Recipes to Make with Kids: Mini Fruit Pies

Baking with kids can be a joyful and rewarding experience, especially when the results are as yummy as these mini fruit pies.

These small, colorful treats are perfect for little hands to help prepare while also teaching some advanced skills. Plus, mini fruit pies are versatile, allowing you to use a variety of fruits and flavors that your family loves.

This guide will walk you through simple recipes and tips to make mini fruit pies with your kids.

Ingredients

• 1 box Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts, 2 crusts per box

• Canned fruit pie filling

• Nonstick cooking spray

• 1 egg, beaten, for egg wash

• Optional: Granulated sugar or coarse sugar, for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place 3x3-inch aluminum foil pie pans on a baking sheet. Spray each pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Unroll the Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface or a piece of parchment paper. Gently smooth the dough with a rolling pin if needed.

3. Use a round cookie cutter to cut circles from the pie dough. The cutter should be large enough for the dough circle to fit into the bottom of each pan and come up the sides. A good way to check the size is to cut one test circle and gently press it into a pie pan. If it covers the bottom and sides neatly, use that cutter for the rest of the dough.

4. Gently press one dough circle into each prepared pie pan. Be careful not to

   stretch the dough too much.

5. Spoon canned pie filling into each crust, filling each mini pie pan about ¾  full. Do not overfill, because the filling may bubble over as the pies bake.

6. Gather the leftover pie dough scraps. Roll them out gently, then use a knife or pizza cutter to cut thin strips of dough.

7. Place several strips of dough across the top of each mini pie in one direction. Add a few more strips in the opposite direction to create a simple lattice pattern. Trim any excess dough and gently press the edges to help the lattice strips stick to the bottom crust.

8. Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg. Sprinkle tops with  sugar, if desired.

9. Bake the mini pies on the baking sheet for 18–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly. Let the pies cool completely. Enjoy!

Tips for Baking Success with Kids

• Keep the workspace clean and organized to avoid frustration.

• Let kids handle tasks like stirring cutting to keep them engaged.

• Use small spoons or measuring cups for easy filling portions.

• Be patient and celebrate the effort, not just the outcome.

  
  

Storing, Serving, and Selling Mini Fruit Pies

Mini fruit pies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to restore crispness. They also freeze well before baking; just thaw and bake when ready.

Serve pies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious dessert or snack. They are also perfect for a bake sale!

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Looking for more baking fun? Check out Recipes to Make with Kids on our blog, and sign-up your child for an upcoming baking class near you!