These Easy Cherry Pie Bites are perfect for a quick and tasty treat! With flaky crust and sweet cherry filling, they promise all the yummy flavors of a pie without the fuss.
I love whipping up these bites when I need a last-minute dessert. Just pop them in the oven, and they’re ready to impress in no time! Who doesn’t love dessert that’s this easy? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: You can use store-bought refrigerated pie crust for convenience, but I love making my own if I have the time! You could also try puff pastry for a different texture, just adjust baking time as needed.
Cherry Pie Filling: Canned cherry pie filling works great, but feel free to swap it with fresh or frozen cherries mixed with some sugar and cornstarch for a homemade touch. Just make sure to cook them a bit before filling.
Egg: The egg wash gives the pie bites a golden sheen. If you’re vegan or don’t have eggs, you can use milk or a mix of water and cornstarch to achieve a similar effect.
Glaze: The glaze is optional, but I think it adds that extra sweetness! For a quick alternative, you can sprinkle the pies with powdered sugar right after baking.
How Do You Seal the Pie Bites Effectively?
Sealing the edges of your pie bites is key to keeping the filling from leaking and achieving a nice shape. Here’s how to do it well:
- After adding the cherry filling, fold the dough over so that the edges meet perfectly. Don’t overfill, as this can cause them to burst open!
- Gently press the edges together with your fingers. Then, for a tighter seal, use the tines of a fork to crimp and seal the edges.
- Make sure there are no gaps; you want a complete seal to keep that delicious filling inside!
Taking the time to seal them properly will lead to wonderfully flaky and delightful bites that stay intact as they bake. Enjoy your baking!
Easy Cherry Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie Bites:
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough)
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and then 15-20 minutes of baking. So in a short 30-40 minutes, you’ll have warm, sweet cherry pie bites ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is hot enough to create that crispy, golden crust on your pie bites.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts on a clean surface and use a knife or pizza cutter to cut them into squares that are roughly 3×3 inches. This gives you the perfect little pockets for your cherry filling!
3. Fill the Squares:
Scoop about one tablespoon of cherry pie filling into the center of each square. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult.
4. Seal the Pie Bites:
Fold the dough over the filling to create a small triangle or square pocket. Press the edges gently to seal the filling inside. For an extra secure seal, crimp the edges with a fork.
5. Apply the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture lightly over the tops of each pie bite. This will give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
6. Bake the Pie Bites:
Arrange the pie bites on your prepared baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma!
7. Make the Glaze:
While your pie bites are baking, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk, starting with 2 tablespoons and adding more if necessary until you achieve a smooth consistency. If you want, add the vanilla extract for a touch of extra flavor!
8. Cool and Glaze:
Once the pie bites are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. Then, drizzle the glaze over the warm pie bites to add sweetness and a nice finish.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
These cherry pie bites are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Whether it’s for a quick dessert or a treat to share, they’re sure to be a hit!
With their gooey cherry center and flaky, glazed crust, these mini cherry pies are an irresistible quick dessert! Enjoy making and sharing them with friends and family!
FAQ for Easy Cherry Pie Bites
Can I Use Frozen Pie Crust for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen pie crust works beautifully! Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature before using. Roll it out gently on a floured surface if needed, and proceed with cutting it into squares.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Cherry Pie Filling?
If you don’t have cherry pie filling, you can make your own! Simply simmer fresh or frozen cherries with some sugar and a bit of cornstarch until thickened. Allow it to cool before using it in the recipe.
How Do I Store Leftover Cherry Pie Bites?
Store any leftover pie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore their crispiness!
Can I Make These Cherry Pie Bites Vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the egg wash with a mixture of non-dairy milk and a little cornstarch for sealing the pies. For the glaze, simply use non-dairy milk to replace the regular milk or cream. Enjoy your delicious vegan cherry bites!
