Cranberry Chocolate Mini Pies

There is a Pie Party going on in the blogosphere today. And because this girl loves pies and parties, I had to go. SO --“I’m joining TidyMom and Whirlpool for the 4th Annual Love the Pie Party and entered to win a new Whirlpool Gold® Induction Range

I would have joined the party even if there wasn't an awesome prize.  Everyone who really knows me knows I am kind of a pie making maniac this time of year. I thought and thought about what awesome pie I could share with my readers and bring to the party. 

I thought about reminding you about these tasty pastry bites

Gramps Granny Apple Pie

Caramel Topped Apple Pie

Peach and Almond Praline Pie

But I decided it was time to develop a new pie recipe. So I combined two of my favorite holiday ingredients: Cranberries and chocolate. I also wanted a mini pie to add to my layout of pies for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I am a HUGE advocate for the personal pie. I love all that crusty goodness to myself. And if someone is too full for their personal pie they can take it home for later.

  6 Reasons I love this pie.
1. It is simple and quick to make. Always good when you are in the middle of baking season. I love rolling out pie dough and shaping pie crusts as much as any pie baker. But sometimes I want a decadent pie that can be finished in an hour.
2. Graham Cracker Crust with all kinds of goodies inside.
3. Nutella (it makes everything better)

4. Cranberry/chocolate Filling
5. Pecan Streusel Topping
6. Crumbly on the outside, gooey sultry goodness on the inside.

Cranberry Chocolate Mini Pies
Makes 12 pies -- You can halve this recipe

Ingredients
12 mini graham cracker pie crusts. (I actually bought the premade crusts that come 6 to a pack. But you can make your own as well.)


1 Bag Fresh Cranberries
1 1/2 Cups of Sugar
1/4 Cup flour
zest from 1 orange
1 1/2 TB of cocoa powder

Nutella (about 12 Tsp)

Streusel Topping
1/2 Cup chopped pecans
1/2 Cup brown sugar
1/4 Cup flour
1 tsp shortening

Create Streusel by mixing finely chopped pecans with brown sugar and flour. Cut in shortening with a fork.

Pie Directions:
Heat oven to 375 degrees.

Chop cranberries ( I used a food processor) and add sugar, flour, zest and cocoa. Pulse in food processor to mix together.

Spread a tsp of Nutella into each graham crust. Top with about 1/4 cup of cranberry filling. Fill just to rim. Top each pie with 1 TB of streusel.

Place pies on foil lined baking sheet and bake 20-30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and filling is cooked. 

Let cool.

Now   “Come join Love the Pie with TidyMom  sponsored by Whirlpool and enter to win a new Whirlpool Range” It's the best kind of party.