Lemon Cheesecake Hand Pies: 7 Steps to Pure Bliss

Oh, let me tell you about the heavenly delight that is Lemon Cheesecake Hand Pies! Imagine biting into a warm, flaky pastry, and then – boom! – you hit that creamy lemon cheesecake filling that dances on your taste buds. It’s a flavor explosion! Seriously, these hand pies are the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with that buttery, flaky crust that just crumbles beautifully as you take a bite. It’s like sunshine on a plate!

Every time I make these, I think back to that sunny afternoon when I first experimented with puff pastry and lemon curd. The kitchen filled with the bright, zesty scent of lemons, and I couldn’t help but smile, picturing my friends’ faces when they took that first bite. I remember one gathering where these little gems stole the show – everyone was raving about them! They’re not just desserts; they’re a burst of joy that brings people together. Trust me, once you try making these Lemon Cheesecake Hand Pies, you’ll be hooked! They’re perfect for parties, picnics, or just a cozy evening at home. Let’s get started on making your own batch of happiness!

Ingredients List

To whip up these scrumptious Lemon Cheesecake Hand Pies, you’ll need a handful of simple yet delightful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 17.3 oz (2) sheets of puff pastry: This is your flaky, buttery base. Make sure they’re thawed and ready to roll!
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened: This gives the filling that rich, creamy texture we all love. Let it sit out for a bit to soften up.
• 1 Tbsp heavy whipping cream: A splash of this adds extra creaminess to the filling.
• 2 Tbsp white granulated sugar: For a touch of sweetness that balances the tartness of the lemon.
• 1/2 tsp lemon zest: This packs a punch of lemony flavor and aroma. Fresh is best!
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Just a hint to enhance all those lovely flavors.
• 3-4 oz lemon curd: The star of the show! This adds a zesty tang that’s simply irresistible.
• A little water: Just a splash in a small bowl to help seal those pastry edges.
• 1 egg: Beaten, for brushing over the tops to give them that golden, shiny finish.
• 2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream: Warmed for the icing, adding a delightful drizzle on top.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: For that sweet glaze that brings everything together.

Gather these ingredients, and let’s make magic happen in the kitchen!

How to Prepare Lemon Cheesecake Hand Pies

Getting ready to whip up these Lemon Cheesecake Hand Pies is a breeze! Just follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have yourself a delightful treat in no time. Let’s dive right in!

Preparing the Filling

First things first, let’s create that luscious filling that’s going to make your hand pies shine! In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, white granulated sugar, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream. I like to use a hand mixer, but you can definitely use a whisk if you’re feeling strong! Beat this mixture until it’s smooth and fluffy – you’re looking for a creamy consistency that’s free of lumps. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, the aroma alone will have you dreaming of those flaky pastries!

Assembling the Hand Pies

Now that your filling is ready, it’s time to assemble! Preheat your oven to 400°F so it’s nice and hot when your pies are ready to bake. Unfold those thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet along the fold line and then across, creating 12 equal rectangles. Lay out 6 of those rectangles on your parchment-lined baking sheet for filling. Spread about 1.5-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each rectangle, leaving about 1/4 inch around the edges. Next, spoon about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of lemon curd right on top of the cream cheese mixture. Now, take a little water and wet your fingertips, then run them along the edges of the pastry rectangles. This will help seal your pies. Carefully place the remaining pastry rectangles on top and gently press the edges to seal. Don’t forget to brush the tops with the beaten egg for that golden finish! It’s a quick step that makes a world of difference, trust me.

Baking and Glazing

Now for the fun part – baking! Pop those beautiful hand pies into your preheated oven and bake them for about 18-20 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown. As they bake, your kitchen will smell absolutely divine! Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before you drizzle on the glaze. To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and warmed heavy whipping cream until it’s smooth and pourable. Then, using a fork, drizzle that sweet glaze over each hand pie. Oh, the excitement of that first bite is just waiting to happen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick prep time: You can whip these up in just about 30 minutes, making them perfect for a last-minute dessert!
• Easy to make: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, these hand pies are a great way for beginners to shine in the kitchen.
• Flavorful dessert: The combination of creamy cheesecake and zesty lemon is a flavor explosion that’ll leave everyone wanting more!
• Perfect for gatherings: These hand pies are the ideal treat for parties, picnics, or family get-togethers – everyone will love them!
• Vegetarian-friendly: Enjoy these tasty treats knowing they cater to vegetarian diets, making them accessible for everyone.

Tips for Success

To make your Lemon Cheesecake Hand Pies truly shine, here are some tips I swear by! First off, let those puff pastry sheets thaw properly! I recommend placing them between two damp paper towels for about 30 minutes to keep them from drying out. It makes a world of difference when you’re rolling them out!

When sealing the edges, don’t skimp on the water; a little moisture goes a long way in creating a good seal. Press those edges firmly with your fingertips or use a fork to crimp them for a fun design and extra security. Nobody wants a leaky pie, right?

As for storage, keep your leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to reheat them, the air fryer is my go-to method – it brings back that crispy texture beautifully!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious Lemon Cheesecake Hand Pies, you’ll want to make sure any leftovers are stored properly! Place them in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, but trust me, they’re best when enjoyed within a day or two.

If you find yourself with some leftover hand pies, don’t worry about losing that delightful texture! To reheat, use an air fryer set to 350°F for about 2 minutes – this method brings back that crispy, flaky goodness! Alternatively, you can use an oven preheated to 350°F, reheating for about 5 minutes. Either way, you’ll be enjoying those tasty treats almost as if they were just baked!

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of pastry?

Absolutely! If puff pastry isn’t your thing, you can swap it for pie crust or even phyllo dough. Just keep in mind that the texture will change a bit. With pie crust, you’ll get a more traditional feel, while phyllo dough will give you that crispy, flaky goodness. Make sure to adjust your baking time slightly, as different pastries may cook at different rates. No matter what you choose, the creamy lemon filling will still shine through!

How long do these hand pies last?

These Lemon Cheesecake Hand Pies are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They may lose a bit of their crispy texture over time, but the flavor will still be delightful! Just remember, the sooner you enjoy them, the better they’ll be – trust me, you won’t want to let them sit around too long!

Can I freeze Lemon Cheesecake Hand Pies?

Yes, you can definitely freeze these hand pies! To do so, let them cool completely after baking. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer until they’re firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them straight from the freezer in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, and they’ll taste just as good as the day you made them!

Nutritional Information

When indulging in these delightful Lemon Cheesecake Hand Pies, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying! Each hand pie is estimated to contain about 684 calories, with 44g of fat, 9g of protein, and 64g of carbohydrates. They also bring in 27g of sugar and 347mg of sodium. Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on the ingredients used and can vary slightly depending on brands and measurements. Enjoy every bite, and remember that these tasty treats are worth the splurge!

For more recipes follow me in page Pinterest.

Print