The Sweet Spot: Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies Recipe

Sweet moments often start with unexpected delights like these mini cherry cream cheese pies that promise pure happiness in every bite.

Creamy textures mingle with bright fruit flavors, creating a dessert that feels both elegant and comforting.

Compact and charming, these miniature treats work perfectly for intimate gatherings or personal indulgence.

Smooth cream cheese provides a luxurious base that cradles sweet cherry goodness with sophisticated simplicity.

Each small pie delivers maximum satisfaction without overwhelming your palate or dessert plate.

Home bakers can craft these delectable morsels with minimal effort and maximum joy.

You’ll want to savor every delightful spoonful of these irresistible little treasures.

Why Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies Are So Delightful

• Savor Stress-Free Baking: No complicated techniques required, making these mini pies perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Create Party-Perfect Treats: Compact individual portions ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and celebrations where guests can easily grab and enjoy without messy cutting.
• Customize with Creativity: Swap cherry filling with other fruit preserves like blueberry or raspberry, allowing personal taste preferences and seasonal variations to shine through.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can transform simple components into delightful desserts that will impress family and friends with minimal kitchen time.

What Goes Into Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic crunchy foundation that provides a delightful texture for the mini pies.
• Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a rich, golden crust.

• Cream Cheese: The primary component that gives these mini pies their signature creamy and tangy character.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the filling set properly during baking.
• Sour Cream: Contributes to the smooth, rich texture and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.

• Cherry Pie Filling: A sweet and fruity layer that crowns these mini pies with a vibrant, classic finish.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs (Optional Garnish): Adds an extra crunch and textural contrast to the top of the pies.

How To Bake Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies With Ease

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab your muffin tin and line it with colorful cupcake liners. These little paper cups will make removing your mini pies a breeze. Preheat the oven to a cozy 350°F, getting ready for some baking magic.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Crust

Melt butter until smooth and golden. Mix it with graham cracker crumbs until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press this delectable base firmly into each cupcake liner, creating a solid foundation for your mini pies.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together. Whisk until the mixture becomes incredibly smooth and free of any pesky lumps. The goal is a silky, dreamy texture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Blend Egg Perfection

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This careful technique ensures a wonderfully creamy and consistent filling that will make your mini pies irresistibly light and fluffy.

Step 5: Enhance Flavor Profile

Fold in sour cream and vanilla extract. Blend everything until the mixture looks glossy and uniform. These ingredients will add depth and richness to your cheesecake bites.

Step 6: Fill and Prepare

Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker base. Fill each cup about two-thirds full, leaving just enough room for the filling to rise slightly during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the centers look set but still have a gentle jiggle when you shake the pan.

Step 8: Cool Down

Remove the mini pies from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. This process takes about 30 minutes and helps the pies set perfectly.

Step 9: Cherry Topping

Generously spoon cherry pie filling over each mini pie. Distribute the cherries evenly, creating a gorgeous ruby-red crown for your creamy treats.

Step 10: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the mini pies for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the texture to become wonderfully firm and decadent.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Bring out your chilled cherry cheesecake bites. For an extra crunch, sprinkle some additional graham cracker crumbs on top. Serve these mini delights and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Top Tips For Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies

• Select Fresh Ingredients: Use high-quality cream cheese at room temperature for smoother, lump-free filling and ripe, sweet cherries for maximum flavor intensity.
• Prevent Crust Crumbling: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into cupcake liners to create a stable, compact base that won't fall apart when serving.
• Avoid Overbaking: Watch mini pies carefully during baking, removing them when centers are slightly jiggly to maintain a creamy, soft texture without cracking.
• Control Moisture Levels: Drain cherry pie filling slightly before topping to prevent excess liquid from making the graham cracker crust soggy and losing its crisp texture.
• Optimize Chilling Time: Refrigerate mini pies for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and achieve a firmer, more refined dessert consistency.

Fun Twists On Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies

• Chocolate Cherry Blast: Replace graham cracker crust with crushed chocolate cookies and add dark chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture for an intense chocolate-cherry flavor combination.
• Almond Cherry Classic: Incorporate almond extract into the cream cheese filling and sprinkle toasted almond slivers on top for a nutty, sophisticated touch.
• Lemon Cherry Zinger: Add fresh lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture and top with a light lemon glaze to brighten the cherry's natural sweetness.
• No-Bake Cherry Dream: Skip baking by using a gelatin-stabilized cream cheese filling and topping with fresh cherry compote for a cool, refreshing dessert option.

Perfect Pairings With Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies

• Pair with Sweet Sparkling Wine: Choose a light, fruity prosecco or moscato that complements the cherry's sweetness and balances the rich cream cheese texture.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a small dollop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the mini pies to enhance the dessert's cool, smooth consistency.
• Match with Fresh Mint Tea: Brew a delicate mint tea that cuts through the richness and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet cherry cream cheese flavor.
• Combine with Almond Biscotti: Add a crunchy almond biscotti on the side to introduce a nutty contrast and provide a delightful textural element to the creamy mini pies.

How To Store Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies Properly

• Store mini cherry cream cheese pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
• Wrap individual pies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for up to 2 months, maintaining their creamy texture.
• Remove frozen pies from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight, ensuring they return to their original smooth consistency.
• Place parchment paper between pies when storing to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate cherry topping and graham cracker crust.

Quick Questions On Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies

• Can I use a different type of fruit filling?

Yes, you can substitute cherry pie filling with other options like blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry to suit your taste preferences.

• How do I prevent my mini pies from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the cream cheese batter and bake at the recommended temperature. Adding sour cream helps create a smoother, crack-resistant surface.

• Is it possible to make these mini pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these mini pies up to 2-3 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

• Can I freeze these mini cherry cream cheese pies?

Yes, these mini pies freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Irresistible Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Miniature miracles of sweetness, these cherry cream cheese pies dance with delightful layers of creamy indulgence and fruity charm. Guests will savor each delectable bite, experiencing a perfect balance of tangy cream cheese and luscious cherry filling that promises pure dessert pleasure.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

Dairy:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs

Sweeteners and Seasonings:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners for easy removal of mini pies.
2. Melt butter and combine with graham cracker crumbs, pressing the mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner to create a compact crust.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
4. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a silky texture.
5. Fold in sour cream and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture is uniform and glossy.
6. Gently pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker base, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
8. Remove from oven and allow mini pies to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes.
9. Once cooled, top each mini pie with a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling, distributing the cherries evenly.
10. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the pies to firm up and develop a richer flavor profile.
11. Serve chilled, garnishing with additional graham cracker crumbs if desired for extra texture.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture for the filling.
• Avoid overmixing the batter after adding eggs to prevent air bubbles that can cause cracking during baking.
• Use a light hand when pressing graham cracker crust to prevent a dense, hard bottom that can be difficult to eat.
• Substitute cherry pie filling with fresh berries or other fruit compotes for a personalized twist on the classic recipe.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg