Hello, wonderful bakers! ????
If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that is both visually stunning and absolutely delicious, you’ve come to the right place. Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies are a perfect treat for any occasion, combining the tangy sweetness of cherries with the creamy richness of cream cheese. These mini pies are not just a feast for the taste buds but also a joy to make. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and create something truly special together!
Introduction: The Delight of Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies
These Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies are inspired by classic American pie traditions but with a modern twist that makes them ideal for individual servings. Imagine biting into a flaky, golden crust filled with velvety cream cheese and juicy cherries—pure bliss!
This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of summers spent picking fresh cherries with my family, and the aroma of pies baking in the oven on warm, lazy afternoons. It’s a dessert that brings comfort and joy, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients for Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies
To prepare this comforting Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies recipe, you’ll need:
- 2 cups fresh or canned cherries, pitted
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp apricot jam (optional, for glaze)
For those who might have dietary restrictions, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative or use gluten-free pie crusts. Just keep in mind that these changes may slightly alter the taste and texture, but the pies will still be delicious!
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How to Make Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pie crusts and cut into circles large enough to fit into a muffin tin.
- Press the pie crust circles into the muffin tin to form small pie shells.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of each pie shell, filling about halfway.
- Add cherries on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Cut the remaining pie crust into strips and create a lattice pattern over the top of each mini pie.
- Brush the lattice tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- If desired, melt apricot jam and brush over the tops of the pies for a shiny glaze.
These mini pies are not only adorable but also incredibly tasty, and they bake up in less than 30 minutes. It’s a win-win!
Helpful Tips for Perfect Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies
Here are some tips to ensure your mini pies turn out perfectly every time:
- Chilling the dough: Make sure your pie crusts are well-chilled before rolling them out. This helps in achieving a flakier crust.
- Don’t overfill: Be careful not to overfill the mini pies with cream cheese or cherries, as this could cause them to overflow during baking.
- Egg wash tips: When applying the egg wash, be sure to cover the entire surface of the lattice to achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish.
Cooking Tips for Enhancing Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies
To take your Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies to the next level, consider these additional cooking tips:
- Experiment with flavors: Add a splash of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for a different flavor profile that pairs beautifully with cherries.
- Use a food processor: To make the dough extra flaky, consider pulsing the dough in a food processor, which helps distribute the fat evenly without overworking the dough.
These tips will help you refine the recipe and make these mini pies even more delicious!
Serving Suggestions for Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies
These Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies can be served in a variety of delightful ways:
- With a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
- Paired with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness.
- On a dessert platter with other mini pastries for an impressive presentation at parties.
These pies are versatile enough to be served warm or at room temperature, making them a perfect dessert for any gathering.
Nutritional Information for Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies
Each serving of Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies offers a balance of flavors and nutrients:
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 190mg
- Potassium: 85mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 11g
- Vitamin A: 360IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 40mg
- Iron: 1mg
These mini pies are a sweet treat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftover mini pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pies can be enjoyed cold or slightly warmed.
Reheat: To reheat, place the pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds, but this may affect the crust’s flakiness.
Creative ideas for leftovers: If you have leftover mini pies, consider crumbling them over vanilla yogurt for a quick dessert parfait, or chopping them up and adding them to a bowl of oatmeal for a fruity twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies
1. Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.
2. What if I don’t have a muffin tin? You can use small ramekins or even a regular pie dish to make a larger version of this dessert.
3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Simply replace the pie crusts with gluten-free alternatives available in stores or make your own using gluten-free flour.
4. Can I make these pies in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the pies up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Bake them just before serving for the best results.
Related Recipes You May Enjoy
If you loved this recipe, here are some other delightful options to try:
These recipes are just as easy to make and offer equally satisfying flavors.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed making these Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies as much as I enjoyed sharing the recipe with you! This dessert is a fantastic way to bring a bit of sweetness into your life, and I’m confident it will become a favorite in your home.
Please try the recipe and let me know how it turned out. I’d love to hear about your experiences and any variations you might have tried. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share these mini pies with your loved ones—they’re too good to keep to yourself!
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Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies – Easy & Delicious Recipe
Description
If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that is both visually stunning and absolutely delicious, you’ve come to the right place. Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies are a perfect treat for any occasion, combining the tangy sweetness of cherries with the creamy richness of cream cheese. These mini pies are not just a feast for the taste buds but also a joy to make. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and create something truly special together!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or canned cherries, pitted
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp apricot jam (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pie crusts and cut into circles large enough to fit into a muffin tin.
- Press the pie crust circles into the muffin tin to form small pie shells.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of each pie shell, filling about halfway.
- Add cherries on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Cut the remaining pie crust into strips and create a lattice pattern over the top of each mini pie.
- Brush the lattice tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- If desired, melt apricot jam and brush over the tops of the pies for a shiny glaze.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Chilling the dough: Make sure your pie crusts are well-chilled before rolling them out. This helps in achieving a flakier crust.
- Don’t overfill: Be careful not to overfill the mini pies with cream cheese or cherries, as this could cause them to overflow during baking.
- Egg wash tips: When applying the egg wash, be sure to cover the entire surface of the lattice to achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish.
