There’s something undeniably refreshing about a dessert that surprises the palate, and my Grapefruit-Cream Cheese Hand Pies fit the bill perfectly. I first stumbled upon this delightful combination when a neighbor gifted me a jar of homemade grapefruit marmalade. Intrigued by its bright flavor, I knew I had to incorporate it into a sweet treat that would bring joy to my family and friends.

As the oven warms and the aroma of buttery piecrust fills the kitchen, anticipation builds for the creamy filling laced with citrus goodness. These hand pies are not just easy to whip up; they’re the kind of dish that turns a casual gathering into an unforgettable experience. The tartness of grapefruit pairs beautifully with the richness of cream cheese, creating a balance that pleases even the pickiest of eaters.

Whether you’re looking to impress at your next potluck or simply wanting to indulge in a comforting homemade dessert, these hand pies are your ticket to a burst of sunshine on the plate. Let’s dive into this easy-as-pie recipe and bring some zesty creativity to your dessert table!

Why Will You Love These Grapefruit-Cream Cheese Hand Pies?

Deliciousness awaits: The unexpected combination of grapefruit and cream cheese will wow your taste buds.
Simplicity at its finest: This recipe requires only a few ingredients and minimal effort, making it perfect for quick baking sessions.
Versatile delight: Serve them as an elegant dessert or a sweet snack—these hand pies fit any occasion.
Crowd-pleaser guaranteed: With their unique flavor, these hand pies are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Make-ahead convenience: Prep them in advance and bake when you’re ready to impress!
Don’t miss out—let’s transform your dessert table with these vibrant treats that bring a refreshing twist to homemade sweets.

Grapefruit-Cream Cheese Hand Pies Ingredients

For the Piecrust
• Refrigerated piecrusts – Using premade crust saves time, but homemade is always a wonderful option if you have the time!
• All-purpose flour – Dust your work surface to prevent sticking and ensure a smooth roll-out.

For the Filling
• Cream cheese – Soften it for easy mixing and added creaminess in your filling.
• Granulated sugar – This sweetens the cream cheese and balances the tartness of grapefruit.
• Grapefruit marmalade – Adds a unique flavor that makes these Grapefruit-Cream Cheese Hand Pies standout!
• Large egg – Beaten, this acts as a binder for a cohesive filling.
• Fresh grapefruit juice – A splash enhances the tangy flavor profile, making it even more vibrant!

For the Topping
• Turbinado sugar – Sprinkling this gives a lovely crunch and a touch of sweetness on top.
• Powdered sugar – Drizzle it for a beautiful finish that adds sweetness and visual appeal.

Now that you have everything ready, let’s get to baking your delightful hand pies!

How to Make Grapefruit-Cream Cheese Hand Pies

Preheat oven: Set your oven according to the piecrust package instructions, usually around 425°F. Getting the oven hot will ensure a beautifully baked crust.
Roll out the crust: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the refrigerated piecrusts. Make sure they’re about an 1/8 inch thick for easy handling. Fit them into your pie dish, ensuring there are no cracks.
Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This will be the heart of your hand pies, so mix well!
Add flavors: Gently fold in the grapefruit marmalade and fresh grapefruit juice into the cream cheese mixture. This brightens the filling with tanginess that perfectly complements the creaminess.
Incorporate the egg: Add the beaten egg into the filling and stir until everything is well combined. This is what gives your filling a nice structure once baked.
Fill the crust: Carefully scoop the creamy filling into half of your piecrusts, leaving a little space around the edges to seal them properly.
Seal the pies: Place the other half of the piecrusts over the filled ones. Pinch the edges tightly with your fingers or a fork to seal them securely.
Sprinkle sugar: Dust the tops with turbinado sugar for a crunchy, sweet finish. It’s delightful and adds a nice texture!
Bake them: Place the hand pies on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for the time specified on the piecrust package, or until they are golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when they smell heavenly!
Cool and dust: Once baked, let them cool slightly. If you want an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle with powdered sugar just before serving.

Optional: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Grapefruit-Cream Cheese Hand Pies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the filling (cream cheese, sugar, grapefruit marmalade, egg, and juice) up to 24 hours in advance—simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also roll out the piecrusts and fit them into the pie dish, covering with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just combine the chilled filling with the prepared crust, sprinkle with turbinado sugar, and pop them in the oven. This way, you’ll have delicious, homemade hand pies ready with minimal effort when the craving strikes!

Helpful Tricks for Grapefruit-Cream Cheese Hand Pies

Perfect Pastry: Ensure piecrust is cold: Keep your refrigerated piecrust chilled until just before using. This helps achieve a flakier texture.

Smooth Filling: Beat well: Mix the cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth to ensure a creamy filling without lumps.

Sealing Secrets: Avoid leaks: Pinch the edges securely after filling to prevent the creamy filling from oozing out during baking.

Even Baking: Bake on a sheet: Place hand pies on a baking sheet to catch any drips and ensure even heat distribution for the perfect crust.

Serving Tip: Enjoy warm: Serve your Grapefruit-Cream Cheese Hand Pies warm for the best texture and flavor experience.

How to Store and Freeze Grapefruit-Cream Cheese Hand Pies

Room Temperature: Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, ensuring they remain fresh and delicious.

Fridge: For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container to maintain their creamy filling and flaky crust.

Freezer: Freeze unbaked hand pies for up to 2 months. Just wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from the freezer when you’re ready to indulge!

Reheating: To reheat, bake previously made hand pies in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, keeping their irresistible texture intact.

What to Serve With Grapefruit Cheese Pie?

Enhance your dessert experience with delightful companions that complement the vibrant flavors of this refreshing pie.

Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture, making each bite of pie simply divine.
Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or blueberries brighten the plate, bringing additional sweetness and a pop of color alongside the tart pie.
Mint Tea: A warm cup of mint tea refreshes the palate, perfectly balancing the creamy, tangy notes of the grapefruit in the pie.
Coconut Macaroons: These chewy, sweet bites add a tropical flair that pairs well, creating an inviting contrast to the pie’s tartness.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, smooth scoop melts beautifully over warm pie, offering a luxurious textural experience that’s hard to resist.
Sparkling Water: A glass of sparkling water enhances hydration and liveliness, cleansing the palate between bites of rich flavors.

Pair these delightful dishes with your Grapefruit Cheese Pie for a meal that dazzles both the eyes and the taste buds!

Grapefruit-Cream Cheese Hand Pies Variations

Feel free to put your own spin on these delightful hand pies with these exciting tweaks!

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free piecrust to adapt this recipe for those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
Citrus Swap: Substitute grapefruit marmalade with orange or lemon marmalade for a different citrus twist that’s equally delicious.
Herbal Infusion: Add fresh basil or mint to the filling for a refreshing herbal note that complements the tartness of the grapefruit beautifully.
Creamy Upgrade: Use mascarpone or ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese for a slightly different texture and flavor profile that’s oh-so-rich.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped pistachios or almonds into the filling for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the smooth texture of the pie.
Spiced Goodness: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm, cozy undertones that elevate the overall flavor experience.
Vegan Option: Substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg for egg replacement if you’re looking for a vegan-friendly version.
Decadent Drizzle: Drizzle with white chocolate or dark chocolate after baking for an indulgent touch that will take these hand pies to the next level.

Let your creativity shine while preparing these hand pies, and don’t be afraid to experiment in the kitchen!

Grapefruit-Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe FAQs

What type of grapefruit should I use for the marmalade?
You can use either pink or white grapefruit for this recipe. Pink grapefruit has a sweeter flavor profile, while white grapefruit tends to be more tart. Either will add a lovely zing to your hand pies, but I recommend pink grapefruit if you’re looking for a slightly sweeter taste that balances beautifully with the cream cheese!

How should I store leftover hand pies?
For the best freshness, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just remember that refrigeration may affect the crust’s flakiness, so enjoy them soon!

Can I freeze these Grapefruit-Cream Cheese Hand Pies?
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked hand pies for up to 2 months. Simply wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake straight from the freezer—no need to thaw. Just follow the baking instructions, and you’ll still have that lovely flaky crust!

What should I do if my filling is too runny?
If your filling seems too runny, try adding a bit more cream cheese or an additional beaten egg to help bind the ingredients. Mix well until everything is combined smoothly. Keep in mind that the filling will firm up slightly as it bakes, so a little looseness is okay as long as it holds together when you fill the hand pies.

Are these hand pies pet-friendly?
While grapefruit is safe for humans, it can be toxic to dogs and other pets. It’s best to keep these Grapefruit-Cream Cheese Hand Pies away from your furry friends and stick to pup-approved treats instead!

Can I use homemade piecrust instead of refrigerated?
Of course! If you have your favorite homemade piecrust recipe, it would work beautifully. Just ensure that your dough is chilled before rolling it out to maintain the flaky texture. A homemade crust can elevate your hand pies and add an extra layer of love to your baking!