Mini Cherry Pie

Easy mini cherry pie recipe with a buttery crust, juicy cherry filling, and a golden crumb topping. This small-batch cherry dessert is perfect for a quick homemade treat using fresh or frozen cherries. A simple and delicious fruit pie with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, ideal for any occasion and served with ice cream or whipped cream.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2 ½ tbsp salted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ⅛ tsp salt

For the Filling

• 2 ½ cups pitted cherries
• 4 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

For the Topping

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 tbsp salted butter, softened

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Add the flour, cornstarch, and salt, then mix until a soft dough forms.

Press the dough evenly into a lightly greased 5-inch baking dish using your fingers or the back of a spoon.

Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for about 20 minutes.

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2. Make the Cherry Filling

In a saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Heat over medium until the mixture begins to boil.

Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the filling thickens.

Spread the cherry filling evenly over the cooled crust.

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3. Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the softened butter and combine with a fork until crumbly.

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cherry layer.

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4. Bake the Pie

Place the dish on a baking sheet and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.

Let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm if desired, with whipped cream or ice cream.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect small-batch dessert for one or two people
• Simple ingredients you likely already have
• Balanced flavor: sweet cherries with a hint of citrus
• Crisp crust with a buttery crumble topping

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Tips

• Use fresh or frozen cherries (no need to thaw frozen ones)
• Let the pie cool slightly to help the filling set properly
• Don’t skip the baking sheet—it catches any bubbling juices
• Adjust sugar depending on the sweetness of your cherries

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Variations and Substitutions

• Swap cherries with blueberries, strawberries, or mixed berries
• Add a pinch of vanilla extract to the filling for extra flavor
• Use lime juice instead of lemon for a different citrus note
• Replace cinnamon with nutmeg for a warmer spice profile

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FAQs

Can I use canned cherries?
Yes, just drain them well and reduce the sugar slightly.

How do I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, bake it in advance and reheat gently in the oven.

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Serving

Serve warm or at room temperature. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra richness.

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Suggestions

• Pair with tea or coffee for a cozy dessert
• Add chopped nuts to the topping for crunch
• Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving for a nice finish