These Easy Cherry Pie Bites are the perfect little treats, packed with sweet cherry filling and wrapped in flaky pastry. They’re like tiny hugs of deliciousness!
Making these bites is a breeze! Just fill, fold, and bake. I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Who can resist such a cute dessert? 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: The refrigerated pie crust is a time-saver. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own crust. A simple recipe with flour, butter, and water will do! You could also use puff pastry for a flakier texture.
Cherry Pie Filling: A can of cherry pie filling is convenient, but if you prefer homemade, you can cook fresh or frozen cherries with sugar and a bit of cornstarch until thickened. This gives you control over sweetness and flavor!
Granulated Sugar: This is optional, depending on how sweet your cherries are. If you’re watching sugar intake, you can skip it or use a sugar substitute like honey or agave syrup. Just remember, it might change the consistency.
Egg Wash: The egg wash helps the bites turn golden brown. If you want a vegan option, try using a mixture of almond milk and cornstarch brushed on top instead.
How Do You Seal the Dough Properly?
Sealing the dough effectively is key to keeping the cherry filling inside during baking. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure to pinch the edges very well after folding over the filling. You don’t want any gaps where the filling could leak out.
- Using a fork to press down on the edges adds a decorative touch and helps seal them together.
- If your dough feels dry, you can dab a little water on the edges to help them stick together better.
This technique keeps the delicious cherry filling where it belongs and contributes to a neat appearance. Happy baking!
Easy Cherry Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Pie Dough: 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crust dough
- Filling: 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- Optional Sweetness: 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Flavoring: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Egg Wash: 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
- For the Powdered Sugar Glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you can have these delightful cherry pie bites ready in around 40-45 minutes, which makes them a perfect quick treat for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking later on.
2. Cut the Pie Dough:
Unroll the refrigerated pie crust dough and use a knife or a pizza cutter to slice it into approximately 2.5-inch squares or circles. This will be the perfect size for your pie bites!
3. Mix the Cherry Filling (Optional):
If you want to add extra sweetness and flavor, combine the cherry pie filling with granulated sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl. Stir it gently to mix everything well.
4. Fill the Dough:
Take a piece of the cut dough and place about 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling in the center. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause leakage when baking!
5. Seal the Bites:
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. You can also shape it into a little pouch. Pinch the edges together firmly to seal, ensuring no filling escapes while baking.
6. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the filled dough bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each for them to expand while baking.
7. Brush with Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and water to create the egg wash. Brush lightly over the tops of the filled bites for that beautiful golden color when they bake.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Put your baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary!
9. Make the Glaze (Optional):
While the pie bites are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth. This will be your delicious glaze to drizzle on top!
10. Cool and Glaze:
Once baked, remove the pie bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. Then, drizzle the powdered sugar glaze over the warm bites before serving.
11. Serve & Enjoy:
Enjoy these delightful cherry pie bites warm on their own, or pair them with a scoop of ice cream for an extra special treat!
These cherry pie bites are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a classic cherry pie in a bite-sized treat. Perfect for parties or simply satisfying your sweet tooth!
FAQ about Easy Cherry Pie Bites
Can I Use Frozen Pie Crust for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen pie crust works just as well. Just make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before using it to ensure it’s pliable and easy to work with.
What If I Don’t Have Cherry Pie Filling?
If cherry pie filling isn’t available, you can easily substitute it with fresh or frozen cherries. Cook them down with some sugar and cornstarch until thickened, and use that mixture as your filling!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the bites a few hours in advance. Assemble them and keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to brush the egg wash just before baking for that perfect golden finish!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cherry pie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) for a nice crisp texture!
