If you’re looking for a dessert that melts hearts and delights the senses, Cupid’s Love Pies Recipe is exactly what you need. These tender, flaky mini pies bursting with luscious fruit filling are the perfect way to show someone you care. The harmony of buttery crust and sweet, slightly tart fruit makes every bite a celebration of love and warmth. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a craving for something comforting and beautiful, these pies bring joy straight from the oven to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cupid’s Love Pies lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to create the perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the crispness of the all-purpose flour to the rich butter that makes the crust irresistibly flaky, every component plays a crucial role. The fruit filling adds vibrant color and natural sweetness, while a touch of lemon juice can brighten it up just right.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base for a light, flaky crust.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the dough without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes: The secret to that tender, buttery crust everyone loves.
- 6–8 tablespoons cold water: Helps bring the dough together while keeping it cool and workable.
- 1 ½ cups fruit filling (strawberry, raspberry, cherry, or apple): Use your favorite fruit to customize the pies with bursting flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional): Adds the perfect touch of tartness to balance the sweetness of the filling.
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water: Creates a golden and glossy finish on the crust.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A delicate dusting for an elegant, sweet touch.
How to Make Cupid’s Love Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Then, add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter bits remaining. This step is what gives the crust its lovely flakiness. Slowly add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and keep it firm.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough
Once chilled, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use your favorite small pie or tart cutter—about 4 inches in diameter works beautifully—to cut out rounds. Don’t worry about perfect edges; rustic charm is part of the appeal. Gather scrap dough, reroll, and cut out more circles as needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Pies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place half of the dough circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of your chosen fruit filling onto each, making sure to leave space around the edges for sealing. If desired, stir lemon juice into the filling to give it a little zing. Brush the edges with the beaten egg wash, then top with the remaining dough circles, pressing the edges together firmly to seal. Crimp or pinch the edges for a pretty detail and cut a small slit in the top of each pie so steam can escape during baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Brush the tops of the pies with more egg wash for that beautiful golden shine, then slide the tray into the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crusts are golden and the filling is bubbling happily inside. Once out, let the pies cool slightly on a wire rack before serving so the filling can set just right.
How to Serve Cupid’s Love Pies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Cupid’s Love Pies with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch that also adds a hint of sweetness. Fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream can bring an extra layer of freshness and creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the crisp crust and fruity filling.
Side Dishes
These pies shine all on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce elevates the experience. A simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or chamomile tea complements the flavors beautifully, making dessert time feel like a cozy little celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve Cupid’s Love Pies on vintage plates lined with doilies or alongside edible flowers for a romantic vibe. You can also create a dessert platter with assorted fillings, so everyone gets to taste a variety of flavors. Individual pie boxes or rustic wooden trays add an inviting, homemade feel if you’re sharing these pies as gifts or at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cupid’s Love Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling fresh. If you know you won’t eat them quickly, refrigeration helps extend their life, though the crust may soften slightly.
Freezing
Freeze unbaked pies by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Baked pies also freeze well; just thaw overnight in the fridge and refresh in a warm oven before eating.
Reheating
Reheat pies in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes to revive their crisp crust and warm the fruity center. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect flaky texture, as it tends to make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit filling for Cupid’s Love Pies Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from the frozen filling before using it to prevent soggy crusts. Adjust the quantity to ensure the pies don’t overflow.
What type of butter is best for the crust?
Unsalted butter is best because it lets you control the salt content precisely and creates that perfect buttery flavor and flaky texture. Using cold butter is essential to achieving a tender crust.
Can I make Cupid’s Love Pies Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but results may vary slightly in texture. Adding a teaspoon of xanthan gum can help achieve that desired flakiness if your blend doesn’t already include it.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Chilling the dough well before baking and adding a small brush of beaten egg or melted butter on the crust before filling helps create a moisture barrier. Also, avoid overfilling, which can cause spills and soggy edges.
Can these pies be made dairy-free?
Definitely! Use a dairy-free butter substitute that behaves like regular butter for baking. This will retain the flaky texture and rich flavor without dairy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a warm, flaky pie filled with sweet fruit, and Cupid’s Love Pies Recipe captures that magic beautifully. Once you try making these charming pies, you’ll understand why they quickly become a go-to treat to share with friends, family, or that special someone. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy every delicious moment!
Print
Cupid’s Love Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cupid’s Love Pies are delightful individual fruit hand pies featuring a flaky, buttery crust and sweet, tangy fruit fillings like strawberry, raspberry, cherry, or apple. These charming pastries are perfect for sharing with loved ones and bring a homemade touch to any dessert table.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 6–8 tablespoons cold water
Filling
- 1 ½ cups fruit filling (strawberry, raspberry, cherry, or apple)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to balance sweetness)
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
- Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pie crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add cold water gradually. Slowly add 6 to 8 tablespoons of cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition until the dough begins to come together and can hold a ball without crumbling.
- Chill the dough. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax and to keep the butter cold for a flaky crust.
- Prepare the filling. If desired, mix the fruit filling with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to add a slight tartness that balances the sweetness.
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the pies.
- Roll out the dough. Remove the chilled dough from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles approximately 4 to 5 inches in diameter.
- Assemble the pies. Place about 2 tablespoons of the fruit filling in the center of half of the dough circles. Brush the edges with the beaten egg wash (egg mixed with water), then cover with the remaining dough circles, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Crimp edges with a fork to secure and create a decorative edge.
- Apply egg wash and vent. Brush the tops of each pie with the remaining egg wash to encourage browning and create a shiny surface. Use a knife to cut small slits on top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake the pies. Place the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and serve. Remove pies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use cold butter and water to ensure the crust stays flaky.
- Fruit fillings can be homemade or store-bought. Adjust sugar and lemon juice according to sweetness.
- The egg wash helps achieve a golden color and shine on the crust.
- Allow pies to cool slightly before eating to avoid burns from hot filling.
- These pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
