If you are looking for a delicious tropical dessert for your next celebration, you should definitely try this Pineapple Curd and Coconut Buttercream Mini Dessert. The tangy curd is balanced with the creamy coconut and is presented in the all-too-trendy mini-dessert form.

Want more mini-dessert ideas? Check out this mini raspberry cheesecake trifle.

Pineapple Curd and Coconut Buttercream Mini Dessert

Mini-desserts are all the rage, and I’m definitely into it. I was actually into it before it was trending. I want to try everything. Therefore, if there are a bunch of desserts at an event, I want to take a bite out of each one. Getting a round of appetizers to share with friends is my favorite way to dine.

I’m not the only one. I was responsible for desserts when I hosted my niece’s barn wedding shower. I made several desserts in a typical dessert size. What I didn’t anticipate was everyone wanting to try everything. I was so thankful we didn’t run out of desserts. After that experience, I realized that mini-desserts were the way to go.

When one of my sweet, former, youth-group girls was getting married this summer, it was all hands on deck to make it happen. I was in charge of coordinating and helping to make desserts to feed 400. In my mind, mini-desserts were the only answer. Here’s a video to show the spread (if you aren’t following yet on TikTok, I hope you will).

Another youth-group girl eloped this summer, and we were able to throw her a celebration. It was a Hawaiian-themed party because the newlyweds are off on their first adventure with the military to live in Hawaii. Again, it was all hands on deck, and I was in charge of making several mini-desserts. This tropical-inspired dessert was born to be a part of this party.

What sweet flavors say Hawaii more than pineapple and coconut?

What are the Components of this Pineapple Curd and Coconut Buttercream Mini Dessert?

Cake – This dessert is a layered dessert that goes well with two of my cake flavors: white velvet cake or my mild coconut cake. The cake you choose depends on the level of coconut flavor you prefer. What I am promoting in this recipe may also determine the route you go. The concept is to turn the leftover cake top you get from leveling your cake into a whole new mini-dessert concept, as shown in my video below.
Pineapple Curd – My pineapple curd has a sweet, tangy flavor, but it also has a nice, creamy richness to it. I think you will love it!
Coconut Buttercream – This silky smooth buttercream has a distinct coconut flavor, making it perfect for tropical-themed desserts. A hint of vanilla rounds out the flavor profile.

Video Tutorial: How to Compile this Pineapple Curd and Coconut Buttercream Mini Dessert

What Can I Make with Leftover Cake Scraps?

You have just made a cake. One of the first things you do is level off the top. So what do you do with that bonus layer of cake? As the video shows above, you don’t need to let them go to waste. Instead, save and freeze them for future mini-desserts.

After I level my cakes, I use a cookie cutter or the mini-serving cup itself to cut out the cake in the shape of my mini-dessert cups. Mini-Dessert cups come with a square, rectangular, or circular base. Here’s another circle option that looks like a mini-trifle dish.

I then take the newly cut cake pieces and place a flat layer of them in a gallon ziplock bag. I find I can get 2 or 3 stacks in a gallon ziplock, and I just separate each layer with unbleached parchment paper.

These cake top leftovers are now ready and convenient for you to use for future dessert needs, and I hope this delicious pineapple curd and coconut buttercream mini-dessert will visit the table and bellies at your next tropical-themed get together.

Here are a number of things to make with extra cake scraps:

layered mini-desserts
trifles like this one or this one
cake pops
ice cream topping
cake croutons

How Long Can the Cake Scraps be in the Freezer?

After filling a bag full, they are safe to stick in the freezer for up to 3 months. Freezing cake actually locks in the moisture, so I always freeze my cakes. Check out this post if you want to learn some of my top cake-making tips.

Pineapple Curd and Coconut Buttercream Mini-Dessert

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Dessert

Cuisine Baking

Servings 18 servings

Ingredients

1 recipe pineapple curd
1/2 recipe coconut buttercream
18 cut cake tops

Notes

Pineapple Curd: https://meaningfulmama.com/fast-and-easy-pineapple-curd-recipe.html

Coconut Buttercream: https://meaningfulmama.com/tasty-coconut-buttercream.html

White Velvet Cake: https://meaningfulmama.com/white-velvet-cake.html

Note: This is a unique way for me to write a dessert since it uses three of my other recipes. The concept is to be creative and avoid wastefulness by using the leftover cake tops in future dessert recipes.