Mini Cherry Pies Recipes

Mini cherry pies are smaller versions of traditional cherry pies. They feature a filling made from fresh or canned cherries, sugar, and spices baked inside a slight pie crust.

These tiny treats are often served in muffin tins or shaped into small hand pies, making them portable and perfect for sharing. They provide all the comfort of a full-sized cherry pie, but with the added convenience of a single serving.

Why You’ll Love Mini Cherry Pies

Mini cherry pies are a delightful treat that can brighten up any day. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:

Perfectly Bite-Sized

No need to cut a slice! These mini pies are the right size for a quick snack. Each bite is flavorful, making it easy to enjoy without the mess.

Sweet and Tart Balance

The cherry filling offers a sweet yet tart taste that’s both refreshing and satisfying. The fruit’s natural flavors shine through, making every bite delicious.

Flaky, Buttery Crust

The crust is light, flaky, and buttery, perfectly contrasting with the juicy filling. It adds texture and taste that will make you crave more.

Ingredients for Mini Cherry Pies

Making delicious mini cherry pies requires a few simple ingredients that come together for a perfect treat. Here’s a list of what you need:

• Cherry Pie Filling: This is the star of the mini pies. For convenience, you can use homemade or store-bought cherry filling. Mix fresh or frozen cherries with sugar and cornstarch to create your filling.
• Pie Dough: A buttery, flaky pie crust is the foundation of your mini pies. You can make your dough from scratch or buy pre-made dough from the store to save time.
• Granulated Sugar: The sugar sweetens the cherry filling, balancing the tartness of the cherries.
• Cornstarch thickens the cherry filling, giving it the right texture and helping it stay in place inside the crust.
• Lemon Juice: A touch of lemon juice brightens the cherries’ flavor and adds a bit of zing to the filling.
• Butter: Small cubes of butter add richness and flavor to the pies. It also helps the filling cook perfectly and stay creamy.
• Egg: When brushed on top of the dough, an egg creates a shiny, golden crust, giving the pies a beautiful, appetizing finish.
• Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness of the sugar and enhances the overall flavor of the pies.

How to Make Mini Cherry Pies

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for these irresistible mini cherry pies:

• 1 can (15 oz) of cherry pie filling (or 2 cups of fresh cherries, pitted and chopped)
• 1 package (14 oz) of refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough)
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (if using fresh cherries)
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of butter (cut into small pieces)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• A pinch of salt

Directions

Making Mini Cherry Pies is simple! Here’s how you can prepare these cute, tasty treats:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the dough by rolling out the pie crusts on a floured surface. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles, large enough to fit your muffin tin or pie mold.
3. Prepare the filling: If you’re using fresh cherries, combine them with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture thickens. If using canned pie filling, you can skip this step.
4. Assemble the pies: Place each dough circle in the muffin tin, pressing down gently to fit. Spoon the cherry filling into each crust, almost to the top.
5. Add butter: Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
6. Top with another dough circle: Place another dough circle over the filling. Use a fork to crimp the edges of the pies together.
7. Make the egg wash: Beat the egg and brush it over each mini pie to give it a golden finish.
8. Bake: Place the pies in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
9. Cool: Let the mini pies cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Mini Cherry Pies Variation

There are many ways to change the basic mini cherry pie recipe to make it your own. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

• Crispy Crust: Instead of a traditional pie crust, try a puff pastry for an extra flaky and crispy texture. It adds a nice contrast to the juicy cherry filling.
• Lattice Topping: Top your mini pies with a lattice crust for a more classic look. This lets the filling peek through while giving them a beautiful finish.
• Cherry-Almond Flavor: For a unique twist, add a splash of almond extract to the cherry filling. The almond flavor complements cherries perfectly.
• Mixed Berry Mini Pies: Combine cherries with other berries, like blueberries or raspberries, for a fruity mix. It adds layers of flavor and color to your pies.

How to Serve Mini Cherry Pies

Serving mini cherry pies is simple, but there are a few ideas to make them even more enjoyable:

Serve Warm with Ice Cream: Mini cherry pies are delicious when served warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The ice cream melts into the pie, creating a rich, sweet contrast.

As a Party Treat: Mini pies are perfect for parties. They’re easy to serve and eat; everyone can enjoy their little pie.

Garnish with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar over the top can make them look even more tempting. You can also add a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.

Storage Tips

To keep your mini cherry pies fresh, follow these simple storage tips:

Room Temperature: If you plan to eat them within a couple of days, you can store your mini cherry pies at room temperature in an airtight container. Just make sure they cool completely before storing.

Refrigeration: For extended storage, keep the pies in the fridge. Please place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic. They’ll stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days.

Freezing: Freezing is an excellent option for storing mini cherry pies for an extended period. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in the oven or microwave.

FAQs About Mini Cherry Pies