Mini Cherry Pies Recipe

Quick & Joyful Mini Cherry Pies Recipe for Sweet Moments

Crafting delightful mini cherry pies brings pure joy to your kitchen adventure.

Sweet cherries nestled in buttery pastry create an irresistible dessert.

Compact and charming, these tiny treats promise to impress even the most discerning palate.

Homemade goodness shines through each carefully assembled miniature pie.

Little hands and big appetites will eagerly reach for these delectable morsels.

Small yet spectacular, these cherry pies deliver maximum flavor in bite-sized perfection.

You can’t resist the temptation of these adorable, ruby-red delights waiting to be savored.

What Makes Mini Cherry Pies a Sweet Classic

  • Craft Mini Masterpieces: Create adorable individual cherry pies that look like they came straight from a professional bakery, perfect for impressing friends and family.
  • Bake with Minimal Fuss: This recipe requires basic baking skills and simple ingredients, making it accessible for both novice and experienced home bakers.
  • Versatile Party Pleasers: These mini pies work wonderfully for summer gatherings, picnics, potlucks, and dessert tables, offering a portable and charming sweet treat that everyone can enjoy.
  • Customize with Creativity: Experiment with different fruit fillings, decorative pie top designs, and sugar sprinkles to make each batch unique and personalized to your taste preferences.

What You’ll Need for Mini Cherry Pie Filling

Pie Dough Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure for the delicate pie crust.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie dough.
  • Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers and adds rich flavor to the pie crust.
  • Cold Water: Helps bind the dough ingredients together without activating too much gluten.
Fruit Filling:
  • Fresh Cherries: Sweet and juicy fruit that forms the heart of the mini pies.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a syrupy filling.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry filling and prevents excess liquid.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor and adds a subtle tangy note.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, complementary flavor to the cherries.
Finishing Touches:
  • Egg, Water: Creates a golden, glossy egg wash for the pie tops.
  • Turbinado Sugar: Adds a sparkling, crunchy texture to the pie crust.

Bake These Mini Cherry Pies in No Time

Step 1: Whip Up the Dough Base

Mix flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Slice cold butter into tiny cubes and work it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture looks like chunky sand. The goal is creating a crumbly texture that will make your pie crust flaky and delicious.

Step 2: Knead and Chill the Dough

Pour cold water gradually into the flour mixture. Gently knead until the dough forms a smooth ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and park it in the refrigerator for half an hour. This resting time helps the gluten relax and prevents a tough crust.

Step 3: Prepare Luscious Cherry Filling

Pit and chop fresh cherries into small pieces. In a separate bowl, combine the cherries with:
  • Sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Lemon juice
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until cherries are completely coated with the sweet mixture.

Step 4: Preheat and Prep Baking Surface

Warm the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a muffin tin to ensure easy pie removal later.

Step 5: Roll and Shape Pie Crusts

Sprinkle flour on your work surface. Roll the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to create circles that will line the muffin cups with a slight overhang.

Step 6: Craft Pie Shells

Press dough circles into muffin tin cups. Trim excess edges to create perfect little pie shells.

Step 7: Fill with Cherry Goodness

Spoon cherry filling into each pie shell. Distribute evenly and avoid overfilling to prevent messy spills.

Step 8: Create Delightful Pie Tops

Cut additional dough strips or shapes for pie tops. Design a beautiful lattice or traditional cover.

Step 9: Add Golden Finishing Touch

Whisk egg with water to make an egg wash. Brush over pie tops. Sprinkle turbinado sugar for a sparkling, crisp finish.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling bubbles slightly. Let pies cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Tips for Perfectly Juicy Cherry Pie Bites

  • Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Use a light hand when mixing dough and avoid overworking to keep the crust flaky and crisp.
  • Maximize Cherry Flavor: Choose ripe, sweet cherries and add a splash of almond extract to enhance their natural taste.
  • Create Perfect Lattice Tops: Chill dough strips before weaving to ensure clean, precise lattice patterns that hold their shape.
  • Control Filling Consistency: Adjust cornstarch amount based on cherry juiciness to prevent runny or overly thick fillings.
  • Achieve Golden Crust: Brush egg wash generously and sprinkle coarse sugar for a professional-looking, glossy finish that adds delightful crunch.

Sweet Mini Cherry Pie Variations You’ll Love

  • Berry Medley Mini Pies: Replace cherries with a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a vibrant, colorful fruit filling that bursts with summer flavors.
  • Almond Cherry Crunch: Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the pie before baking and add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cherry filling for a nutty, rich profile.
  • Chocolate-Kissed Cherry Pies: Mix dark chocolate chips into the cherry filling and drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled pies for an indulgent dessert experience.
  • Spiced Cherry Pocket Pies: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cardamom to the cherry mixture for warm, aromatic undertones that complement the sweet fruit.

Pairings That Bring Out Cherry Pie’s Best

  • Pair Sweet Cherry Bliss with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Riesling or Pinot Grigio complements the pie's fruity sweetness, balancing the rich buttery crust with its crisp, light acidity.
  • Create Creamy Vanilla Contrast: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, letting the cold, smooth texture melt against the warm, flaky pie crust and enhance the cherry's natural tartness.
  • Boost Flavor with Nutty Sidekick: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers on top or alongside the mini pies, adding a delightful crunch and subtle nutty undertone that elevates the cherry's natural sweetness.

Storing Mini Cherry Pies Without Losing Flavor

  • Store mini cherry pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate structure.
  • Wrap individual mini pies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and flavor.
  • Keep cooled pies at room temperature for 1-2 days if planning to consume quickly. Place in a covered container away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain their crisp crust.

Mini Cherry Pie FAQs You Should Know

  • How do I prevent the pie crust from becoming soggy?

Use a light dusting of flour or cornstarch on the bottom crust before adding the cherry filling. This helps absorb excess moisture and creates a barrier between the wet filling and the dough.

  • Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, absolutely! Thaw and drain frozen cherries completely before using. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid, which could make the filling too runny.

  • What if my dough becomes too warm while working?

Refrigerate the dough for 10-15 minutes if it starts to feel soft or sticky. Cold dough is easier to handle and creates flakier pie crusts. Keep your butter and water very cold during preparation.

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Mini Cherry Pies Recipe

Mini Cherry Pies Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delightful mini cherry pies bring sweet nostalgia to dessert tables with perfect handheld charm. Buttery pastry and rich cherry filling create irresistible miniature treats that spark joy for anyone craving classic homemade comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh cherries
  • 1/4 cup sugar

Filling Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping/Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pie dough by mixing flour and salt in a large mixing bowl, then cut cold butter into small cubes and incorporate into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Gradually add cold water to the flour mixture, gently kneading until the dough comes together into a cohesive ball. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
  3. While the dough chills, pit and chop fresh cherries into small pieces. Combine cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl, stirring until the cherries are evenly coated.
  4. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a muffin tin to prevent sticking.
  5. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to approximately 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut circles large enough to line the muffin tin cups with slight overhang.
  6. Carefully press the dough circles into the muffin tin, trimming excess edges and creating small pie shells.
  7. Spoon the cherry filling into each pie shell, distributing evenly and avoiding overfilling.
  8. Cut additional dough strips or shapes for pie tops, creating a lattice or traditional cover design.
  9. Whisk the egg with water to create an egg wash, then brush over the pie tops. Sprinkle turbinado sugar over the surface for a crisp, sparkling finish.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the filling bubbles slightly. Allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

  • Chill the butter and water thoroughly to ensure a flaky, tender pie crust that crumbles perfectly with each bite.
  • Use fresh, ripe cherries for the most vibrant flavor, or opt for frozen cherries if fresh are unavailable during off-season months.
  • Prevent soggy bottoms by dusting the pie shells lightly with flour before adding the cherry filling, which helps absorb excess moisture.
  • Consider dietary alternatives like using gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version or replacing butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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