Have you ever seen these vintage mini metal pie pans? They're about 4" wide and only ¾" inch deep or so. I think I’ve seen them at almost every estate sale and thrift store I’ve ever been to.
At some point, back in the day, mini desserts were very chic. And suddenly I feel like I missed my calling. In a world that wants outrageous desserts crammed with as many flavors as possible (and laden with as many processed calories as possible), my petite desserts are crumbs. I’m just making mini pies today. With one nectarine. It seems small. It seems like a lot of effort for two mini pies. But, they’re special little pies because they’re flecked with vanilla bean. If a sparkling crust isn’t pretty enough, a pinky-peach pie filling with black specks will win the beauty pageant.
I tried to keep it as simple as possible—you don’t even have to peel the nectarines. The thin nectarine skin melts in the oven. They're also responsible for the pink hue. I love the skins because I think they add a bit of tartness. However, don’t forget the lemon for tartness. I made these once without lemon, and they tasted flat. As I’ve learned with juicing, lemon is important for flavor in fruit desserts.
If you want to bake 4 mini pies instead of just 2, I’ll include instructions in the recipe below. From there, you can triple the recipe (or quadruple,or whatever-your-little-heart-desires).
If you haven’t scooped up a few of these vintage mini pans before, you can make this recipe in muffin cups. You will get a few more pies out of it that way. I think you’ll know what to do with the leftovers. I know a puppy who might like them.
The most perfect mini fruit pies. ***To make 4 crusts, double the filling ingredients, except only increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons. The pie crust becomes: Mini Nectarine Vanilla Bean Pies
Ingredients
For the filling:
Instructions
Notes
1 cup + 2 tablespoons flour
2 teaspoons sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons cold butter, diced
½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
4-5 tablespoons ice cold waterNutrition Information:
Yield:
2
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 391Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 153mgSodium: 472mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 1gSugar: 31gProtein: 2g
Heather || Heather's Dish says
Those little tins are so adorable! And I think you're right, I've never been to an estate sale where I didn't see a couple of them there. So cute!
And please please please give me your simple, beautiful + yummy desserts over all the mile-long-name stuff any day!
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
I'm a nectarine fiend! It's always sad to me that nectarines are glossed over in favor of the more popular peach. Nectarine pie is where it's at! And I'm so glad I'm not the only one who skips peeling. It always seemed pointless to me.
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
I need those pie those tiny pie tins so hard!!!! WHY have I never seen them? :( I always end up getting the store-bought graham cracker mini crusts. I would love some REAL mini tins!!! I'm in love with these pies too. Vanilla is my drug.
Julie says
That last photo is killing me! I have to be very careful when setting up for shoots - if I leave the office door open and turn my back, the pup will try to snag some for himself!
Kelly says
Love nectarines. Love pie. Love this recipe! Definitely trying it soon!
Katie @ Butterlust says
I'm feeling a little left out because I have definitely never seen those adorable mini vintage pie pans, ever. You'll find me scouring all of Austin's estate sales and thrift stores for the next 17 weekends until I find them. I can't get over how cute they are! Also, LOVE that you left the skins on for this recipe - the color that they add is gorgeous and I'm all about a little tart in my sweet!
Jennifer Farley says
I want to reach through my screen and eat every last one!
Danae @ recipe runner says
Simplicity is best. Thank you for not peeling the nectarine, it's a pain doing that anyways. Love everything about these beauties!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
These look perfect! And that photo of the end.....too adorable! I can't even deal!
Jessica @ Sweet Menu says
These cute pies look delicious with their golden sugar crusted pastry! So delicious!