Delight in Mini Pies! Pumpkin, Apple, Banana Cream, and More!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Exciting News: A Cookbook is Coming!
3. Making Lemon Curd in the Microwave
4. Creating the Apple Pie Filling
5. Using Jello Pudding Mix for Chocolate Cream Pie Filling
6. Nostalgia with Banana Cream Pie Filling
7. Preparing the Delicious Pumpkin Pie Filling
8. Rolling Out the Pie Crust
9. Decorating the Pies
10. Assembling and Baking the Pies
11. Finishing Touches and Decoration
12. Conclusion

Introduction

Hey everyone! It's Rachel here. Today, we're diving into the wonderful world of fall baking. As the weather gets cooler and leaves start to change color, nothing quite captures the essence of autumn like warm, flaky, buttery pies. We've got an array of flavors lined up, including chocolate cream, banana cream, lemon meringue, strawberry, apple, and my personal favorite, pumpkin pie. Before we get started, I'd love to hear from you. What's your ultimate favorite pie flavor? Leave your answer in the comments below and let's get baking!

The Exciting News: A Cookbook is Coming!

Before we delve into the delicious world of pies, I have some thrilling news to share with all of you. Brace yourselves, because a Kawaii World cookbook is in the works! I can't contain my excitement any longer. Although it won't be available for another year or so, I couldn't resist sharing this incredible journey with my dedicated followers. You've made my dreams come true, and I'm forever grateful for your support. A massive shoutout to my publisher, Clarkson Potter, my phenomenal agent Kate McKean, and my manager Melissa for making this all possible. Stay tuned for updates on the cookbook, including pre-order information and release dates. Get ready for the most "kawaii" recipes you've ever seen!

Making Lemon Curd in the Microwave

Let's kick off our pie-making adventure by whipping up some luscious lemon curd. Did you know you can make it in the microwave? Yes, it's absolutely mind-blowing! In a microwave-safe bowl, combine one egg and 1/3 cup of sugar. Whisk them together until well combined. Add 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice and the zest of one lemon into the bowl, followed by three tablespoons of melted butter. Give it another whisk until everything is well incorporated. Now, pop the mixture into the microwave and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval. The goal is to thicken the mixture until it coats the back of a spoon. When you run your finger along the back of the spoon and it leaves a trail, you know it's ready. Cover the lemon curd with plastic wrap, pressing it down onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

Creating the Apple Pie Filling

Next up, we're diving into the classic apple pie filling. Start with a Granny Smith apple. To peel it effortlessly and safely, cut off the top and bottom of the apple, allowing you to peel it straight down. Now, chop the apple into tiny, uniform pieces. Think tiny julienne cuts or a brunoise dice. Toss the apple pieces in a teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent them from browning. For that irresistible apple pie flavor, add a tablespoon of sugar and half a teaspoon of cinnamon. Give it all a good mix, and voila! Your tantalizing apple pie filling is ready to go.

Using Jello Pudding Mix for Chocolate Cream Pie Filling

Now, let's take a little shortcut and use some Jello pudding mix to create the delectable chocolate cream pie filling. Trust me, it's a game-changer! In a bowl, whisk together one cup of milk and five tablespoons of the pudding mix (approximately half of the box). Whisk it all together for about two minutes, or follow the instructions on the package. As you whisk, the mixture will transform into a rich, velvety texture. This quantity is perfect for our miniature pies. Place the bowl in the fridge to set while we move on to the next filling.

Nostalgia with Banana Cream Pie Filling

Ah, banana cream pie. It brings back nostalgic memories for me, as my aunt used to make this exquisite treat. For our version, we'll indulge in some banana cream Jello pudding mix. Take a trip down memory lane with me! Start by placing a slice of banana at the bottom of each pie shell. Fill these shells with the banana cream filling we prepared earlier. For the finishing touch, pipe on some whipped cream and embellish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts. The result? Pure bliss!

Preparing the Delicious Pumpkin Pie Filling

It's time to celebrate the quintessential flavor of fall: pumpkin pie! Gather six tablespoons of sugar, half a teaspoon of cinnamon, a quarter teaspoon of salt, a quarter teaspoon of ginger, and an eighth teaspoon of cloves. Oh, the aroma of these spices blending together... It's a symphony of autumnal scents! In a separate bowl, crack open an egg and beat it until smooth. Add one cup of pumpkin puree, three-quarters cup of evaporated milk, and the sugar and spice mixture. Give it all a good mix until it forms a beautiful, velvety batter. The pumpkin pie filling is ready to bring the taste of fall to our miniature pies.

Rolling Out the Pie Crust

To encase our delectable fillings, we'll use ready-made refrigerated pie dough. Trust me, it's a time-saver without compromising on taste. Roll out the dough until it's a little thinner, and with a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out circles for the pie crusts. Gently press each circle into a mini pie tin, ensuring it snugly fits and covers the edges. Repeat this process for all the pie crusts. Next, grab a fork or a toothpick and prick the pie crusts all over. This simple step prevents pesky air bubbles from forming during baking. We want perfectly smooth and flaky crusts!

Decorating the Pies

Creativity time! Let's have some fun decorating our pies. For the strawberry pies, don't forget to add a dollop of strawberry jam. Feel free to get artsy with the decorations. This is the perfect opportunity to let your inner pastry artist shine. You can cut out little hearts from the pie crust and place them on top, crimping the edges for a charming touch. Another option is a lattice crust, adding a touch of elegance and traditional flair. To achieve this, place four horizontal strips of pie crust on top of the filling and weave them over and under with vertical strips. It's easier to understand by watching the video, so give it a go! You can also let your creative juices flow and decorate in whatever way you desire.

Assembling and Baking the Pies

We're almost there! It's time to assemble and bake our tantalizing pies. Carefully pour the prepared fillings into the pie crusts. For an extra touch of richness, brush the edges of the crust with egg wash before baking. This gives them a beautiful golden brown color. Pop the pies into the oven at 425°F for approximately 10 minutes for plain tart shells and 15 to 20 minutes for filled pies. Keep an eye on them to ensure they bake to perfection. Oh, the anticipation of the heavenly aromas that will fill your kitchen!

Finishing Touches and Decoration

Behold, our little masterpieces are out of the oven and ready for their final touch. Now, it's all about presentation. For the lemon meringue pies, fill the pie shells generously with the homemade lemon curd. Time to create that signature meringue! In a separate bowl, whisk one egg white and an eighth teaspoon of cream of tartar until frothy. Slowly add in one tablespoon of sugar while whisking until stiff peaks form. Dollop the meringue onto the pies and create some peaks for that crispy texture. To amp up the meringue's visual appeal, you can torch it with a kitchen torch or place it under the broiler for a few minutes. Remember, safety first, so be cautious if using direct fire. Alternatively, finish off the pies in the oven at 450°F for three to four minutes. The choice is yours!

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks! Our mini pies are complete and ready to wow your taste buds. I hope you enjoyed this baking adventure as much as I did. If you loved this video, be sure to hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications to be notified of new videos every week. Follow me on social media at Kawaii Sweet Eats, and don't forget to check out my Dizzy Sticker Shop. For more sweetness, check out my last video and let's keep this delicious journey going. Take care, my friends, and remember I adore each and every one of you. See you soon! Bye guys!