Imagine the delightful burst of flavor that comes with biting into a miniature cherry pie, warm from the oven and perfectly sweet. In this article, you will discover a simple and irresistible recipe for mini cherry pies. With a buttery crust that cradles a luscious cherry filling, these adorable treats are sure to capture your heart and taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a bite-sized dessert, this recipe is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. So roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and get ready to create a batch of mini cherry pies that will leave everyone craving more.
Ingredients
Pie crust
To make these delicious mini cherry pies, you will need a pie crust. While you can certainly make your own from scratch, using store-bought pie crust will save you time and effort. Look for pre-made pie crusts at your local grocery store, typically found in the refrigerated or frozen section.
Cherry filling
The star ingredient of these mini cherry pies is, of course, the cherry filling. You can use either fresh or frozen cherries for this recipe. If using fresh cherries, make sure to pit them before using. If using frozen cherries, allow them to thaw before making the filling. The sweet and tart flavor of cherries makes these mini pies irresistibly delicious.
Egg wash
To give your mini cherry pies a beautiful golden brown color and a crispy exterior, you will need an egg wash. An egg wash is simply a mixture of beaten eggs and a small amount of water or milk. It adds a lovely shine and enhances the overall appearance of your pies.
Instructions
Prepare the pie crust
- If using store-bought pie crust, allow it to come to room temperature as per the package instructions.
- On a floured surface, gently roll out the pie crust to make it slightly thinner.
- Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the pie crust. These circles will serve as the base for your mini cherry pies.
- Gather the remaining pie crust scraps and re-roll them to cut out additional circles if needed.
Make the cherry filling
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the cherries and sugar. Stir well to coat the cherries evenly.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the cherry filling simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cherry filling cool completely before using.
Assemble the mini pies
- Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the pre-made pie crust package or to 375°F (190°C).
- Take each pie crust circle and place a spoonful of cherry filling in the center.
- Fold the sides of the pie crust over the filling, creating a small pocket or envelope.
- Use a fork to press the edges of the pie crust together, sealing the mini pie.
- Repeat this process with the remaining pie crust circles and cherry filling.
Bake the mini pies
- Place the assembled mini pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly brush the tops of the pies with the egg wash, which will give them a beautiful golden color.
- Bake the mini pies in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the mini pies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Tips
Use store-bought pie crust for convenience
Using store-bought pie crust will save you time and effort in making the crust from scratch. Look for ready-to-use pie crusts at your local grocery store, and follow the instructions on the package for best results.
Pitted fresh or frozen cherries can be used for the filling
Whether you prefer the convenience of frozen cherries or the juiciness of fresh ones, both can be used to make the cherry filling for these mini pies. In the case of fresh cherries, make sure to remove the pits before using them in the recipe.
Add a touch of almond extract for extra flavor
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a touch of almond extract to the cherry filling. Almond extract complements the taste of cherries beautifully and adds depth to the overall flavor profile of the mini pies.
Variations
Mixed Berry Mini Pies
If you’re looking to switch things up, you can easily make mixed berry mini pies instead of cherry ones. Simply replace the cherry filling with a mixture of your favorite berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Follow the same instructions for assembling and baking the pies.
Apple Cinnamon Mini Pies
For a comforting and classic flavor combination, try making apple cinnamon mini pies. Peel and slice some apples, toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Use this apple filling instead of cherry filling and follow the same instructions for assembling and baking.
Peach Cobbler Mini Pies
If you’re a fan of peaches, why not try making peach cobbler mini pies? Peel and slice fresh peaches, sprinkle them with sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. Use this peach filling in place of the cherry filling, and follow the same instructions for assembling and baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
These mini cherry pies are best enjoyed warm with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm, flaky pie crust and cool, velvety ice cream creates an irresistible contrast of textures and flavors.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving
For an elegant touch, dust your mini cherry pies with powdered sugar just before serving. This adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the visual appeal of the pies.
Pair with a dollop of whipped cream
Another delightful topping option is a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Its light and airy texture complements the richness of the mini pies, adding a touch of indulgence to each bite.
Storage
Store leftover pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator
If you find yourself with leftover mini cherry pies, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Proper storage will help keep the pies fresh and prevent them from drying out.
Reheat briefly in the oven before serving
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover mini cherry pies, simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes until warm. This will restore their flakiness and make them taste just as delicious as when they were freshly baked.
Freezing
Place unbaked mini pies on a baking sheet
If you’d like to freeze some of the mini cherry pies for later, place the unbaked pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching each other, so they don’t stick together during freezing.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container
Once the unbaked mini pies are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This will help protect them from freezer burn and maintain their quality for a longer period.
Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time
When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen mini cherry pies, there’s no need to thaw them first. Simply bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This allows the pies to thaw and cook through properly.
Recipe Yield
This recipe makes approximately 12 mini cherry pies. However, feel free to adjust the quantities according to your needs. You can easily double or halve the recipe to make more or fewer pies.
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes Baking time: 20 minutes
Difficulty Level
This mini cherry pies recipe is easy to follow, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced bakers. With simple instructions and readily available ingredients, you’ll have a batch of delightful mini pies in no time. Enjoy!
