Strawberry Ricotta Mini Pies: Easy Recipe!

Here is your complete guide to strawberry ricotta mini pies.

Introduction to Strawberry Ricotta Mini Pies

Are you ready to embark on a delicious journey that culminates in the creation of exquisite strawberry ricotta mini pies? Imagine biting into a perfectly flaky crust, followed by a burst of creamy, sweet ricotta filling studded with juicy strawberries. If that sounds like your idea of heaven, then you’ve come to the right place! These strawberry ricotta mini pies are not only incredibly easy to make but are also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. From a delightful breakfast treat to a sophisticated dessert, these mini strawberry ricotta pies offer a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring that your strawberry ricotta mini pies turn out perfectly every single time. So, grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

What Exactly Are Strawberry Ricotta Mini Pies?

Strawberry ricotta mini pies are individual-sized desserts that feature a delicate pie crust filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture and studded with fresh strawberries. They are essentially miniature versions of a classic fruit pie, offering a perfect portion size that’s both satisfying and guilt-free.

These delectable treats blend traditional flavors with a modern twist, often drawing inspiration from Italian culinary traditions where ricotta cheese is frequently paired with fruits in desserts.

But why choose mini pies over a full-sized pie? The appeal lies in their convenience, presentation, and portion control. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply when you want a single serving of pie. The individual servings make them easy to handle and serve, while their adorable size adds an extra touch of charm.

Why You’ll Absolutely Adore The Strawberry Ricotta Mini Pies Recipe

This recipe for strawberry ricotta mini pies is designed to be your go-to guide, promising a delightful baking experience and an even more delightful result. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with these mini pies:

Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy ricotta, sweet strawberries, and a hint of lemon creates a flavor profile that is both refreshing and comforting.
Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. No complicated techniques or fancy equipment required.
Versatile Treat: These mini pies are perfect for any time of day. Enjoy them for breakfast with a cup of coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as an elegant dessert after dinner.
Party-Perfect: Their individual size makes them ideal for parties and gatherings. They’re easy to serve, visually appealing, and always a hit with guests.

The Ingredients You’ll Need for Strawberry Ricotta Mini Pies: A Detailed Breakdown

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Quality ingredients are key to achieving the best flavor and texture in your strawberry ricotta mini pies.

For the Crust:
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups (300g) – Provides the structure for the crust.
- Cold salted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) – Adds richness and flakiness to the crust.
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) – Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Egg: 1 large – Binds the dough together.
- Cold milk: 3-4 tablespoons – Adds moisture to bring the dough together.

For the Filling:
- Fresh, ripe strawberries: 1 pound (450g) – The star of the show, providing sweetness and vibrant flavor.
- Whole milk ricotta cheese: 15 ounces (425g) – Creates a creamy and rich filling.
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) – Adds sweetness to the filling.
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon – Brightens the filling with a touch of acidity.
- Lemon zest: 1 teaspoon – Adds a fragrant citrus aroma.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon – Enhances the overall flavor.
- Honey: 1 tablespoon – Adds another layer of sweetness.

For the Topping:
- Egg: 1 large (for egg wash) – Adds shine and color to the crust.
- Coarse sugar: For sprinkling – Adds a sweet crunch.
- Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup (for glaze, optional) – Creates a smooth and sweet glaze.
- Lemon juice: 1 teaspoon (for glaze, optional) – Adds tang to the glaze.
- Water: As needed (for glaze, optional) – Adjusts the consistency of the glaze.

Ingredient Substitutions for Strawberry Ricotta Mini Pies

Ingredient	Substitute	Notes
Ricotta Cheese	Mascarpone or Cream Cheese	May alter the flavor slightly. Mascarpone will be richer, while cream cheese will have a tangier flavor.
Strawberries	Raspberries, Blueberries	Provides a different flavor profile but works well. Consider a mixed berry pie for added complexity.
Lemon Zest	Orange Zest	Adds a different citrusy note. Pairs well with other berry variations.
All-Purpose Flour	Gluten-Free Flour Blend	Ensure it’s a 1:1 replacement for best results. Look for a blend that already contains xanthan gum.
Granulated Sugar	Honey or Maple Syrup	Adjust the amount to taste and consider the added moisture. Reduce other liquid ingredients slightly if using honey or maple syrup.

Crafting the Perfect Strawberry Ricotta Mini Pies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making these delightful mini pies! Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect results.

Preparing the Dough

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. This ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Add Butter: Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should still be in small pieces; this is crucial for creating a flaky crust.
Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and cold milk. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough crust.
Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

Tip:Keep the butter and flour cold throughout the process for the flakiest crust.

Making the Ricotta Filling

Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, and vanilla extract.
Mix Until Smooth: Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy.
Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the sliced strawberries. Be careful not to overmix, as this can crush the strawberries and make the filling too watery.

Assembling the Mini Pies

Roll the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
Cut the Circles: Use a 4-inch cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut out circles of dough.
Place in Muffin Tin: Gently press each dough circle into a muffin tin.
Add Filling: Fill each crust with the ricotta-strawberry mixture, leaving a little space at the top.
Create a Top Crust (Optional): Cut out smaller circles or strips for the top crust. Place them on top of the filling.
Seal the Edges: Crimp the edges of the crust with a fork to seal.
Egg Wash: Brush the top with a beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Baking the Mini Pies

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Baking Time: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
Cooling: Let the pies cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tip: If you find that the crust is browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil or use a pie shield.

Equipment Recommendations

Equipment	Use	Alternative
Muffin Tin	Baking mini pies	Individual ramekins
Pastry Blender	Cutting butter into flour	Two forks or your fingertips
Rolling Pin	Rolling out pie dough	Clean, smooth bottle or jar
Cookie Cutters	Cutting out pie crust circles	Sharp knife and a bowl or plate as a guide

Baking Times and Temperatures

Pie Type	Oven Temperature	Baking Time	Notes
Strawberry Ricotta	350°F (175°C)	20-25 minutes	Adjust based on your oven. Check for golden-brown crust.
Blind Baked Crust (Only)	350°F (175°C)	10 minutes	Line with parchment and pie weights.

The Perfect Glaze Recipe

While optional, a simple glaze can add an extra touch of sweetness and shine to your strawberry ricotta mini pies. Here’s how to make it:

Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a small amount of water until smooth.
Adjust Consistency: Add more water if needed to reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thin enough to drizzle but thick enough to coat the pies.
Apply the Glaze: Once the pies have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top. You can also garnish with extra lemon zest or sliced strawberries.

Essential Tips for Strawberry Ricotta Mini Pie Perfection

Use Cold Ingredients: Keep the butter and flour cold for a flaky crust.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to a tough crust. Mix only until just combined.
Blind Bake: To prevent a soggy crust, blind bake the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This involves lining the crust with parchment paper and filling it with pie weights or dried beans.
Even Thickness: Aim for an even thickness when rolling out the pastry.
Slice Evenly: Slice the strawberries thinly and evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
Cool Completely: Allow the pies to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
Add Zest: Introduce orange zest into the crust or filling for a citrusy tang.

Serving and Storing Your Masterpieces

Serving: Serve the pies slightly warm or at room temperature. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Storage Guidelines

Storage Method	Duration	Notes
Refrigerator	Up to 3 days	Store in an airtight container to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
Freezer	Up to 2 months	Wrap individual pies tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag.

Troubleshooting Tips

Problem	Solution
Soggy Crust	Blind bake the crust before adding the filling. Ensure the filling isn’t too watery by draining the strawberries if they are particularly juicy.
Tough Crust	Avoid overmixing the dough and ensure that the ingredients are cold. Rest the dough in the refrigerator for the recommended time.
Filling is Too Runny	Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the filling mixture. Alternatively, gently cook the strawberry filling on the stovetop for a few minutes to thicken it slightly before adding it to the pies.
Crust is Burning	Cover the edges of the crust with foil or use a pie shield. Lower the oven temperature by 25°F (14°C) and bake for a slightly longer time.
Unevenly Cooked Filling	Ensure that the strawberries are sliced evenly and that the oven temperature is accurate. Rotate the muffin tin halfway through baking.

FAQs About Strawberry Ricotta Mini Pies

Can I use frozen strawberries?

While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if thawed and drained well.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Can I freeze these mini pies?

Yes, bake the pies, let them cool completely, and then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

Mascarpone cheese or cream cheese can be used as alternatives, although they will alter the flavor slightly.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Blind bake the crust and ensure that the filling isn’t too wet.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully navigated the world of strawberry ricotta mini pies. With this detailed guide, you’re now equipped to create these delightful treats whenever the craving strikes. Remember to experiment with different variations and add your personal touch to make these mini pies truly your own. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations! And if you loved this recipe, please leave a comment below and share this guide with your friends. For more delectable recipes and baking tips, subscribe to our newsletter.