I have a slight obsession with food in miniature form, and this only gets worse on the run-up to the festive season! When planning which nibbles to serve, and what types, ahead of an event, the question might pop up: can canapés be sweet?
The short answer is yes – they absolutely can. But before you go whipping up trays of mini desserts, it’s worth thinking carefully about how much of your menu should be sweet, and how to elevate them so they feel elegant and intentional, not just bite-sized versions of your usual puddings.
What Are Sweet Canapés?
Whilst uncommon, sweet canapés (also known as dessert canapés) are small bite-sized canapés that err more towards sweet than savoury. They’re most commonly miniature versions of classic desserts. Think chocolate tarts, mini cheesecakes, or chocolate truffles.
They’ve only gained popularity in recent years, with canapé caterers only just starting to add them to their canapé offerings – especially for cocktail parties, weddings, and grazing-style events where people love to sample a little of everything.
When Should You Serve Sweet Canapés?
If you’re hosting a formal dinner party, sweet canapés work best after the main meal – either in place of a plated dessert or afterwards with coffee and digestifs. This feels natural and signals to your guests that the meal is winding down.
That said, the rules change completely for drinks & nibbles parties, afternoon teas, or cocktail hours. If there’s no main course being served, you can absolutely include sweet canapés throughout the event. They pair beautifully with sparkling wines, espresso martinis, or even dessert cocktails!
What Should The Ratio Of Sweet To Savoury Canapés Be?
Even if you have a massive sweet tooth, canapés should predominantly remain savoury/salty as this aligns with people’s typical snacking preferences. If you’re serving your sweet canapés at a party, you want to be careful not to overload people with sugar early on, as this may cause crashes later on in the event!
A good balance is one sweet canapé for every six savoury options (1:6 ratio). If you’re serving them later in the evening or as part of a dessert grazing board, you can lean a little more heavily on the sweet side.
If you’d like to learn more about how many canapés you need to serve during a particular event, check out our helpful guide: How Many Canapés Should You Serve Per Person?
Sweet Canapés Ideas
Need a little inspiration? Here are some of our go-to sweet canapé ideas that are perfect for cocktail parties, grazing tables, or dessert platters:
- Brownie & Raspberry Bites
- Puff Pastry Fruit Tarts
- Chocolate Truffles
- Eton Mess Cups
- White Chocolate & Biscoff Truffles
- Cherry & Almond Tartlets
- Mini Cannolis
- Macarons
- Creme Brulee Spoons
- Mini Post of Homemade Flavoured Popcorn
- Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
- Churros Bites with Chocolate Dip
- Shortbread Stacks with Cream & Fruit
- Tiramisu Cups
- Mini Cheesecakes
Christmas Dessert Canapés Ideas
If you’re hosting a festive get-together or have been put in charge of canapés ahead of Christmas Day, here are a few of our go-to Christmas dessert canapés ideas:
- Mini Mince Pies
- Florentines
- Mincemeat Samosas
- Christmas Cake Truffles
- Rice Krispies Christmas Puddings
- Puff Pastry Stars
- Spiced Gingerbread Bites
- White Chocolate Cranberry Tarts
- Christmas Cake, Wensleydale, Honeycomb Skewers
How To Display & Serve Your Sweet Canapés
Presentation is everything – especially when it comes to miniature desserts. Don’t just pop them on a silver tray and call it a day! Get creative! If I’m hosting, I love to display sweet canapés on wooden boards, ceramic platters, or tiered stands to create height and visual interest. You can also:
- Use mini ramekins or shot glasses for creamy desserts like tiramisu or mousse
- Garnish with edible flowers, gold leaf, or fresh mint for colour
- Mix and match textures – crisp pastry, creamy fillings, and crunchy toppings always win
Hosting Advice From Savery Grazing
So, can canapés be sweet? Absolutely! They’re a fab addition to any canapés menu, and are more than welcome at a drinks & nibbles party, afternoon tea, or during a cocktail hour.
If you’re looking for more hosting advice, be sure to keep up to date with our blog. We regularly post recipes, themed hosting ideas, and everything in between. You can also find us on Instagram or Pinterest!
Jasmine Savery
Founder & DirectorHi! I'm Jasmine, and I launched Savery Grazing in 2022. I’ve always had a passion for food, with a particular love for how social it can be. Follow along as I share my favourite tips, tricks, and delicious recipes with you.
Hi! I'm Jasmine, and I launched Savery Grazing in 2022. I’ve always had a passion for food, with a particular love for how social it can be. Follow along as I share my favourite tips, tricks, and delicious recipes with you.