Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these mini cherry cream cheese pies! They’re like little bites of heaven, with a creamy filling that just melts in your mouth, topped off with a sweet cherry glaze that adds the perfect pop of color and flavor. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; they disappeared faster than I could keep track! Everyone was raving about them, and I think I ended up giving out the recipe to half the guests. They really are a crowd-pleaser, and I love how simple they are to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion—from potlucks to cozy weeknight treats. Trust me, once you taste these, you’ll be hooked just like I am!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delightful mini cherry cream cheese pies. Trust me, these ingredients come together to make magic!
- 1 package cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 can cherry pie filling (21 oz)
(Don’t worry if you have any questions about these ingredients! I’ve got you covered in the recipe below.)
How to Prepare Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies
Alright, let’s dive into making these scrumptious mini cherry cream cheese pies! I promise, it’s simpler than it sounds, and the end result is totally worth it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be the star of your next gathering!
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important so your pies bake evenly! While that’s heating up, roll out your pre-made pie crust on a clean surface. You can use a rolling pin to get it nice and thin, then cut it into small circles—about 3 to 4 inches in diameter works perfectly. Gently place those circles into a muffin tin, pressing them into the bottom and up the sides to form little cups. It’s like making mini pie shells!
Mix the Filling
Now, let’s whip up that creamy filling! In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. I like to use a hand mixer for this step because it makes everything super smooth, but a whisk will do just fine if you don’t have one. Mix until the mixture is velvety and there are no lumps—trust me, this filling is the heart of the pie, so you want it to be just right!
Assemble and Bake
Next, it’s time to assemble! Spoon that luscious cream cheese mixture into each pie crust, filling them about 2/3 of the way full. Don’t overfill, or they’ll overflow! Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden and the centers are just slightly puffed. Ooh, you’ll love the smell wafting through your kitchen at this point!
Cool and Top
Once they’re baked to perfection, take them out and let them cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. This is crucial because they’ll be hot, and we don’t want any burnt tongues! After they’ve cooled a bit, gently remove them from the tin and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Finally, once they’re cool, top each mini pie with a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling. And voilà! You’ve got yourself a delightful treat ready to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- A delightful combination of creamy and fruity flavors that everyone will adore.
- Versatile—feel free to switch up the cherry filling with blueberries, strawberries, or even fresh peaches!
- Mini-sized treats mean you can indulge without the guilt, or enjoy two (or three, no judgment here!).
- Great for sharing at parties, potlucks, or just to treat yourself at home.
- Can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making them a convenient dessert option.
Tips for Success
Alright, here are my top tips to ensure your mini cherry cream cheese pies come out absolutely perfect every time! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make a big difference.
- Let the cream cheese soften: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve that smooth, creamy texture we all love!
- Don’t overmix: When blending the filling, mix just until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, which might lead to cracks in your pies.
- Watch the baking time: Every oven is different! Start checking your pies around the 15-minute mark. You want them golden but not overcooked.
- Use a spoon for filling: A small cookie scoop or spoon works wonders for filling the crusts evenly. This helps ensure each pie has the perfect amount of that dreamy filling!
- Chill before serving: For the best flavor, let the pies chill in the fridge for at least an hour after baking. This allows the filling to set and makes them even more delicious!
- Experiment with toppings: While cherry pie filling is a classic, don’t hesitate to try different toppings! Fresh fruits, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate can add a fun twist.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to mini pie perfection. Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to keep those delicious mini cherry cream cheese pies fresh and tasty! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), you’ll want to store them properly to maintain that delightful flavor and texture.
First, make sure the pies are completely cool before storing them. I like to place them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to help absorb any moisture. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember, the longer they sit, the softer the crust may get, but they’ll still taste amazing!
If you want to enjoy these little gems later, you can also freeze them! Just wrap each mini pie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—just serve chilled for a refreshing treat!
And if you do want to warm them up, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, just until they’re warmed through. This way, you’ll revive that lovely creamy center without compromising the texture of the crust. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutritional breakdown of these delightful mini cherry cream cheese pies? Here’s what you can expect for each mini pie:
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
These little gems are a perfect balance of indulgence and moderation, making them a sweet treat you can enjoy without too much guilt. Just remember, it’s all about balance, and these mini pies are a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can add a delightful twist to these mini cherry cream cheese pies. Just make sure to pit and slice them, and you might want to toss them in a little sugar to enhance their sweetness. You can even mix them with a touch of cornstarch to thicken up the filling.
What if I can’t find pre-made pie crust?
No worries at all! You can easily make your own pie crust from scratch or use phyllo dough for a lighter option. Just roll it out thin and cut it into circles, just like you would with the pre-made crust.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover mini cherry cream cheese pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure they’re completely cool before you tuck them away to keep that crust nice and crisp!
Can I make these pies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble and bake the mini pies on the day you plan to serve them for the freshest taste!
What other fillings can I use?
Get creative! While cherry filling is a classic, feel free to experiment with other fruit pie fillings like blueberry, apple, or even a chocolate ganache for a decadent twist. The creamy filling pairs beautifully with so many flavors!
For more delicious recipes, check out this dessert category for inspiration!
Z nadrukami
Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies: 7 Heavenly Bites to Devour
- Całkowity Czas: 40 minutes
- Ustępować: 12 mini pies 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Mini cherry cream cheese pies are delightful desserts with a creamy filling and a cherry topping.
Składniki
- 1 package cream cheese (8 oz)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 can cherry pie filling (21 oz)
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the pie crust and cut it into small circles.
- Place the circles in a muffin tin.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fill each crust with the cream cheese mixture.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
- Let cool and top with cherry pie filling.
Uwagi
- Serve chilled for best flavor.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use fresh cherries for a twist.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 mini pie
- Kalorie: 150
- Cukier: 10g
- Sód: 150mg
- Kwasy: 8g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 5g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 18g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Słowa kluczowe: mini cherry cream cheese pies, dessert, cherry pie, cream cheese dessert
