Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies are one of those desserts that feel both timeless and fresh, a beautiful marriage of creamy indulgence and fruity brightness tucked into a crisp, golden crust. These small yet elegant treats combine the irresistible appeal of buttery pastry with the luxurious smoothness of cream cheese and the sweet-tart pop of cherries. Each bite offers a layered experience—flaky crust, creamy filling, and juicy topping—that’s as satisfying as it is visually charming. Whether you are preparing them for a dinner party, a holiday gathering, or simply as a personal indulgence, these mini pies stand out as a dessert that’s easy enough for beginners yet sophisticated enough to impress. Their single-serve nature makes them ideal for sharing, while their size ensures portion control without compromising on flavor.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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2 cups cherries (fresh or canned, chopped)
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1 cup cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 package refrigerated pie crusts (contains 2 crusts)
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1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
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2 tablespoons apricot jam (optional, for shiny glaze)
Directions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
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Roll out the pie crusts and cut rounds (about 4 inches) to fit into muffin cups; press into each cup to form shells.
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Beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth; fill pie shells halfway.
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Top each with chopped cherries.
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Use remaining crust to create lattice strips for each mini pie; lay over filling and seal edges.
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Brush lattice tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes until crust is golden and filling bubbles.
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Warm apricot jam briefly and brush over pies while still warm for a glossy finish (optional).
Nutrients
Estimated per mini pie:
- Calories: ~ 465 kcal
- Protein: ~ 10 g
- Fat: ~ 15 g
- Carbohydrates: ~ 68 g
Why This Recipe Stands Out
What makes these Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies exceptional is their remarkable balance of simplicity and sophistication. They are eye-catching desserts that don’t require elaborate effort, yet they yield results that look straight out of a bakery display case. The combination of creamy filling and juicy cherries enclosed in golden crust creates a layered experience of taste and texture that is both comforting and indulgent. The lattice crust not only enhances the presentation but also adds crunch and structural integrity to each pie. Unlike large pies, which require slicing and serving, these mini versions are portable, neat, and perfectly portioned, making them especially practical for parties, lunchboxes, or buffets. Their adaptability also makes them unique—you can alter the fruit topping, glaze, or even the dough type without losing their essential charm.
The Benefits of the Ingredients
Each ingredient in this recipe brings its own special quality, contributing to both flavor and nutrition. Cherries, whether fresh or canned, are a powerhouse of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which are linked to reduced inflammation and heart health benefits. Their natural tartness balances the richness of the filling, preventing the dessert from becoming overly sweet. Cream cheese provides the silky, tangy base that makes these pies stand out compared to ordinary fruit pies. While indulgent, it adds protein, calcium, and a luscious texture that feels luxurious. The pie crust delivers that essential flaky bite that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling. By using store-bought dough, the recipe remains accessible and quick, though those who prefer can make homemade pastry for an added touch of craftsmanship. Vanilla extract enhances the aromatic profile, making the flavor more rounded and inviting. Finally, apricot jam—though optional—adds a glossy finish that elevates the pies’ appearance, giving them that polished, bakery-style look while also contributing a subtle layer of sweetness.
Cooking Tips
To ensure success, there are several key techniques worth keeping in mind. Starting with cream cheese at room temperature is essential because it ensures a lump-free, creamy filling. When preparing the crusts, pressing the dough firmly into the muffin cups helps prevent shrinkage during baking and keeps the pies from losing their shape. If you’re creating lattice tops, keeping the strips uniform and evenly spaced allows them to bake evenly and ensures a professional-looking finish. An egg wash brushed on top before baking gives a golden sheen that makes the pies visually appealing. For those who enjoy experimenting, you can easily adapt the recipe by switching out the cherries for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even diced peaches. For a different texture, puff pastry can be substituted for pie crust, offering extra flakiness. Those who prefer less sugar can skip the jam glaze or replace it with a light drizzle of honey or even a dusting of powdered sugar after baking. Freezing the unbaked pies is also an option, which allows you to prepare them in advance and bake fresh whenever needed.
Serving Suggestions
These mini pies shine in their versatility when it comes to serving. Served warm, they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream, creating a classic dessert experience. At room temperature, they work wonderfully as lunchbox treats or picnic desserts since they are easy to transport and enjoy without utensils. For parties or gatherings, arranging them on a decorative platter instantly creates an elegant dessert table centerpiece. They also pair well with coffee or tea, making them perfect for afternoon tea service or casual coffee breaks with friends. For an elevated presentation, dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar, add a sprig of mint, or serve with a small side of cherry compote for extra fruitiness. If you’re looking to turn them into a festive holiday treat, consider sprinkling crushed pistachios or white chocolate shavings on top for seasonal flair.
Conclusion
Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies capture the essence of indulgence and charm in a compact form. Their flaky crust, velvety cream cheese filling, and vibrant cherry topping combine into a dessert that feels both nostalgic and refined. Easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for special occasions, these pies embody the best of home baking: they’re approachable, adaptable, and always rewarding. The balance of textures ensures that every bite is a delightful mix of crisp, creamy, and juicy, keeping your taste buds engaged from start to finish. Their portable size makes them perfect for sharing, but their irresistible flavor might tempt you to keep them all to yourself. Whether served as part of a holiday spread, at a casual picnic, or as an afternoon indulgence with coffee, these pies never fail to bring a sense of joy and satisfaction. Ultimately, they remind us that desserts don’t need to be extravagant or complicated to be memorable—sometimes, it’s the thoughtful pairing of simple ingredients, prepared with care, that creates the most lasting impressions.