Mini Strawberry Pies

These delightful Mini Strawberry Pies are a perfect summer treat, bursting with the sweetness of fresh strawberries. Ideal for gatherings like Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day celebrations, these tiny desserts are not only cute but also packed with flavor. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or as a charming party favor, they are sure to impress your guests. Plus, their easy-to-follow recipe makes them accessible for bakers of all skill levels!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Portioned: Each mini pie is just the right size for satisfying your sweet tooth without overindulging.
• Fresh and Flavorful: Made with homemade strawberry filling, these pies highlight the natural sweetness of strawberries.
• Versatile Occasions: These treats fit seamlessly into summer picnics, barbecues, or any festive gathering.
• Simple Preparation: Using store-bought pie crusts saves time without compromising taste.
• Fun to Make: Involving family or friends in the process makes baking these pies a delightful experience.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Mini Strawberry Pies smoothly, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin tin
• Baking spray
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Fine mesh strainer
• Biscuit cutter (4-inch)
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tin: This is crucial for shaping your mini pies perfectly and ensuring even cooking.
• Fine mesh strainer: Helps in achieving a smooth strawberry sauce by removing pulp from the mixture.
• Biscuit cutter: Ensures uniformity in pie crust sizes for a professional look.

Ingredients

For the Pie Filling

• 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

For the Crust

• 2 pie crusts, store-bought or homemade
• 1 egg, whisked
• Pinch of sugar

How to Make Mini Strawberry Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Pie Filling

1. Combine mashed strawberries and 3/4 cup water in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour mixture into a measuring cup through a fine mesh strainer (ensuring you have at least 1 cup) and discard the pulp.

Step 2: Thicken the Filling

1. In another saucepan, combine white sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Stir in the strained strawberry juice until well mixed.
3. Bring to a boil over medium heat while stirring constantly until thickened (about 3 to 5 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and let cool for 5-10 minutes before adding sliced strawberries.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while preparing your muffin tin.

Step 4: Assemble Mini Strawberry Pies

1. Spray muffin tin cavities with baking spray.
2. Roll out pie crust on a lightly floured surface and use a four-inch biscuit cutter to cut out circles of dough.
3. Gently press each circle into an open muffin cavity to eliminate air pockets.
4. Fill each cavity about three-quarters full with your homemade strawberry filling.

Step 5: Add Top Crusts

1. Use any extra dough to create mini pie crust tops.
2. Press them onto each filled cavity until there are no gaps between top and bottom crusts.
3. Brush each mini pie crust with whisked egg and sprinkle coarse sugar on top.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until lightly golden brown with bubbling filling. Once done, allow them to cool completely for at least one hour before carefully removing from the muffin tin using a small pairing knife.

Serve your delightful Mini Strawberry Pies warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!

How to Serve Mini Strawberry Pies

Mini strawberry pies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

A la Mode

• Serve warm mini strawberry pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The creamy ice cream melts slightly into the warm filling, creating a delicious contrast.

Whipped Cream

• Top each pie with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. This adds a lightness that complements the sweet and tart flavors of the strawberries.

Fresh Berries

• Garnish the pies with fresh strawberries or other berries for a colorful presentation. This not only enhances the look but also adds extra freshness to each bite.

Mint Leaves

• Add a sprig of fresh mint on top of each pie for an aromatic touch. The mint provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries.

How to Perfect Mini Strawberry Pies

To ensure your mini strawberry pies turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries yield better flavor and texture compared to frozen ones, enhancing your pie filling.
• Don’t overfill: Fill each crust about 3/4 full to prevent overflow while baking. This helps maintain their shape and prevents mess in the oven.
• Chill the crusts: If using homemade dough, chill it before rolling out. A chilled crust is easier to work with and produces a flakier texture.
• Watch baking time: Keep an eye on your mini pies as they bake. Remove them from the oven when they are lightly golden brown for the best results.
• Cool before serving: Allow the mini pies to cool completely before serving. This helps set the filling and makes them easier to remove from the tin.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Strawberry Pies

Pairing side dishes with mini strawberry pies can enhance your meal. Here are some delightful options that complement this sweet treat perfectly.

1. Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the pies.
2. Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast.
3. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy side that pairs well with dessert.
4. Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages like lemonade or iced tea can cleanse the palate between bites.
5. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: For added indulgence, serve chocolate dipped strawberries alongside your mini pies.
6. Pistachio Muffins: Lightly sweetened muffins bring an interesting texture and flavor that pairs well with berry desserts.
7. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy coconut macaroons provide a great textural contrast to flaky pie crusts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making mini strawberry pies is fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using overripe strawberries: Overripe strawberries can lead to a mushy filling. Always choose fresh, firm strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. If you don’t measure your ingredients correctly, it can affect the pie’s consistency. Use proper measuring cups for liquids and solids.
• Skipping the cooling time: It’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting your mini pies cool properly helps them set and makes them easier to remove from the muffin tin.
• Ignoring crust thickness: If your pie crust is too thick or too thin, it can impact cooking time and texture. Aim for an even thickness when rolling out your dough.
• Not preheating the oven: Preheating ensures that your mini strawberry pies bake evenly. Always give your oven enough time to reach the desired temperature before putting in your pies.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store mini strawberry pies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• It’s best to place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing Mini Strawberry Pies

• Wrap individual mini pies tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Mini Strawberry Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 seconds at a time until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Mini Strawberry Pies?

Mini strawberry pies are small desserts made with a homemade strawberry filling baked in muffin tins. They’re perfect for summer parties!

Can I use frozen strawberries for Mini Strawberry Pies?

Yes! Frozen strawberries can be used, but thaw them first and drain excess liquid. This helps maintain the right filling consistency.

How long do Mini Strawberry Pies last?

Mini strawberry pies will last about 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months if frozen properly.

Can I customize the filling for Mini Strawberry Pies?

Absolutely! You can mix other fruits like blueberries or raspberries into the filling or add spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.

Are Mini Strawberry Pies suitable for events?

Yes! These mini desserts are ideal for parties, picnics, or any summer celebration. They’re easy to serve and enjoy!

Final Thoughts

These mini strawberry pies are not only adorable but also versatile. You can customize them with different fruits or toppings based on your preferences. Easy to make and perfect for summer gatherings, they are sure to impress family and friends alike. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these delightful bites!

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Mini Strawberry Pies

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Indulge in the bliss of summer with these delightful Mini Strawberry Pies, perfect for any occasion! Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and encased in a flaky crust, these charming desserts are easy to make and sure to impress. Ideal for gatherings like Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day, they can be served warm with ice cream or as a sweet party favor. Perfectly portioned for a guilt-free treat, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all levels. Gather your friends and family for a fun baking session that ends with delicious mini pies everyone will love!

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Makes about 12 mini pies 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 (whisked)

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling by simmering mashed strawberries and water in a saucepan. Strain to remove pulp.
2. Thickening: Combine sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, salt, and the strained strawberry juice in another saucepan until thickened.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Assemble: Spray muffin tin, cut dough circles, fill with strawberry mixture, and top with extra crust.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Cool before serving.

• Author: Natalia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: For an extra treat, serve warm mini pies with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Feel free to mix in other berries for a unique flavor twist.