If you have a soft spot for all things sweet and bite-sized, you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Delicious Cherry Pie Bites Recipe. These charming little treats deliver all the classic flavors of a cherry pie but in perfectly portable portions that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re craving a quick dessert fix, prepping for a party, or just want to impress your friends with something homemade and stunning, these cherry pie bites are an effortless win every time. The flaky pastry hugs a luscious, glossy cherry filling that’s both sweet and tangy, making every bite a little celebration of flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To craft these delightful cherry pie bites, you won’t need a long list of complicated ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, contributing to that heavenly balance of flaky crust and juicy cherry goodness that makes this recipe so addictive.
- Refrigerated pie crusts: The base of our bites, these provide the perfect buttery, flaky texture with minimal effort.
- Cherry pie filling (about 21 oz): This brings that signature sweet and tart flavor and beautiful deep red color.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the cherry filling for the perfect consistency that holds up in each bite.
- Water: Used to combine with cornstarch, ensuring the filling thickens evenly without lumps.
- Sugar (optional): A sprinkle on top adds a lovely sparkle and slight extra sweetness when baked.
How to Make Delicious Cherry Pie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the pie bites evenly, giving a golden crust without burning the delicate edges. Grease your mini muffin tin lightly or line it with mini muffin liners to make sure your bites come out seamlessly.
Step 2: Shape the Pie Crust
Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts and cut out small circles, about 2 inches in diameter. Using a cookie cutter or even a drinking glass works perfectly here. These circles will form the mini pie shells that hold our luscious filling, so make sure they’re not too thin or thick for the ideal bite-sized balance.
Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Filling
In a small saucepan, combine the cherry pie filling with cornstarch and water. Heat this over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, until the mixture thickens after 3 to 4 minutes. This step ensures the filling will hold its shape inside the crust without being runny, and letting it cool slightly makes it easier to handle when filling the shells.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie Bites
Press each pie crust circle gently but firmly into the cups of your mini muffin tin. Then spoon a modest amount of the thickened cherry filling into each one, being careful not to overfill so they bake neatly without spilling over.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your assembled cherry pie bites for 15 to 18 minutes. You want the crust to turn a beautiful golden brown and the filling to bubble, signaling that all those flavors have melded into a perfect little treat. Once out of the oven, you can sprinkle the optional sugar on top for an extra touch of sparkle and sweetness.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the Cherry Pie Bites to cool for a few minutes in the pan. This time is crucial for them to set up beautifully so they hold together when removed from the tin and eaten. Now, they’re ready to wow your taste buds!
How to Serve Delicious Cherry Pie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little something extra, consider dusting your cherry pie bites with powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate. Fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream on the side can elevate the presentation and brightness of flavor.
Side Dishes
These bites are fantastic on their own but can become the star of a dessert spread when paired with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of creamy mascarpone. For a brunch setting, fresh seasonal fruit adds color and freshness that complements the rich cherry flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, serve these cherry treats on a tiered dessert stand for a party-perfect display. You can also place each bite in a tiny cupcake liner for an elegant feel or sprinkle edible glitter on top for a festive touch. These little details make all the difference in impressing your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover cherry pie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge is a safer choice to keep the crust crisp and the filling fresh.
Freezing
To enjoy these bites later, freeze them after baking and cooling by placing them on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to a sealed freezer bag or container. They’ll hold up well for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated pie bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. This technique revives that crispy crust and warm cherry filling just like fresh from the oven—microwaving tends to make the crust soggy, so the oven is your best bet.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can add a wonderful brightness, but you’ll want to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch to create a similar thick filling. This may add time, but the flavor is incredibly rewarding.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
If cornstarch isn’t available, you can substitute with an equal amount of flour to thicken the filling. It might not be quite as glossy, but the texture will still be perfect for these pies.
Can I make these Cherry Pie Bites Recipe vegan?
Yes, simply swap the refrigerated pie crust for a vegan-friendly version and check that your cherry pie filling doesn’t contain gelatin or other animal products. Most canned fillings are safe but always double-check labels.
How big should I cut the pie crust circles?
About 2 inches in diameter is ideal—large enough to fit nicely into your mini muffin tin cups and hold a good amount of filling without spilling over during baking.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
You sure can. Making the filling in advance saves time when assembling. Just keep it covered in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before filling your pie crust circles for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Delicious Cherry Pie Bites Recipe will bring you so much joy from the very first bite. Whether you’re new to baking or looking for a quick and impressive dessert, these little pies are sure to become a cherished favorite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these charming, easy-to-make cherry delights!
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Delicious Cherry Pie Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Delicious Cherry Pie Bites are delightful mini desserts perfect for parties or a sweet snack. Made with flaky refrigerated pie crusts and a thickened cherry pie filling, these bite-sized treats are baked to golden perfection, offering a perfect balance of tart cherries and a crispy crust.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
Filling
- 1 can cherry pie filling (about 21 oz)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Topping
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with mini muffin liners to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Pie Crust Circles: Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts and use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out small 2-inch diameter circles for the mini bites.
- Thicken Cherry Filling: In a small saucepan, mix the cherry pie filling, cornstarch, and water. Heat over medium heat while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly to prevent soggy crust.
- Arrange Crust in Tin: Place the pie crust circles gently into the mini muffin cups, pressing lightly to fit the shape of each cup.
- Fill Pie Crusts: Spoon a small amount of the thickened cherry filling into each prepared pie crust circle, ensuring not to overfill to avoid overflow during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cherry pie bites in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Add Sugar Topping and Cool: Optionally sprinkle the tops with sugar for added sweetness and crunch, then allow the bites to cool for a few minutes before serving to set the filling.
Notes
- Use mini muffin liners for easier removal and cleanup.
- Do not overfill the pies to prevent filling from spilling over while baking.
- Allow the filling to cool slightly before spooning to avoid soggy crusts.
- These can be served warm or at room temperature.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pie crusts and ensure your cherry filling is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
