Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these lemon cheesecake hand pies! They’re like little pockets of sunshine, with a creamy, dreamy lemon filling wrapped in a perfectly flaky crust. Each bite is an explosion of tangy lemon goodness that just makes you feel so cheerful! I first made these for a family gathering a couple of summers ago, and they were an absolute hit. My cousin, who usually steers clear of desserts, couldn’t resist going back for seconds—and maybe even thirds! Watching everyone’s faces light up as they took their first bite was pure joy.
What I love most about making these hand pies is how they remind me of those warm family moments, sitting around the table, sharing stories and laughter. The smell of baking lemon treats wafting through the house is just heavenly! Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up, making them perfect for both special occasions and everyday indulgences. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create some delicious memories together with these delightful little pies!
Ingredients for Lemon Cheesecake Hand Pies Recipe
- 1 package of pie crusts (store-bought or homemade, whichever you prefer!)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature for easy mixing
- 1/2 cup sugar (this sweetens the filling just right)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (don’t skimp on freshness for that zesty kick!)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (this adds an extra layer of lemony flavor)
- 1 egg (for binding the filling together)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (this helps thicken the filling and keep it from being too runny)
- 1 egg wash (mix 1 egg with 1 tbsp water to brush on top for a golden finish)
How to Prepare Lemon Cheesecake Hand Pies
Prepping the Pie Crusts
First things first, let’s get that pie crust ready! If you’re using store-bought crusts, just unroll them on a lightly floured surface. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to make your own, go for it! Roll out the dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. You want it nice and thin so it bakes up flaky and golden. Now, grab a cookie cutter or a glass (around 4-5 inches in diameter works great) and cut out circles from your dough. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; rustic is charming! Just make sure to gather any scraps, roll them out again, and cut more circles. You’ll need about 12 for this recipe.
Making the Lemon Cheesecake Filling
Now, let’s whip up that creamy filling! In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, egg, and cornstarch. Trust me, using fresh lemons makes all the difference in flavor; it’s worth the squeeze! Mix everything together until it’s super smooth and creamy—this will be the star of your hand pies! I like to use an electric mixer for this step, but a whisk will do just fine if you want to channel your inner chef.
Assembling the Hand Pies
Alright, it’s time for the fun part—assembling those adorable hand pies! Take one of your dough circles and place a generous spoonful of that luscious lemon cheesecake filling right in the center. Be careful not to overfill; about a tablespoon should do it! Then, fold the other half of the circle over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Now, press down the edges to seal them tightly. I like to use a fork to crimp the edges for a pretty design and to make sure they’re sealed well. Don’t skip this step—nobody wants a filling explosion in the oven! Finally, brush the tops with the egg wash for that beautiful golden color.
Baking the Hand Pies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) because we’re ready to bake! Place your assembled hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a bit of space to puff up. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells like lemon heaven. Once they’re done, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Trust me, waiting just a bit enhances that flaky texture. Then, dig in and enjoy your delightful lemon cheesecake hand pies—savor every bite! You’ve earned it!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into enjoying these lovely lemon cheesecake hand pies, let’s talk about the nutritional side of things! Just a heads up, the nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this a general guideline rather than precise numbers. Here’s what you can expect per hand pie:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
So, as you can see, these hand pies are a delightful treat that balances indulgence without going overboard. Enjoying one (or maybe two!) is completely guilt-free when you’re sharing them with family and friends. Happy baking!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s ensure your lemon cheesecake hand pies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve picked up over the years:
- Avoid Overfilling: It’s super tempting to add more filling because it’s so delicious, but trust me, stick to about a tablespoon. Overfilling can lead to messy explosions in the oven, and no one wants that!
- Seal the Edges Well: Make sure to press down the edges firmly and crimp with a fork to create a tight seal. This not only keeps the filling inside but also looks adorable!
- Chill the Dough: If your dough gets too warm while you’re working with it, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes. Cold dough bakes up flakier and holds its shape better.
- Bake in Batches: If you’re making a big batch, consider baking them in two rounds. This allows each hand pie to bake evenly and gives them enough space to puff up beautifully!
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can be tricky! Check your hand pies a couple of minutes before the timer goes off. You want them golden brown, not too dark!
- Let Them Cool: I know it’s hard to resist the warm, lemony aroma, but letting them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before digging in helps the filling set a bit more.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating hand pies that are not only delicious but also beautiful! Enjoy the process and don’t forget to have fun in the kitchen!
Variations on Lemon Cheesecake Hand Pies Recipe
Now that you’ve got the classic lemon cheesecake hand pies down, let’s have some fun with variations! Trust me, experimenting with different flavors can take these little pockets of joy to a whole new level. Here are a few of my favorite twists:
- Berry Bliss: Swap out some of the lemon juice for fresh berry puree or add a layer of mixed berries inside the pie. Blueberries or raspberries pair beautifully with the lemon, creating a delightful tartness!
- Coconut Cream: Add some sweetened shredded coconut to the filling for a tropical vibe. The coconut adds a lovely texture and complements the lemon perfectly!
- Spiced Delight: For a warm twist, mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your filling. These spices add a cozy flavor that’s perfect for cooler months.
- Chocolate Zing: If you’re a chocolate lover, consider drizzling melted dark chocolate over the tops of your baked hand pies. The rich chocolate balances the tart lemon beautifully!
- Ginger Snap: Use ginger-infused syrup in your filling or add a bit of ground ginger for a zesty kick. Ginger and lemon are a match made in heaven!
- Nutty Crust: Instead of traditional pie crusts, try using crushed nuts mixed with a little butter to create a gluten-free crust. Almonds or pecans can add a deliciously nutty flavor!
With these variations, you can keep your lemon cheesecake hand pies exciting and fresh every time you make them. So, don’t hesitate to get creative and let your taste buds guide you! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear what delightful combinations you come up with!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up these delightful lemon cheesecake hand pies, let’s talk about how to serve them for maximum enjoyment! Trust me, pairing them with the right flavors can elevate your dessert experience to a whole new level.
First off, a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of your hand pies adds a beautiful touch and a hint of sweetness that complements the tangy lemon filling perfectly. If you’re feeling extra fancy, consider drizzling a little lemon glaze over the top—just mix some powdered sugar with a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing zing!
For beverages, a chilled glass of iced tea or lemonade pairs wonderfully with these hand pies. The cool, refreshing drinks balance out the warmth of the pastries and enhance that zesty lemon flavor. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creaminess is a dreamy match with the flaky crust and creamy filling!
And don’t forget about fresh fruit! Slices of strawberries, blueberries, or even a citrus fruit salad can add a burst of freshness to your dessert table. They not only look beautiful but also provide a nice contrast to the richness of the hand pies.
So, gather your friends or family around, serve these lemon cheesecake hand pies with your favorite drinks and sides, and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy! Happy serving!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those delightful lemon cheesecake hand pies fresh and tasty! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, but just in case!), you’ll want to store them properly to maintain that flaky crust and creamy filling.
First off, let the hand pies cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. This helps prevent moisture from building up, which can make them soggy. Once they’re cool, place them in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper in between to avoid sticking, which is always a good idea!
These hand pies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep them sealed well! If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze them. To freeze, wrap each hand pie tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen hand pies, simply take them out and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If you want to warm them up, you can pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through. This will make that crust nice and crispy again!
And there you have it! With these easy storage and reheating tips, you can savor every last bite of your lemon cheesecake hand pies! Happy baking, and enjoy your tasty treats whenever the craving strikes!
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Lemon Cheesecake Hand Pies Recipe: 7 Ways to Enjoy Comfort!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 hand pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon cheesecake hand pies are a delightful pastry filled with creamy lemon cheesecake.
Ingredients
- 1 package of pie crusts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 egg wash (1 egg mixed with 1 tbsp water)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pie crusts on a floured surface.
- Cut circles from the dough using a cookie cutter.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, egg, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Place a spoonful of the filling on one half of each circle.
- Fold the other half over and seal the edges with a fork.
- Brush the tops with egg wash.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for better flavor.
- Try adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: lemon cheesecake hand pies recipe