There’s something magical about the first bite of a warm mini cherry pie, where the sweet-tart cherries burst forth like confetti at a surprise party. The flaky crust cradles this delightful filling so lovingly that you can’t help but let out an involuntary “Mmm” as you dive into it. If you’ve ever wondered why people get excited about dessert, let me introduce you to these mini cherry pies that are basically happiness wrapped in pastry.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen cherries for mini cherry pies?
- How do I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?
- What’s the best way to serve mini cherry pies?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Picture this: it’s a sunny afternoon and you’re surrounded by family and friends. You decide to whip up a batch of these charming little treats. With every pie you pull from the oven, laughter fills the air as everyone eagerly awaits their turn to indulge. That’s the kind of joy these mini cherry pies bring to any occasion!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and is perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.
- Each bite bursts with flavor from ripe cherries that meld perfectly with the buttery crust.
- Visually stunning, these miniature pies can be made ahead of time and served at parties or cozy gatherings.
- They also allow for creative fillings; switch up the fruit according to your preference!
My family still talks about the time I brought these mini cherry pies to a picnic—everyone went back for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious mini cherry pies:
- Fresh Cherries: Look for ripe, juicy cherries as they provide the best flavor for your filling.
- Granulated Sugar: This will sweeten your filling just right; adjust according to taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating that perfect flaky crust; sift before using.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness in your pie crust.
- Pie Crust (store-bought or homemade): Either works great; just make sure it’s chilled before use.
- Lemon Juice: A splash brightens up the flavor of the cherries wonderfully.
- Cinnamon: Just a pinch adds warmth and depth to your filling without overpowering it.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Crust: To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your pie crust on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8-inch thick. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter or glass—these will be your pie bases.
Make Your Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine pitted cherries with sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon until well-coated. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare your crust.
Assemble the Mini Pies: Place each dough circle into a greased muffin tin cavity. Spoon your cherry mixture into each one—fill generously but don’t overflow!
Cut small circles from remaining dough to create lids for your mini pies. Place them on top of each filled base and seal edges by crimping with a fork.
Bake Away: Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. The aroma will waft through your house like an inviting hug!
Cool Down: Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack—if you can resist diving in right away! Trust me; they taste even better after resting.
Now you have some scrumptious mini cherry pies ready to impress friends and family! Serve them warm with vanilla ice cream or simply enjoy them on their own—they’re irresistible either way!
You Must Know
- Mini cherry pies are a delightful treat that brings nostalgia and sweetness to any occasion.
- Their flaky crust and sweet, tart filling create a perfect harmony of flavors.
- Plus, they’re portable, making them ideal for picnics or parties!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust first so it has time to chill. While it chills, pit and prep your cherries. Once everything is ready, roll out the dough, fill with cherries, and bake until golden brown for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cherries for berries or apples if desired. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor. A drizzle of icing on top also adds a sweet finishing touch.
Storing & Reheating
Store mini cherry pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, use fresh cherries when possible; frozen will work too but may be watery.
- Make sure your dough is well-chilled before rolling it out for easier handling.
- Lastly, remember not to overfill the pies to prevent overflowing during baking.
Cooking mini cherry pies always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone would eagerly await their turn to dig in. The laughter and joy shared around those warm treats created unforgettable memories that I cherish dearly.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries for mini cherry pies?
Yes, frozen cherries can be used but ensure they are thawed and drained well.
How do I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?
Pre-bake the crust slightly before adding filling to help avoid sogginess.
What’s the best way to serve mini cherry pies?
Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Mini Cherry Pies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 mini pies 1x
Description
Mini Cherry Pies are delightful bite-sized desserts featuring a flaky crust filled with sweet-tart cherries. Ideal for gatherings or cozy nights, these treats will impress every time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pie crust on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick and cut circles for the base.
- In a bowl, mix cherries with sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon; let sit for 10 minutes.
- Place dough circles into greased muffin tins and fill with cherry mixture.
- Cut small circles from remaining dough for lids; place on top and seal edges by crimping.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie (50g)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
