These Easy Cherry Pie Bites are like little pockets of happiness! With a flaky crust and sweet cherry filling, they’re perfect for a fun dessert or snack.
Making them is a breeze—I love how quick the prep is! Just fill, fold, and bake. Plus, you can even enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crusts: The main star here is the refrigerated pie crust. I love the convenience of store-bought ones, but you can also make your own if you prefer. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free pie crusts available at grocery stores.
Cherry Pie Filling: Canned cherry pie filling is quick and easy. However, if you have fresh or frozen cherries, you can make your own filling. Just cook them down with some sugar and cornstarch until thickened. You can adjust the sweetness to your taste, which I prefer!
Egg: The egg wash gives a beautiful golden color, but if you’re avoiding eggs, use milk or a dairy-free alternative for brushing instead. This will help achieve a nice finish, too.
Glaze: The glaze made of powdered sugar is a nice touch! If you want a zesty twist, adding a few drops of lemon juice can elevate the flavor.
How Do You Ensure the Pie Bites Are Sealed Properly?
One common challenge with these pie bites is sealing them without any filling oozing out. Here’s how to get it right:
- Be sure to pinch the edges of the dough firmly after folding it over the filling. A wet finger can help to seal it better.
- Use a fork to create decorative edges while also ensuring they’re sealed well. Plus, it looks cute!
- Don’t overfill! A tablespoon of filling is just about right. Overfilling can lead to bursting during baking.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be on your way to making delicious cherry pie bites that everyone will love!
Easy Cherry Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (2 sheets) refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk or water (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for glaze)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to bake, for a total of about 35 minutes. It’s quick and perfect for when you’re craving something sweet!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cut the Pie Crust:
Unroll your refrigerated pie crusts gently and lay them flat. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut each sheet into squares that are around 3 inches in size.
3. Add the Filling:
Now for the fun part! Take about a tablespoon of cherry pie filling and spoon it into the center of each pie crust square. Make sure to leave some space at the edges to seal them properly.
4. Make the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water until combined. This will help give your pie bites a lovely golden color.
5. Seal Up Those Bites:
Fold the dough over the filling to create a pouch or triangle shape. Use your fingers to pinch the edges closed firmly. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for a nice finish.
6. Brush and Bake:
Place the filled pie bites onto your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the egg wash to give them a beautiful shine while baking. Pop them in the oven for about 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
7. Cool and Glaze:
Once they’re done, carefully take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. While they cool, mix the powdered sugar with milk (or a bit of water) and vanilla extract until smooth to make the glaze. Drizzle it over the warm pie bites.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These cherry pie bites are best served warm or at room temperature. Enjoy these delightful, bite-sized treats with family and friends!
With their golden crust and luscious cherry filling, these pie bites are truly heavenly! Perfect for any occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Fruit Filling?
Absolutely! While cherry pie filling is delicious, you can substitute it with other fruit fillings like apple, blueberry, or even peach. Just make sure the filling is thick enough to prevent leaks when baking.
What Can I Do If My Pie Crust Is Cracking?
If your pie crust is cracking, it might be too cold. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before handling. If the cracking continues, you can gently roll it out again between two sheets of parchment paper to smooth it out.
How Do I Store Leftover Pie Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–10 minutes until they are warmed through.
Can I Freeze These Cherry Pie Bites?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pie bites! Just assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, you can cook them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
