Oh my goodness, let me tell you about mini cherry cream cheese pies! They’re these delightful little treats that are creamy, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying. I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering; the moment I pulled them out of the oven, the smell of buttery crust and sweet cherries filled the air, and my family couldn’t resist diving in! These pies are so simple to prepare, too—just a few ingredients and a muffin tin, and you’re on your way to dessert heaven. Trust me, once you taste that buttery crust paired with the creamy filling and the luscious cherry topping, you’ll be hooked! They’re perfect for any occasion or just a sweet pick-me-up at home.
Ingredients
To make these scrumptious mini cherry cream cheese pies, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that come together beautifully. First up, grab a package of cream cheese (8 oz) — make sure it’s softened for that smooth, creamy filling we all love. Next, you’ll need 1/2 cup of sugar to sweeten things up just right. Don’t forget the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract; it adds that lovely hint of flavor that makes everything better! For the crust, a package of pie crusts (usually contains 2) will do the trick — just roll it out and cut it into circles. Finally, a can of cherry pie filling (21 oz) will top it all off with a burst of fruity goodness. Yum!
How to Prepare Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies
Getting these mini cherry cream cheese pies ready is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love every moment of it! Let’s dive into the step-by-step process so you can whip up these delicious bites in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your pies to bake evenly and get that lovely golden color.
- While the oven is heating, grab a mixing bowl and blend the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract together. You want this to be smooth and creamy, so don’t be shy with the mixer—about 2-3 minutes should do it!
- Now, let’s roll out the pie crust. Unroll it on a clean surface and use a round cutter to cut out circles—about 3 inches in diameter works great. If you don’t have a cutter, a small bowl works too!
- Next, take your muffin tin and place each crust circle into the cups, pressing them down gently to form little cups. This is where your creamy filling will go!
- Now comes the fun part—spoon that luscious cream cheese mixture into each crust, filling them about 2/3 full. Don’t overfill; you want them to rise a bit without spilling over!
- Pop those mini pies into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on the edges. Keep an eye on them towards the end; you don’t want them to overbake!
- Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool completely in the tin. After they’ve cooled, top each one with your cherry pie filling. Oh, the color and flavor combination is just stunning!
And there you have it! These mini cherry cream cheese pies are ready to be devoured. Enjoy every creamy, cherry-filled bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These mini cherry cream cheese pies come together in just about 35 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests!
- Deliciously Creamy: The combination of cream cheese and sweet cherry topping creates a rich, satisfying dessert that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a cozy night at home, these mini pies fit right in.
- Fun to Customize: You can switch up the fruit topping or even add spices to the cream cheese filling for a unique twist each time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a bite-sized treat, and these little guys are sure to be a hit with friends and family!
Tips for Success
To ensure your mini cherry cream cheese pies turn out perfectly, here are a few tried-and-true tips from my kitchen to yours! First, make sure your cream cheese is softened; this helps achieve that dreamy, smooth filling. If it’s too cold, you might end up with lumps, and nobody wants that! Second, be careful not to overfill the crusts; leaving some space allows for a little rising without any overflow. Also, keep an eye on the baking time—every oven is different! If they start to brown too quickly, you can cover them loosely with foil. Lastly, let them cool completely before adding the cherry topping—it’ll keep the filling nice and creamy. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying mini cherry cream cheese pies, it’s good to know what you’re getting into! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. Typically, one pie contains about 180 calories, with roughly 9g of fat, 2g of protein, and 22g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find around 10g of sugar and 150mg of sodium per serving. While these mini treats are indulgent, they can definitely be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. So, go ahead and savor each creamy, cherry-filled bite without too much worry!
FAQ about Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies
Got questions about these delightful mini cherry cream cheese pies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get from fellow bakers:
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries are a great option if you want to elevate the flavor. Just pit and slice them, then mix with a little sugar to sweeten.
Can I make these pies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the crust and filling ahead of time, then assemble and bake them right before serving. Just top with cherry filling when you’re ready to serve!
What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
No problem! You can use mini tart pans or even a regular pie dish if you want to make a larger version. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover mini pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed chilled!
Can I freeze these mini pies?
Yes! Freeze them before adding the cherry topping. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and they’ll keep for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before serving!
Serving Suggestions
These mini cherry cream cheese pies are delightful on their own, but let’s take it up a notch! For a truly memorable dessert experience, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creaminess really complements the tart cherry topping beautifully! You could also pair them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel for an extra indulgent touch—yum! If you’re hosting a gathering, why not create a mini dessert platter? Add some fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, alongside these pies for a pop of color and freshness. Trust me, everyone will love this sweet spread!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup or Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta.
[tasty-recipe id=”36915″]
