Mini Strawberry Pies With Graham Cracker Crust
Strawberry season is one of the most anticipated times of the year for anyone who loves fresh, juicy berries. And what better way to celebrate the arrival of this delicious fruit than by making mini strawberry pies with graham cracker crust? These individual pies are perfect for sharing with friends and family, and they're so easy to make that even novice bakers can whip them up in no time.
Ingredients
To make mini strawberry pies with graham cracker crust, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Here's how to make mini strawberry pies with graham cracker crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Divide the mixture evenly among 12 muffin cups, pressing it down firmly to form a crust in each cup.
- Bake the crusts for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Allow them to cool while you make the filling.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture comes to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool for 10-15 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Divide the cooled strawberry filling among the 12 muffin cups, and top each cup with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Refrigerate the mini strawberry pies for at least 1 hour before serving.
Variations
If you want to mix things up a bit, here are a few variations you can try:
- Use a different type of berry: While strawberries are delicious, you can also use raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries in this recipe.
- Add a chocolate drizzle: Melt some chocolate chips in the microwave and drizzle them over the whipped cream for a decadent touch.
- Make a no-bake version: Instead of baking the graham cracker crust, simply press it into the muffin cups and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before adding the filling.
- Add a crumb topping: Mix together some graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter, and sprinkle it over the whipped cream before refrigerating.
Conclusion
Mini strawberry pies with graham cracker crust are a delicious and easy dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something sweet, these individual pies are sure to satisfy your cravings. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you!