Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies are the perfect treat for any occasion, combining the delightful taste of strawberries with creamy vanilla ice cream. These mini desserts are not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser at summer parties, picnics, or as a sweet ending to family dinners. Their unique blend of flavors and textures makes them a standout dessert that everyone will love.
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 Pies
- How to Serve Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
- Individual Servings
- Garnish Ideas
- Pairing Suggestions
- Drink Pairings
- How to Perfect Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
- Best Side Dishes for Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
- Reheating Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies?
- How do I customize Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies?
- Can I make these Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies ahead of time?
- What should I serve with Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these mini pies come together quickly.
- Refreshing Flavor: The combination of roasted strawberries and cool vanilla ice cream creates a refreshing summer treat.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them at parties, barbecues, or even as a casual family dessert.
- No-Bake Option: Enjoy the deliciousness without needing to bake the filling—perfect for hot days!
- Perfect Portion Control: Mini pies are great for satisfying your sweet tooth without overindulging.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delightful Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having everything prepared will streamline the process and make your baking experience enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Mini pie or tart pans
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: Quickly turns graham crackers into fine crumbs for the crust.
- Mini pie or tart pans: Perfectly shape the pies while providing individual servings.
- Baking sheet: Ensures even baking and easy transfer in and out of the oven.
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 cinnamon and salt; pulse to combine.
- Mix in the melted butter until well combined.
- Divide this crumb mixture evenly among your prepared mini pans, pressing it into an even layer on both the base and sides.
- Bake in your preheated oven until golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Allow cooling completely.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- While your crusts are baking, spread hulled and quartered strawberries evenly on another baking sheet.
- Sprinkle granulated sugar over them, tossing gently to mix.
- Drizzle vanilla extract over the strawberries and toss again for an even coating.
- Roast in the oven until berries are tender and juices have thickened, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool completely.
Step 4: Assemble Your Pies
Spoon roasted strawberries into each cooled crust. When ready to serve, top with large scoops of vanilla ice cream for that creamy finish! Enjoy your Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies!
How to Serve Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies make for a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. They are perfect for summer gatherings, casual get-togethers, or simply as a sweet treat at home. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.
Individual Servings
- Serve each mini pie on its own plate for a charming presentation.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess.
Garnish Ideas
- Top with fresh mint leaves to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Drizzle chocolate sauce over the pies for a touch of indulgence.
Pairing Suggestions
- Serve alongside fresh strawberries to complement the flavors.
- Pair with a scoop of additional vanilla ice cream on the side for extra sweetness.
Drink Pairings
- Offer lemonade or iced tea as refreshing drink options.
- A glass of sparkling water can cleanse the palate between bites.
How to Perfect Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
To ensure your Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh strawberries: Fresh berries will provide the best flavor and texture in your pies.
- Cool the crust completely: Allowing the crust to cool prevents the ice cream from melting too quickly.
- Scoop ice cream before serving: This makes it easier to place on top of the strawberries without melting too fast.
- Experiment with flavors: Try different ice cream flavors like strawberry or chocolate for variety.
- Keep them frozen until ready to serve: This ensures they maintain their shape and texture until it’s time to enjoy.
Best Side Dishes for Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies can be complemented beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some delicious options that pair well with this sweet treat:
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of the pies.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch pairs nicely with creamy desserts.
- Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola offers a light and healthy side option.
- Mini Cookies: Small cookies add an extra crunch and variety to your dessert table.
- Pineapple Sorbet: A fruity sorbet is refreshing and complements the strawberry flavor well.
- Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats add texture and tropical flair alongside your pies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies can be a fun and rewarding experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Underbaking the crust: A crust that isn’t baked long enough won’t hold its shape. Make sure to bake until golden brown for the best results.
- Ignoring cooling time: It’s crucial to let the crust and filling cool completely before assembling. If you skip this step, your ice cream will melt too quickly.
- Using overripe strawberries: While ripe strawberries are delicious, overly ripe berries may turn mushy when roasted. Choose firm, fresh strawberries for the best texture.
- Overfilling the pies: Adding too much filling can cause spills and mess. Fill each pie just to the top of the crust for neat servings.
- Skipping the vanilla extract: This ingredient adds depth of flavor. Don’t leave it out; it enhances the overall taste of your mini pies.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep in the fridge if you plan to eat them soon.
Freezing Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
- Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Wrap each pie individually with plastic wrap before placing in a larger container.
Reheating Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes; this helps soften the ice cream without melting it completely.
- Microwave: Heat on low power in 10-second increments until just warm; be careful not to melt the ice cream too much.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes; cover with a lid to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies?
Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies are individual-sized desserts featuring a graham cracker crust filled with roasted strawberries and topped with vanilla ice cream.
How do I customize Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies?
You can customize these pies by adding different fruits like blueberries or raspberries. You could also try different ice cream flavors such as chocolate or mint.
Can I make these Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies ahead of time?
Yes! These pies can be made a day or two in advance. Just keep them stored properly in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to serve them.
What should I serve with Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies?
Consider pairing these pies with whipped cream, fresh mint leaves, or even drizzling chocolate sauce on top for extra indulgence.
Final Thoughts
These Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies are perfect for summer gatherings or as a delightful treat any time of year. Their versatility allows you to mix and match flavors according to your preferences. Don’t hesitate to customize your pies for an even more personal touch!
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Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies, the perfect summer dessert that combines a buttery graham cracker crust with roasted strawberries and creamy vanilla ice cream. These charming individual desserts are not only easy to prepare but also make a spectacular impression at any gathering. Ideal for barbecues, birthday parties, or a sweet family treat, each bite bursts with refreshing strawberry goodness. With no baking required for the filling and simple preparation steps, these mini pies are sure to become a favorite for all ages.
Ingredients
- 15 graham crackers
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 pounds strawberries (hulled and quartered)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large scoops vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and place four mini pie pans on a baking sheet.
- For the crust, pulse graham crackers in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Mix in melted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Press into the mini pans and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- While crusts cool, roast strawberries with sugar and vanilla on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes until tender. Let cool completely.
- Assemble by spooning strawberries into each cooled crust and topping with vanilla ice cream just before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie (90g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
