Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With their creamy filling and crunchy graham cracker crust, these mini pies are not only visually appealing but also deliciously satisfying. They make an ideal dessert for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or casual family dinners. The combination of fresh strawberries and vanilla ice cream creates a refreshing flavor that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
Deliciously Refreshing: The combination of strawberries and vanilla ice cream offers a refreshing taste that’s ideal for hot summer days.
Versatile Serving Options: These mini pies can be served at parties, picnics, or even as a special treat at home.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out strawberries for other fruits or add toppings like whipped cream for an extra touch.
No-Bake Option: While this version includes baking the crust, you can easily adapt it to be a no-bake dessert by using pre-made crusts.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother. Below are essential tools you’ll need to create these Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

Food processor: This tool efficiently turns graham crackers into fine crumbs for the crust.
Mini pie pans: These help shape the pies perfectly, giving them that classic mini dessert look.
Baking sheet: Using a baking sheet allows you to bake multiple crusts at once without any 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.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In the bowl of a food processor, pulse graham crackers until they become fine crumbs.
Add a pinch of ground cinnamon and a pinch of fine sea salt, then pulse again to combine.
Pour in the melted unsalted butter, mixing until everything is well combined.
Divide the crumb mixture among the prepared mini pans, pressing evenly into the base and up the sides to form a crust.
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While the crusts bake, lay out strawberries on a baking sheet.
Sprinkle with granulated sugar, tossing gently to coat them evenly.
Drizzle with pure vanilla extract, tossing again to mix thoroughly.
Roast in the oven until tender and juices thicken, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Allow cooling completely.

Step 4: Assemble Your Mini Pies

Spoon roasted strawberries into each cooled crust.
When ready to serve, scoop on top generous portions of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

How to Serve Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies

Serving Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies is a delightful experience that can elevate any gathering or special occasion. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy these delicious treats.

Individual Portions

Serve in Mini Bowls: Place each pie in small bowls for easy serving and a fun presentation.
On a Dessert Platter: Arrange several pies on a large platter, garnished with fresh strawberries for an eye-catching display.

Toppings and Garnishes

Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each pie for extra creaminess.
Fresh Mint Leaves: Garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Accompaniments

Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle chocolate sauce over the pies for a rich flavor contrast.
Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles for a festive touch, perfect for parties or kids’ gatherings.

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: Select ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.
Cool Crust Completely: Allow the graham cracker crust to cool fully before adding the filling to prevent melting the ice cream.
Layering Technique: Spoon strawberries evenly into each crust before adding ice cream for balanced flavor in every bite.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled pies for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance texture and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies

Pairing side dishes with Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the pies.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides a savory contrast to the sweet ice cream pies.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch adds an interesting texture and flavor pairing.
Mini Lemon Tarts: These tangy tarts balance the sweetness, making them an excellent companion dessert.
Pineapple Skewers: Juicy pineapple skewers add a tropical element to your dessert table.
Coconut Macaroons: Chewy macaroons enhance the overall dessert experience with their sweet coconut flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, there are common pitfalls you should avoid.

Overbaking the crust: Baking too long can make your graham cracker crust hard. Keep an eye on it and remove it once it’s golden brown.
Not cooling properly: If you don’t allow the crust and filling to cool completely, the ice cream will melt quickly. Be patient; let them cool down before assembly.
Skipping the roasting step: Roasting strawberries enhances their flavor. Don’t skip it; it makes a significant difference in taste.
Using warm ice cream: When adding ice cream to the pies, ensure it’s firm. Warm ice cream can make your pies messy and difficult to serve.
Ignoring portion sizes: These mini pies are rich! Be mindful of portion sizes, especially if serving at parties.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
It’s best to keep them separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies

You can freeze the pies for up to 2 months.
Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies

Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and warm for about 10 minutes if needed.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds; check frequently to avoid melting.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes while monitoring closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I customize Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies?

You can customize these pies by using different fruits like blueberries or raspberries. Adding chocolate drizzle or nuts can also enhance flavors.

Can I use store-bought pie crusts?

Yes, you can use store-bought graham cracker crusts for convenience. Just fill them with the strawberry mixture and ice cream as directed.

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

Serve them chilled straight from the fridge or freezer. Top with whipped cream or fresh strawberries for a beautiful presentation.

How long do Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies last?

In the refrigerator, they last up to 3 days. In the freezer, they can be stored for about 2 months without losing flavor.

Can I make these Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them a day or two in advance, making them perfect for parties or gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies are delightful summer treats that combine freshness with creamy indulgence. Their versatility allows for endless customization options, so feel free to experiment with various fruits and toppings. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress family and friends!

Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies

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Author: Ivy
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Makes approximately 8 mini pies 1x

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Description

Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies are the ultimate summer dessert, combining a creamy vanilla ice cream filling with juicy roasted strawberries nestled in a crunchy graham cracker crust. These delightful mini treats are not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to casual family dinners. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these sweet bites that will impress friends and family alike. Each pie is a refreshing burst of flavor, ideal for warm days and special celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

15 graham crackers
½ cup unsalted butter
2 pounds strawberries
⅓ cup granulated sugar
4 large scoops vanilla ice cream
Vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare mini pie pans on a baking sheet.
In a food processor, pulse graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix in melted butter, cinnamon, and salt until combined.
Press the crumb mixture into the mini pie pans to form crusts and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Let cool.
Toss hulled strawberries with sugar and vanilla extract. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes until tender, then cool completely.
Assemble by spooning roasted strawberries into cooled crusts and topping with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American