Description
These Mini Cherry Pies are the perfect bite-sized dessert, featuring a flaky, buttery crust and a sweet, tangy cherry filling. Perfect for parties, picnics, or a fun baking project, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups (155g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 3–4 tablespoons ice water
For the Cherry Filling:
- 2 cups (300g) pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
For Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
1. Make the Crust:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the cold, diced butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the Cherry Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and bubbles (about 5–7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. Let cool completely.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line with cupcake liners.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Use a 3–4 inch round cutter to cut circles of dough. Press each circle into the muffin tin cups.
4. Assemble the Mini Pies:
- Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of cherry filling into each crust.
- Use remaining dough to create lattice tops, cut out decorative shapes, or simply cover with another circle of dough, sealing the edges with a fork.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
5. Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the pies to cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes before carefully removing to a wire rack.
6. Serve:
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Substitute canned cherry pie filling for a quicker version.
- The dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for 1 month.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pie crust mix.