If you don’t already have a muffin tin sitting in a cupboard somewhere, it’s time to get one. It’s not on the same level as, say, a baking sheet or cutting board when it comes to kitchen staples, but it does come in handy an awful lot. Besides baking cupcakes, muffins, and egg muffins, muffin tins can be used to make a whole host of perfectly-sized desserts. From brownie bites to adorable mini pies, next time you want to bake individual desserts, grab a tin, cupcake liners, and one of these delicious muffin tin recipes. It’s like meal-prepping your dessert… what could be better?
1. Peppermint Mocha Brownie Bites
You’ll be glad these brownies come in mini containers; the temptation to cut a huge slice would be tough otherwise. They’re rich and fudgy without using any flour or dairy and taste just like a peppermint mocha latte. The secret ingredients? Black beans, cocoa powder, cashew milk, coffee crystals, and vanilla and peppermint extracts.
2. Mini Raspberry Pies
These pies are a perfect snow-day activity. Make your own dough (fair warning, it has to chill for two hours), then roll it out and make little crusts in the cups of muffin tins. Scoop the raspberry mixture in before covering with small strips to make a lattice top.
3. Pecan Pie Mini Tarts
These little tarts would be perfect to bring to a party, especially since they’re full of good-for-you ingredients, meaning you’ll feel okay swiping one (or a few) for dessert. The crust is made with almonds, oats, and pecans, while the filling is sweetened with dates, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
4. Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cheesecakes
Baking a cheesecake can seem like an intimidating task (what the heck is a water bath, right?), but this muffin tin recipe simplifies things. Start with a date and pecan crust, then add the cashew-based filling. Major tip: Line the tins with plastic wrap if you’re not using cupcake liners.
5. No-Bake Peanut Butter Pies
Anything that looks like a giant Reese’s Cup is A-OK in our book. These guys get their richness from full-fat coconut milk and bananas and are topped with chopped peanuts and mini chocolate chips. They take some time to make, mostly because you need to freeze them for a few hours to let them set, but the creamy, peanut buttery taste is most definitely worth it.
6. Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins
OK, we all know the best part of carrot cake is the cream cheese frosting, but it’s also where tons of sugar gets packed in. These mini carrot cakes will take care of your dessert craving sans frosting and sneak in healthy ingredients like carrots, oats, walnuts, and Greek yogurt.
7. No-Bake Rice Crispy Cups
Who would’ve thought to make Rice Krispies this way? With just three ingredients (four if you add chocolate chips!), they’re already super simple, but now you don’t even have to worry about cutting them up. Grab some crispy rice cereal, nut butter, and brown rice syrup or honey, and you’re ready to go.
