Cherry Pie Cups

Short Description

Cherry Pie Cups are a delightful, bite-sized twist on the classic cherry pie. With a flaky crust and a luscious cherry filling, these mini treats are perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or just a simple dessert craving. They come together easily with minimal ingredients and are a great way to enjoy the taste of homemade pie without the hassle of a full-sized version.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – With just a few simple ingredients, these mini pies are quick to assemble and bake.
• Perfectly Portioned – No need for slicing; each person gets their own individual pie cup.
• Great for Any Occasion – Whether you’re serving them at a party, potluck, or simply as a weeknight treat, they are always a hit.
• Customizable – You can swap out the cherry filling for other fruit fillings or add toppings for extra flavor.
• Kid-Friendly – These small pies are fun to eat and a great way to get kids involved in baking.

Ingredients

• Pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• Cherry pie filling
• Egg (for egg wash)
• Sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
• Powdered sugar (for garnish, optional)
• Vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)
• Cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust – Roll out the pie dough and cut circles slightly larger than the muffin tin openings.
3. Press into Muffin Tin – Gently press each dough circle into the muffin tin cups, ensuring they cover the sides.
4. Fill with Cherry Filling – Spoon a generous amount of cherry pie filling into each cup, filling about ¾ of the way.
5. Create a Topping – Optionally, cut additional dough into strips for a lattice top or use a small circle to cover the filling.
6. Brush with Egg Wash – Lightly brush the edges and tops with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
7. Sprinkle with Sugar – If desired, sprinkle a bit of sugar over the top for extra sweetness and crunch.
8. Bake – Place in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
9. Cool & Garnish – Allow the pies to cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
10. Serve & Enjoy – Serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious bite-sized treat.

Variations

• Different Fillings – Try apple, blueberry, or peach pie filling for a different fruit twist.
• Crumble Topping – Instead of a lattice or full dough top, add a brown sugar and oat crumble for a streusel effect.
• Chocolate Drizzle – A drizzle of melted chocolate over the top adds a decadent touch.
• Almond Extract – A few drops of almond extract in the cherry filling enhances the flavor.
• Gluten-Free – Use a gluten-free pie crust to make these suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 12 mini pie cups

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in an oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?

Yes! Homemade cherry pie filling with fresh or frozen cherries adds a more authentic flavor.

Do I need to grease the muffin tin?

Yes, lightly greasing the tin ensures easy removal of the pie cups.

Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?

Absolutely! Puff pastry will give the pies a lighter, flakier texture.

How do I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?

Brushing the bottom with egg wash before adding the filling can help create a barrier against moisture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.

What if I don’t have a muffin tin?

You can use a mini tart pan or small ramekins as an alternative.

Can I use frozen pie crust?

Yes, just allow it to thaw slightly before rolling and cutting.

What’s the best way to serve these?

Serve them warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes! Chopped almonds or pecans add a nice crunch and extra flavor.

How do I make them dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free pie crust and skip the egg wash or use a non-dairy milk alternative.

Conclusion

Cherry Pie Cups are an easy, delicious, and visually appealing way to enjoy classic cherry pie in a convenient handheld form. Perfect for any occasion, they can be customized to suit different tastes and are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful bite of homemade goodness!

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