Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies are the perfect blend of sweet and refreshing flavors, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or just want to enjoy a delightful dessert, these mini pies capture the essence of strawberry goodness. With a simple graham cracker crust, luscious strawberry filling, and creamy vanilla ice cream, they promise to be a hit with friends and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few steps, you can whip up these delightful mini desserts without any hassle.
- Fresh Flavor: The combination of roasted strawberries and vanilla ice cream creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, picnic, or casual dinner, these pies fit right in.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fruits or toppings to suit your taste.
- No-Bake Option: Enjoy a cool treat without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies efficiently, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Mini pie or tart pans
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: This tool simplifies crushing the graham crackers into fine crumbs effortlessly.
- Mini pie or tart pans: These pans help create perfectly shaped individual servings that are easy to serve and eat.
- Baking sheet: A baking sheet is essential for roasting the strawberries evenly without mess.
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 for easy handling.
Step 2: Make the Crust
- In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they form fine crumbs.
- Add a pinch of ground cinnamon and a pinch of fine sea salt; pulse again to combine.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix until everything is well combined.
- Divide this crumb mixture among your prepared mini pans, pressing it evenly into the base and up the sides to form crusts.
- Bake in your preheated oven until golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Allow them to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- While the crusts are baking, place your hulled and quartered strawberries in an even layer on another baking sheet.
- Sprinkle granulated sugar over them and toss gently to combine.
- Drizzle pure vanilla extract over the strawberries and toss again.
- Roast in the oven until tender and juices have thickened, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool completely.
Step 4: Assemble Your Mini Pies
Spoon the roasted strawberries into each cooled crust. When ready to serve, add large scoops of vanilla ice cream on top for a creamy finish. Enjoy your delightful Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies!
How to Serve Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies are perfect for any gathering, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.
Individual Servings
- Serve each mini pie on a small plate for an elegant touch.
Garnish with Fresh Mint
- Add a sprig of fresh mint on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- A light drizzle of chocolate sauce can enhance the sweetness and create a beautiful presentation.
Pair with Whipped Cream
- Top the pies with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess and flavor.
Serve with Extra Strawberries
- Place a few fresh strawberries on the side to complement the strawberry flavor in the pies.
Accompany with Sparkling Water
- Offer sparkling water or lemonade as a refreshing drink alongside these mini treats.
How to Perfect Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
Perfecting your Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies can take your dessert from good to unforgettable. Here are some essential tips to consider:
-
Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh berries yield the best flavor and texture, enhancing the overall taste of your pies.
-
Chill Before Serving: Allow the assembled pies to chill in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps them hold their shape better.
-
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix in other fruits or flavored ice creams to customize each pie according to your taste preferences.
-
Make Ahead: These mini pies can be made ahead of time. Store them in the freezer until you’re ready to serve, making them perfect for parties.
Best Side Dishes for Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
Pairing side dishes with your Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies can enhance the overall dining experience. Consider these delicious options:
-
Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and is refreshing after rich desserts.
-
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses balances sweetness and provides savory notes that complement the pies.
-
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The combination of salty and sweet gives guests a fun snack option.
-
Vanilla Cupcakes: Light vanilla cupcakes can be a delightful addition, allowing guests to enjoy another sweet treat.
-
Mini Cheesecakes: Offering mini cheesecakes provides variety while still keeping things light and bite-sized.
-
Cookie Assortment: A platter of assorted cookies allows everyone to choose their favorite flavors alongside the ice cream pies.
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 help you avoid them.
- Wrong Crust Texture: If the graham cracker crust is too crumbly, it won’t hold together. Ensure you pulse the crackers finely and mix in enough melted butter.
- Overripe Strawberries: Using overly ripe strawberries can result in a mushy filling. Choose fresh strawberries that are firm and bright red for the best flavor and texture.
- Skipping Cooling Time: If you don’t let the crust and filling cool completely, the ice cream will melt quickly. Be patient and allow everything to cool before assembling your pies.
- Using Low-Quality Ice Cream: Not all ice creams are created equal. For the best results, use high-quality vanilla ice cream for a richer flavor.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science! Use precise measurements for sugar and butter to ensure your crust and filling turn out perfectly.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies in an airtight container.
- They can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
- Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be stored for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat each pie on low power for about 30 seconds or until just warm. Be careful not to melt the ice cream.
- Stovetop: Place in a non-stick pan over low heat for a few minutes, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies?
Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies are delightful small desserts made with a graham cracker crust filled with roasted strawberries and topped with vanilla ice cream.
Can I customize Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies?
Yes! You can customize these pies by using different fruits or flavored ice creams. Try mixing in blueberries or using chocolate ice cream for variety.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, ensure that your crust is baked until golden brown and cooled completely before adding any filling or ice cream.
How long do Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies take to prepare?
These pies take about 30 minutes of preparation time plus additional cooling time, making them perfect for summer treats!
Final Thoughts
Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies are irresistible treats that combine sweet strawberries with creamy vanilla ice cream atop a crunchy graham cracker crust. Their versatility allows you to adapt the recipe according to your preferences—experimenting with other fruits or ice cream flavors can lead to exciting variations. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for summer gatherings or simply as a delightful dessert at home!
Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 mini pies 1x
Description
Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies are the ultimate summer treat, combining a delicious graham cracker crust with roasted strawberries and creamy vanilla ice cream. These delightful mini desserts are not only easy to prepare but also perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to casual family dinners. With every bite, you’ll experience the sweet and refreshing flavors of strawberries paired with rich ice cream, making it a hit among friends and family. Plus, these customizable pies allow you to experiment with different fruits and toppings, so you can create a unique dessert that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 15 graham crackers
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 pounds strawberries (hulled and quartered)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large scoops of vanilla ice cream
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- Pinch of fine sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Crush graham crackers in a food processor, mix in melted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Press into mini pie pans.
- Bake crusts for 12-15 minutes until golden brown; cool completely.
- Roast strawberries with sugar and vanilla for 15-20 minutes; let cool.
- Assemble by filling cooled crusts with roasted strawberries and top with scoops of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie (100g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Leave a Comment