Easy Cherry Pie Bites: A Sweet and Simple Dessert

When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen, these Easy Cherry Pie Bites are the perfect solution. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make these delightful bite-sized treats that are ideal for any occasion. The flaky, golden crust and sweet cherry filling combine for a dessert that’s both nostalgic and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a quick snack, or looking for an easy way to end a meal, these cherry pie bites are sure to impress.

These mini pies are incredibly easy to make, thanks to refrigerated pie crusts and canned cherry pie filling. Plus, they bake quickly in just 12-15 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or surprise guests. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, these bite-sized pies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and delicious outcome. You get all the classic flavor of a traditional cherry pie, but in an easy-to-make, portable form. The pie crust turns golden and crispy while the cherry filling becomes wonderfully sweet and slightly tart. They’re a crowd-pleaser and incredibly versatile, as you can serve them at any gathering or enjoy them as a personal treat. The best part is, these cherry pie bites are quick to prepare, meaning you can have a tasty dessert ready in no time!

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pie crusts
• Cherry pie filling
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Variations

• Fruit Fillings: You can easily swap the cherry pie filling for other fruit varieties like apple, blueberry, or raspberry.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pie filling for a warm, comforting flavor.
• Glaze: Instead of powdered sugar, drizzle a simple glaze over the top made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or lemon juice.
• Miniature Pies: Use mini muffin tins to create a more structured pie bite with a thicker crust around the edges.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the pie bites from sticking and ensure they bake evenly.

Step 2: Cut the Pie Crusts

Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts and use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles. You’ll need about 24 circles, 12 for the bottoms and 12 for the tops of the pie bites.

Step 3: Add the Cherry Pie Filling

Place a spoonful of cherry pie filling in the center of half of the pie crust circles. Be sure not to overfill them to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.

Step 4: Top and Seal

Place the remaining pie crust circles on top of the filled circles. Press the edges together with a fork to seal the pies. This step ensures that the cherry filling stays inside while baking.

Step 5: Bake the Pie Bites

Place the pie bites on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the crust is flaky.

Step 6: Cool and Dust

Once baked, remove the pie bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, dust the tops with powdered sugar for a sweet, elegant finish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use a Sharp Cutter: If using a cookie cutter or glass to cut out the dough, make sure it’s sharp enough to easily cut through the pie crust without crimping the edges too much.
• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the pie bites with cherry filling, as this can cause the filling to spill out while baking.
• Use Parchment Paper: Parchment paper will help prevent the pie bites from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup easier and ensuring a crisp bottom.
• Brush with Butter: For extra golden, crispy crust, you can lightly brush the tops of the pie bites with melted butter before baking.

How to Serve

Serve these Easy Cherry Pie Bites on a platter at parties, family gatherings, or even as a sweet treat after dinner. They’re easy to hold and perfect for sharing. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These pie bites are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer them warm, you can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up the crust.

Freezing

To freeze the pie bites, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes or until golden and heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pie bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated?

Yes, homemade pie crust can be used for this recipe. Just make sure it’s rolled thin enough to avoid tough pie bites.

2. Can I make these with other fruit fillings?

Absolutely! You can substitute the cherry pie filling with any fruit pie filling, such as blueberry, apple, or peach.

3. Can I bake these in a mini muffin tin?

Yes, you can use a mini muffin tin to create a more structured pie bite. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

4. Can I freeze these before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled pie bites before baking. Simply freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.

5. How do I prevent the pie bites from opening while baking?

Make sure to seal the edges well with a fork. If needed, you can also press the edges with your fingers for extra sealing.

6. Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?

Yes, puff pastry can be used for a flakier texture. Keep in mind that the baking time may vary, so check the pies a few minutes earlier.

7. How can I make these mini pies more decorative?

You can use cookie cutters to cut out shapes for the tops of the pies, such as hearts, stars, or flowers for a fun twist.

8. Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Fresh cherries can be used, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch to create a thick filling before using them in the pie bites.

9. Can I add a streusel topping?

Yes, a streusel topping can be added for extra sweetness and crunch. Simply mix together flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon and sprinkle over the pies before baking.

10. How long do these cherry pie bites stay fresh?

Cherry pie bites will stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature. They can also be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

These Easy Cherry Pie Bites are the perfect solution when you’re craving a delicious, homemade dessert but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of these sweet, flaky treats that are sure to be a hit. Whether for a special occasion, a party, or just a sweet snack, these pie bites are an easy and fun way to enjoy the flavors of a traditional cherry pie in a bite-sized form.

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