These easy cherry pie bites are like little pockets of joy! With a crispy crust and sweet cherry filling, they are perfect for a quick treat or a fun dessert.
Honestly, who can resist these cute bites? I love making them to impress my friends. They are super simple—just fill, bake, and enjoy the smiles on everyone’s faces!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: A package of refrigerated pie crust works perfectly for these bites! If you want a homemade version, you can use your favorite pie crust recipe. For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free pie crusts available in stores.
Cherry Pie Filling: You can use store-bought cherry pie filling for convenience, but fresh or frozen cherries cooked with a little sugar and cornstarch also make a lovely filling. If cherries are out of season, consider using blueberries or mixed berries as a tasty alternative!
Egg Wash: An egg wash gives a nice golden color. If you prefer a vegan option, you can use milk or aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) brushed on the tops instead.
Glaze: The glaze adds sweetness. If you want to cut down on sugar, you can skip the glaze or simply dust with powdered sugar instead.
How Do I Ensure My Cherry Pie Bites Are Perfectly Sealed?
Sealing your pie bites correctly is key to keeping the filling inside during baking. Here’s how to do it:
- When placing the cherry filling in the center, leave enough space around the edges to seal.
- Moisten the edge of the dough with a little water to help it stick.
- Carefully fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges together firmly. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Be sure not to overfill them; a teaspoon of filling is usually perfect!
How to Make Easy Cherry Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crust dough (2 crusts)
- 1 cup cherry pie filling (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk or lemon juice (for glaze)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-18 minutes to bake. Allow a few minutes for cooling and glazing afterward. In total, you can expect to spend about 30-35 minutes before you dig into these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will also make clean-up super easy!
2. Cut Out the Dough
Take the refrigerated pie crust dough and unroll it on a clean surface. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough. You should get about 12 circles from one package, depending on how you cut them.
3. Add the Cherry Filling
Place about 1 teaspoon of cherry pie filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill them, or they may burst while baking!
4. Seal the Bites
Next, fold or wrap the dough around the cherry filling to create little parcels. Make sure to pinch the edges tightly to seal them well. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for a fun design!
5. Prepare for Baking
Place your sealed pie bites on the lined baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out so they have room to puff up. In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the tops of the pie bites to give them a beautiful golden color while baking.
6. Bake the Bites
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and lightly puffed. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
7. Glaze and Serve
While the pie bites are baking, mix the powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth to create a simple glaze. Once your pie bites are done baking, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling the glaze over the top. You can serve these warm or let them cool to room temperature. Enjoy your delicious cherry pie bites!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Cherries for the Filling?
Absolutely! If using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing with sugar and cornstarch, if you’re making your own filling. This will help prevent excess moisture in your pie bites.
How Should I Store Leftover Cherry Pie Bites?
Store leftover pie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. For best taste, reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Can I Make These Pie Bites in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the pie bites, seal them, and freeze them before baking. When ready to enjoy, just bake them directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
What Can I Use Instead of Egg Wash?
If you prefer to skip the egg wash, you can brush the tops with milk or a mixture of water and cornstarch for a similar shiny effect. Vegan alternatives like unsweetened almond milk or aquafaba work great too!
