Welcome to my mini cherry pie adventure! Trust me, these little gems are a delightful treat that you can whip up in no time. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a scrumptious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy night in, or a picnic in the park. The best part? They’re just the right size for a sweet indulgence without going overboard. I love how the tartness of the cherries combines beautifully with the flaky crust, creating the ultimate bite-sized dessert. You’ll want to keep this mini cherry pie recipe close at hand because everyone will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup of fresh cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Mix
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because it ensures your mini cherry pies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. While that oven is warming up, grab a mixing bowl and toss in your pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together gently, making sure those cherries are well-coated. The sugar will help draw out the juices, creating a deliciously sweet filling. Trust me, the smell alone is going to make you drool!
Prepare the Crust
Now, let’s talk about the crust! Roll out your pre-made pie crust on a floured surface until it’s nice and thin. Using a round cutter (or even a glass), cut out circles that are about 3-4 inches in diameter. You’ll need enough circles to fit into your mini muffin tin. I like to press the circles gently into the muffin tin, creating little cups. Don’t stress if they aren’t perfect; they just need to hold all that cherry goodness!
Assemble the Pies
Time to fill them up! Spoon the cherry mixture into each crust, being careful not to overfill—about 1 tablespoon should do the trick. Then, take another circle of crust and place it on top of the filled cups. Pinch the edges together to seal them up tight. This is where you can get creative! Use a fork to crimp the edges or just use your fingers. Don’t forget to brush the tops with the beaten egg; it’ll give your pies that beautiful golden finish when they bake!
Bake and Cool
Pop those mini cherry pies into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until you see them turning a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them—nothing worse than burnt pies! Once they’re done, let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is crucial; they’ll firm up a bit and be easier to handle. But I won’t blame you if you sneak one while they’re still warm—just be careful, that cherry filling will be hot!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly portioned for a quick sweet fix—no need to slice a whole pie!
- Deliciously sweet and tart cherry filling that bursts with flavor in every bite.
- Super easy to make with just a handful of ingredients—ideal for beginner bakers!
- Great for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual get-togethers.
- Versatile—swap out cherries for your favorite fruits like blueberries or peaches!
- Fun to make with kids—let them help with filling and sealing the pies.
- Perfectly portable, so you can take them to picnics or potlucks without a fuss.
- They freeze well, making them a great make-ahead dessert option.
- Looks adorable on any dessert table—who can resist mini pies?
Tips for Success
To ensure your mini cherry pies turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips that I’ve learned from my own kitchen adventures!
- Cherry Sweetness: Depending on the type of cherries you use, you might want to adjust the sugar. If you’re using super sweet cherries, cut back on the sugar a bit. But if they’re tart, don’t be shy—add a little extra for that perfect balance!
- Crust Handling: When rolling out your pie crust, keep your work surface floured to prevent sticking. If it feels too soft or warm, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up. Trust me, it’ll make handling so much easier!
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pack that cherry filling in, but remember, a tablespoon per pie is just right! Overfilling can lead to messy spills and soggy bottoms, and we definitely want to avoid that!
- Egg Wash Magic: Brushing the tops with the beaten egg not only gives your pies that gorgeous golden color but also helps them develop a nice, flaky texture. So don’t skip this step!
- Cooling Time: Let your mini pies cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up nicely. Plus, they’re easier to handle when they’re not scalding hot!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to get creative! Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cherry filling for an extra flavor kick. Or mix in a tablespoon of almond extract for a delightful twist!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to mini cherry pie perfection! Enjoy the process and don’t forget to taste along the way—it’s all part of the fun!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these delightful mini cherry pies, it’s always nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s the estimated nutritional information per mini pie, so you can indulge a little more mindfully:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, with all that delicious cherry goodness, a little treat now and then is totally worth it! Enjoy every bite with a smile!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen cherries for the mini cherry pie?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work just as well as fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess liquid in your filling.
How can I make these mini cherry pies ahead of time?
You can prepare the mini cherry pies in advance! Assemble them and place them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. You might need to add a minute or two to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the pre-made pie crust?
If you prefer homemade, you can use your favorite pie crust recipe! Alternatively, puff pastry or biscuit dough can be a fun twist for a flaky, buttery crust.
How do I store leftover mini cherry pies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have a lot left, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. But I doubt they’ll last that long—they’re just too delicious!
Can I make these mini cherry pies gluten-free?
Definitely! Just opt for a gluten-free pie crust to enjoy this dessert without the gluten. They’ll be just as tasty!
What’s the best way to reheat mini cherry pies?
If you want to enjoy them warm, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will help them regain their crispiness without getting soggy.
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or even a mix of berries. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your mini cherry pies, you might have a few leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To keep them tasting fresh and delicious, store any uneaten pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them a bit longer, pop them in the fridge, where they can last for about a week. Just make sure they’re sealed well to prevent drying out!
Now, when it comes to reheating, you’ll want to avoid the microwave if possible because that can make the crust a bit soggy. Instead, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the mini pies on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5-10 minutes, or until they’re warm and the crust is nice and crisp again. Trust me, there’s nothing like that warm, flaky crust with a burst of cherry filling! Enjoy every bite as if they were just baked!
Print
Mini Cherry Pie Magic: 7 Reasons You’ll Crave This Treat
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy mini cherry pie recipe perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of fresh cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla.
- Roll out the pie crust and cut into small circles.
- Place the crust circles in a mini muffin tin.
- Fill each crust with the cherry mixture.
- Cover with another crust circle and seal edges.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use frozen cherries if fresh ones are not available.
- Adjust sugar based on the sweetness of cherries.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: mini cherry pie, dessert, baking
