Cherry Pie Bites are little pockets of joy that pack all the sweet and tangy flavor of cherry pie in a bite-sized treat. They’re super easy to whip up and perfect for sharing!
These tasty bites have flaky crusts and gooey cherry filling that make you want to grab one more. I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream – it’s like a mini party on your plate! 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is a great shortcut for making the pie crusts. If you’re looking for a homemade option, you can use puff pastry instead. Both give a flaky texture. For gluten-free eaters, look for gluten-free crescent dough.
Cherry Pie Filling: Canned cherry pie filling is convenient, but you can also make your own with fresh or frozen cherries. Just cook them with sugar, a bit of cornstarch, and lemon juice until thick. It’s fresher and lets you control sweetness!
Powdered Sugar: Perfect for dusting on top, it adds a nice touch. If you want to skip the sugar, consider using a light sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder instead for a different flair.
How Can I Ensure My Pie Bites Come Out Perfectly?
Getting the crust just right is key. When you press the dough into the muffin tins, make sure to keep the sides even. This will help them bake uniformly. For the filling, a small spoonful is best; overfilling can lead to a mess!
- Preheat the oven well. A hot oven guarantees a nice puff and crust.
- Check at 12 minutes for doneness; every oven is different. You want them golden brown!
- Letting them cool for a few minutes in the pan makes them easier to remove without falling apart.
Cherry Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry sheet
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Fresh cherries or maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and then 12-15 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll be enjoying these tasty Cherry Pie Bites in about half an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your Cherry Pie Bites bake evenly and come out nice and golden brown.
2. Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or brush it with a little bit of butter. This will help the dough not stick.
3. Prepare the Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough or puff pastry on a clean surface. Cut the dough into small squares, about 2 inches each. These will fit nicely into the muffin cups.
4. Form the Crust:
Press each square of dough into the bottom and up the sides of the muffin tin cups, forming little crust cups. Try to make them as even as possible for even baking.
5. Add the Cherry Filling:
Now, spoon about 1 teaspoon of cherry pie filling into each dough cup. Make sure not to overfill them to avoid spills while they’re baking!
6. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, remove the tin from the oven and let the Cherry Pie Bites cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Carefully remove them and place them on a wire rack. If you like, dust them with powdered sugar and add a fresh or maraschino cherry on top for decoration!
8. Serve & Enjoy:
These delightful bites can be served warm or at room temperature. Perfect for parties, snacks, or just because! Enjoy every delicious bite!
These Cherry Pie Bites are not only super easy to make, but they also bring a smile to everyone’s face. Happy baking!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen puff pastry, make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. Roll it out gently if needed and proceed with the recipe as directed.
What If I Don’t Have Cherry Pie Filling?
No worries! You can make a quick homemade cherry filling using fresh or frozen cherries. Just cook them down with some sugar and a bit of cornstarch until thickened. Adjust the sweetness to your liking!
How Can I Store Leftover Cherry Pie Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave or warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their crispness.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough cups and fill them with cherry filling ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. They may need an extra minute or two in the oven if they are chilled.
