn't spend tons of time on it thanks to refrigerated pie crust. Watch your mini tarts around the 13-minute mark to make sure they don't brown too quickly. If you'd like, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.—Allison Bell, Hillsdale, New Jersey
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Cherry Bombs

You'll win praise for these clever cherry bombs. Serve them for a special occasion with a knife and dessert spoon. —Linda Triplett, Renton, Washington
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Blackout Peach Bread Pudding

I bake several times a week so my kids have homemade desserts. We lost power in a storm, so I used the grill to invent “blackout” pudding. —Augustina Zaccardi, Eastchester, New York
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Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Back when store-bought shortcake was an unheard-of thing, my grandmother passed this mini strawberry shortcake recipe down to my mother. Mother later shared it with me, and I've since given it to my daughter. —Althea Heers, Jewell, Iowa
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Nut Butter Cups

My indulgent, nutty treat is simple to make and looks fabulous. At our house, we use all-natural ingredients for them. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
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Lemon Cheesecake Tarts

To make these cute tarts more quickly, add the filling to store-bought phyllo tart shells. —Sarah Gilbert, Beaverton, Oregon
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Coffee Lover's Mini Cheesecakes

Everyone in my family knows how much I adore cheesecake. Anyone who wants one made comes to me because they know I have a lot of tried and tested recipes. But I was getting bored with the standard chocolate or cherry. And then I had an idea—mocha cheesecake! After lots of experiments, I came up with this recipe. It's really good, even if I do say so myself. —Holly Sharp, Warren, Ontario
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Mini Key Lime and Coconut Pies

Savor the flavor of Key Lime Pie with these individual muffin-size treats. They're great when you need to serve a large group.—Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
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Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cakes

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
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Baklava Cheesecake Tarts

I love the sticky honey syrup, spices, nuts and crispy phyllo of homemade baklava but don’t want the fuss of preparing it in the traditional way. These easy-to-make cups offer all of the classic flavors and textures in the form of little cheesecakes. —Laura Curtis, Hoboken, New Jersey
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Jam-Topped Mini Cheesecakes

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