These Cherry Pie Bites are the perfect mini treats! Sweet, juicy cherries wrapped in flaky pastry make for a delightful snack or dessert. They’re easy to grab and enjoy too!
I love how fun these little bites are to make. Plus, it’s hard to resist sneaking a couple right from the oven—just be careful, they can be hot! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry or Pie Dough: The base for these bites is key. I prefer using refrigerated puff pastry for its light and flaky texture. If you’re looking for a simpler alternative, you can use homemade pie dough or even pre-made tart shells.
Cherry Pie Filling: While a canned filling is convenient, you could make your own by simmering fresh or frozen cherries with sugar and cornstarch until thickened. It’s a great way to use up extra cherries if you have them!
Egg: The egg wash gives the bites a nice sheen. If you’re avoiding eggs, try using milk or a dairy-free milk alternative for brushing, though it may not have quite the same shine.
Granulated Sugar: Sprinkling sugar adds a sweet crunch, but it’s entirely optional. You can skip it if you want a less sweet treat or for a healthier version.
How Can I Ensure My Cherry Pie Bites Are Perfectly Baked?
Getting the baking just right is important for a delicious cherry pie bite! Here are some tips:
- Preheat your oven fully so the pastry cooks evenly. A hot oven helps it puff up nicely.
- Watch the baking time closely. If they’re golden and bubbling, they’re usually done.
- Letting them cool slightly in the muffin tin is essential to help them set without falling apart.
- Don’t be shy about the filling! Just enough to fill without overflowing is ideal.
Enjoy your mini treats! They’re always a hit at gatherings or for snack time!
Cherry Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 2 sheets) refrigerated puff pastry or pie dough, thawed
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- Optional: granulated sugar for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. You’ll have delightful little cherry pie bites ready in about 40-45 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot. In the meantime, grab a standard muffin tin and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry or pie dough. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut circles that are about 3-4 inches in diameter. You’ll need enough circles to line the muffin cups.
3. Line the Muffin Tin:
Gently press each dough circle into the bottom and up the sides of the muffin cups. Make sure to press it down well so it holds the filling.
4. Fill with Cherry Pie Filling:
Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling into each dough-lined muffin cup. Be careful not to overfill, or they might overflow while baking!
5. Create the Lattice Top:
Cut thin strips of dough from the remaining pastry. Arrange them in a crisscross pattern on top of the cherry filling to give it that classic pie look.
6. Make the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of the pastry and the lattice strips with the egg wash for a beautiful golden color when baked.
7. Optional Sugar Topping:
If you’d like some extra sweetness, sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top of the lattice before baking.
8. Bake the Bites:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the pie bites cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They’re perfect warm or at room temperature!
Enjoy your delightful mini cherry pies! They make a sweet treat for any occasion.
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Canned Pie Filling?
Absolutely! You can make your own filling with fresh or frozen cherries. Just simmer the cherries with sugar and a bit of cornstarch until thickened. It’s a tasty way to use seasonal cherries!
How Can I Store Leftover Cherry Pie Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the bites and assemble them in the muffin tin, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are coming out of the fridge.
What Can I Use Instead of Puff Pastry?
If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use ready-made pie dough or even biscuit dough for a different texture. Just ensure it’s rolled out thinly enough to fit the muffin cups!