Mini Personal Desserts
Prep. Time
Varies
Cook Time
Varies
Servings
Varies
Difficulty
Expert
Irresistible desserts served in little jars - charming, practical, and endlessly customizable. These mini layered treats are perfect for picnics, parties, or anytime you want to impress without the fuss of baking. Using wholesome, plant-based ingredients like fresh fruit, vegan yogurt, crunchy granola, and a touch of sweetness, these desserts are a breeze to assemble and even easier to love. Whether you're crafting an afternoon snack or a light after-dinner indulgence, this no-bake recipe lets you mix and match textures and flavors into beautifully layered jars of joy.
Ingredients
Use any Combination You Like
Caramelized pecans (store-bought or homemade)
Homemade granola (follow my recipe here, or store-bought)
Strawberry jam (follow my recipe here, or store-bought)
Plant-based yogurt (any kind)
Fresh chopped fruit (such as strawberries, mango, banana etc.)
Vegan meringue crumble (follow my recipe here)
Optional drizzle: date syrup (silan), maple syrup, or agave
Step by Step
Choose Your Jars: Use small glass jars or cups - 4 to 6 oz jars work perfectly for individual portions.
Start with Crunch: Add a spoonful of homemade granola to the bottom of each jar. This forms the base and gives a nice crunch.
Add Creaminess: Spoon in a layer of plant-based yogurt over the granola. Smooth it down gently with the back of a spoon.
Sweeten it Up: Swirl in a teaspoon of strawberry jam or a drizzle of silan for a touch of natural sweetness.
Fruit Burst: Sprinkle on a layer of fresh chopped fruit. This adds color, freshness, and natural juiciness.
Crunchy Extras: Add a sprinkle of caramelized pecans.
Top with vegan meringue crumble for extra texture and flavor - but be sure to do so close to serving, as the meringue gets soggy and 'melts' around moisture.
Repeat or Top It Off: If using larger jars, repeat the layers for a more decadent jar.
Chill or Serve Immediately: These desserts can be enjoyed right away or chilled for up to 24 hours. Just add delicate toppings like meringue right before serving to maintain crunch.
Notes
For a gluten-free dessert: don't add granola to the jar.
For a soy-free dessert: make sure to use a soy-free yogurt, or don't add yogurt to the jar.
For a nut-free dessert: refrain from adding the pecans and granola to the jars.
For a breakfast version, skip the jam and drizzle a bit of maple syrup with extra fruit.
To make ahead, bake the meringue and granola and make the jam even days in advance, and keep the elements separate until serving time to prevent sogginess and maintain maximum freshness.