Get ready to steal the show at your next gathering with these Mini Cherry & Key Lime Pies! This adorable duo packs a punch of flavor, weaving together the lush sweetness of cherries and the zippy brightness of key limes. Their petite size makes them ideal for parties, picnics, or patriotic holidays, and trust me—nobody can resist those golden little stars or that cloud of whipped cream on top. With both classic fruit pie and zesty citrus pie in every batch, the only challenge will be deciding which one to reach for first.

Mini Cherry & Key Lime Pies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts of making Mini Cherry & Key Lime Pies is seeing how each simple ingredient transforms into an extraordinary bite. Every item here has a specific role, whether that’s creating a perfectly flaky crust, lending creamy tang, or making those cherries shine.

All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone to your mini cherry pie crust, providing structure while remaining tender.
Salt: Just the right pinch brings out all the subtle flavors in both your dough and filling.
Cold unsalted butter: Chilled and cubed, this ensures that your pastry bakes up flaky and rich—don’t let it soften!
Ice water: Adds moisture without melting the butter, helping your crust hold together.
Cherry pie filling: A classic sweet and tart filling that fills each pie with summery fruitiness.
Whole cherries (for garnish): The crowning ruby jewel on both varieties—don’t skip this fruity touch!
Egg (for egg wash): Brushed on the pie crust for a gorgeous, golden glossy finish after baking.
Mini graham cracker pie crusts: Ready-made or homemade, these give key lime pies their signature crunchy, buttery base.
Sweetened condensed milk: The star of the filling, making the key lime portion silky and luscious.
Key lime juice: Fresh or bottled—a splash of this brings all the tooth-tingling citrus flavor.
Lime zest: Adds a bright, aromatic lift and pretty specks to the pie filling.
Egg yolk: Binds the filling for that creamy set texture that melts in your mouth.
Whipped cream: Fluffy, sweet, and an absolute must for topping the key lime pies—go ahead, pile it on!

How to Make Mini Cherry & Key Lime Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Pie Crust

Start by whisking together your flour and salt in a mixing bowl—think of this as setting the stage for optimal flakiness. Next, add those cold cubes of butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work them into the flour until you see the mix resemble coarse crumbs. This step builds in all those lovely layers. Drizzle in the ice water a spoonful at a time, gently mixing just until a dough forms. Wrap and chill your dough while you set up the fillings.

Step 2: Assemble and Fill the Cherry Pies

Once the dough is rested and chilled, roll it out on a floured surface. Use a cutter to make circles just big enough to press into your mini pie tins. Spoon some cherry pie filling into each one, letting the gooey fruit almost peek over the edge. For that extra special touch, gather leftover dough, roll it out again, and use a star-shaped cutter for those adorable toppers. Lay a star on each pie and brush all the exposed dough with an egg wash to encourage the perfect golden finish.

Step 3: Bake Your Cherry Pies

Slide your little pies into an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, keeping an eye out for that unmistakable golden brown color and the bubbling cherry filling. Once they’re out, let them cool before garnishing, giving the crust a chance to crisp up and the filling to settle in.

Step 4: Mix the Key Lime Filling

While your cherry pies are baking or cooling, whip up the key lime pie filling. In a bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, and egg yolk until completely combined and velvety smooth. This is where the citrusy magic happens!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Key Lime Pies

Fill each mini graham cracker crust with the key lime mixture, spreading evenly to the edges. Place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You want the centers just set but still with a slight wobble—almost like sunshine in a crust. Cool them thoroughly, then chill for at least an hour so they’re perfectly creamy once you bite in.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, top each cooled key lime pie with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a glistening whole cherry. For the cherry pies, perch a fresh cherry atop each golden star for a pop of color and fun. Now your Mini Cherry & Key Lime Pies are ready to be the highlight of any dessert table!

How to Serve Mini Cherry & Key Lime Pies

Garnishes

The finishing touches can make your pies truly spectacular. For both varieties, a dollop of whipped cream and a single whole cherry instantly transform each mini pie into a showstopper. If you want to go even further, a sprinkle of extra lime zest on the key lime pies adds a burst of color and fragrance, while a dust of powdered sugar elevates the cherry pies to bakery-worthy status.

Side Dishes

Pair your Mini Cherry & Key Lime Pies with equally bright companions! Fresh summer fruit salad, a bowl of sweet strawberries, or even a serving of vanilla bean ice cream would all be delicious choices. If you’re hosting a brunch, consider serving these pies alongside iced tea, lemonade, or even a light, bubbly prosecco for a festive touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a patriotic celebration, display your Mini Cherry & Key Lime Pies on a large platter lined with colorful napkins or decorative paper doilies. Or try alternating the cherry and key lime pies in a circle for a playful, eye-catching arrangement. Mini party flags or themed toothpicks make a wonderful finishing touch for extra flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, tuck the pies into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to three days. This will keep the cherry pies’ crust crisp and the key lime pies creamy. Let them sit for a few minutes at room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.

Freezing

Both types of mini pies freeze well, making them ideal for prepping ahead of time. Once cooled completely, wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and place them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to one month—just remember not to top the key lime pies with whipped cream until after they thaw.

Reheating

Cherry pies taste delicious slightly warmed—unwrap and heat them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes until just warmed through. Key lime pies are best served chilled, so just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and garnish before serving. With this method, their flavors and textures are perfectly preserved.

FAQs

Can I make Mini Cherry & Key Lime Pies a day ahead?

Absolutely! You can prepare and bake both pies a day before your event. Just keep them well-covered in the fridge, and add garnishes just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Can I use bottled lime juice for key lime pies?

Yes, bottled key lime juice works beautifully in this recipe, especially if fresh key limes are hard to find. It still gives that signature tartness you’re after.

Do I need special mini pie tins?

While mini pie tins make it easy, you can also use a standard muffin tin. Simply cut the dough to fit and bake as directed for equally adorable results.

Can I use another fruit filling besides cherry?

Definitely! Blueberry, apple, or even peach pie filling can be swapped in for the cherries—just follow the same instructions for assembly and baking.

How do I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?

For cherry pies, make sure your filling isn’t too runny. Chilling the dough before baking also helps the crust set up faster in the oven, keeping it flaky and crisp.

Final Thoughts

Nobody can resist a platter of fresh Mini Cherry & Key Lime Pies—trust me, they’ll disappear before you know it! Their festive look and delightful flavor combinations make them my go-to for every summer event. All it takes is a few simple ingredients and a little love in the kitchen, so I hope you’ll give these minis a try and share the joy with your friends and family.

Mini Cherry & Key Lime Pies Recipe