There’s something undeniably charming about mini desserts—they’re cute, portable, and just the right size for satisfying a sweet craving without overindulging. Among these bite-sized delights, mini cherry pies stand out as a classic favorite. With their flaky crusts and sweet-tart cherry filling, these little pies are perfect for parties, picnics, or even as a fun baking project with kids.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making mini cherry pies, from the best crust recipes to filling variations and creative decorating ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this guide will help you create irresistible mini pies that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love Mini Cherry Pies
- Perfect Portion Control – No need to slice a big pie; each mini pie is a single serving.
- Great for Sharing – Ideal for parties, bake sales, or holiday gatherings.
- Customizable – Experiment with different crusts, fillings, and toppings.
- Fun to Make – Great for baking with kids or trying out decorative pie designs.
- Freezer-Friendly – Bake ahead and reheat when needed.
Ingredients for Mini Cherry Pies
For the Pie Crust
You can use homemade or store-bought pie dough for convenience.
Homemade Pie Crust (Makes about 12 mini pies)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 6-8 tbsp ice water
For the Cherry Filling
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (or tapioca starch)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional, enhances flavor)
- 1 tbsp butter (for richness)
Optional Toppings
- Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water, beaten) for a golden crust
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pie Crust
- In a food processor (or by hand), mix flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add cold butter and pulse (or cut in with a pastry cutter) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the Cherry Filling
- In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and almond extract, then set aside to cool.
3. Assemble the Mini Pies
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough and cut circles to fit a muffin tin (use a 3.5–4 inch cutter for the base and a smaller one for the tops).
- Press dough circles into a greased muffin tin, leaving some overhang.
- Fill each crust with 1-2 tbsp cherry filling.
- Add a small piece of butter on top (optional, for extra richness).
- Cover with a second dough circle or create lattice tops. Seal edges with a fork.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Creative Variations
1. Lattice-Top Mini Pies
- Cut thin strips of dough and weave them over the filling for a classic look.
2. Crumb-Topped Cherry Pies
- Mix ½ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 3 tbsp cold butter for a streusel topping.
3. Chocolate Cherry Pies
- Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent twist.
4. Gluten-Free/Vegan Option
- Use gluten-free flour and vegan butter for the crust.
Serving Suggestions
- Warm with vanilla ice cream (à la mode style).
- Dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Paired with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Storing & Freezing Tips
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps for 4-5 days (reheat before serving).
- Freeze: Unbaked or baked pies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Mini cherry pies are a delightful way to enjoy a classic dessert in a fun, bite-sized form. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with different fillings and toppings, these little pies are sure to impress. They’re perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy night in with a scoop of ice cream.