Mini Strawberry Pies

Mini Strawberry Pies

These delightful Mini Strawberry Pies are the perfect treat for any summer gathering. With a luscious homemade strawberry filling baked into flaky crusts, they make an irresistible dessert option. Not only are they adorable and individually portioned, but they also serve as a fantastic addition to celebrations like Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day. Enjoying these mini pies warm with a scoop of ice cream elevates the experience, making them a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these mini pies can be whipped up quickly.
  • Perfectly Portioned: Individual servings make it easy to enjoy without the mess of slicing traditional pies.
  • Customizable Filling: The pie filling can be adapted with different fruits or flavors for variety.
  • Great for Gatherings: Ideal for parties, barbecues, or potlucks, these pies will impress your guests.
  • Delicious Warm or Cold: Serve them fresh out of the oven or chilled for a refreshing treat.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your mini strawberry pies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • Saucepan
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Biscuit cutter (4-inch)
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

  • Muffin tin: Perfectly shapes your mini pies while ensuring even baking.
  • Fine mesh strainer: Helps achieve a smooth strawberry filling by removing pulp.
  • Biscuit cutter: Makes cutting uniform dough circles easy and efficient.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mashed strawberries
  • 2/3 cup white sugar
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 cups chopped strawberries
  • 2 pie crusts, store-bought or homemade
  • 1 egg, whisked
  • Pinch of sugar

How to Make Mini Strawberry Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

  1. In a saucepan, combine mashed strawberries and 3/4 cup water. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat.
  2. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 3โ€“4 minutes.
  3. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a measuring cup to ensure you have at least 1 cup of liquid. Discard any pulp.
  4. In another saucepan, combine white sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the strained strawberry juice.
  5. Bring this mixture to a boil while stirring constantly until it thickens (about 3 to 5 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool for 5โ€“10 minutes.
  6. Stir in the chopped strawberries, then set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

  1. Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
  2. Spray the muffin tin with baking spray, covering both inner and outer cavities.

Step 3: Form the Pie Crusts

  1. Roll out your pie crust on a lightly floured surface.
  2. Use a four-inch biscuit cutter to cut out circles from the dough.
  3. Gently press each circle into an open muffin cavity, ensuring there are no air pockets.
  4. Fill each cavity about three-quarters full with the prepared strawberry pie filling.

Step 4: Assemble Mini Pies

  1. Use any extra dough to create small tops for your mini pies. Place them on top of the filled cavities and press edges together gently to seal.
  2. Brush each pie crust with the whisked egg and sprinkle coarse sugar on top.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 30โ€“35 minutes or until golden brown with bubbling filling.
  2. Once baked, remove from oven and allow them to cool completelyโ€”ideally for at least one hour.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Use a sharp pairing knife to carefully cut around each pie before removing them from the muffin tin.
  2. Serve warm or chilled as desired, perhaps alongside a scoop of ice cream!

Enjoy these delightful Mini Strawberry Pies at your next summer gathering!

How to Serve Mini Strawberry Pies

These mini strawberry pies are not only cute but also versatile in how you can enjoy them. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

With Ice Cream

  • Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
  • Strawberry Sorbet: For a refreshing twist, serve your mini pies with a scoop of strawberry sorbet.

Drizzled with Sauce

  • Chocolate Sauce: A rich chocolate drizzle adds a decadent touch to each bite.
  • Whipped Cream: Top the pies with freshly whipped cream for a light and airy finish.

Garnished with Fresh Fruit

  • Fresh Strawberries: Add sliced strawberries on top for extra freshness and color.
  • Mint Leaves: A sprig of mint not only looks beautiful but also adds a hint of flavor.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

  • Variety of Mini Desserts: Serve alongside other mini desserts like brownies or cheesecake bites for a fun dessert spread.
  • Seasonal Fruits: Pair with seasonal fruits to celebrate summer flavors.

How to Perfect Mini Strawberry Pies

Creating flawless mini strawberry pies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure yours turn out perfectly.

  • Use fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries yield the best flavor and texture for your filling.
  • Donโ€™t overfill: Filling the pie crusts too much can lead to spills. Aim for about 3/4 full.
  • Ensure crust is chilled: Cold dough makes it easier to handle and creates a flakier texture when baked.
  • Brush egg wash thoroughly: This gives your pies a golden-brown finish and enhances their appearance.
  • Let them cool: Allowing the mini pies to cool completely helps them set properly before removing from the tin.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Strawberry Pies

To make your dessert experience even better, consider serving these side dishes alongside your mini strawberry pies. They balance out flavors and add variety.

  1. Minted Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits tossed with fresh mint provides a refreshing contrast.
  2. Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese complements the sweetness of the pies.
  3. Chocolate Fondue: Dip fruit or cake pieces into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat that pairs well with strawberry flavors.
  4. Lemonade: A chilled glass of homemade lemonade offers a tangy refreshment that brightens up dessert time.
  5. Panna Cotta: This creamy Italian dessert adds elegance and pairs beautifully with berry flavors.
  6. Shortbread Cookies: Buttery shortbread cookies provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with soft mini pies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making mini strawberry pies, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

  • Skipping the straining step: Not straining the mashed strawberries can lead to a watery filling. Always strain to ensure a thick and delightful sauce.
  • Overfilling the pies: Filling the crusts too full can cause spills during baking. Aim for about 3/4 full to prevent mess and ensure even cooking.
  • Neglecting to preheat the oven: Baking in a cold oven can affect how well your pies rise. Always preheat your oven to 375F before baking.
  • Using cold dough: Working with cold pie crust can make it difficult to mold. Let your dough rest at room temperature for easier handling.
  • Not allowing cooling time: Cutting into warm pies can ruin their shape. Allow them to cool completely before serving for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

    • Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    • Containers: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Freezing Mini Strawberry Pies

    • Duration: Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.
    • Containers: Wrap each pie in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Mini Strawberry Pies

  • Oven: Preheat to 350F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds, checking frequently.
  • Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people have about making mini strawberry pies.

How do I make the filling for Mini Strawberry Pies?

To make the filling, combine mashed strawberries with water, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt. Cook until thickened and mix in sliced strawberries.

Can I use frozen strawberries for Mini Strawberry Pies?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure they are thawed and drained before using them in your filling.

What type of pie crust is best for Mini Strawberry Pies?

Store-bought or homemade pie crusts work well. Choose one that you enjoy for maximum flavor!

How do I know when my Mini Strawberry Pies are done baking?

Your pies are done when they are lightly golden on top and have bubbling filling.

Final Thoughts

These mini strawberry pies are not only adorable but also incredibly versatile! They are perfect for summer celebrations or as a sweet treat anytime. Feel free to customize the filling with other fruits or adjust sweetness according to your taste!

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Mini Strawberry Pies

Mini Strawberry Pies


  • Author: Cecilia
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 mini pies 1x

Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of Mini Strawberry Pies, a charming dessert that captures the essence of summer. These bite-sized treats feature a luscious homemade strawberry filling nestled in flaky crusts, making them an irresistible addition to any gathering. Perfect for celebrations like Memorial Day and the 4th of July, these adorable pies are not just visually appealing but also easy to serve. Enjoy them warm or chilled, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. With their customizable filling options, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit any palate, making these mini pies a versatile favorite for all occasions.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup mashed strawberries
  • 2/3 cup white sugar
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 4 cups chopped strawberries
  • 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling by boiling mashed strawberries with water, then straining out pulp.
  2. Combine sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and strained juice in a saucepan until thickened.
  3. Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) and prepare muffin tin with baking spray.
  4. Roll out pie crust and cut circles to fit muffin cavities; fill each with the strawberry mixture.
  5. Top with additional dough circles, seal edges, brush with egg wash and sprinkle sugar.
  6. Bake for 30โ€“35 minutes until golden brown; let cool before serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mini pie (55g)
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Fresh strawberries enhance flavor; consider mixing in other fruits for variety. Allow pies to cool completely before removing from tins for best results.

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Cecilia

Pro Chef & Blogger

Welcome to my culinary corner, where passion meets the plate! I’m a chef with a love for creating delicious and inspiring dishes. Here, Iโ€™ll share my best recipes, tips, and tricks to help you bring a taste of magic into your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find something to ignite your passion for cooking. Join me on this flavorful journey and let’s make every meal memorable. Happy cooking.

Cecilia