These Easy Cherry Pie Bites are a fun and tasty snack! With flaky pastry and sweet cherry filling, they’re perfect for a quick treat. Plus, they’re super easy to make!
Whenever I make these, they disappear in no time! They’re like little bits of happiness. I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream—yummy! 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough or Puff Pastry: Both are great for making these bites. I often use crescent roll dough for its ease and flakiness, but you can swap it with puff pastry if you want a slightly puffier texture. Just ensure to thaw it before using!
Cherry Pie Filling: Canned cherry pie filling is super convenient, but feel free to use homemade filling, especially if you have fresh or frozen cherries. Just sweeten them to taste and cook them down a bit for a delicious, fresh flavor.
Egg Wash: This gives the pie bites that lovely golden color. If you’re vegan or just out of eggs, try using milk or a non-dairy milk for brushing instead. It won’t get as golden, but they’ll still taste yummy!
How Can I Seal the Dough Properly?
Sealing the dough well is key to keeping the cherry filling inside while baking. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- After placing your filling, fold the dough over and pinch the edges tightly. If you want to ensure it’s sealed, you can press down with a fork along the edges.
- Make sure there’s no excess filling near the edges that could prevent a good seal.
- If your dough is sticky, a little flour on your fingers can help manage it without ruining the shape.
Taking your time with this step will help avoid any leaks during baking, ensuring delicious bites every time!
Easy Cherry Pie Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry
- 1 cup cherry pie filling (canned or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
For the Powdered Sugar Glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or water
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Time Estimate:
This delicious snack takes about 10 minutes to prep and 12 to 15 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for when you’re in a pinch but want something tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your pie bites bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make for easy cleanup later!
2. Prepare the Dough:
Unroll your crescent roll dough (or puff pastry) on a clean, flat surface. For puff pastry, roll it out to smooth any creases. Make sure it’s nice and flat so it’s easy to work with!
3. Cut the Dough:
Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into small squares, about 2 to 3 inches each. These will be your little pockets of joy once filled!
4. Fill the Squares:
Take about 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling and place it right in the center of each dough square. Don’t overfill it; you want them to seal nicely!
5. Seal the Pockets:
Fold the dough over the cherry filling to create a sealed pocket or mini pie. Make sure to pinch the edges tightly to ensure none of that delicious filling escapes while baking!
6. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Lay each sealed pie bite on the prepared baking sheet. Give them a little space, as they’ll puff up and expand while baking.
7. Brush with Egg Wash:
Using a pastry brush, apply the beaten egg on top of each pie bite for that lovely golden finish. This step is key for that beautiful color!
8. Sprinkle Sugar (Optional):
If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a tiny bit of sugar on top for sweetness and crunch.
9. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bites turn golden brown and fluffy. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly!
10. Cool Down:
Take the pie bites out of the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. They’ll firm up a bit as they cool.
11. Make the Glaze (Optional):
While your bites are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or water), and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. This glaze will add a sweet finish!
12. Drizzle the Glaze:
If you made the glaze, drizzle it over the cooled pie bites for an extra touch of sweetness and beauty.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
These pie bites are delightful served warm or at room temperature. Perfect as a snack or dessert! Enjoy every bite!
This recipe yields about 12–16 bite-size pies, and they’re sure to be a hit with everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Canned Filling?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture. You might want to add a bit of sugar or cornstarch to thicken the filling slightly.
How to Store Leftover Cherry Pie Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave, but the oven will help maintain their crispiness. Just warm them at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep these bites ahead! Assemble them and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if they’re coming straight from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for the Egg Wash?
If you’re looking for an egg-free alternative, you can brush the dough with milk, cream, or even a non-dairy milk like almond or soy. It won’t get as golden, but it will still create a nice finish.
