Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies

Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer in every bite. These individual desserts combine a crisp graham cracker crust with luscious roasted strawberries and creamy vanilla ice cream, making them perfect for parties, picnics, or simply indulging on a warm day. Their appealing presentation and rich flavors make them a standout choice for any occasion, ensuring both kids and adults will love them.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Graham Cracker Crust
• For the Ice-Cream Filling
• How to Make Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Make the Crust
• Step 3: Make the Filling
• Step 4: Assemble Your Mini Pies
• How to Serve Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
• Individual Serving Suggestions
• Fun Presentation Ideas
• How to Perfect Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
• Best Side Dishes for Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
• Reheating Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other fruits for these pies?
• How do I make these pies dairy-free?
• Can I prepare these ahead of time?
• What if I don’t have mini pie pans?
• How do I serve these pies?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these mini treats in no time.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweetness of strawberries paired with creamy vanilla ice cream creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a birthday party, these pies fit right in.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out strawberries for other fruits or try different ice cream flavors to suit your taste.
• Individual Servings: These mini pies are portion-controlled, making it easy to serve guests without any fuss.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Mini pie or tart pans
• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: This tool makes crushing graham crackers quick and easy, saving you time in the kitchen.
• Mini pie or tart pans: They help shape the crust perfectly and provide individual servings that look great on any dessert table.

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust

• 15 graham crackers
• Pinch of ground cinnamon
• Pinch of fine sea salt
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Ice-Cream Filling

• 2 pounds (906g) strawberries, hulled and quartered
• ⅓ cup (66g) granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 4 large scoops vanilla ice cream

How to Make Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place four mini pie or tart pans on a baking sheet to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they turn into fine crumbs.
2. Add the cinnamon and salt, pulsing again to combine.
3. Pour in the melted butter, mixing until everything is well combined.
4. Divide this crumb mixture among your prepared mini pans.
5. Press it down evenly into the base and up the sides to form a crust.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Allow cooling completely once done.

Step 3: Make the Filling

1. While your crusts are baking, prepare the filling by spreading the strawberries on a baking sheet.
2. Sprinkle them with sugar, tossing gently to coat.
3. Drizzle with vanilla extract, stirring again to mix well.
4. Roast in the oven until tender and juices have thickened, about 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool completely afterward.

Step 4: Assemble Your Mini Pies

Spoon the roasted strawberries into each cooled crust, ensuring they are evenly distributed. When ready to serve, place a large scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each pie for that perfect finishing touch!

How to Serve Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies

Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies are a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. You can serve them in various ways to enhance their appeal and make your gatherings even sweeter.

Individual Serving Suggestions

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top adds a light and airy touch.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Garnishing with mint leaves gives a pop of color and freshness.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted chocolate over the ice cream makes a decadent twist.
• Sliced Strawberries: Adding fresh sliced strawberries on top enhances the strawberry flavor and adds visual appeal.
• Crushed Nuts: Sprinkling crushed almonds or walnuts gives a nice crunch and added texture.

Fun Presentation Ideas

• Mini Dessert Cups: Serve each pie in individual cups for easy handling at parties.
• Themed Plates: Use themed plates for special occasions, like birthdays or summer picnics, to set a festive mood.
• Colorful Napkins: Pair with bright napkins to create a cheerful table setting.

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How to Perfect Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies

To ensure your Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies turn out just right, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Select ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor in your pies.
• Cool Crust Completely: Allow the graham cracker crust to cool completely before adding the filling; this prevents melting the ice cream.
• Roast Berries Carefully: Monitor the strawberries while roasting; you want them tender but not mushy.
• Layer Ice Cream Generously: Don’t skimp on the vanilla ice cream—make sure each pie has a generous scoop for that creamy texture.
• Chill Before Serving: Let the pies chill in the freezer for a bit after assembly; this helps them set up nicely before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies

Pairing side dishes with your Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the pies.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides a savory contrast to the sweet treats.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Guests can dip fruits or pieces of cake into warm chocolate for an interactive experience.
4. Pecan Brownies: Rich chocolate brownies add indulgence alongside refreshing ice cream pies.
5. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats pair well with fruity desserts and add texture variety.
6. Mini Cheesecakes: Offer mini cheesecakes as another sweet option that pairs well with strawberry flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies even better. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Overbaking the Crust: If you bake the crust for too long, it can become hard and difficult to cut. Keep an eye on it and remove it once it’s golden brown.

• Not Cooling the Crust: Skipping the cooling step can lead to a soggy crust. Always let your crust cool completely before adding the filling.

• Using Unripe Strawberries: Unripe strawberries lack flavor, so choose ripe ones for the best taste. Look for bright red berries with no green spots.

• Skipping the Sugar on Strawberries: Forgetting to sprinkle sugar on the strawberries can result in a bland filling. This step helps bring out their natural sweetness.

• Filling Overloaded Crusts: Adding too much filling can lead to messy servings. Stick to a manageable amount of strawberries and ice cream for perfect mini pies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store your Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies in an airtight container.
• item They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies

• item For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container.
• item They should maintain quality for up to 1 month in the freezer.

Reheating Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies

• item Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• item Microwave: Heat on low power for 20-30 seconds until just warmed.
• item Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies:

Can I use other fruits for these pies?

Yes! You can substitute strawberries with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for different flavors.

How do I make these pies dairy-free?

To make dairy-free Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies, use coconut milk ice cream or almond milk ice cream instead of regular vanilla ice cream.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the crust and filling ahead of time, but it’s best to add the ice cream just before serving.

What if I don’t have mini pie pans?

You can use a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners as an alternative for making mini pies!

How do I serve these pies?

These pies are best served chilled. Top them with whipped cream or fresh strawberries for added flair!

Final Thoughts

These Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies are a delightful summer treat that is sure to impress at any gathering. Not only are they easy to make, but they also offer plenty of room for customization. Feel free to experiment with different berries or toppings to suit your taste!