Name: Cherry Hand Pies with Cream Cheese Crust Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 disks cream cheese pie dough (https://bakingthegoods.com/2020/07/21/cream-cheese-pie-dough/); 3 cups fresh cherries, pitted and split; 1 medium lemon or lime, zested and juiced; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon tapioca flour; 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar; Reserved cherry juice (from filling); 1 large egg; Dash of water

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 61 reviews

If you love the idea of a perfectly handheld dessert bursting with sweet-tart cherry filling wrapped in a tender, flaky crust, then you are in for a treat! This Cherry Hand Pies with Cream Cheese Crust Recipe combines the richness of cream cheese in the dough with the juicy freshness of cherries, creating a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging in a sweet personal snack, these hand pies are irresistibly charming and just the right size for a quick bite filled with summer’s best fruit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two clear glass bowls sit on a white marbled surface. The bowl on the top left is filled with bright yellow and red cherries that have smooth, shiny skins and green stems. The bowl on the bottom right is filled with dark red cherries, almost black, with glossy surfaces and green stems. Around the bowls, there are scattered cherries of both colors, adding a casual, natural touch to the scene. The overall look is fresh and colorful, with a bright and clean feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is wonderfully simple, yet each component plays a crucial role. From the tangy cream cheese in the dough to the luscious cherries, every element enhances the overall taste, texture, and color of your hand pies.

Cream Cheese Pie Dough (2 disks): Provides a rich, tender, and flaky crust that’s the perfect vessel for the cherry filling.
Fresh Cherries (3 cups, pitted and split): The star ingredient delivering vibrant color and a sweet-tart pop in every bite.
Lemon or Lime (1 medium, zested and juiced): Adds brightness and balances the sweetness with citrusy zing.
Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cherry filling just enough to complement its natural acidity.
Tapioca Flour (1 tablespoon): Acts as a thickening agent to keep the cherry filling from becoming too runny.
Powdered Sugar (1 1/4 cups): Used for making a glossy, sweet glaze to finish off the hand pies beautifully.
Large Egg (1): An egg wash ensures a golden, shiny crust when baked.

How to Make Cherry Hand Pies with Cream Cheese Crust Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by thawing your cream cheese pie dough if frozen, letting it come to room temperature to make rolling out easier. This gentle warming step ensures a tender crust while preventing tearing or cracking.

Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling

Pit and split your fresh cherries, then combine them with sugar and the zesty juice of lemon or lime. Letting the mixture sit draws out the cherry juices, amplifying the flavor. Next, add a tapioca flour slurry to thicken the filling, avoiding any syrupy mess inside the pies.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough disk to about 11-12 inches in diameter and 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out dough circles, and reroll scraps carefully. Chilling your dough rounds before filling helps maintain their shape during baking.

Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies

Place a spoonful of cherry filling onto one dough round, brush the edges with water, then cover with another round. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal the pies and create a lovely decorative pattern. Afterward, chill or freeze them so they bake up firm and golden without losing their shape.

Step 5: Bake and Glaze

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Brush each hand pie with an egg wash and cut small vents on top. Bake until the crust is beautifully golden, about 20-25 minutes. When cooled, drizzle a glaze made from powdered sugar and reserved cherry juice over each pie for a sweet, shiny finish.

How to Serve Cherry Hand Pies with Cream Cheese Crust Recipe

A close-up of a baked pie with a golden-brown crust sitting on a metal cooling rack over a white marbled surface. The pie has one layer of thick pink icing being spread smoothly on top with a spatula that has a wooden handle and white silicone head. Surrounding the main pie are several more golden pies, some already covered with the same pink icing that has a shiny and smooth texture. The background is softly blurred with neutral tones. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt atop the glaze or add a few fresh mint leaves. A dusting of powdered sugar can also enhance the rustic charm while complementing the sweet cherries beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these hand pies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent treat. For a lighter option, a simple cup of hot tea or coffee balances the richness of the cream cheese crust nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these hand pies on a wooden board lined with parchment paper for a casual gathering or serve them on delicate plates with a drizzle of warm chocolate or caramel sauce. They also make fantastic gifts when packed in decorative boxes or wrapped in rustic twine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover hand pies refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the crust slightly crisp and the filling fresh, making them perfect for snacking anytime.

Freezing

These hand pies freeze beautifully, either baked or unbaked. For unbaked storage, freeze arranged on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. This way, you can bake fresh pies whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

Reheat your hand pies in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the delightful flaky texture of the cream cheese crust.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Frozen cherries can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that might make the filling too runny.

Is there a substitute for tapioca flour?

You can substitute cornstarch in equal amounts, though tapioca adds a wonderful gloss and stretchiness to the filling that cornstarch may not replicate perfectly.

Can I make the dough from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade cream cheese pie dough yields the best texture and flavor, but store-bought dough can work in a pinch if you’re short on time.

How long do the hand pies keep at room temperature?

Because of the cream cheese and fruit filling, it’s best to store these pies in the fridge, but they can sit out for a few hours if serving immediately.

Can I add other fruits instead of cherries?

Definitely! Blueberries, peaches, or raspberries all make delicious variations, just adjust the sugar and thickener accordingly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about these Cherry Hand Pies with Cream Cheese Crust Recipe that captures the joy of homemade baking in little parcels of deliciousness. They are perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying solo, and I hope you find as much delight in making and eating them as I do. So grab your rolling pin, your favorite cherries, and let’s create a batch of these charming hand pies that are destined to become a beloved favorite!