Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year, filled with warmth, laughter, and, of course, incredible food! And what better way to celebrate than with adorable mini pies? These delightful little treats are perfect for sharing and add a festive touch to your holiday table. Imagine the joy on your family and friends’ faces as they bite into their own personal pie, filled with that classic pumpkin flavor we all adore. Plus, mini pies are super easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time, giving you more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones. Trust me, once you try these mini pies for Thanksgiving, they’ll become a cherished tradition in your home!
Ingredients for Mini Pies Thanksgiving
Getting ready to whip up these delicious mini pies? Here’s everything you’ll need to make them absolutely perfect:
- 1 package of pie crusts: You can use store-bought or homemade—either way, they create a flaky, buttery base for your pies.
- 2 cups of pumpkin puree: This creamy goodness is the heart of our mini pies. Make sure you’re using pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling for the best flavor.
- 1 cup of sugar: This will sweeten up the filling beautifully. You can adjust it to your taste if you like it a bit less sweet!
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon: Ah, the aroma of cinnamon! It brings that warm, cozy feel to the pies.
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg: A little nutmeg goes a long way in adding depth to your pumpkin filling!
- 1/2 teaspoon of ginger: For a subtle zing that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
- 4 eggs: These help bind everything together and give your filling that lovely custard-like consistency.
- 1 cup of evaporated milk: This adds richness and creaminess to our filling, making it absolutely divine.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re well on your way to baking up a storm this Thanksgiving! Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
How to Prepare Mini Pies Thanksgiving
Alright, let’s dive into the delightful process of making these mini pies! Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds, and I promise the results are well worth it!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for getting that perfect golden crust!
- Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using store-bought, just unroll them and roll a little to smooth it out.
- Cut out small circles from the rolled dough. I usually aim for about 4 inches in diameter—just the right size for your mini pie tins!
- Place the crusts gently into the mini pie tin. Make sure to press them down lightly so they fit snugly. This will keep your filling from spilling over.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, eggs, and evaporated milk. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. It should smell amazing!
- Pour the filling evenly into each pie crust, filling them about 3/4 full. This way, they’ll have room to puff up a bit while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll love the smell wafting through your kitchen!
- Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps them firm up just a bit more.
Once they’re cool, you can dig in or store them for later! These mini pies are a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving feast, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These mini pies are incredibly quick to prepare, letting you spend more time enjoying the festivities with your loved ones.
- The flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg create a warm, comforting taste that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
- Individual portions make them ideal for sharing, and everyone gets their own personal pie—how fun is that?
- They look so cute on a dessert table, adding a festive touch that’ll impress your guests.
- With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a recipe anyone can master, even if you’re new to baking!
Tips for Success
To make sure your mini pies turn out absolutely perfect, here are a few pro tips that I swear by:
- Prevent soggy crusts: Blind bake the crusts for about 5-7 minutes before adding the filling. This helps them stay crisp and golden!
- Tweak the spices: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your taste. If you love cinnamon, add a bit more! Want a kick? A pinch of clove works wonders.
- Use cold ingredients: Make sure your pie crusts and evaporated milk are cold—this helps create a flakier crust.
- Check for doneness: Keep an eye on the pies as they bake; if the tops are firm and slightly puffed, they’re ready!
- Let them cool: Allow the mini pies to cool completely before serving. This helps the filling set perfectly!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress with your mini pies this Thanksgiving! Enjoy every bite!
Variations for Mini Pies Thanksgiving
One of the best things about these mini pies is how versatile they are! If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some fun variations to try:
- Apple Filling: Swap out the pumpkin for a delicious apple filling. Just slice up some tart apples, toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of lemon juice, and fill your crusts!
- Pecan Pie: For a nutty twist, mix together pecans, brown sugar, and a splash of bourbon for a decadent filling. It’s a Southern classic!
- Chocolate Pumpkin: Add some melted chocolate to the pumpkin filling for a rich, chocolaty version that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Different Crusts: Try using graham cracker crumbs or ginger snap cookies for a unique crust flavor that pairs beautifully with the fillings!
- Sweet Potato: Instead of pumpkin, use sweet potato puree for a slightly different yet equally delicious flavor. Just season it the same way!
These variations can elevate your Thanksgiving dessert table and keep things exciting. Have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your mini pies, storing them properly is key to keeping them delicious for later! Allow the pies to cool completely, then gently place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—perfect for those post-Thanksgiving cravings!
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the mini pies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through. You can also pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, but I love the oven method for keeping that crust nice and crisp. Enjoy your little pumpkin treasures again!
Nutritional Information for Mini Pies Thanksgiving
These mini pies are not just delightful in taste but also fairly reasonable in terms of nutrition! Each mini pie has approximately 150 calories, with about 5 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein. They contain roughly 22 grams of carbohydrates, including 10 grams of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy indulging in these treats without too much guilt this Thanksgiving!
FAQ About Mini Pies Thanksgiving
Got questions about making these delightful mini pies for Thanksgiving? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my answers to help you out:
Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely! While pumpkin is a classic, feel free to experiment with other fillings like apple, pecan, or even chocolate. Just make sure they have a similar consistency for the best results.
How do I know when they’re done?
You’ll know your mini pies are ready when the filling is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. They should have a nice golden color on top!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mini pies a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just warm them up before serving for that fresh-baked flavor!
What do I do if my crusts are too soggy?
If your crusts turn out soggy, consider blind baking them for a few minutes before adding the filling next time. This helps them stay nice and crisp!
Are these mini pies suitable for freezing?
Definitely! You can freeze the mini pies before or after baking. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.
I hope these tips make your Thanksgiving mini pie experience even more enjoyable! Happy baking!
Print
Mini Pies Thanksgiving: 7 Irresistible Treats to Cherish
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious mini pies perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 package of pie crusts
- 2 cups of pumpkin puree
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of ginger
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup of evaporated milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the pie crusts and cut into small circles.
- Place the crusts in a mini pie tin.
- In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, spices, eggs, and evaporated milk.
- Pour the filling into the pie crusts.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Adjust spices to taste.
- Serve with whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: mini pies thanksgiving
