These mini aluminum dessert pans have become one of our most popular finds on social media, and it’s easy to see why! They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or even adding to a meal for someone who might appreciate a smaller dessert. This week, we’re sharing three fun desserts you can make in these adorable little pans!

~Nadia

Credit: Take Them A Meal

Fourth of July Mini Cakes

These patriotic mini cakes are perfect for celebrating the Fourth of July this weekend, but they’re just as fun for Memorial Day, a summer barbecue, or even a World Cup watch party! They’re easy to make, simple to customize, and always a crowd favorite.

Click here for the full step-by-step video and a complete list of the supplies we used! If you’re hoping to make these for the holiday weekend, you can also find these mini aluminum loaf pans in-store at Hobby Lobby!

Recipe below:

Cake

• 1 box white or vanilla cake mix (plus the ingredients listed on the box) or your favorite homemade cake recipe

Buttercream

  • 1 cup butter, softened

  • 4 cups powdered sugar

  • 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

  • Red gel food coloring

Topping

  • Fresh blueberries

Directions

  1. Fill mini foil loaf pans just under halfway with batter. Bake at 375°F for about 11 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

  2. Beat the butter until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and heavy cream until light and fluffy.

  3. Tint half of the frosting red.

  4. Using a Wilton 21 piping tip, pipe the white stars, add the blueberries, then pipe alternating red and white stripes.

  5. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tip: Pat the blueberries dry before decorating so they’ll stay in place.

Credit: Take Them A Meal

Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups

These mini chocolate chip cookie cups are the perfect bite-sized dessert for any celebration! They’re especially fun for little kids and make a great sweet treat to include with a meal when someone might prefer a smaller portion.

Click here for the full step-by-step video and a complete list of the supplies we used!

Click here for the mini chocolate chip cookie recipe!

Credit: Take Them A Meal

Mini Strawberry Shortcake Desserts

These strawberry shortcake mini desserts are one of my favorite summer treats! They’re perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and backyard gatherings, and the individual portions make serving dessert so easy. Fresh strawberries, fluffy whipped topping, and soft cake are always a crowd-pleaser!

Click here for the full step-by-step video and a complete list of the supplies we used!

Recipe below!

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf strawberry shortcake (or pound cake, angel food cake, or your favorite homemade shortcake), cut into small cubes

  • 1 pint fresh strawberries, diced

  • 2–3 tablespoons strawberry jam or preserves

  • Whipped cream (homemade or store bought)

Instructions

1. Cut the strawberry shortcake into small cubes and fill each mini aluminum dessert pan about ¾ full.

2. Top with the diced fresh strawberries.

3. Spoon a little strawberry jam over the strawberries.

4. Finish with a generous swirl of whipped cream.

5. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

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