Cherry Pie Bites are like little pockets of joy! With a flaky crust and sweet cherry filling, they are perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
These tasty bites are super fun to make! I love serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, they disappear fast at gatherings! 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Refrigerated Pie Crusts: These save so much time! If you prefer homemade, a simple pie dough works too. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pie crusts at the store.
Cherry Pie Filling: The canned version is convenient, but fresh or frozen cherries with sugar and cornstarch make a delightful swap. Feel free to mix in other berries for a twist!
Egg Wash: This helps the crust shine and gives it a lovely color. If you want a vegan option, use milk or a mixture of melted coconut oil and water instead.
Sugar: Sprinkling sugar on top adds a sweet crunch, but you can skip it if you want a lower-sugar dessert.
How Do I Get My Pie Bites to Have a Perfectly Golden Brown Crust?
Achieving that golden crust requires attention during baking, especially with mini pies. Start by making sure your egg wash is evenly brushed on top. It helps the crust caramelize beautifully.
- Keep an eye on the baking time—20-25 minutes is usually perfect, but ovens vary.
- If you notice the edges browning too quickly, cover them with small pieces of foil.
- Let them sit for 10 minutes after baking to finish setting up—this helps avoid a soggy bottom.
Enjoy creating these delightful Cherry Pie Bites! They’re a great treat for any occasion!
Cherry Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- Optional: sugar for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll be ready to enjoy these delightful bites in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a standard muffin tin with a little cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cut Your Dough:
Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts and use a round cutter (about 3-4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles. These will be the base for your pie bites. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; they’ll still taste great!
3. Form The Cups:
Gently place each dough circle into the muffin tin cups, pressing down slightly to line the bottom and sides. Make sure to fill each cup well with the dough.
4. Add Cherry Filling:
Now, take your cherry pie filling and spoon about a tablespoon into each dough-lined cup. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling will bubble while baking!
5. Create The Tops:
With any leftover dough, cut smaller strips or shapes. You can make a cute lattice design or simply cover the tops. Just place it carefully over the filling, making sure it’s secure.
6. Brush With Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create your egg wash. Brush the tops of the pies with this mixture to help them achieve a beautiful golden color when baking.
7. Sprinkle Some Sugar:
If you want that extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle a little sugar on top of each pie. This is optional, but it adds a lovely crunch!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place your muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool Before Serving:
Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes. This will make them easier to take out without falling apart.
10. Enjoy:
You can serve your Cherry Pie Bites warm or at room temperature. They’re particularly delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Enjoy your sweet, flaky, and perfectly portioned Cherry Pie Bites!
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Canned Filling?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh cherries, pit and slice them, then mix with sugar and a bit of cornstarch (about 1 tablespoon) to thicken the filling. This will ensure they hold their shape and have a deliciously sweet flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Cherry Pie Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make These Without Eggs for an Egg-free Option?
Definitely! You can use a mixture of 1 tablespoon of milk or a plant-based milk alternative and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch as a substitute for the egg wash. This will help the crust achieve a nice color without using eggs.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Cherry Pie Bites?
Cherry Pie Bites are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar can also add a lovely touch!