Mini Cherry Pies

These Mini Cherry Pies are the ultimate bite-sized indulgence. Each one features a buttery, flaky crust and a sweet-tart cherry center that oozes with juicy goodness. They bake up golden and beautiful, with a classic lattice or decorative top that makes them party-perfect. They’re quick and easy to make using store-bought crust and cherry pie filling, but feel totally homemade. Ideal for everything from family gatherings to bake sales, these little pies are a simple way to impress with maximum flavor and charm in every bite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

• 1 egg

• 1 tbsp water

• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for topping)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cookie cutter or glass, cut out 12 circles from the dough.

3. Press the dough circles into a greased 12-cup muffin tin, gently forming them to the shape of each cup.

4. Fill each crust with 1-2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling.

5. With the remaining dough, cut out smaller shapes (like hearts or stars) or strips to create a lattice top for each pie. Place on top of the filling.

6. Beat the egg with 1 tbsp of water to make an egg wash. Brush over the tops of the mini pies.

7. Sprinkle with sugar if desired.

8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before removing from tin.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 12 mini pies

Mini Cherry Pies: The Sweetest Bite-Sized Treat You’ll Ever Bake

Mini Cherry Pies are the delightful, bite-sized versions of the classic American dessert. They pack all the charm and nostalgic flavor of traditional cherry pie into individual servings that are easy to make, serve, and enjoy. Whether you’re prepping for a party, planning a picnic, or looking for a fun baking activity with the kids, these mini pies are the perfect choice.

With a golden, flaky crust and a rich cherry filling, each little pie delivers a burst of flavor in just a few bites. They’re eye-catching, delicious, and versatile enough to work for both casual and elegant occasions. Plus, because they’re made in muffin tins, there’s no need to fuss with slicing  everyone gets their own perfectly portioned pie.

In this article, we’ll explore the story behind this beloved treat, offer baking tips, suggest variations and pairings, and help you make the most of this mini dessert masterpiece.

Why Mini Pies Are Better Than Big Pies (Sometimes!)

While nothing beats the classic slice of a homemade cherry pie, mini versions offer several advantages:

1. Portion Control – Each mini pie is individually sized, which makes it easy to control portions. Perfect for those watching their intake or serving guests at events.

2. No Need for Slicing – One of the common struggles with pies is serving neat slices. Mini pies are grab-and-go, which makes them excellent for parties and buffets.

3. Faster Baking – Since they’re smaller, mini pies typically bake faster than a traditional full-sized pie. You’ll get to enjoy your treat sooner!

4. More Crust-to-Filling Ratio – Crust lovers, rejoice! Mini pies offer a more balanced crust-to-filling ratio in every bite.

5. They’re Just So Cute – Let’s face it: mini desserts are simply adorable. They add a touch of charm to your dessert table and photograph beautifully for social media or events.

The Beauty of Cherry Pie Filling

Cherry pie filling is what makes this dessert pop. It’s sweet, tart, and glossy the kind of filling that makes your taste buds dance. While canned cherry pie filling is often used for convenience (and it works wonderfully in this recipe), homemade cherry filling is also a fantastic option if you have fresh or frozen cherries on hand.

What’s great about cherry pie filling is its versatility. It pairs beautifully with vanilla, almond, citrus, and even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. And since it’s thickened with cornstarch or tapioca, it holds up perfectly inside a flaky pastry crust, even in mini form.

Tips for Perfect Mini Cherry Pies

If you’re aiming for golden, bakery-quality mini pies at home, here are some tips that will take your baking game to the next level:

1. Use Cold Dough

To get a flaky crust, start with cold pie dough. You can use store-bought dough for ease, but if you make your own, chill it before rolling and cutting.

2. Grease the Muffin Tin

Even if your muffin tin is non-stick, lightly greasing it ensures your mini pies pop out easily after baking, especially if some cherry filling bubbles over.

3. Don’t Overfill

A common pitfall is adding too much filling. Stick to about 1–2 tablespoons per pie. Overfilling leads to leaks, which can burn and make the pies hard to remove.

4. Get Creative with Toppings

Add a lattice crust, cut-out dough shapes, or even a full top crust with slits to let steam escape. A little decoration goes a long way in making your pies stand out.

5. Don’t Skip the Egg Wash

Brushing the tops with a simple egg wash (egg + water or milk) gives your pies that beautiful golden finish. You can also sprinkle sugar on top for sparkle and a slight crunch.

6. Let Them Cool

As tempting as it is to dig in immediately, give your mini pies some time to cool. This helps the filling set, making them easier to remove from the tin and eat without mess.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you master the basic mini cherry pie, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few fun twists to consider:

1. Cherry-Almond Mini Pies

Add a few drops of almond extract to your filling or pie dough. Cherries and almonds are a classic combination.

2. Cherry-Chocolate Mini Pies

Toss in a few mini chocolate chips before sealing the pies. The heat of the oven melts them just enough to make every bite rich and decadent.

3. Mixed Berry Mini Pies

Swap out some of the cherry filling for blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a colorful and tangy twist.

4. Cheesecake Cherry Mini Pies

Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese to the bottom before the cherry filling. It creates a mini cherry cheesecake pie hybrid that’s unforgettable.

5. Gluten-Free or Vegan Options

Use gluten-free pie dough or a vegan pastry crust (with coconut oil or vegan butter) to make the pies fit your dietary preferences. The filling is often already vegan-friendly!

When to Serve Mini Cherry Pies

Mini Cherry Pies are versatile enough for almost any occasion:

• Holidays – Cherry pies are especially fitting for summer holidays like the Fourth of July or Memorial Day. Their bright red color makes them festive and fun.

• Parties & Potlucks – No utensils needed! Guests can simply grab a pie and enjoy, which makes them ideal for entertaining.

• Afternoon Tea – Serve alongside mini sandwiches, macarons, and other sweets for an elegant tea-time treat.

• Lunchbox Surprise – Tuck one into a lunchbox for a sweet midday surprise.

• Valentine’s Day – With a heart-shaped crust topper, these mini pies become the ultimate romantic gesture.

Pairing Suggestions

Pairing your dessert with a drink or a scoop of something creamy can elevate the experience:

• Ice Cream – Vanilla bean or almond ice cream is a heavenly match for cherry pie.

• Whipped Cream – A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream makes every bite even more luxurious.

• Coffee or Espresso – The slight bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the cherry filling.

• Sparkling Rosé or Dessert Wine – For an upscale event, pair these mini treats with a chilled glass of something bubbly and pink.

How to Store and Reheat

Mini Cherry Pies can be made ahead of time and stored easily:

• Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator – Keep for up to 4–5 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes for the best texture.

• Freezer – Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes.

Conclusion:

Mini Cherry Pies aren’t just cute they’re a flavorful, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying dessert. With just a handful of ingredients and a muffin tin, you can create a treat that looks impressive but is secretly easy to make. Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, they offer the joy of homemade pie without the commitment of a full pie.

Whether you’re hosting friends, celebrating something special, or simply craving a sweet snack, Mini Cherry Pies are sure to delight. With the ability to customize and adapt the recipe to different flavors, dietary needs, or occasions, this little dessert holds a big place in the hearts of bakers and pie-lovers alike.