Elegant Mini Molasses Pies
A cherished recipe passed down through generations, these Elegant Mini Molasses Pies capture the essence of timeless flavors and nostalgia. A delightful fusion of cream cheese and buttery crust meets a rich, dark brown sugar filling that delights the senses. Perfect for gatherings and parties, their bite-sized allure ensures they are the star of any dessert table. While they may require a bit of time and effort, the compliments you receive will be worth every minute in the kitchen!
N/A
Servings
70
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
3 ounces (softened)
unsalted butter
1/2 cup (softened, plus 1 teaspoon for browning)
all-purpose flour
1 cup (sifted)
large egg
1 (beaten)
dark brown sugar
1 cup (packed)
salt
1 pinch (to taste)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
pecan halves
as desired (for optional garnish)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, butter, and flour until soft dough forms by beating at medium speed.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3
Grease a mini muffin pan; scoop about a tablespoon of dough into each muffin cup.
4
Using your fingers, gently shape the dough to line the bottom and sides of each cup, ensuring the dough is about 1/4 inch thick on the bottom and 1/8 inch thick on the sides.
5
In a small saucepan, melt 1 teaspoon of butter over medium heat, cooking until lightly browned.
6
In another bowl, combine the egg, dark brown sugar, browned butter, salt, and vanilla. Mix until you achieve a smooth, runny consistency.
7
Spoon the filling into each prepared cup, filling them about halfway to three-quarters full.
8
Optional: Add a pecan half on top of the filling for an extra touch of elegance.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-11 minutes, ensuring not to overcook. The crust edges should turn light brown with a slightly crusty top, while keeping the center runny.
10
Allow the pies to cool slightly before removing them from the muffin pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
4.4g
Fat
7.3g
Carbs
0.6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Elegant Mini Molasses Pies?
They are bite-sized desserts featuring a cream cheese and buttery crust filled with a rich dark brown sugar mixture.
How many calories are in one mini molasses pie?
Each pie contains approximately 70 calories.
What is the main flavor profile of these pies?
These pies offer a nostalgic fusion of tangy cream cheese, buttery crust, and deep, dark brown sugar flavors.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do these mini pies need to bake?
They should be baked for 8 to 11 minutes.
What type of pan is required for this recipe?
You will need a mini muffin pan to achieve the bite-sized shape.
What ingredients are in the crust?
The crust is made from softened cream cheese, softened unsalted butter, and sifted all-purpose flour.
How thick should the dough be in the muffin cups?
The dough should be about 1/4 inch thick on the bottom and 1/8 inch thick on the sides.
What is the key to the filling's rich flavor?
The rich flavor comes from combining dark brown sugar with lightly browned butter.
How do I brown the butter for the filling?
Melt 1 teaspoon of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it turns lightly browned.
How much filling should I put in each cup?
Spoon the filling into each cup until they are about halfway to three-quarters full.
Can I add nuts to the pies?
Yes, you can add a pecan half on top of the filling for an extra touch of elegance.
What should the consistency of the filling be before baking?
The filling should be mixed until it reaches a smooth, runny consistency.
How do I know when the pies are finished baking?
The crust edges should be light brown and the top slightly crusty, while the center remains somewhat runny.
Should these be served warm or cold?
They can be served warm or at room temperature.
What type of sugar is best for this recipe?
Dark brown sugar is recommended for its deep flavor and molasses notes.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each mini pie contains 4.4g of fat.
Are these pies suitable for parties?
Yes, their bite-sized allure makes them perfect for gatherings, parties, and holiday dessert tables.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 cup of sifted all-purpose flour.
What kind of vanilla should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
Is there protein in these pies?
Each pie provides about 0.6g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in each pie?
There are 7.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to grease the muffin pan?
Yes, you should grease the mini muffin pan before adding the dough.
What is the first step in making the dough?
Mix the softened cream cheese, butter, and flour at medium speed until a soft dough forms.
How much dough do I use for each cup?
Scoop about one tablespoon of dough into each mini muffin cup.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, it is described as a cherished recipe passed down through generations.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter, but you can use salted if you adjust the added pinch of salt accordingly.
What is the texture of the crust?
The crust is a buttery and soft cream cheese-based pastry.
Are these difficult to make?
They require some time and effort to shape the dough, but the results are worth the compliments.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
The recipe requires 8 main ingredients, including the optional pecan garnish.