When the sun shines and the strawberries are at their peak, there’s nothing quite like a dessert that captures the essence of summer. That’s exactly what these Mini Strawberry Rum Pies offer! A delightful combination of juicy strawberries, a hint of dark rum, and a flaky crust make them an irresistible treat, perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in.
I first discovered this recipe during a sun-drenched picnic with friends, and it turned into an instant favorite. The aroma of sweet strawberries wafting through the air is pure bliss, and the mini size ensures everyone can indulge without the guilt of overindulgence. Each bite is a perfect medley of flavors that transport you straight to a warm, carefree summer day.
Don’t worry if you’re not a pastry pro; these pies are simpler to make than you might think. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, these petit desserts are sure to impress. Let’s dive in and create a batch of these charming Mini Strawberry Rum Pies that will leave your taste buds singing!
Why Love Mini Strawberry Rum Pies?
Delightfully Simple: The approachable recipe allows anyone, regardless of skill level, to create stunning pies at home.
Bursting with Flavor: Juicy strawberries are perfectly complemented by the subtle warmth of dark rum, resulting in a truly refreshing treat.
Perfect for Sharing: Mini pies are ideal for gatherings, giving each guest their own personal dessert without the fuss of slicing.
Versatile Options: Swap in different berries or spirits to create your own signature version that suits every palate.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Easily prepare these pies a day in advance, freeing up time for fun and relaxation on the event day!
Mini Strawberry Rum Pies Ingredients
For the Filling
- Strawberries – Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Sugar – Adjust sweetness based on strawberry ripeness; honey or agave can be used as alternatives.
- Dark Rum – Adds a delightful warmth; for a non-alcoholic twist, substitute with vanilla extract or simply omit entirely.
- Cornstarch – This thickens the filling perfectly; all-purpose flour is a suitable substitute if needed.
For the Pie Crust
- Pie Dough – Provides the flaky structure; feel free to use store-bought or homemade from Williams-Sonoma for convenience.
With these essential ingredients in hand, you’re just moments away from creating tantalizing Mini Strawberry Rum Pies that will impress everyone around the table!
How to Make Mini Strawberry Rum Pies
-
Prepare Strawberries: Toss the ripe strawberries with sugar in a bowl and let them sit for 20 minutes. This allows the strawberries to macerate, enhancing their natural sweetness and flavor.
-
Cook Filling: In a medium saucepan, heat half of the macerated strawberries along with dark rum. Stir in cornstarch and cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbly, about 5-7 minutes.
-
Make Pie Dough: Following the Williams-Sonoma recipe, combine the dough ingredients in a stand mixer. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until about 1/8-inch thick, ensuring it’s even for the perfect crust.
-
Assemble Pies: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using mini pie tins, line them with the rolled-out dough. Fill each with the rum-strawberry mixture, and top with either a lattice or circular cutout of dough based on your preference.
-
Bake: Place the assembled pies in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Optional: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Mini Strawberry Rum Pie Variations
Get ready to unleash your creativity with these delightful twists on the classic mini strawberry rum pies!
-
Mixed Berries: Substitute strawberries with a mix of raspberries and blueberries for a vibrant, tangy filling. The combination delivers a delightful burst of flavor in every bite!
-
Coconut Cream: Replace the filling with coconut cream and toasted coconut flakes for an exotic twist. This tropical vibe will transport your taste buds straight to paradise.
-
Brown Sugar: Use brown sugar instead of granulated for a richer, deeper sweetness. The caramel notes from brown sugar beautifully enhance the rum’s warmth.
-
Spiced Rum: Swap dark rum for spiced rum to add an intriguing complexity and depth to your filling. It’s a fantastic way to bring warm baking spices into the mix!
-
Nutty Crust: Introduce crushed almonds or walnuts into your pie crust for a nutty crunch. This twist adds both flavor and texture, elevating your mini pies to a whole new level.
-
Lemon Zest: Add a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest to the strawberry filling for a bright and refreshing contrast. The citrus notes will balance the sweetness perfectly!
-
Chocolate Drizzle: Top your baked pies with a warm chocolate drizzle for an indulgent finish. This decadent touch will delight chocolate lovers and elevate your desserts dramatically.
-
Mini Cheesecake Filling: Replace the strawberry filling with a mini cheesecake mix for a creamy twist. It’s an unexpected twist that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
What to Serve with Mini Strawberry Rum Pies?
Indulging in these little delights? Let’s elevate your dessert experience with perfect pairings that will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.
-
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the warm filling, balancing flavors beautifully.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of ice cream perfectly complements the flaky crust and sweet filling, creating a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience.
-
Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves offers a burst of freshness, providing a lovely aromatic contrast to the sweet rum-filled strawberry pies.
-
Sparkling Rosé: Chilling your glasses of sparkling rosé adds a bubbly, celebratory touch that pairs fantastically with the sweetness of the pies.
-
Chocolate Drizzle: For the chocolate lovers, a rich chocolate drizzle enhances the dessert with a luxurious touch and adds a delightful color splash.
-
Berry Compote: Drizzling a homemade berry compote over your pies will elevate the flavor and presentation, making everything feel even more special.
-
Coffee or Espresso: A strong cup of coffee or a shot of espresso cuts through the sweetness, offering a warm complement to your mini pies.
-
Lemon Sorbet: For a refreshing palate cleanser, serve a scoop of lemon sorbet alongside. Its tartness pairs well with the sweetness of the strawberries.
These pairings ensure that your dessert spread feels complete and joyful, celebrating each bite of the delicious Mini Strawberry Rum Pies!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing these delicious Mini Strawberry Rum Pies in advance is a fantastic way to save time and energy on busy days! You can make the pie crust and filling up to 24 hours ahead of time. Simply roll out the dough and line your mini pie tins, then refrigerate the unbaked crusts covered with plastic wrap. For the filling, cook the strawberry and rum mixture, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy your mini pies, simply fill the prepped crusts and bake as directed. This way, you’ll ensure that your pies come out just as delicious and satisfying, a perfect treat waiting patiently for your moment of indulgence!
Expert Tips for Mini Strawberry Rum Pies
-
Berry Selection: Choose ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor. Overripe or underripe berries can affect the taste and texture of your mini strawberry rum pies.
-
Perfect Thickness: Too much or too little cornstarch can lead to a soggy crust. Aim for a thickened filling that holds its shape while still being juicy.
-
Chill the Dough: If your dough becomes too soft while rolling, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and prevents sticking.
-
Opt for Blind Baking: For a crisper crust, consider blind-baking the pie shell before adding the filling. This helps avoid any sogginess from the juicy interior.
-
Cool Before Serving: Allow your mini pies to cool slightly after baking. This helps the filling set and makes them easier to serve without spilling.
How to Store and Freeze Mini Strawberry Rum Pies
-
Room Temperature: Mini strawberry rum pies can be stored uncovered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Be sure to keep them in a cool, dry place.
-
Fridge: If you plan to keep them longer, place the pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents drying out.
-
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the mini pies individually by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
-
Reheating: For best results, reheat frozen pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Enjoy as fresh as the day they were made!
Mini Strawberry Rum Pies Recipe FAQs
What kind of strawberries should I use for the filling?
Absolutely! Opt for ripe, fresh strawberries, as they pack the most flavor and sweetness. Look for berries that are bright red and firm, avoiding any with dark spots or mushiness, which can affect the taste and texture of your mini strawberry rum pies.
How long can I store the mini pies?
You can keep your mini strawberry rum pies at room temperature, uncovered, for up to 2 days. If you need to store them longer, transfer them to an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze these mini pies?
Yes, absolutely! To freeze, wrap each mini pie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
What should I do if my pie filling is too runny?
Very! If you find your filling isn’t thickening as expected, there are a couple of ways to fix it. Firstly, ensure you use enough cornstarch—about 1 tablespoon per cup of berries often works well. If it’s already cooked, you can make a slurry by mixing a bit of cornstarch with cold water and then slowly adding it to the filling over heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
Are these pies safe for people with allergies?
While these mini strawberry rum pies contain gluten and dairy, making them unsuitable for those with related allergies, you can easily adapt the crust to be gluten-free by using alternative flours like almond or gluten-free blends. For a dairy-free variant, consider using coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping instead of conventional whipped cream.
Can I adjust the rum intensity in the recipe?
Definitely! If you prefer a milder rum flavor, simply reduce the amount you use by half, or you can substitute it with vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version. Just remember, the more the merrier when it comes to experimentation in the kitchen!
Delicious Mini Strawberry Rum Pies that Wow Every Time
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Toss the ripe strawberries with sugar in a bowl and let them sit for 20 minutes.
- In a medium saucepan, heat half of the macerated strawberries along with dark rum. Stir in cornstarch and cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine the dough ingredients in a stand mixer. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until about 1/8-inch thick.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line mini pie tins with rolled-out dough, fill with the rum-strawberry mixture, and top with a lattice or circular cutout of dough.
- Bake the assembled pies for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.