Cutie Pie Mini Cakes are adorable, individual-sized treats that combine the flavors of classic pie with the softness of a cake. Made with a buttery crust, fruity or creamy filling, and a fluffy cake layer, they’re baked in muffin tins and finished with a touch of whipped cream or glaze. They’re as fun to eat as they are to look at.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how these little cakes pack all the charm of a full pie into a cute, handheld dessert. They’re perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime I want to serve something sweet that’s easy to share. The flavor possibilities are endless, and they always look impressive without being overly complicated to make.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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All-purpose flour
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Baking powder
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Sugar
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Butter (softened)
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Eggs
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Vanilla extract
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Milk or buttermilk
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Pre-made or homemade pie filling (apple, cherry, blueberry, lemon, or pumpkin all work well)
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Optional toppings: whipped cream, powdered sugar, glaze, or sprinkles
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 350°F and grease or line a muffin tin.
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I prepare a simple cake batter by creaming the butter and sugar, then beating in eggs and vanilla.
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I stir in the flour, baking powder, and milk until the batter is smooth and fluffy.
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I spoon a tablespoon of pie filling into each muffin cup, then top with a scoop of batter to cover it.
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I bake the mini cakes for 18–22 minutes, until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
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I let them cool before removing from the tin, then top with whipped cream, glaze, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 mini cakes and takes around 35 minutes—15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to bake.
Variations
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I use different pie fillings depending on the season—apple cinnamon in fall, cherry or berry in summer.
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A dash of cinnamon or lemon zest in the batter adds extra flavor.
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For a crust-like base, I sometimes press crushed graham crackers or pie crust rounds into the bottom of each muffin cup before adding filling.
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I’ve also used cream cheese-based fillings for a cheesecake-style version.
Storage/Reheating
These mini cakes keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. I reheat them briefly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if I want them warm. They also freeze nicely—I just thaw and add toppings before serving.
FAQs
Can I use boxed cake mix?
Yes, I’ve used vanilla or yellow cake mix when I need to save time. I just follow the box instructions and fill as usual.
What kind of pie filling works best?
Any smooth or chunky fruit filling works great. I’ve even used lemon curd and chocolate cream for a richer twist.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. I substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the cake batter and make sure my filling is also gluten-free.
Do they need to be refrigerated?
If I use a cream-based filling or topping, I refrigerate them. Fruit-filled versions can sit out for a day or two at room temperature.
Can I bake these in silicone molds?
Absolutely. I’ve used silicone muffin cups, and they make it easy to pop the cakes out cleanly.
Conclusion
Cutie Pie Mini Cakes are a sweet little treat that always brings a smile. They’re playful, delicious, and perfect for sharing—whether I’m celebrating something special or just want a fun dessert. With endless filling and topping options, I can make them again and again and never get bored.
Print
Cutie Pie Mini Cakes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 12 mini cakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cutie Pie Mini Cakes are adorable individual‑sized treats that blend the buttery feel of a crust, the charm of a cake layer, and your favourite pie filling—baked in a muffin tin and topped with whipped cream or glaze. Fun to look at, delicious to eat, and great for sharing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all‑purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 cup pie filling of choice (apple, cherry, blueberry, lemon, pumpkin, etc.)
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, powdered sugar, glaze, sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 12‑cup muffin tin.
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and the milk into the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Divide cake batter among the muffin cups (about ⅓ full each). Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pie filling into each cup.
- Spoon remaining batter over the filling to cover, filling about ¾ full.
- Bake for 18‑22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the cake part comes out clean (some filling may be moist but the cake layer should be cooked). Let cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, top each mini cake with whipped cream, a sprinkling of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze, and optionally sprinkles.
Notes
- You can use canned pie filling or make your own fresh fruit filling—either works well.
- For a crust‑like base, you can press a thin layer of crushed graham crackers or pie crust crumbs into the bottom of each muffin cup before adding the batter and filling.
- If you prefer, you can make these in a mini‑muffin tin for even smaller “bite‑sized” desserts—adjust baking time down to ~12‑15 minutes.
- These freeze well. After cooling completely, wrap individually and freeze up to 2‑3 months. Thaw and re‑top with whipped cream just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cake
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
