Irresistible Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies!

Irresistible Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies

Yields: 12 mini pies
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour (optional but recommended)

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full crackers)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 6 tablespoons melted butter
  OR use 12 pre-made mini graham cracker pie shells for extra ease

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or canned cherries, pitted and chopped

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust depending on cherry sweetness)

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Optional: pinch of cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (for creaminess)

Instructions

1. Make the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar.

3. Stir in melted butter until mixture resembles wet sand.

4. Spoon mixture evenly into a 12-cup muffin tin lined with paper cupcake liners (or into mini pie tins).

5. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom using the back of a spoon or small glass.

6. Bake for 6–8 minutes, then let cool completely.

2. Prepare the Cherry Topping

1. In a small saucepan, add chopped cherries, sugar, and lemon juice.

2. Cook over medium heat until cherries begin to break down, about 5–7 minutes.

3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry.

4. Stir the slurry into the cherries and cook another 1–2 minutes, until the mixture thickens.

5. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and let cool.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.

2. Add sugar, vanilla, and sour cream. Beat again until silky and well combined.

4. Assemble the Mini Pies

1. Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each cooled crust.

2. Top each with a generous spoonful of the cherry topping.

3. Smooth the tops or leave them rustic and loaded!

5. Chill and Serve

• Place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set (overnight is even better).

• Garnish with a fresh mint leaf or dollop of whipped cream if desired.

❤️ Tips & Variations

• Shortcut version: Use canned cherry pie filling for a quick alternative.

• No-bake option: Skip baking the crust — just chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before adding filling.

• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour in the crust.

These Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies are rich, creamy, and bursting with juicy cherry flavor — they’ll disappear fast! ✨