If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that combines convenience and flavor, mini cherry pies are the perfect solution. These bite-sized treats are not only adorable but also packed with sweet, tart cherry filling that will leave your taste buds dancing. Ideal for gatherings or simply as a cozy evening snack, mini cherry pies allow you to indulge without the guilt of a full-sized pie. With their flaky crust and rich filling, they offer a wonderful balance of textures in every bite. blueberry muffin cookies dark chocolate cherry cookies Plus, they can be made in under an hour, making them a quick and satisfying option whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself. The best part is that they can be enjoyed warm or cold, making them versatile for any occasion. Dive into this recipe to discover how easy it is to create these charming little desserts that bring smiles all around.
Why You’ll Love This Mini Cherry Pies
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks For more inspiration, check out this Eggplant Rollatini recipe recipe.
- Perfect Portions: These mini pies are portion-controlled, making them easy to serve at parties or keep for yourself without overindulging cinnamon roll muffins.
- Customizable Flavors: Feel free to switch up the filling with other fruits or spices to suit your taste preferences
Ingredients for Mini Cherry Pies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cherry Pie Filling: Use either homemade or store-bought cherry pie filling; fresh cherries can also be used for a more natural taste
- Puff Pastry Sheets: Thaw these in advance; they create a light and flaky crust that’s easy to work with
- Sugar: Granulated sugar enhances the sweetness of the cherry filling; adjust to your taste
- Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile of the pies
- Egg Wash: An egg mixed with water creates a golden-brown finish on the crust when baked
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Mini Cherry Pies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the pastry and filling.
Step 2: Prepare Puff Pastry
Roll out thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut circles using a cookie cutter or glass that are approximately four inches in diameter.
Step 3: Fill with Cherry Mixture
Place about one tablespoon of cherry pie filling in the center of each pastry circle. Be careful not to overfill.
Step 4: Seal Your Pies
Fold the pastry circles in half over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal tightly.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together an egg and water. Brush this mixture over each mini pie for that perfect golden finish.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Transfer the mini pies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown and puffed up.
Transfer to plates and enjoy warm or at room temperature as a delightful dessert.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Chill Your Dough: Keep your puff pastry chilled until ready to use for better flakiness
- Experiment with Fillings: Try using different fruit fillings like blueberries or apples for variety
- Garnish Wisely: Dust powdered sugar on top before serving for an elegant touch
How to Serve Mini Cherry Pies
This Mini Cherry Pies is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the tart cherry filling.
- Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping that adds sweetness, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
- Coffee or Tea: The warm flavors of coffee or tea complement the sweetness of the pies perfectly.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the pie crust and filling a day in advance. Store the pie crust wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to two days. The cherry filling can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Storing: Leftover Mini Cherry Pies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to one week or freeze them for up to three months.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method helps maintain their flaky texture.
Suggestions for Mini Cherry Pies:
Avoid Overfilling the Pies
When making mini cherry pies, it’s crucial to avoid overfilling them with cherry filling. Too much filling can lead to messy pies that overflow during baking. This not only creates a mess in your oven but also impacts the texture and flavor of the crust. Aim for a balanced filling that complements the crust without spilling out. A good rule of thumb is to fill each pie shell about two-thirds full, allowing enough space for the cherries to bubble up without overflowing.
Use Fresh Cherries When Possible
Using fresh cherries can elevate your mini cherry pies significantly. While frozen cherries are convenient, they often contain more moisture, which can result in a soggy crust. If you opt for fresh cherries, be sure to wash and pit them thoroughly before use. This step ensures that your pies have a vibrant flavor and appealing texture. If fresh cherries aren’t available, consider using high-quality canned cherries with minimal added sugars.
Choose the Right Crust
The crust is just as important as the filling when it comes to mini cherry pies. Opt for a flaky pie crust that complements the sweet and tart flavors of the cherries. Homemade pie crusts usually yield better results than store-bought options, as they allow you to control the ingredients and thickness. If you’re short on time, look for high-quality pre-made dough that has minimal preservatives and additives.
Bake at an Appropriate Temperature
Baking mini cherry pies at an appropriate temperature ensures they cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown color. A good starting point is 375°F (190°C). Bake until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles gently through the vents. If you notice excessive browning on top while baking, cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the insides to cook fully.
FAQs:
What is the best way to store mini cherry pies?
To store mini cherry pies properly, first allow them to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to absorb any excess moisture. You can refrigerate these pies for up to four days or freeze them for longer storage. If freezing, wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn.
Can I use different fruits for mini pies?
Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on mini cherry pies, you can easily substitute other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Each fruit brings its unique flavor profile and sweetness levels; therefore, you might want to adjust sugar accordingly based on how sweet your chosen fruit is. cranberry stuffed chicken Combining different fruits can also create delightful flavor blends that make your mini pies even more exciting.
How do I prevent my pie crust from becoming soggy?
To prevent soggy pie crusts in your mini cherry pies, consider several techniques: pre-bake your crust (blind baking) before adding the filling; this helps create a barrier against moisture. Additionally, ensure that your fruit filling isn’t too watery—drain any excess liquid from canned or frozen fruits before use. You might also sprinkle a thin layer of cornstarch or flour on the bottom of your crust before adding filling; this helps absorb excess moisture during baking.
Can I make mini cherry pies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare mini cherry pies ahead of time by assembling them without baking. Place unbaked pies in airtight containers or cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two days before baking them directly from the fridge when you’re ready to serve. Alternatively, you can bake them in advance and reheat them in an oven before serving to restore their delicious flakiness. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake recipe.
Conclusion for Mini Cherry Pies:
In summary, creating delightful mini cherry pies involves careful attention to various elements such as choosing quality ingredients and avoiding common pitfalls like overfilling and improper crust preparation. By using fresh or well-drained cherries alongside a flaky homemade pie crust, you’ll achieve remarkable results every time you bake these treats. Remember to bake at an appropriate temperature while keeping an eye on doneness for optimal outcomes! Whether enjoyed warm or cold, these charming desserts are sure to impress friends and family alike!
Mini Cherry Pies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 mini pies 1x
Description
Mini Cherry Pies are delightful bite-sized desserts that perfectly combine sweet and tart cherry filling with a flaky, golden crust. These charming treats are easy to make and quick to bake, making them an ideal choice for gatherings or cozy nights in. Enjoy them warm or cold, and feel free to customize the fillings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 package (17.3 oz) puff pastry sheets (2 sheets)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out thawed puff pastry on a floured surface; cut into 4-inch circles.
- Place 1 tbsp cherry filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold pastries in half, crimping edges to seal.
- Brush tops with egg wash (egg mixed with water).
- Bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie (50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
