A Delightful Treat for All Occasions
There’s something irresistible about biting into a warm, flaky pastry filled with juicy cherries. Simple Cherry Pastry Pies are a nostalgic treat that balance a rich, buttery crust with sweet, tart fruit. My experience in the kitchen has taught me that these little pies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but are also easy to whip up for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a casual weekend treat.
Why Make This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet cherries and a buttery crust creates a mouthwatering dessert that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, barbecue, or holiday celebration, these pies fit right in.
- Simple and Quick: With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have fresh pastries ready in no time.
- Nutrition Boost: Cherries are not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
- Personal Touch: I love making these pies because they remind me of summer days spent picking cherries with my family.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Servings: 8 small pies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cooking Method: Baking
These cherry pastry pies are baked until golden brown, ensuring a crispy and flaky crust that perfectly complements the sweet cherry filling.
My Experience Making This Recipe
When I first tackled this recipe, I was surprised at how straightforward it was. The hardest part was ensuring the dough was rolled out evenly, but with a little patience and practice, I achieved beautiful, uniform pies. I discovered that the type of cherries you choose can elevate the flavor even more, so don’t hesitate to experiment!
How to Make Simple Cherry Pastry Pies
To create these delightful pastry pies, start by making a homemade dough or using store-bought pastry for convenience. The process involves rolling out the dough, filling it with a cherry mixture, and sealing it before baking. Expect your kitchen to be filled with a warm, inviting aroma as they bake—it’s a charming experience!
Expert Tips for Success
- Choose Fresh Cherries: Opt for in-season cherries for the best flavor. If fresh isn’t available, frozen cherries work well—just ensure they’re thawed and drained.
- Don’t Skip the Chill: After preparing the dough, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help create a flaky texture when baked.
- Seal Properly: To prevent the filling from leaking, make sure to seal the edges of the pastry well. A fork works perfectly for this!
- Try an Egg Wash: Brushing the tops with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) will give your pies a beautiful, golden finish.
- Use Baking Paper: Line your baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
How to Serve Simple Cherry Pastry Pies
These mini treats are delightful on their own but can also be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a luxurious touch. They make great picnic desserts, and presentation is key—arrange them on a colorful platter for an eye-catching display. For a festive twist, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving!
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store any leftover pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. When reheating, place the pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispness.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Pies: Use a gluten-free pastry blend to make the crust, ensuring everyone can enjoy these treats.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Add Spices: Enhance the cherry filling by sprinkling in some cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth.
- Mixed Fruit Filling: Try using a combination of cherries and other berries, like blueberries or raspberries, for a flavorful twist.
Nutritional Highlights
These cherry pastry pies provide a mix of carbohydrates from the pastry and fiber and vitamins from the cherries. Cherries are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in vitamin C. Each pie is a delightful indulgence, so enjoy them in moderation!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Soggy Bottoms: If your bottoms are soggy, try pre-baking the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling. This helps to create a barrier.
- Filling Overflow: Too much filling can cause overflow. Make sure to use about 1-2 tablespoons per pie and seal well.
- Crumbly Dough: If your pastry dough crumbles and won’t hold together, it may be too dry. Add a bit of cold water, a teaspoon at a time, until it comes together.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes! Frozen cherries are a great alternative when fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw and drain them before using. -
What can I do with leftover pastry?
You can use leftover pastry to create mini tarts or bake extra pie shells alongside your pies—perfect for filling with any leftover cherry mixture. -
How do I know when the pies are done?
Your pies are ready when they are golden brown on top, and you can see the filling bubbling slightly from the vents. -
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Simple Cherry Pastry Pies
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 small pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and flaky mini cherry pies filled with sweet, juicy cherries. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 package of pastry dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice to make the filling.
- Roll out the pastry dough and cut into circles.
- Place 1-2 tablespoons of cherry filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Seal the edges using a fork to prevent leakage.
- Brush the tops with egg wash (beaten egg with water).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg