Cherry pie bites are the perfect way to enjoy a classic dessert in a fun and portable form. These little treats pack all the sweet and tart flavors of a traditional cherry pie into bite-sized portions that are easy to share and hard to resist. Whether you’re serving them at a party or craving a quick homemade snack, cherry pie bites deliver big flavor without the fuss.
We love how simple they are to make using fresh or canned cherries, flaky pastry, and just a touch of cinnamon for warmth. Plus, they bake up golden and crisp in no time, making them an ideal last-minute dessert. Let’s dive into this recipe that brings together nostalgia and convenience in every delicious bite.
Ingredients
To create these Cherry Pie Bites bursting with flavor and perfect texture, we need carefully selected ingredients for the filling, pie crust, and topping. Each component works together to deliver that classic sweet and tart taste with a golden, flaky finish.
For the Cherry Filling
- 2 cups fresh or canned pitted cherries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Pie Crust
- 1 package (14 ounces) refrigerated pie crust dough (2 crusts) or homemade equivalent
- Flour for dusting surface (about 2 tablespoons)
For the Topping
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
| Ingredient Category | Key Items | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry Filling | Cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon | Sweetness, thickening, tart balance, and spice |
| Pie Crust | Refrigerated dough, flour | Flaky base for bite-sized pies |
| Topping | Egg wash, sugar | Golden color and crunchy finishing touch |
Equipment Needed
To make our delicious Cherry Pie Bites, having the right equipment ensures smooth preparation and perfect results. Here’s what we recommend:
- Mini Muffin Tin: Essential for shaping and baking the bite-sized pies evenly. A standard 12-cup mini muffin pan works best for consistent size.
- Mixing Bowls: Use medium and small bowls to combine the cherry filling ingredients separately from the dough preparation.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision matters when measuring sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and spices to achieve that balanced sweet and tart flavor.
- Rolling Pin: Needed if you use homemade pie dough. Roll it evenly to about 1/8 inch thickness for the ideal flaky crust.
- Pastry Cutter or Sharp Knife: For cutting dough into small circles or squares that fit neatly into the mini muffin cups.
- Small Spoon or Cookie Scoop: To portion the cherry filling evenly without overstuffing the bites.
- Pastry Brush: To apply the egg wash on each bite with control, ensuring a golden-brown crust.
- Cooling Rack: Allows the pie bites to cool evenly after baking and maintain their crisp texture.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mini Muffin Tin | Shapes and bakes bite-sized pies evenly |
| Mixing Bowls | Combines filling and dough ingredients |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Measures ingredients precisely |
| Rolling Pin | Rolls dough to correct thickness |
| Pastry Cutter/Knife | Cuts dough into uniform shapes |
| Small Spoon/Cookie Scoop | Portions cherry filling evenly |
| Pastry Brush | Applies egg wash for golden crust |
| Cooling Rack | Cools pie bites evenly to retain crispness |
Using this equipment helps us create perfectly baked Cherry Pie Bites with flaky crusts and vibrant cherry filling every time.
Prep Work
Before we assemble our Cherry Pie Bites, it’s essential to complete some key preparation steps. This ensures a smooth process and perfectly balanced flavors.
Preparing the Cherry Filling
To create the rich and tangy cherry filling, we start by combining the following ingredients in a mixing bowl:
- 2 cups fresh or canned pitted cherries
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
We toss the cherries with the sugar and cornstarch thoroughly. Next, we add the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon, stirring gently until all ingredients are well incorporated. This mixture should have a glossy and slightly thickened texture, ensuring the filling will hold together nicely once baked.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cherries | 2 cups | Base fruit and flavor |
| Granulated sugar | ⅔ cup | Sweetness |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons | Thickening agent |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon | Brightness and balance |
| Vanilla extract | ½ teaspoon | Aroma and warmth |
| Ground cinnamon | ⅛ teaspoon | Subtle spice |
Making or Preparing the Pie Crust
For our flaky pie crust, we can either use refrigerated dough or make a homemade dough from scratch. If using refrigerated dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to handle and cut.
If making homemade crust, here’s what we do:
- Combine 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour with ½ teaspoon salt in a bowl.
- Cut in ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add 3-4 tablespoons ice-cold water gradually, mixing just until the dough comes together.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before rolling out.
Once ready, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a pastry cutter or knife to cut into desired shapes slightly larger than the mini muffin tin cavities to ensure a perfect fit.
Tip: Keeping the dough cold prevents the butter from melting prematurely, resulting in that coveted buttery-flaky texture.
By carefully prepping the cherry filling and pie crust, we guarantee our Cherry Pie Bites will taste just as delightful as classic cherry pie but in a perfectly portable package.
Directions
Follow these precise steps to assemble, bake, and serve our irresistible Cherry Pie Bites that combine convenience with classic flavor.
Assembling the Cherry Pie Bites
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure readiness for baking.
- Prepare the mini muffin tin by lightly greasing each cup to prevent sticking or use nonstick spray.
- Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface until it reaches about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into approximately 2 ½-inch diameter circles using a round cutter or glass.
- Line each muffin cup with a dough circle, gently pressing it to conform to the shape of the cup.
- Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, fill each dough-lined cup with 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons of cherry filling, ensuring not to overfill to avoid spilling during baking.
- Cut smaller dough circles or shapes to create tops for the bites.
- Place a dough piece over each filled cup, pressing the edges lightly to seal.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges or pinch by hand for a secure seal and to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the tops with the egg wash for a glossy, golden finish.
- Sprinkle a pinch of granulated sugar over the tops for a delicate crunch and sparkle.
Baking Instructions
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Preheat Oven | 375°F (190°C) |
| Bake Time | 18-22 minutes |
| Internal Texture | Filling bubbling and crust golden |
| Position in Oven | Middle rack for even heat |
- Place the mini muffin tin on the middle rack.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the crust turns a rich golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.
- Keep an eye on the bites starting at 18 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the tin carefully using oven mitts.
Cooling and Serving
- Transfer the Cherry Pie Bites from the muffin tin onto a wire rack.
- Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes to let the filling set and avoid burns when biting.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Optionally, garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a small dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
- Enjoy these perfectly portioned treats fresh or store them airtight for up to 2 days to maintain flakiness and flavor.
Optional Variations and Tips
To elevate our Cherry Pie Bites Recipe and customize it to various preferences, here are some excellent optional variations and expert tips to enhance texture, flavor, and presentation.
Flavor Variations
- Add Almond Extract: For a nutty depth, add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the cherry filling.
- Use Mixed Berries: Substitute or combine cherries with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry version.
- Spice Up the Filling: Increase cinnamon to 1 teaspoon or add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves for a warm spice aroma.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the bites for a rich indulgence.
Dough Choices and Modifications
- Homemade Pie Crust: Use our homemade flaky pie crust recipe to avoid preservatives and control texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the crust with a gluten-free pastry dough available in stores or homemade for dietary needs.
- Whole Wheat Dough: Substitute regular flour with whole wheat flour to add fiber and a nutty flavor, adjusting liquids slightly.
Baking and Serving Tips
- Prevent Sogginess: Use a light coating of cornstarch in the filling to absorb excess liquid and keep the crust crisp.
- Egg Wash Enhancements: Mix the egg wash with 1 teaspoon of milk or cream for a richer golden finish.
- Cooling Time: Allow bites to cool completely on a wire rack (15 to 20 minutes) to set the filling and maintain crispness.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to complement the tart cherry flavor.
Storage Guidelines
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 1 day | Keep in an airtight container. |
| Refrigerator | 2 to 3 days | Cover tightly; reheat before serving. |
| Freezer | Up to 1 month | Freeze individually on a tray before storing. |
Quick Assembly Hacks
- Pre-cut Dough Circles: Use cookie cutters and store dough circles on parchment to speed assembly.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: Portion filling efficiently and evenly into each pie crust base.
- Seal with Fork Press: For quick sealing press edges with a fork instead of hand pleating.
“Our cherry pie bites become even more irresistible with these simple tweaks, ensuring every bite delivers a burst of flavor and flaky texture.“
Implementing these variations and tips allows us to tailor the classic Cherry Pie Bites to any occasion or taste preference while maintaining their iconic sweet and tart balance.
Conclusion
Cherry Pie Bites bring the classic flavors of cherry pie into a fun and convenient form that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they’re a great way to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re making them for a party, a quick snack, or a cozy dessert, these bites deliver that perfect balance of sweet and tart in every flaky, golden piece. We’re confident they’ll become a favorite treat to enjoy and share.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are cherry pie bites?
Cherry pie bites are mini versions of traditional cherry pie, made with a flaky pastry crust filled with sweet and tart cherry filling, baked to golden perfection in bite-sized portions.
Can I use fresh or canned cherries for the filling?
Yes, you can use either fresh pitted cherries or canned cherries for the filling, depending on availability and preference.
How long does it take to bake cherry pie bites?
They bake quickly, usually within 18 to 22 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
What type of pie crust is best for cherry pie bites?
You can use refrigerated pie dough for convenience or a homemade crust for a flakier texture; both work well.
What equipment do I need to make cherry pie bites?
Essential tools include a mini muffin tin, rolling pin, mixing bowls, measuring spoons, pastry brush, and a cooling rack.
Can I prepare cherry pie bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them ahead, store airtight for up to two days, or freeze for longer storage.
Are there variations to the classic cherry pie bite recipe?
Absolutely—add almond extract, use mixed berries, increase spices, or drizzle with chocolate for different flavors.
How do I avoid soggy crusts in cherry pie bites?
Ensure the filling is not too wet by using proper thickening with cornstarch and bake fully until the crust is golden and crisp.
What is the best way to serve cherry pie bites?
Serve them fresh, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or with whipped cream or ice cream for extra indulgence.
Can I make cherry pie bites gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the traditional crust with a gluten-free dough to make the recipe suitable for gluten intolerance.