These Easy Cherry Pie Bites are a fun and tasty treat! With flaky pastry and sweet cherry filling, they’re like mini pies you can pop in your mouth.
Making them is a breeze! Just fill, fold, and bake—before you know it, you’ll have a batch ready to enjoy. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is a great choice for ease, as it puffs up beautifully when baked. If you don’t have it, you can use pie crust dough instead. You can also try puff pastry for a different texture.
Cherry Pie Filling: You can use canned cherry pie filling for convenience, but making your own with fresh or frozen cherries is delightful. If cherry is not your favorite, you could substitute with blueberry, apple, or even cream cheese for a unique twist!
Glaze Ingredients: I love the sweetness added by the glaze. If you want a lighter option, skip the glaze and just sprinkle powdered sugar instead. You could also use almond extract with the glaze for a nice flavor boost.
How Do I Seal the Dough Properly?
Sealing your pie bites is important to keep the filling inside. Here’s how:
- Start with squares of dough. Don’t be afraid to pinch the edges firmly.
- You can dampen your fingers with a little water to help the dough stick together.
- Fold the corners of the dough towards the center, pinching each to seal it well. This helps prevent any filling from leaking out while baking.
Take your time with this step! It can be tempting to rush, but properly sealing ensures a deliciously messy inside instead of spills!
Easy Cherry Pie Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 package (about 8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or pie crust dough
- 1 cup cherry pie filling (canned or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk or lemon juice (for glaze)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 12-15 minutes of baking time. In total, you can enjoy your cherry pie bites in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Oven:
First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This keeps the pies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Cut the Dough:
Unroll your crescent roll or pie crust dough on a clean surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into roughly 2-inch squares. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—quirky shapes make them unique!
3. Fill the Dough Squares:
Now it’s time for the cherry filling! Place about 1 teaspoon of cherry pie filling in the center of each dough square. Be careful not to overfill them; a little goes a long way for these bites!
4. Seal the Pie Bites:
Fold each dough square over the filling to create a little pocket or ball. Pinch the edges together firmly to seal them well—this way the yummy filling stays tucked inside while baking.
5. Prepare the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, beat the egg together with 1 tablespoon of water. With a brush or the back of a spoon, lightly coat each pie bite with the egg wash. This gives them a lovely golden color when baked!
6. Bake the Cherry Pie Bites:
Place your pie bites on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they have a little space around them. Pop them in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re nicely golden brown.
7. Make the Glaze:
While the bites are baking, mix together the powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice in a small bowl until you have a smooth, slightly runny glaze. Taste it—feel free to adjust with more sugar or liquid to your liking!
8. Cool and Glaze:
After baking, take the cherry pie bites out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This step helps avoid burns and makes them easier to handle. Drizzle or dip the warm bites in your glaze for a sweet finish!
9. Serve:
Enjoy them warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself on a cozy day!
Your Easy Cherry Pie Bites are now ready to enjoy—flaky crust, sweet cherry filling, and a lovely glaze make these a delightful treat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Fruit Fillings?
Absolutely! While cherry is delicious, you can substitute with other fruits like blueberry, raspberry, peach, or even apple pie filling. Just keep in mind that different fruits may have different sweetness levels, so you might want to adjust the sugar accordingly.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you live in a warmer climate or want them to last longer, keeping them in the refrigerator is a good option for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven to regain that crispiness!
Can I Make These Pie Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pie bites and seal them, then refrigerate them before baking for up to 24 hours. Just take them out and bake them directly from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the baking time if needed.
What Can I Use Instead of Egg for the Wash?
If you’re looking to make this recipe vegan or egg-free, you can use a mixture of 1 tablespoon of almond milk with a dash of cornstarch or simply brush them with a bit of melted coconut oil for a nice golden finish!
