The perfect harvest treat: mini pies! Or tarts, if you prefer – whatever you call them, we can all agree that these bite-sized heavenly desserts are a quintessential part of cooler weather baking across the globe. Serving traditional pies to your Thanksgiving (or Harvest) dinner guests is always a great idea, however serving a plethora of mini pies is an even better one. With mini pies, you can make several varieties (like the four styles in this post!) so that there is something for every palate. Another bonus for mini pies? After a big holiday dinner, large slices of pie can overwhelm guests. Setting out a platter of 2-3 bite tarts is a hit with guests, and especially children! Plus, less clean up and work for you, with no plates to wash or slices to serve. That’s what I call a win-win-win!

Holiday dinners aren’t the only ones that welcome these mini pies – if you are planning an autumn or winter wedding, consider passing out these darling baked goods as wedding favours at the end of the night! My partners (and sponsors of this post) over at Weddingstar Inc. have just the ticket for packaging up these treats, with the darling “Sweetie Pies” Mini Pie Packaging Kits included in this post. A set of 20 is just $25, making these a great DIY favour for the bride planning her perfect wedding on a budget.

Read on, for four easy-as-pie recipes to try!

PUMPKIN

With notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, these encompass the embodiment of autumn in a teeny-tiny pie shell.

INGREDIENTS

12 Mini Pie Crusts/Tart Shells
1/2 Can (270ml.) Pumpkin Pie Filling
2 Eggs 
1 1/2 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
3/4c. Heavy Cream 

DIRECTIONS:

If making from frozen, thaw crusts 5-10 mins. Blend all ingredients together in a bowl, and mix well. Generously fill mini crusts. Bake at 375° for 35 mins, or until crust turns golden brown, and orange pie filling has darkened to a medium brown. Let cool, package and refrigerate. Add handwritten instructions (on the included notecard) to serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

PUMPKIN PIE SPICE

INGREDIENTS

2tsp. Ground cinnamon
1/2tsp. Ground ginger
1/2tsp. Ground nutmeg
1/4tsp. Ground cloves 

DIRECTIONS:

Blend all ingredients together in a pinch bowl. Store in a spice jar or plastic container, and use in baking as needed. Try a sprinkle over your lattes and hot chocolates, as well!

APPLE

With bright and fragrant notes of apple and cinnamon, these mini pies are a cute play on everyone’s favourite traditional apple pie.

INGREDIENTS

12 Mini Pie Crusts/Tart Shells
2 Red Apples
3tbsp. White Sugar
1tsp. Cinnamon
3tbsp. Butter

DIRECTIONS:

If making from frozen, thaw mini crusts 5-10 mins. Mince apples (you may skin them or leave the skins on, they will be delicious either way!). Melt butter in a small saucepan, and combine with dry ingredients. Fill shells with apple mixture. Bake at 375° for 35 mins, until crust is golden and apples are cooked down. Allow to cool, package, and refrigerate. Add handwritten instructions (on the included notecard) to serve warm, with a scoop of French vanilla ice cream.

CHOCOLATE

Filled with a rich, yet not-too-sweet chocolate pudding centre, the chocolate candy heart is optional, but encouraged (especially for wedding favours!).

INGREDIENTS

12 Mini Pie Crusts/Tart Shells
1 Box (180g.) Chocolate Pudding and Pie Filling
12 Chocolate Candy Hearts

DIRECTIONS:

If making from frozen, thaw crusts 5-10 mins. Pre-bake crusts 10-12 mins, until golden brown. Let cool. In a medium saucepan, prepare pie filling according to packaging instructions. While still warm, pour into shells. Top with candy heart, Transfer to fridge to set for 3-4 hours (ensure that baking sheet is cool to the touch before placing into fridge). Once set, package, and put back into the refrigerator until ready to distribute.

CARAMEL PECAN

Caramel filling is topped with a homemade candied pecan (or three!), perfect for those that love ooey, gooey caramel treats best.

INGREDIENTS

12 Mini Pie Crusts/Tart Shells
1 Box (180g.) Caramel Pudding and Pie Filling
12 Pieces Homemade Candied Pecans

DIRECTIONS:

If making from frozen, thaw crusts 5-10 mins. Pre-bake crusts 10-12 mins, until golden brown. Let cool. In a medium saucepan, prepare pie filling according to packaging instructions. For a ‘salted caramel’ spin, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt during cooking. While still warm, pour into shells. Top with candied pecan, Transfer to fridge to set for 3-4 hours (ensure that baking sheet is cool to the touch before placing into fridge). Once set, package, and put back into the refrigerator until ready to distribute.

CANDIED PECANS

INGREDIENTS

6tbsp. Brown sugar 
1 1/2tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2tsp. Nutmeg 
1/2tsp. vanilla
2 tbsp. water
Fresh squeezed juice from 1/4 navel orange 
Sprinkle of sea salt to taste
2 cups pecan halves

DIRECTIONS:

Melt ingredients all together in a pot over medium heat. Once sugar mixture is melted and bubbling, stir in pecans. Stir to coat, and cook 3-4 minutes until pecans are heated through, and sauce is glossy. Transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet, and leave to set on counter until dry and crunchy. Break up pieces, serve and enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, and snack on up to 1 week.  

These mini pies are even cuter when packaged using Weddingstar’s ‘Sweetie Pie’ packaging kits!

These favour kits come with notecards to add serving instructions or a ‘thank you’ for your guests, and ribbon to decorate them. While the kits come with parchment, you may also choose to wrap the pies in a cello bag before distributing – try Weddingstar’s line of cello bags.

“Sweetie Pies” Mini Pie Packaging Kits 

“joy Cherish Love Hope Faith” Ribbon

You can also personalize your pie kits with ribbons in your event colours at Weddingstar! Choose from plain or personalized options.

Personalized And Plain Ribbon, “Live Laugh Love” Ribbon, Personalized Ribbon Formatted For Bows

Decor Picnic Basket – Large

A cute display idea – when it’s time, set out your mini pies in a classic woven picnic basket for guests to help themselves. Cuter, still? Serve each pie in it’s own itty-bitty picnic basket!

Decor Picnic Basket – Medium, Miniature Picnic Basket Favour 

However you style them, your pies will be a hit at your next gathering.

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xo, Jamie