Cherry Pie Bites are tiny treats filled with sweet cherry goodness! These little pastries are perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. They are easy to pick up and devour!
You know what they say, good things come in small packages! I love popping these little pies in my mouth while watching a movie. A scoop of ice cream on the side makes it even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: You can use store-bought refrigerated pie crust for convenience, but homemade dough can taste even fresher! If you want a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pie crusts available in stores.
Cherry Pie Filling: While canned cherry pie filling is easy to work with, making homemade filling with fresh or frozen cherries can add a personal touch. Just simmer cherries with sugar and cornstarch until thickened!
Granulated Sugar: If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, consider using a sugar substitute or a smaller amount of honey or maple syrup, adjusting it to your taste.
Almond Extract: This is optional, but if you love its flavor, it adds a nice touch! You could swap it with vanilla extract if you prefer a different taste.
How Do You Create the Perfect Cherry Filling?
The cherry filling is what makes these bites so delicious! To ensure it’s not too watery and has a great texture, follow these steps:
- Mix your cherry pie filling with cornstarch well. This helps thicken the juices when baked.
- Add lemon juice; it brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Let the mixture sit for a few minutes after mixing. This allows the cornstarch to absorb some liquid, making for a better filling.
Following these tips will help you achieve a perfectly sweet and thick cherry filling every time!
Cherry Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie Bites:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough)
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 15 minutes to prep and another 18-22 minutes to bake. After baking, allow the Cherry Pie Bites to cool before glazing, so in total, you’re looking at around 40-50 minutes before you can enjoy these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your Cherry Pie Bites bake evenly and become perfectly golden brown. Also, lightly grease a mini muffin tin so the bites won’t stick.
2. Prepare the Cherry Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the cherry pie filling, granulated sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and almond extract (if using). Stir everything together until it thickens slightly. This delicious mixture will be the star of your bites!
3. Roll Out the Dough:
Take your refrigerated pie crust from the package and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass (about 2.5 inches in diameter), cut out circles from the dough.
4. Form the Dough Cups:
Gently place each dough circle into the mini muffin tin, pressing down to create small cups. This is where your cherry filling will go!
5. Fill the Cups:
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the prepared cherry filling into each dough cup. Don’t overfill, or they might spill over while baking!
6. Egg Wash Time:
Beat the egg with water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture around the edges of the dough cups to help them become golden and shiny as they bake.
7. Bake the Pie Bites:
Pop the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and the filling should be bubbly. Keep an eye on them as they bake!
8. Make the Glaze:
While your pie bites are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This glaze will add a nice sweetness to your cherry bites!
9. Drizzle the Glaze:
Once the pie bites have cooled for a few minutes, drizzle the glaze over the top. This adds a lovely finish and enhances the flavor!
10. Cool and Serve:
Let the Cherry Pie Bites cool completely before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve and enjoy these delightful, bite-sized treats!
Enjoy your delightful Cherry Pie Bites — perfect little pockets of sweet cherry and flaky crust!
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Canned Filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh cherries, just pit and chop them, then cook them with some sugar, cornstarch, and a bit of lemon juice on the stovetop until it thickens. This creates a fresher flavor!
What If I Don’t Have Mini Muffin Tins?
No problem! You can use a standard muffin tin, but keep in mind that the bite-sized pastries will be larger. Just extend the baking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Cherry Pie Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Just thaw before serving, and you can warm them up in the oven for the best texture.
Can I Make These Pie Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the pie bites a day in advance. Just cover them tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake them just prior to serving for the best taste and texture!
