Cherry Pie Bites are sweet, small desserts filled with delicious cherry goodness. They have a crispy crust that adds a fun crunch, perfect for snacking!
Honestly, who can resist a tiny pie? I love popping these in my mouth while watching a movie. They go perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crusts: I recommend using refrigerated pie crusts for ease. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade crust can be better, but frozen pie crusts work too. Look for options that are pre-rolled to save time!
Cherry Pie Filling: Canned cherry filling is super convenient! If you prefer homemade, feel free to use fresh or frozen cherries mixed with sugar and a little cornstarch. You can also switch to a different fruit filling, like blueberry or apple, if cherries aren’t your thing.
Egg Wash: Beating an egg with milk or water creates a lovely golden color on the crust. If you’re vegan, you can use almond milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch, or just skip this step altogether. Your pie bites will still taste great!
What’s the Best Way to Make Lattice Toppings?
The lattice topping makes your cherry pie bites look adorable! Here are a few steps to make it easy:
- After cutting your dough circles, roll out the remaining crust again.
- Cut into thin strips — about half an inch wide. The thinner, the better they weave!
- Cross two strips in an “X” shape on each pie. Adjust as needed for a nice fit.
- Don’t stress if it’s not perfect; a little rustic charm is nice!
Practice makes perfect, and your pie bites will still be delicious regardless of the lattice design!
How to Make Delicious Cherry Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This entire recipe will take about 30 to 40 minutes, including 15 to 20 minutes for baking. You’ll spend around 10 to 15 minutes prepping the ingredients and assembling everything, then just let them bake until they’re golden and bubbly. Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure to lightly grease a mini muffin pan to prevent sticking—this will help your pie bites pop out easily later!
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass about 3 inches in diameter, cut out circles from the dough. These will be the base for your mini pies.
3. Form the Crusts:
Gently place each dough circle into a mini muffin cup. Press it down and up the sides lightly so they can hold the filling without leaking.
4. Fill with Cherry Goodness:
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling into each crust cup. Be careful not to overfill to prevent spills during baking!
5. Add the Lattice Topping:
For a sweet little twist, cut thin strips from the remaining dough. Create an “X” shape by crossing two strips over each pie bite, allowing some of the cherry filling to peek through.
6. Egg Wash Time:
In a small bowl, beat the egg with milk or water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each pie bite with the egg wash for a lovely, golden finish once baked.
7. Optional Sugar Sprinkle:
If you’d like extra crunch and sparkle, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top before baking. It adds a delightful sweetness!
8. Bake Until Golden:
Place your mini muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the crust is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly and delicious.
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, let the cherry pie bites cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
For a beautiful presentation, you can dust the cooled cherry pie bites with powdered sugar right before serving.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
These cherry pie bites are delightful when served warm or at room temperature. They go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy your delicious, easy-to-make treats!
Can I Use Frozen Pie Crusts Instead of Refrigerated Ones?
Absolutely! Frozen pie crusts work great, just make sure to thaw them according to package instructions before rolling them out and cutting your circles.
Can I Substitute the Cherry Pie Filling?
Yes! You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry, apple, or even mixed berries. Just adjust the amount of sugar in the filling based on your chosen fruit’s sweetness.
How Can I Store Leftover Cherry Pie Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness!
Is There a Vegan Option for This Recipe?
Yes! You can use plant-based pie crusts and replace the egg wash with almond milk or a mixture of oat milk and cornstarch for a vegan-friendly version. The cherry filling should also be checked to ensure it’s free from animal products.
