Delicious and Nutritious Mini Pie Recipes for Any Occasion

Delicious and Nutritious Mini Pie Recipes

Mini pies are a fun and delicious way to enjoy your favorite pie flavors in a smaller, individualized version. They are the perfect bite-sized treat for special occasions like parties, potlucks and holidays. Mini pies can also be a great way to control portions while still indulging your sweet tooth.

This article will share healthy recipes for mini pies that scale back on sugar, unhealthy fats, and calories without sacrificing any of the tasty flavors. Read on to learn how to make key lime pie bites, mini pumpkin pies, keto Canadian butter tarts and more!

Benefits of Mini Pies

Here are some of the best things about making miniature versions of classic pie recipes:

• Portion control - Mini pies provide sensible single-serve sizes.
• Fun presentations - They look festive plated up at parties and gatherings.
• Easy to make - Most mini pie shells are store-bought or very simple to prepare.
• Endless flavor options - Make mini versions of everything from apple pie to lemon meringue.
• Creative toppings - Fun to decorate with glazes, sprinkles, nut crumbles and more.

Tips for Making Healthier Mini Pies

Here are some tips for giving your mini pies a nutritional upgrade:

1. Use whole grain pie crusts instead of refined flour crusts.
2. Swap some or all of the white sugar for low-calorie sweeteners like erythritol or stevia.
3. Use healthy fats like avocado or coconut oil instead of butter/shortening.
4. Pile on fresh fruits and berries rather than syrupy, sugary pie fillings.
5. Load up on nuts, seeds, whole grains and other topping mix-ins for fiber and protein.
6. Experiment with extracts, spices and zesty citrus fruits for flavor rather than excess sweeteners.

Key Lime Pie Bites

These key lime pie bites are a refreshing, tangy twist on traditional mini pie recipes. Each lime half is filled with a creamy key lime pie filling made lighter with Greek yogurt and a graham cracker crust bottom.

Ingredients

• 4 key limes, halved lengthwise
• 14 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• 1 (5.3 ounce) container nonfat Greek yogurt
• 12 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon key lime juice
• 1 teaspoon key lime zest

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Scoop out flesh and juices from lime halves. Save for another use.
2. In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted coconut oil. Evenly divide mixture into lime halves. Press firmly onto bottom and sides to form crust.
3. In another bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, condensed milk, lime juice and lime zest until thoroughly combined. Pour filling evenly into lime halves over graham crusts.
4. Bake for 10 minutes until hot and bubbly. Allow to cool 5 minutes before serving.

Mini Pumpkin Pies

These bite-sized pumpkin pies are a fall favorite made lighter than traditional versions. Each tender, whole grain crust holds a silky smooth pumpkin pie filling sweetened naturally with maple syrup.

Ingredients

• 12 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 12 cup old fashioned oats
• 14 teaspoon cinnamon
• 14 cup coconut oil, melted
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 (15 ounce) can pure pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1 12 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 12 cup almond milk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375F. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, oats and cinnamon. Stir in coconut oil and 1 tablespoon maple syrup until coarse crumbs form. Evenly divide mixture into prepared muffin cups, pressing firmly onto bottoms and sides.
3. In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, remaining 1 tablespoon maple syrup and almond milk until smooth. Pour filling evenly into muffin cups over crusts.
4. Bake for 20 minutes until set. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before removing from pan. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Keto Canadian Butter Tarts

Buttery, sweet and perfectly spiced, these keto maple Canadian butter tarts are sure to be a hit! Each mini pie has a grain-free, low carb crust wrapped around an irresistible maple butter filling.

Ingredients

• 1 14 cups almond flour
• 14 cup powdered monk fruit/erythritol sweetener
• 14 teaspoon cinnamon
• 18 teaspoon nutmeg
• 12 cup butter, melted
• 12 cup sugar-free maple syrup
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325F. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a bowl, combine almond flour, sweetener, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir in melted butter until coarse crumbs form. Evenly divide mixture into muffin cups, pressing firmly onto bottom and sides.
3. Bake crust for 8 minutes then set aside while preparing filling.
4. In another bowl, whisk together maple syrup, egg yolks, vanilla and salt until smooth. Evenly divide filling into prebaked crusts.
5. Bake for another 10-12 minutes until filling is set. Allow to cool 10 minutes before removing from pan.

Mini Raspberry Orange Hand Pies

Fresh raspberry and orange come together beautifully in these pretty hand pies. Their flaky whole grain crust holds an orange marmalade filling studded with fresh raspberries for a portable mini pie packed with nutrition.

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 14 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 14 cup old fashioned oats
• 18 teaspoon salt
• 12 cup coconut oil, chilled
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

Filling

• 12 cup orange marmalade
• 1 cup fresh raspberries

Instructions

1. In a food processor, pulse together flour, oats and salt. Add chilled coconut oil and pulse until pea-size crumbs form.
2. Add ice water 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing after each addition until dough holds together when pinched. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until smooth.
3. Roll out dough to 18-inch thickness. Cut out rounds using a 3-inch biscuit cutter, rerolling scraps as needed. Place about 2 teaspoons filling in center of each round.
4. Fold dough over filling to create a half-moon shape, pressing edges with a fork to seal. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
5. Bake at 400F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool 10 minutes before serving.

Have fun getting creative with bite-sized pies! Mini versions allow for endless flavor combinations from fruity to chocolaty, nutty to creamy. Bake up a mixed dessert platter using an assortment of fun, better-for-you fillings and toppings inside these tender, whole grain crusts.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.