If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that stands out in both appearance and flavor, Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies are just what you need! These delightful treats marry the sweet, juicy tartness of cherries with the creamy richness of cream cheese, creating a dessert experience that’s simply irresistible. Not only do they deliver on taste but they also bring a stunning visual treat to your table, making them perfect for gatherings, festive occasions, or simply as a satisfying sweet indulgence at home.
What makes the Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies so appealing is their simplicity in preparation. Despite their sophisticated look, they are surprisingly easy to put together, ensuring that both novice and experienced bakers can whip them up without any hassle. Whether you’re planning a party or just craving a special dessert for yourself, these mini pies are a guaranteed hit. Let’s get our hands floury and dive into this delicious and easy recipe that’s bound to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pie
There are many reasons to fall head over heels for these Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies:
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tartness of the cherries complements the smooth, subtly sweet cream cheese.
- Visually Pleasing: Their adorable mini size combined with a beautiful lattice topping makes them eye-catching.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap the cherries for your favorite fruits or mix in a dash of lemon zest for an added twist.
- Quick to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these delightful pies are ready in no time.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Get the kids involved in cutting the pie crust or assembling their own pies for a fun family activity.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To ensure your Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies come out perfectly, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather your tools ahead of time. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when your pies are assembled. You’ll need a muffin tin, as this is where your mini pies will bake. Having a rolling pin and a round pastry cutter (or simply a glass) handy is essential for cutting out your pie crusts. You can also make use of a mixing bowl and a spoon or electric mixer to blend your cream cheese filling smoothly. An egg wash brush is handy to create that beautiful golden glow on your pie crusts. And don’t forget to line your muffin tin with a little non-stick spray for that effortless release after baking.
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
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Muffin Tin
Begin your baking adventure by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grab your muffin tin and lightly grease it with non-stick spray. This will help ensure that your pies don’t stick when it comes time to enjoy them.
Step 2: Cut Out Your Pie Crusts
Next, roll out the pie crusts on a clean surface. You want to aim for circles that are slightly larger than the openings in your muffin tin. Once you have your pie crust rolled out, use a round cutter or a glass to cut out your circles. Place these circles into the muffin tin, gently pressing them down to form small pie shells that will hold the delicious filling.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Now it’s time to whip up the creamy filling! In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, mix these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. This mixture is what will give your mini pies their delightful richness.
Step 4: Assemble the Mini Pies
With your pie crusts in place and the filling ready, begin assembling the mini pies. Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each pie shell, filling them about halfway. Next, take your pitted cherries and arrange them on top of the filling. This will create a sweet layer of fruit that complements the cream cheese wonderfully.
Step 5: Create a Lattice Topping
To add a beautiful touch to your mini pies, take the remaining pie crust and cut it into thin strips. Carefully arrange these strips across the top of each pie in a lattice pattern. This not only looks stunning but also allows the steam to escape as the pies bake.
Step 6: Bake and Glaze
Before placing your mini pies in the oven, brush the lattice tops with the beaten egg. This egg wash will give your pies a lovely golden color as they bake. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If you want a touch of shine, melt some apricot jam in a small saucepan and brush it over the tops of the pies as soon as they come out of the oven.
Variations
- Protein: Add some crumbled bacon for a sweet and savory twist.
- Vegetables: Incorporate fresh blueberries or strawberries for a delightful mixed-fruit version.
- Spices: Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enrich the flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- Be sure to use softened cream cheese for an easier mixing experience.
- Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings like peaches or apples for seasonal variations.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh mint for a refreshing touch.
Tips
- For an extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before baking.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cherries can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to your mini pies.
How can I store the mini pies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days for the best freshness.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cream cheese filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the pies.
What do I do if the crust is getting too brown?
If you notice the pie crusts browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the filling continues to bake.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies are not only a delicious treat but also a fun and engaging recipe to make with friends and family. Their beautiful presentation and delightful flavor make them a wonderful addition to any dessert table. Don’t forget to share your creation with others and let them in on the secret to this sweet delight. Whether you stick to the classic cherry or get creative with your own fruit combinations, each pie will bring joy to your taste buds. Enjoy baking, and don’t hesitate to try out different variations that you fancy! We can’t wait to hear about your twists on this classic dessert—happy baking!
Print
Cherry Cream Cheese Mini Pies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Delightful mini pies filled with tart cherries and creamy cream cheese.
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) and prepare your muffin tin.
- Roll out pie crusts and cut into circles to fit muffin tin.
- Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth.
- Fill pie shells with cream cheese mixture, add cherries on top.
- Cut remaining crust into strips and create a lattice topping.
- Brush lattice with egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 3 g