Small Cheese Pies
Delightful mini cheese pies with creamy filling and crisp wafers, perfect for parties or snacks, offering a sweet and cheesy flavor that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a mixing bowl and beat until smooth.
- Line midget cupcake holders with vanilla wafers.
- Spoon the cheese mixture into the wafers in each cupcake holder.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until set, about 20-25 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother filling, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If you want a lighter texture, consider folding in some whipped cream after blending the cheese mixture. You can substitute the vanilla wafers with graham crackers or even chocolate cookies for a different flavor profile. For added flavor, try mixing in lemon zest or a hint of almond extract.
Serving Suggestions
These small cheese pies are delightful on their own but also pair beautifully with fresh berries or a drizzle of fruit sauce for added color and flavor. For a more indulgent treat, serve them alongside a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream. They make a great ending to a meal featuring hearty American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and warm the pies for about 10 minutes, just until they are slightly warm. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Small Cheese Pies contains roughly 430 calories, with 5g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cheese pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture and fill the wafer-lined cupcake holders a day in advance. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bake them fresh the next day for the best texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Neufchâtel cheese, which has a similar taste and texture but contains less fat. For a dairy-free alternative, try using vegan cream cheese made from nuts or soy.
How do I know when the cheese pies are done baking?
The cheese pies are done when they are set in the center and lightly browned on top. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).