These Mini Cherry Pies are not only delicious but also the perfect way to showcase the vibrant flavor of cherries. The tender, buttery crust encases a sweet cherry filling, creating a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
Their small size makes them ideal for parties or gatherings, where everyone can grab one without the mess. The versatility of this dessert also allows you to customize it with different fruits or even a drizzle of chocolate for added flair. Whether you’re enjoying them with family, friends, or just as a treat to yourself, these Mini Cherry Pies are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
-
1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade crust if preferred)
-
2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
-
1/2 cup granulated sugar
-
1 tablespoon cornstarch
-
1 teaspoon lemon juice
-
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
-
1 tablespoon butter, diced
-
1 egg (for egg wash)
-
1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Directions:
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Roll out pie crusts on a floured surface and use a round cutter to create circles (about 4 inches in diameter). Set aside.
-
In a mixing bowl, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract. Stir gently to combine.
-
Place a spoonful of the cherry mixture onto the center of each pie crust circle. Top with a small piece of butter.
-
Fold the pie crust over the filling and pinch the edges to seal.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the pies with the egg wash.
-
Place pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
-
Let pies cool for a few minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 180 kcal per pie | Servings: 8 pies
Why You’ll Love Mini Cherry Pies
If you’re a fan of pie, these mini cherry pies are sure to win you over. The combination of a buttery, flaky pastry and the rich, tart cherry filling offers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. And because they’re mini-sized, they are a great option for parties, picnics, or family gatherings, where bite-sized portions are always appreciated. Whether you’re making these pies for a holiday, a weekend get-together, or simply for a weeknight dessert, they’re sure to impress your guests.
Another great thing about these mini pies is their flexibility. You can make the cherry filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to form the pies. This allows you to break up the prep time and make the process even easier. Whether you’re using store-bought puff pastry, homemade pie dough, or a combination of both, you’ll find that these mini pies come together with ease.
Making the Cherry Filling
The filling for these mini pies is as simple as it is delicious. Fresh cherries are combined with sugar, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a bit of vanilla to create a sweet and tangy mixture. A little cornstarch slurry is added to help thicken the filling, giving it that perfect jammy texture. If you’re lucky enough to have fresh cherries in season, be sure to use them, as the flavor is unmatched. However, if fresh cherries are out of season, frozen cherries or even a can of cherry pie filling can be used in place.
For an extra touch of sophistication, you can also add a splash of citrus liqueur or cherry liqueur to the filling, enhancing the flavor profile and giving it a little depth. The cherry filling can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the pies. This makes it easy to prepare the filling ahead of time and complete the rest of the process when you’re ready to bake.
Choosing Your Pastry: Pie Dough or Puff Pastry?
One of the most important decisions when making mini cherry pies is whether to use pie dough or puff pastry. Both options have their benefits, and it ultimately comes down to your preference for texture and flavor.
If you love a traditional pie crust that’s slightly crisp and tender, homemade or store-bought pie dough is the way to go. It offers a solid structure that holds up well to the juicy cherry filling and gives you that classic pie experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, flakier texture, puff pastry is an excellent choice. Puff pastry provides a delicate, airy crust that becomes golden and crisp when baked, creating a delightful contrast with the sweet cherry filling.
Both types of pastry work beautifully for these mini pies, and you can even make the choice based on what you have available or your personal taste preferences.
Forming the Mini Pies
Whether you’re using pie dough or puff pastry, the process of forming the mini pies is quite simple. For pie dough, you’ll roll out the dough and cut it into circles using a cookie cutter or the top of a jar. Then, you’ll spoon a small amount of the cherry filling into the center, fold the dough in half, and seal the edges with a fork. After brushing the pies with egg wash, they’re ready to bake.
When using puff pastry, you’ll cut the dough into rectangles, fill them with the cherry mixture, and seal them just like with pie dough. Puff pastry is particularly forgiving and easy to handle, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking for a more effortless approach to creating these mini pies.
Baking and Serving
Once the mini pies are formed, they should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the pastry hold its shape during baking and ensures a perfectly golden, crisp finish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the pies for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed.
After baking, let the pies cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy them on their own or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an added indulgence.
Storing and Freezing Mini Cherry Pies
Mini cherry pies can be stored at room temperature for up to two days, or they can be refrigerated for a longer shelf life. If you’d like to keep them for even longer, mini cherry pies can be frozen before baking. Simply assemble the pies and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to bake them, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
You can also freeze the filling in advance, which makes it easy to prepare the pies at a later time. When frozen, the pies will keep for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy them whenever the craving strikes.
Conclusion
Mini cherry pies are the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness, making them a beloved treat for any dessert lover. Their versatility allows you to use fresh, frozen, or canned cherries, and the option to use puff pastry or pie dough gives you plenty of room for experimentation. Whether you’re looking for a fun summer dessert or an easy treat to share with friends and family, mini cherry pies are the answer. The simplicity of the recipe, combined with the rich flavor of the cherry filling and flaky pastry, guarantees a dessert that everyone will love.
Next time cherry season rolls around, or even if you’re just craving a bite-sized dessert, be sure to try these mini cherry pies. Their charm lies not only in their taste but in their ability to bring joy to any gathering or occasion. So, go ahead—bake a batch of these mini cherry pies and savor the sweet, flaky goodness that comes with every bite.