If you have a sweet tooth and love finger-friendly desserts, the Cherry Pie Bites: Sweet, Bite-Sized Dessert Delights Recipe will quickly become your new favorite treat. These charming little pies pack all the juicy, fruity flavor of a classic cherry pie into perfectly portable, tender pastry pockets. Not only are they irresistibly scrumptious, but their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for sharing at parties, enjoying on the go, or sneaking a little indulgence any time you crave something special. Once you try these Cherry Pie Bites, you’ll be hooked on their delightful combination of sweet, tangy cherries wrapped in flaky, golden crust.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping it simple is the best way to bring out the pure cherry goodness in this recipe. Each ingredient is essential for giving these pie bites their signature taste, texture, and color, making the baking process both straightforward and rewarding.
- 1 package pre-made pie crust: This convenient base offers a buttery, flaky texture without any fuss, but homemade crust works beautifully too for that personal touch.
- 1 can cherry pie filling: Ready-to-use filling saves time and ensures consistent sweetness and juiciness; you can substitute with fresh or frozen cherries thickened with sugar and cornstarch for a homemade version.
- 1 egg: Used for the egg wash that gives your pie bites a gorgeous golden shine and helps the sugar stick.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: A sprinkle on top adds a perfect little crunch and enhances the overall sweetness just enough to make these treats sparkle.
How to Make Cherry Pie Bites: Sweet, Bite-Sized Dessert Delights Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or greasing it lightly. This ensures your Cherry Pie Bites bake evenly and won’t stick, setting the stage for their perfect golden finish.
Step 2: Cut the Dough
Roll out the pre-made pie dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s smooth and even. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass about 3 inches in diameter to cut out circles. This size is perfect for bite-sized treats that are easy to hold and pop into your mouth.
Step 3: Add the Cherry Filling
Place a small spoonful of cherry pie filling in the center of each dough circle. It’s important not to overfill so the juices don’t spill out while baking. This step is where the sweet, vibrant cherry flavor truly shines.
Step 4: Shape and Seal
Fold the dough over the filling to create a charming half-moon shape or press a second dough circle on top to form a neat pocket. Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly, sealing in all that lovely filling and creating a decorative touch.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Sugar Sprinkle
Brush each pie bite with a beaten egg to give them that irresistible golden-brown glow. Then, generously sprinkle sugar on top for a subtle crunch that complements the flaky crust and bursts of sweet cherry filling.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your Cherry Pie Bites on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the crust turns a stunning golden color and the cherry filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them toward the end to ensure they don’t brown too much, preserving the delicate pastry texture.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow your Cherry Pie Bites to cool just a few minutes. They’re delicious warm for that freshly baked experience, but also delightful at room temperature, making them wonderfully versatile desserts anytime.
How to Serve Cherry Pie Bites: Sweet, Bite-Sized Dessert Delights Recipe
Garnishes
Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the Cherry Pie Bites to balance the sweet-tart fruitiness with creamy softness. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves can provide an elegant and enticing finish.
Side Dishes
Serve these charming pie bites with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. They also pair beautifully with light salads or cheese boards that feature mild cheeses and fresh fruit for a more substantial dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by arranging Cherry Pie Bites on a tiered tray or rustic wooden board. For a festive touch, serve them in mini cupcake liners or garnish with edible flowers. These bite-sized delights also work perfectly as party favors wrapped in clear cellophane tied with ribbons.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten Cherry Pie Bites stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This preserves the flaky crust and juicy filling without drying them out. They’re best enjoyed within this timeframe for maximum freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked Cherry Pie Bites by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a sealed container or freezer bag. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Baked bites also freeze well and can be reheated later.
Reheating
To bring back the freshly baked sensation, warm your Cherry Pie Bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crisp and prevent the filling from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! Using fresh or frozen cherries requires thickening them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to mimic the pie filling’s texture and sweetness. This lets you customize the flavor and avoid preservatives.
What if I don’t have a round cookie cutter?
No worries! Any small circular object like the rim of a glass or a jar lid around 3 inches wide works perfectly. Just use a sharp knife to carefully cut around it for neat dough circles.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based pie crust and substitute the egg wash with almond milk or a mixture of maple syrup and water. The flavor and texture will still be delightful with these simple swaps.
How long do Cherry Pie Bites take to bake?
They typically bake in 15 to 20 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. Oven temperatures may vary, so keep an eye on them as they near the 15-minute mark.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover bites are fantastic warmed in the oven to restore flakiness. Serve them simply on their own or with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra special treat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Cherry Pie Bites: Sweet, Bite-Sized Dessert Delights Recipe that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. Perfectly crisp on the outside and bursting with luscious cherry filling inside, they’re bound to bring happy smiles and warm memories at any gathering or quiet moment alike. Give this recipe a try and discover your new go-to dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Print
Cherry Pie Bites: Sweet, Bite-Sized Dessert Delights Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cherry pie bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cherry Pie Bites are sweet, bite-sized dessert treats made with flaky pie crust filled with luscious cherry pie filling. Perfect for parties or a quick indulgence, they feature a golden crust with a sugary finish and a warm, bubbly cherry center.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 package pre-made pie crust (or homemade crust)
Filling
- 1 can cherry pie filling (or about 2 cups fresh/frozen cherries, sugar, and cornstarch)
For Topping
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dough Circles: Roll out the pre-made pie dough on a clean surface to an even thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles approximately 3 inches in diameter.
- Add Filling: Place a small spoonful of cherry pie filling onto the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill to prevent leakage during baking.
- Seal Pie Bites: Fold the dough circle over the filling to create a half-moon shape or place another dough circle on top to form a pocket. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal completely.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it evenly over the top of each pie bite. Sprinkle sugar on top to add a sweet, slightly crunchy finish.
- Bake: Place the pie bites on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cherry pie bites to cool for several minutes on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a healthier option, use homemade crust with whole wheat flour.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry or apple.
- Ensure the pie bites are sealed well to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Letting the cherry pie bites cool slightly prevents burns from hot filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
