Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies

Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or looking for a sweet finish to a cozy dinner, these mini desserts deliver on flavor and fun. With a creamy ice cream filling paired with roasted strawberries nestled in a crunchy graham cracker crust, they offer a delightful combination of textures and tastes that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These mini pies require minimal effort, making them perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet strawberries and vanilla ice cream creates a refreshing dessert that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as individual servings at parties or as a fun family dessert that everyone can customize.
• No-Bake Option: Although this recipe includes baking the crust, you can easily adapt it to use store-bought crusts for an even quicker treat.
• Perfect for Summer: These pies are light and fruity, making them an ideal choice for hot weather gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mini pie or tart pans
• Food processor
• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Oven

Importance of Each Tool

• Mini pie or tart pans: These pans help create the perfect shape and size for individual servings of your delicious pies.
• Food processor: It makes crushing the graham crackers easy and quick, ensuring a consistent crumb texture for your crust.

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.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

1. In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they turn into fine crumbs.
2. Add the pinch of ground cinnamon and fine sea salt; pulse again to combine.
3. Pour in the melted butter and mix until everything is well combined.
4. Divide the crumb mixture among the prepared mini pans.
5. Press it 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 to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

1. While your crusts are baking, arrange the hulled and quartered strawberries in an even layer on a baking sheet.
2. Sprinkle granulated sugar over the strawberries, tossing gently to combine.
3. Drizzle pure vanilla extract over the berries and toss again to mix.

Step 4: Roast Strawberries

Roast in the oven until tender and juices have thickened, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Allow cooling completely after roasting.

Step 5: Assemble Your Mini Pies

Spoon roasted strawberries into each cooled crust. When ready to serve, add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each pie for an extra creamy finish!

How to Serve Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies

Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies are delightful and versatile desserts perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy texture to each bite, complementing the strawberries perfectly.

Add Fresh Mint Leaves

• Garnishing with fresh mint leaves not only enhances the presentation but also adds a refreshing flavor that balances the sweetness.

Serve with Chocolate Sauce

• Drizzling chocolate sauce over the ice cream pies creates a rich contrast and elevates the overall taste.

Accompany with Fresh Berries

• Side servings of fresh berries can add a burst of flavor and color, making the dessert even more appealing.

Offer a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• For those who love extra creaminess, serve alongside an additional scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Present on Colorful Plates

• Using vibrant plates can make your Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies stand out, creating a visually stunning dessert table.

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How to Perfect Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies

Creating the perfect Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out great every time.

• Use fresh strawberries – Always opt for ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness in your pies.

• Cool crust completely – Allowing the crust to cool completely before adding filling prevents melting and maintains structure.

• Don’t over-roast strawberries – Monitor them closely while roasting; you want them tender but not mushy for optimal texture.

• Scoop ice cream just before serving – To maintain its creamy consistency, scoop the ice cream onto the pies right before serving.

• Experiment with flavors – Try different ice cream flavors like strawberry or mint for unique variations on this classic dessert.

• Keep them chilled until ready – Store your mini pies in the freezer until you’re ready to serve for the best cold treat experience.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies

While Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies are delicious on their own, pairing them with delightful sides can elevate your dessert spread. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad made with mixed seasonal fruits complements the pie’s sweetness and adds freshness.

2. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses, particularly creamy brie or tangy goat cheese, provides a savory contrast that enhances the dessert’s flavors.

3. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels – The salty crunch of pretzels coated in chocolate makes for a fun and contrasting texture alongside sweet pies.

4. Nutty Granola – Serving nutty granola can add a crunchy element that pairs well with the soft ice cream filling.

5. Mini Cheesecakes – Small cheesecake bites offer another creamy option that guests will adore alongside strawberry flavors.

6. Lemon Sorbet – The tartness of lemon sorbet acts as a palate cleanser between bites, refreshing guests as they enjoy their pies.

7. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake – This classic cake brings tropical flavors that harmonize beautifully with strawberries while adding variety to your dessert offerings.

8. Coffee or Tea – Offering hot beverages like coffee or tea can warm up the meal and create a cozy finish after enjoying icy treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly.

• Crust Preparation: Not pressing the crust firmly can lead to crumbling. Make sure to press the crumb mixture evenly into the pans for a sturdy base.
• Overbaking: Baking the crust too long will result in dryness. Check for golden brown edges and remove it promptly from the oven.
• Ignoring Cooling Time: Filling warm crusts can melt ice cream. Allow both the crust and strawberry filling to cool completely before assembling.
• Skipping Roasting Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are delicious, but roasting enhances their flavor. Don’t skip this step for a richer taste.
• Using Cold Ice Cream: Scooping cold ice cream can be tough. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes for easier scooping.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies

• Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies that might help you as you prepare this delightful dessert.

Can I use other fruits for Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies?

Yes! You can substitute strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for different flavors.

How do I make Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies without baking?

You can use store-bought graham cracker crusts instead of homemade ones. Simply fill them with the strawberry mixture and ice cream!

What’s the best way to serve Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies?

Serve them chilled straight from the fridge or freezer. Top with whipped cream for an extra treat!

How long do Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies take to prepare?

The preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, plus cooling time for both the crust and filling.

Final Thoughts

These Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding different toppings or swapping fruits based on your preferences. They make an excellent dessert for any occasion, bringing joy with every bite. Try making them today!