These Easy Cherry Pie Bites are like little hugs of sweetness! With a flaky crust and a juicy cherry filling, they make for a fun treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Honestly, who can resist a bite-sized cherry pie? I love popping these in my mouth while watching a movie—they’re just too good to share! 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll or Pie Crust Dough: The dough provides a buttery, flaky base. I love using crescent roll dough for its convenience. If you’re looking for a homemade touch, you can substitute with your favorite pie crust recipe or use puff pastry as a variation.
Cherry Pie Filling: Canned pie filling is super easy and saves time! However, you can use fresh cherries or frozen cherries cooked down with sugar and cornstarch for a fresher taste. If you’re avoiding sugar, consider using a no-sugar-added version.
Egg (for Egg Wash): This helps achieve a lovely golden color on the crust. If you’re vegan or allergic, a mixture of almond milk and cornstarch can also create a nice browning effect.
Powdered Sugar Glaze: This optional glaze adds sweetness and makes the bites look appealing. You can replace powdered sugar with a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie version. Flavored extracts can also be added for more depth!
What’s the Best Way to Seal the Dough for Cherry Pie Bites?
Sealing the dough properly is crucial to keep the filling from leaking out. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Place the filling carefully in the center.
- Fold the dough over and press gently to remove any air bubbles.
- Pinch the edges tightly, almost like a small envelope, ensuring there are no gaps.
- You can crimp the edges with a fork for an extra secure seal and a lovely design.
Taking these steps makes a huge difference! A tightly sealed bite keeps all the delicious cherry goodness inside, avoiding any mess during baking.
Easy Cherry Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or pie crust dough
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling or cherry pie preserves
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
- Powdered sugar glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and around 12-15 minutes to bake, totaling about 30 minutes from start to finish. Just enough time for a quick treat that will wow everyone!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze!
2. Prepare Your Dough:
Roll out the crescent roll dough or pie crust dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into small squares, about 2.5 x 2.5 inches. These will be your bite-sized cherry pie pockets!
3. Fill with Cherry Goodness:
Take about 1 teaspoon of cherry pie filling and place it in the center of each dough square. Be careful not to overfill, or the filling will spill out when baking!
4. Seal Them Up:
Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges together tightly to seal the cherry inside, forming a little pocket. You want to make sure it’s sealed well; otherwise, the yummy filling might leak out during baking!
5. Apply the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush each cherry pie bite lightly with the egg wash using a pastry brush. This will give your bites a nice golden color as they bake.
6. Bake:
Arrange the bites on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. Pop them in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown and puffed up!
7. Make the Glaze (Optional):
While the bites are baking, you can prepare the glaze. Mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk to reach your desired consistency—thin enough to drizzle but thick enough to stay on the bites.
8. Finish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the cherry pie bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the powdered sugar glaze over the top for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your delicious Easy Cherry Pie Bites!
Perfect for a quick snack or a delightful dessert, these cherry pie bites are sure to impress friends and family alike!
FAQ for Easy Cherry Pie Bites
Can I Use Different Fruit Fillings?
Absolutely! While cherry pie filling is classic, you can swap it out for any fruit filling you like, such as blueberry, apple, or even a mix of berries. Just make sure to adjust the amount based on how juicy the filling is to avoid overflow!
How Can I Store Leftover Cherry Pie Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If they last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Make These Cherry Pie Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bites and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if you bake them straight from the fridge.
What If I Don’t Have Egg for the Wash?
No problem! You can substitute the egg wash with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of milk or non-dairy milk with a dash of cornstarch. This will still help your bites achieve that lovely golden color without using an egg.
