These mini cherry pies are sweet, simple, and wonderfully easy to bake. Made with just 3 ingredients, they are a perfect bite-sized dessert for Thanksgiving, holiday parties, potlucks, or any time you want a classic cherry pie flavor without the work of slicing and serving a full pie.
BEST CHERRY PIES
A good dessert recipe does not need to be complicated to taste amazing. These mini cherry pies are proof that a few simple ingredients can create a dessert that feels special, homemade, and party-ready. The flaky pie crust, sweet cherry filling, and creamy topping come together beautifully in every little pie.
Mini pies are especially helpful for busy holiday meals. There is no need to cut slices, worry about uneven portions, or serve from a pie dish at the table. Each guest can grab an individual cherry pie and enjoy it as-is, with whipped topping, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This easy cherry pie recipe is a great choice for Thanksgiving because it saves time while still delivering the comforting flavor everyone expects from a classic dessert. It is also a practical option for dessert trays, bake sales, family gatherings, and casual weekend baking.
EASY CHERRY PIES RECIPE
When this recipe is described as easy, it truly is. You only need refrigerated pie crust, canned cherry pie filling, and a topping such as whipped cream. If you prefer a homemade crust, you can use your favorite pie crust recipe, but store-bought crust keeps this dessert quick and convenient.
The process is simple: cut circles from the pie dough, press them into a muffin tin, spoon in the cherry pie filling, and bake until the crust turns lightly golden. That is all it takes to make a tray of beautiful mini cherry pies that look charming and taste delicious.
Because these pies are small, they cool faster than a traditional pie and are easy to serve. They are also a great make-ahead dessert, which is always helpful when planning a big holiday meal. If your oven is busy with other dishes, you can prepare these earlier and serve them when dessert time arrives.
Now, let’s make these easy mini cherry pies.
MINI CHERRY PIES INGREDIENTS
You only need a few simple ingredients for this mini cherry pie recipe.
- PIE CRUST: Refrigerated pie crusts make this recipe fast and easy. You can also use your favorite homemade pie crust if you prefer.
- PIE FILLING: Canned cherry pie filling gives these mini pies their sweet, fruity center. You can use another pie filling if you want a different flavor.
- TOPPING: Whipped topping is a light and easy choice. Vanilla ice cream is also delicious served with warm or cooled cherry pies.
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE MINI CHERRY PIES
Follow these simple steps for a quick and delicious cherry pie dessert.
- PREHEAT: Preheat the oven to 350F. Spray a 12-count muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
- PREPARE CRUST: Roll the pie crust out on a flat surface. Use a round cookie cutter, small bowl, or the rim of a glass to cut circles from the dough. Press each dough circle into the bottom and sides of a muffin cup.
- FILL AND BAKE: Spoon cherry pie filling into each crust. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.
- COOL AND SERVE: Let the pies cool for at least 15 minutes. Carefully loosen the edges with a knife and gently lift each mini pie from the muffin tin. Add whipped topping or vanilla ice cream before serving.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CUT THE PIE CRUST?
A round cookie cutter is the easiest way to make evenly sized pie crust circles. If you do not have one, use the rim of a glass. Press the glass into the dough and gently twist to cut a clean circle. Try to keep the circles similar in size so the mini pies bake evenly and fit neatly into the muffin tin.
CAN I USE OTHER PIE FILLINGS?
Yes. Cherry pie filling is classic and works beautifully in this recipe, but you can use your favorite pie filling instead. Apple, blueberry, peach, or mixed berry filling would also work. You can even make a few different flavors in the same batch so guests have options.
WHAT ARE THE BEST TOPPINGS FOR CHERRY PIE?
Whipped topping and vanilla ice cream are both excellent choices. Add the topping right before serving so it stays fresh and creamy. These mini cherry pies are also tasty on their own if you prefer a simple dessert.
CAN I BAKE THESE AHEAD OF TIME AND FREEZE?
Yes. After the mini cherry pies have cooled completely, place them on a cookie sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a plastic bag or freezer-safe container for storage. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. This is a convenient option if you are preparing desserts ahead for a holiday party or family gathering.
Mini Cherry Pies
Ingredients
- 2 packages refrigerated pie crusts
- 2 cans cherry pie filling, 21 ounces each
- whipped topping
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350F. Spray a 12-count muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
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Roll out one pie crust on a flat surface. Use a round cookie cutter, small bowl, or glass to cut circles from the dough. Press each dough circle into a muffin cup. Repeat with the remaining dough.
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Fill each crust with about 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.
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Remove from the oven and let the pies cool for at least 15 minutes. Carefully loosen the edges with a knife, lift each pie from the tin, top with whipped topping, and serve.
Notes
- You can use any pie filling you like if you want to change the flavor.
- Top with whipped topping or vanilla ice cream just before serving.