These Easy Cherry Pie Bites are a fun twist on a classic dessert! Made with flaky pastry and sweet cherry filling, each bite is filled with juicy goodness.
They’re great for a quick treat, and let’s be honest, who can resist that cherry flavor? I often make them for gatherings, and they disappear every time! 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crusts: I recommend using refrigerated pie crusts for easy handling. If you want something flakier, puff pastry sheets are a wonderful substitute. You can also make your own crust if you prefer that homemade touch!
Cherry Pie Filling: The canned cherry pie filling is convenient and delicious. If you want to make it from scratch, fresh or frozen cherries mixed with a bit of sugar and cornstarch works well.
Sugar: The sugar enhances the sweetness. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor or a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option.
Egg Wash: An egg wash gives the bites a lovely golden color. If you want a vegan option, you can use almond milk or soy milk brushed on top instead.
How Do You Keep Cherry Filling from Sogginess?
To prevent sogginess in your pie bites, make sure to thicken the filling if it’s too liquid. Mixing cornstarch with sugar helps create a thicker texture that won’t ooze out during baking.
- Heat the cherry filling gently with cornstarch and sugar together before filling the pastries.
- Keep an eye on the edges when sealing to ensure they are well pinched, keeping the filling tucked inside.
Easy Cherry Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pastry:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or puff pastry sheets), thawed
- For the Filling:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening extra cherry filling if desired)
- For the Egg Wash and Glaze:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk or water (for glaze)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for glaze)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 18-22 minutes to bake. You’ll have warm, tasty cherry pie bites ready in about 40 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Roll and Cut the Pastry:
On a clean, lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust or puff pastry to make it smooth. Then cut the dough into 3-inch squares; these will be the base for your cherry filling.
3. Prepare the Cherry Filling:
If your cherry pie filling looks too liquidy, you can thicken it by mixing the sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Heat it in a saucepan over low heat until it thickens, which helps keep your bites from becoming soggy.
4. Fill the Pastry Squares:
Take about 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling and place it in the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill!
5. Seal the Bites:
Gently fold the corners of each square up over the filling or shape them into little balls, sealing the edges well by pinching them together. This ensures the filling stays inside while baking.
6. Brush with Egg Wash:
Place the prepared pastries on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg—it’ll make them golden and shiny when baked.
7. Bake the Cherry Pie Bites:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and let them bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastries are a lovely golden brown and fully cooked through.
8. Cool and Glaze:
After baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. While they cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar with milk or water and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle it over the warm cherry pie bites.
9. Enjoy Your Treat:
Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before enjoying these delightful cherry pie bites either warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for sharing or indulging all on your own!
Enjoy these luscious little cherry-filled pastries for a quick, delightful dessert!
FAQ for Easy Cherry Pie Bites
Can I Use Different Fruit Filling?
Absolutely! You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings such as blueberry, peach, or apple. Just make sure the filling is similar in consistency to cherry pie filling for best results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week, but do note that the pastry may soften in the fridge.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cherry pie bites, seal them, and freeze them unbaked. When you’re ready to bake, simply adjust the baking time by about 5-10 minutes if baking from frozen.
What Can I Use Instead of Egg Wash?
If you prefer a vegan option, you can brush the pastries with almond milk, soy milk, or even melted coconut oil for a nice golden finish!
