Cherry Pie Bites are delightful little treats that pack all the yummy flavors of a classic cherry pie in a bite-sized form. With sweet cherries and a flaky crust, they’re perfect for snacking!
These bites are so easy to make that even I can’t mess them up! I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. They always vanish at parties—just like my last slice of pie! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: I love using refrigerated crescent roll dough for its flaky and buttery texture. If you don’t have it, pie crust dough is a great substitute. You could even make your own dough if you’re feeling adventurous!
Cherry Pie Filling: The canned cherry pie filling saves time and is super convenient. For a fresher twist, you could use fresh or frozen cherries tossed with a bit of sugar and cornstarch. Just cook the mixture until it gets thick.
Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a lovely warmth. If you’re not a fan, nutmeg works too. Just be sure to adjust the amount according to your taste—nutmeg is more potent!
Glaze Ingredients: You can use milk for a standard glaze, but heavy cream adds a richer flavor. If you want it dairy-free, almond milk or coconut cream can work perfectly.
How Do I Get a Perfectly Flaky Crust?
Getting that ideal flaky crust requires some simple attention! The secret lies in how you handle the dough. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Don’t overwork the dough. Gently press it into the muffin cups without squishing it too much.
- Brush the edges with melted butter to help achieve that golden brown color and keep it moist.
- Keep an eye on the baking time—12-15 minutes usually works, but ovens can vary. Look for a nice golden crust!
Letting them cool a bit before adding the glaze is key too. This way, it won’t melt off but will instead create a beautiful finish!
How to Make Cherry Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie Bites:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or pie crust dough
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk or cream (for glaze)
Optional Topping:
- Fresh cherries (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of baking time, so you’ll be enjoying your cherry pie bites in about 30-35 minutes! Perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Muffin Tin:
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking. This is where your adorable cherry pie bites will be baked!
2. Mix Sugar and Cinnamon:
In a small bowl, combine the sugar and ground cinnamon, giving it a little stir. Set it aside for later—you’ll sprinkle it on top for that sweet, spiced flavor.
3. Prepare the Dough:
Roll out your crescent roll or pie crust dough, then use a cookie cutter or the opening of a cup to cut out small rounds. Make sure they will fit snugly into the mini muffin cups!
4. Form the Crust Cups:
Take each dough round and press it gently into the bottom and sides of the mini muffin cups. This will create the lovely little cups that will hold your delicious cherry filling!
5. Add the Cherry Filling:
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cherry pie filling into each dough cup. Be careful not to overfill, as they need a little space for baking.
6. Butter and Spice the Edges:
Using a brush or your fingers, lightly brush the edges of the dough with melted butter. Then sprinkle a bit of that cinnamon-sugar mixture on top for an extra touch of sweetness!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and looks delightful. The smell will make your kitchen inviting!
8. Prepare the Glaze:
While those little bites are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar with milk or cream in a small bowl. You want a smooth glaze that’s not too thick, so add a little more milk if needed.
9. Drizzle Over the Bites:
Once the cherry pie bites are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Then, drizzle the glaze on top for that beautiful finish!
10. Garnish with Fresh Cherries:
If you’d like, you can top each bite with a fresh cherry for a pretty and tasty decoration!
11. Serve and Enjoy!
These cherry pie bites are best warm or at room temperature. Enjoy these sweet, flaky treats as a dessert, snack, or even at a gathering—trust me, they’ll be a hit!
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Canned Cherry Pie Filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh cherries, just pit and chop them, then toss them with some sugar and cornstarch to thicken. Cook the mixture on the stove for a few minutes until it’s bubbly and thick before using it as filling.
How Should I Store Leftover Cherry Pie Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To enjoy them warm again, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Can I Make the Dough From Scratch Instead of Buying It?
Definitely! If you want to make your own dough, a simple pie crust recipe will work well. Just ensure it’s rolled out thin enough to fit in the mini muffin cups.
How Do I Know When the Bites Are Done Baking?
Look for a beautiful golden brown color on the crust. The smell of baked dough should fill your kitchen! You can also gently press the tops; they should be firm and not doughy.
