Mini Strawberry Pies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of fresh strawberries and a hint of lemon juice creates a bright, refreshing flavor profile.

• Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, these pies come together quickly.

• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness to your liking by varying the amount of sugar based on the ripeness of your strawberries.

• No Baking Required: Utilizing pre-made graham cracker crusts and a no-bake filling simplifies the process, saving you time.

• Portable and Presentable: Their individual size makes them easy to serve and enjoy on the go, while their presentation adds a festive touch to any occasion.

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 6 mini graham cracker crusts (1 package – 0.17 ounce crusts)

• 2 ½ cups fresh strawberries, stemmed and chopped (~1 pound)

• ¼ – ⅓ cup granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness of strawberries)

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 to 3 drops red food coloring (optional)

• Whipped cream (optional garnish)

• Mint leaves (optional garnish)

Directions

1. In a saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups of the chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.

2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.

3. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the remaining chopped strawberries and red food coloring, if using.

4. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

5. Once cooled, spoon the strawberry filling into the mini graham cracker crusts.

6. Refrigerate the pies for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.

7. Before serving, top each pie with a dollop of whipped cream and a mint leaf, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 mini pies

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• Chill Time: 2 hours

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• No-Bake Version: For a quicker preparation, use a no-bake strawberry glaze and pre-made graham cracker crusts.

• Sugar Cookie Crust: Substitute graham cracker crusts with mini sugar cookie crusts for a different flavor base.

• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free whipped topping and ensure all other ingredients are dairy-free.

• Additional Fruits: Incorporate other berries like blueberries or raspberries into the filling for a mixed berry flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the mini pies refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: These pies are best served chilled and do not require reheating.

FAQs

How do I prevent the graham cracker crust from becoming soggy?

To prevent sogginess, you can brush the crust with a thin layer of melted white chocolate before adding the filling.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries; just ensure they are thawed and drained well before use.

Is it necessary to use food coloring?

Food coloring is optional and primarily used to enhance the visual appeal of the pies.

Can I make these pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! These pies can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

How can I make the pies sweeter?

Adjust the amount of sugar in the filling based on the sweetness of your strawberries. Taste the mixture before cooking and add more sugar if needed.

Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, you can substitute graham cracker crusts with other types, such as shortbread or sugar cookie crusts, for a different flavor.

Are these pies suitable for vegans?

To make these pies vegan, use plant-based whipped cream and ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.

Can I freeze these mini pies?

It’s not recommended to freeze these pies as the texture of the filling may change upon thawing.

How do I serve these pies at a party?

Arrange the pies on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves and additional whipped cream for an elegant presentation.

Can I use other fruits in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute strawberries with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, adjusting the sugar and lemon juice as needed.

Conclusion

Mini strawberry pies are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that brings the fresh taste of summer to your table. With their vibrant color, sweet flavor, and individual serving size, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore the variations, these pies offer a delicious way to enjoy strawberries in a fun and festive form.