These popular mini pies are perfect for summer parties and easy to assemble. We served ours alongside Gourmesso coffee to end off a perfect evening.
Perfection is a strange thing. Chase it too hard, and you move further away from it. Forgo it entirely, and you waste away into obscurity. Wholly unobtainable, and yet we pursue it in almost all that we do. Unknowable, and yet it is the highest measure by which we judge ourselves.
Yet, perfection is ultimately the child of time, as the saying goes. Take for example the winemaker, who no matter how skilled, will only see the fruits of her labor over the course of years. Character, likewise, either ripens with maturity, or grows worn and jaded. Our habits, our skills, our knowledge, all the ‘qualities’ that comprise who we are, are molded, for better or worse, over the course of time.
Similarly, this is true in more mundane things. For example, I’ve been writing a lot lately about how best to pair recipes with the warm weather, and how to get the most out of one’s porch. Grilling, barbequed meats, the keys to the perfect wet rub, and all that seasonal goodness, are the result of long lists of trial and error.
However, while much is made of balmy summer nights, there’s an undeniable magic to a hazy summer morning – regardless of whether you’re waking up to it or greeting it with red eyes.
For such mornings, I’ll admit that I’m not always keen on standing over my griddle, but almost always want something singularly satisfying, something that will make that beautiful summer morning simply ‘perfect.’
Picture a shot of espresso and a homemade mini-pie out on the porch. Truth be told, I don’t have to picture it, that’s actually how I spent yesterday morning, which brings us to today’s recipe – Mason Jar Mini-Pies.
I actually prefer preparing these ahead of time in batches and then leaving them in the fridge for ‘whenever’ since they make for the perfect impromptu morning or afternoon bit of sweet, and honestly very few things can compare to being able to pull one of these pies straight out of the fridge on a whim.
However, regardless of whether you prefer cherry, as my son does, or blueberry, as I do, neither is complete without the espresso part of the equation. I’ve actually found myself trading in the oversized mug of morning brew for the smaller shot out of a demitasse cup. You see, despite my having written several times about how to prepare the perfect cup of coffee, whether French pressed or machine brewed, the ‘perfect cup’ is rarely a part of my morning routine, typically eluding even my best drowsy-eyed attempts at playing the part of my own barista. I was talking about precisely that with my friend the other day, and she convinced me to finally make the jump and buy a Nespresso.
Utilizing ‘capsules’ to brew individual shots of espresso, the quality from the machine is reliably delicious, and the process supremely easy. While there are a variety of capsules to choose from, through some experimentation I’ve found that I prefer the Gourmesso brand, which offers a wide variety of blends, flavors, and strengths, all of which are Fairtrade Certified.
For example, I paired the Honduras Pura Forte with my morning pie, and the combination was simply delicious. However, if you prefer something flavored you might try the Soffio Vaniglia for a hint of vanilla. The other blends I received in my first box included Messico Blend Forte, Etiopia Blend Forte, House Blend Espresso, and Columbia Arabica Mezzo, meaning there’s a blend not only for every taste, but for every occasion. Tea is also available.
Mason Jar Lid Pies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pies 1x
Ingredients
Sweet Butter Crust:
- 2 cups AP flour
- Heaping 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chilled unsalted butter, cubed
- 4 tablespoons cold water
Cherry Filling:
- 1 cup pitted cherries
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Blueberry Filling:
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten
- Raw sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar and salt. Add 6 tablespoons cubed butter and incorporate into the flour with a pastry blender. Once blended add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cubed butter. The flour and butter will be course and crumby. Add the cold water 1 tablespoon at a time, blending with your hands between each addition. Once a soft pliable dough forms, wrap and clingfilm and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- In the meantime prep the fruit fillings. In two separate bowls, combine all the ingredients for each filling. Set aside and let rest.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- On a well-floured surface, divide the dough in half. Roll out one of the doughs out about ¼-inch thick. Place a Mason jar lid and cut out the dough to fit the lid. Place the dough inside each Mason jar lid and place on a baking sheet. Pierce the bottom of each dough with a form and blind bake for 2-3 minutes.
- Fill each lid with the desired fruit filling.
For a lattice topping: With the remaining half of the dough, roll out into ¼-inch thickness. Using a knife or pizza cutter for precision, cut thin horizontal strips. Place three across (horizontal) the mini pies and then three more strips vertical weaving in between each strip of dough. Edge the pies then brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle with raw sugar.
For a double pie crust: With the remaining half of the dough, roll out into ¼-inch thickness. Trace the same size of the Mason jar lid into the dough. Place the circles of dough over each pie. Pinch the edges, and with a paring knife, piece the top of each pie, creating three little holes. Brush each pie with the egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake the mini pies for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Transfer immediately to a cooling rack and let cool completely before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Needless to say, I’ve finally found the solution to a reliable ‘perfect cup’ in the morning. What are some of your morning rituals, or favorite summer morning recipes? We would love to hear from you.
Cheers and Enjoy with Love!
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Cakelaw says
These little pies do look perfect! I'd love to taste them.
Beauty Follower says
Delicious!
have a lovely new week 🙂
http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr/
Cookilicious says
Pinned it! Loved the idea of using mason jar lids..am surely trying this recipe out. Thank you.
Big Daddy Dave says
Catherine, Love those little fruit pies! What a treat with a nice cup of coffee along side... Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Tania says
I love these adorable lid pies! I definitely prefer cherries over blueberries, and I cannot wait to try these!
Kylee from Kylee Cooks says
Mason jar lid pies!! omg, why didn't I think of that? They are the PERFECT size. They look so delicious, AND cute.
Diana says
Love the idea of making little pies in mason jar lids! Genius! And they look very tasty!
melissa says
I never thought I would say food is cute but...SO CUTE! I've been putting off buying a coffee machine of any kind because I am a steadfast french press kind of gal. However, company is coming next weekend and I'm wondering how to make enough coffee for all the non-morning people in the house like me. It might be time to cave.
gloria says
Look absolutely beautiful and delicious!
Velva says
A fabulous cup of coffee and one of those sweet pies would be delightful. Your post reminded me how I prefer to spend my summer days on a porch with a good cup of coffee and sweet pie. Love it!
Happy almost summer.
Velva
Dottie Sauchelli-Balin says
Dear Catherine,
Finally got a chance to visit and I am so very impressed. Love these little Mason Jar Pies. Who knew? I use mason jars all the time and I even have a set of glasses to drink cold drinks from. I always have the jar lids and now I know what to do with them. What a lovely idea. So easy and a perfect amount. With a big pie sometimes you tend to eat more, this is a perfect portion for a snack. My favorite would be blueberry too!
Thanks for sharing...Hope that you had a wonderful and relaxing Memorial Day weekend.
Be well, Hugs, Dottie 🙂
Shelby says
I sit with coffee every morning in the peace and quiet while Grumpy still sleeps. 🙂 That's my morning ritual. I'm not someone who cares to eat first thing, but if these mini pies were around, you can bet I'd be digging in! Blueberry is my fav (like you!) but Cherry takes a close second!
Sarah says
Gorgeous! I can't wait to try this
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says
These are the cutest little pies ever, Catherine, and paired with the perfect cup. I love that they are in mason jar lids. So clever, and I have a bajillion of those lids hanging around. They have been waiting in the pantry for little pies to fill them, and I didn't even know....ha ha. Hope you had a great long weekend. It was overwhelmingly scorching and humid at times here, and then cool and in the low 50's. Go figure. Our odd spring is matching our odd winter. Hope summer is an improvement!
Olivia @ livforcake says
These are adorable and they sound delicious!! Love the idea of using mason jar lids :).
Maria says
These pies are so cute! I am totally making these for the 4th of July.
Amy Stafford says
This is such a clever and cute idea! These will be perfect at my next backyard BBQ! Thanks for sharing Catherine.
Ely says
Oh my dear!! These are absolutely 'perfect'!! <3 No way, sweet and really amazing.. with that coffee, mmmmh! 😀 Thanks for this recipe, you are special, believe me <3
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Catherine - these are so, so adorable! I've seen them before but was always wary of making them. I cant wait to try your recipe!
Federica says
O_O deliziose!!!!
swathi says
I love mini pie, I tried once apple pie, your pie is beautiful and with coffee that will be a wonderful combo.
Sarah says
This looks like the PERFECT way to start a day!! I've had my eye on a Nespresso for a while now....maybe one of these days! 😉
Linda@ThereandBackAgainFood says
These little pies are so clever. I can't wait to give them a try.
Chiara says
so cute and adorable little pies,thanks for sharing this lovely recipe Catherine, hugs, xoxo
Jess says
Two of my favs...baked goods and coffee! 🙂
I’d love for you to share it with my Recipe and Crafts Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
Elizabeth says
I want one of these on my plate right now! Gosh they look good 🙂
Miz Helen says
These little Mason Jar Lid Pies are just adorable and look delicious. Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great weekend!
Miz Helen
Marie says
These are absolutely adorable!! I never would have thought to use mason jars in this way but it's so smart. Thank you for sharing your recipe with us at Merry Monday!
Ashleigh says
These are so cute! I'll have to make a dozen or so for my next party! Thanks for sharing!
I would love it if you would consider sharing this on my weekly Link Up:
http://www.twentysomethinginthe2010s.com/peace-love-linkup-010/
Hope to see you there! : )
Angela - Garden Tea Cakes and Me says
Oh these little pies are a delight, a perfect bake for someone who may not have pie tins in the house.
Popping over from Cooking and Crafting with J & J
Nettie Moore says
Your lid pies are just about the prettiest pies I have ever seen. I must make them for our next picnic, drooling! Nettie
Cook This Again, Mom! says
So cute and fun! Pinning!
Debra C. says
Love the individual pies, they look so good and the perfect size to enjoy and with a cup of coffee....perfect!
Abigail Raines says
What an awesome idea to use mason jar lids! These scrumptious pies are always perfect with some gourmet coffee, too! Yum!
April J Harris says
How clever to make pies in Mason Jar lids, Catherine! They look so cute and so delicious too. Wonderful post - I absolutely agree with what you said about perfection - it really can feel unattainable at times. You really brought the wonderful coffee to life as well, I could practically smell it! What a beautiful way to start the day! Thank you for sharing this wonderful post with us at the Hearth and Soul Hop. Sharing!
belinda bell says
these little pies are so cute. I am going to make some for my next party.
STACY BEALL says
Wondering if the pie dough on the bottom cooks well; and does it stick at all since there is no lid prep mentioned.
Living the Gourmet says
Hi Stacy, I served these mini pies in the lid, so I did not remove and there was no issue. However, if you wish to remove them before serving, just butter the lids before placing the dough down inside. Hope this answers your question, and as always feel to reach out if you have any more! Have a wonderful day!
Emily says
Would this work with strawberries?
Living the Gourmet says
Hi Emily! Absolutely you could make these with strawberries 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. Happy Baking!