Are you craving a delicious dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than these delightful dessert pudgy pies! These individual pies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the fuss of a large pie. They're incredibly versatile, allowing for endless flavor combinations, making them ideal for both weeknight treats and special occasions. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your homemade cooking repertoire. Let's dive into these quick dinner ideas that are perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- For the Filling: (Choose your favorite!)
- Apple Pie Filling: 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced), 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Chocolate Cream Filling: 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Blueberry Filling: 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Crust:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix!
- Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling:
- While the dough chills, prepare your chosen filling according to the ingredient list above. For example, for the apple pie filling, simply combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
Step 3: Assemble the Pies:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Use a 4-inch cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles.
- Press each circle into a muffin tin, ensuring the dough goes up the sides.
- Fill each crust with your chosen filling, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top.
Step 4: Bake and Cool:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let the pies cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Dessert Pudgy Pies:
- For a flakier crust, use very cold butter and don't overwork the dough.
- If your filling is particularly juicy, you might want to pre-bake the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling to prevent a soggy bottom.
- Feel free to get creative with your fillings! Consider using other fruits like cherries, raspberries, or peaches. You can also experiment with different spices and sweeteners.
Variations:
- Mini Pudgy Pies: Use a smaller cookie cutter for bite-sized treats.
- Lattice Top: Cut the remaining dough into strips and create a lattice top on your pies for a beautiful presentation.
- Crumb Topping: Sprinkle a streusel topping over the filling before baking for extra crunch.
Nutritional Information (per pie, approximate, varies with filling):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients and filling used. It’s always best to use a nutrition calculator for precise figures based on your chosen recipe.
- Calories: 250-350
- Fat: 12-18g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Sugar: 15-25g
- Protein: 3-5g
These delicious and easy dessert pudgy pies are a fantastic addition to any meal or gathering. Their versatility makes them perfect for showcasing seasonal fruits or indulging in comforting classic flavors. Enjoy experimenting with different fillings and making these delightful pies your own!