I love entertaining all year, but when the sun is out the nights are warm and schedules go out the window… that’s my favorite. Having people over during the summer can be as easy as having a few friends over for a playdate or throwing a big dinner party. A lot of the time our schedules don’t allow for me to go ‘all out’ and put on a big formal table setting, sometimes I just have time for a few simple touches like a cute dessert display on a clean kitchen island! And since we ware talking about simple entertaining tips today, I’m sharing these Easy Mini Chocolate Cupcakes With Carmel filling!
If you are visiting from Lauren’s amazing space at Bless’er House, welcome! I am always so inspired by everything Lauren does.
Easy Mini Chocolate Cupcakes With Caramel Filling
Before I dive into this simple recipe I wanted to give you a tip for displaying desserts or even appetizers! Often times I don’t have enough tiered stands or maybe not what I want to use style wise, so instead I stack cake stands to create my own tiers! Often times I find that one cake stand just looks too flat, the extra height gives it just enough boost to make it look a little more elegant. 
Simple entertaining calls for simple recipes. These bite sized desserts are made from pre-made mixes you can buy in the store, saving you a ton of time and they still look like they are from scratch! I’m sharing all my favorite cake mixes and frostings today so you can find everything on your own!
How To Make These Mini Chocolate Cupcakes With Caramel Filling
Start by making your favorite chocolate chocolate cupcakes. I looooove this Betty Crocker Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Mix! It’s a staple at our house and I use it as a base for so many of my recipes (like these Double Chocolate Cookies ). I think bite size desserts are extra cute and also more convenient to eat at a party, so I used a mini muffin tin to whip these up!
Once they are cool, carve out a little spot for the filling! I actually used one of my kid’s plastic straws to do this as it was the perfect size.
This is my favorite caramel sauce! There is just something about it that makes it so much better than the rest. I’m guessing it’s the extra salt flavor but I’ll let you try for yourself :) (FYI this caramel sauce CONTAINS DAIRY, so my boys can’t have it. Just in case any of you are dairy free too!)
Spoon a little into each cupcake!
Ok so I had to share this with you all because I just discovered it this week. I’m always looking for dairy free frosting for my kiddos and this one just hit our stores! It’s coconut based, dairy free, gluten free and it tastes SOOOOOO good! It’s officially my go-to now! 
I added a nice amount of frosting, with a fresh raspberry for a garnish and ta-da! Super easy bite size dessert that you can use for an appetizer or casual snack after dinner.
SIMPLE SUMMER ENTERTAINING
PIN FOR LATER!
Now hop on over to Cedar Hill Farmhouse to see her gorgeous farmhouse outdoor table!
SEE MORE SUMMER ENTERTAINING TIPS
Monday’s posts:
Maison de Cinq | Town n Country Living
Celebrating Everyday Life | Maison de Pax | Zevy Joy
Tuesday’s posts:
Designthusiasm | Shabbyfufu
So Much Better With Age | On Sutton Place
Wednesday’s posts:
Cedar Hill Farmhouse | My Soulful Home | Cotton Stem
Bless’er House | Taryn Whiteaker
Thursday’s posts:
StoneGable | CitrineLiving | Life on Virginia Street
French Garden House | ZDesign at Home
About Taryn Whiteaker
Taryn Whiteaker is the voice of style behind TarynWhiteaker.com (formerly Design, Dining and Diapers) ! Taryn is a previous PR/Marketing professional who got back to her creative roots after becoming a mom and now shares her passion for home decor and design for the world to see. Taryn lives in the greater Seattle area with her husband and three kids and loves coffee, the outdoors, and exploring with her family.
These sound seriously delish!!