Cherry Pie Bites: Delicious Mini Desserts for Every Occasion

Cherry Pie Bites are a delightful twist on the classic dessert that many of us know and love. These bite-sized treats encapsulate the sweet and tart flavors of cherries, all wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust. Growing up, I remember my grandmother making cherry pie from scratch, filling our home with the irresistible aroma of baked cherries and warm spices. This recipe pays homage to that cherished tradition while offering a convenient, portable version that’s perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a quick snack.

People adore Cherry Pie Bites not just for their delicious taste, but also for their delightful texture. The crisp exterior gives way to a luscious cherry filling that bursts with flavor in every bite. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these Cherry Pie Bites are sure to impress your family and friends, making them a must-try recipe for any occasion!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

Preparing the Cherry Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted and halved cherries with the granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. 2. Stir the mixture gently to coat the cherries evenly with the sugar and cornstarch. 3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken, about 5-7 minutes. 4. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cherry filling cool while you prepare the pie crusts.

Preparing the Pie Crusts

5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 6. Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts on a clean, lightly floured surface. 7. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the pie crusts. Aim for about 3-4 inches in diameter. You should get about 12-16 circles, depending on the size of your cutter. 8. Gather any scraps of dough, re-roll them, and cut out additional circles until you have enough for your bites.

Assembling the Cherry Pie Bites

9. Take one of the pie crust circles and place about 1 tablespoon of the cooled cherry filling in the center. 10. Carefully fold the circle in half to create a half-moon shape, ensuring the filling is enclosed. 11. Press the edges together firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure they are well sealed. 12. Repeat this process with the remaining pie crust circles and cherry filling until all are assembled.

Preparing for Baking

13. Place the assembled cherry pie bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each one. 14. Brush the tops of the pie bites with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color when baked. 15. Sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top of each pie bite for added sweetness and crunch.

Baking the Cherry Pie Bites

16. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pie bites are golden brown and flaky. 17. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning. 18. Once baked, remove the cherry pie bites from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

19. These cherry pie bites are delicious served warm or at room temperature. 20. For an extra treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. 21. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a lovely presentation.

Storage Tips

22. If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. 23. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked pie bites. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. 24. To reheat, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy your delightful cherry pie bites! They are perfect for parties, picnics, or just a sweet treat at home.

Conclusion:

In summary, these Cherry Pie Bites are an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a sweet, fruity treat that’s both easy to make and delightful to eat. The combination of flaky pastry and luscious cherry filling creates a perfect bite-sized dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re serving them at a summer picnic, a holiday gathering, or simply enjoying them as an afternoon snack, these little gems are bound to be a hit. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these Cherry Pie Bites with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience. You can also experiment with variations by using different fruits like blueberries or peaches, or even adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, spiced twist. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with me! I’d love to hear how your Cherry Pie Bites turn out and any creative variations you come up with. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking! Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why these Cherry Pie Bites are a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Happy baking! Print