The scent of golden, buttery crust and sweet cherries wafts from the oven with these irresistibly cute Cherry Pie Bites. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a potluck treat, or just satisfying a dessert craving, these mini pies are a no-fuss option that delivers big flavor. Each bite-sized treat is crafted with flaky store-bought pie crust and filled with luscious cherry pie filling, then baked to golden perfection. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar adds just the right touch of warmth and crunch. They’re the perfect hand-held desserts that bring nostalgic flavors into a fun and festive presentation.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts), thawed
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1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
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1 egg, beaten
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line with paper cups.
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Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cookie cutter (about 2.5 inches), cut out circles and press each one into the muffin tin cups to form little pie shells.
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Spoon 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling into each crust-lined cup.
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In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.
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Brush the edges of the pie crusts with the beaten egg, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.
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Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until crusts are golden brown.
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Let cool in pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 28 minutes
Kcal: 160 kcal | Servings: 12 mini pies
The Ultimate Guide to Cherry Pie Bites: Bite-Sized Bliss in Every Layer
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the flavor of cherry pie. With its buttery, flaky crust and sweet-tart filling, it has become a beloved staple of American dessert culture for generations. But let’s be honest making a full pie from scratch can be time-consuming and a little intimidating for novice bakers. That’s where Cherry Pie Bites come in.
These delightful, bite-sized pastries capture everything you love about a traditional cherry pie but with a modern twist: minimal ingredients, quick prep time, and endless serving possibilities. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing lunchbox treats, or just craving something sweet after dinner, Cherry Pie Bites are the answer.
Why You’ll Love These Mini Treats
Cherry Pie Bites aren’t just easy to make they’re also incredibly versatile, mess-free, and universally loved. Their compact size means you don’t need forks, knives, or plates to enjoy them, making them ideal for gatherings, holiday trays, bake sales, and potlucks.
Here are just a few reasons these mini pastries stand out:
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Quick prep with frozen puff pastry or refrigerated dough
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Perfectly portioned for snacks and sharing
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Customizable with different fillings and toppings
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Elegant presentation with very little effort
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Kid-friendly in both taste and assembly
The simplicity of this recipe means even beginner bakers can whip up a batch that looks like it came from a boutique bakery. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing, and you’ve got a dessert that impresses every time.
The Charm of Puff Pastry
One of the secret weapons in this recipe is puff pastry. If you’ve never baked with puff pastry before, get ready for your life to change. It’s a freezer staple that turns even basic ingredients into something magical. When baked, it puffs into delicate, golden layers that provide the perfect contrast to the gooey, vibrant cherry filling inside.
Unlike pie crust, which requires chilling and rolling, puff pastry is forgiving and easy to handle. You can buy it frozen, thaw it in minutes, and start working on your treats without a rolling pin in sight. Its light, airy texture makes every bite feel indulgent without being overly heavy.
Filling Matters: Choosing the Best Cherries
While canned cherry pie filling is the most convenient choice for this recipe, you can absolutely elevate the flavor by using homemade filling or high-quality brands with minimal additives. Look for options that use whole cherries and real sugar rather than high-fructose corn syrup.
Prefer a tart edge to balance the sweetness of the pastry? Opt for sour cherry pie filling. Want to cut the sugar a bit? You can mix canned filling with fresh or thawed frozen cherries to add more fruit and reduce syrupy texture.
If cherries aren’t your thing, this same recipe structure works well with blueberry, apple, peach, or even Nutella for a totally different taste.
Fun Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic Cherry Pie Bites, try changing things up with these delicious twists:
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Almond Cherry Bites – Add a few drops of almond extract to the cherry filling or sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.
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Chocolate Drizzle – After cooling, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the bites for an elegant finish.
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Cheesecake Cherry Bites – Add a small dollop of sweetened cream cheese beneath the cherry filling for a cheesecake-inspired version.
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Cinnamon Sugar Coating – Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking for a warm, spiced vibe.
These variations keep things exciting and allow you to tailor the recipe to different seasons, events, and flavor preferences.
Tips for Success
Here are some tried-and-true tips to make sure your Cherry Pie Bites turn out bakery-perfect every time:
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Don’t overfill: It’s tempting to pack each pastry with cherries, but too much filling will spill during baking. A teaspoon or less per square is ideal.
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Seal well: Whether you fold your bites into triangles or tuck in the corners, make sure to seal the edges firmly with a fork to avoid leaks.
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Use egg wash: Brushing the tops with egg wash gives the pastries a beautiful golden finish and makes them look professionally done.
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Space them out: Puff pastry needs room to expand. Leave enough space between each bite on your baking sheet.
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Cool slightly before serving: Let the bites sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set. This also makes them easier to handle.
How to Store and Reheat
Cherry Pie Bites can be made ahead of time and stored, making them an excellent prep-ahead dessert for events or weeknight treats.
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At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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In the fridge: For longer storage (up to 4-5 days), refrigerate in a sealed container.
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Freezing: These bites freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to crisp them up again.
Avoid microwaving them for too long, as this can make the pastry soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry Pie Bites are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them further with simple additions:
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With whipped cream or ice cream: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns these into a plated dessert.
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On a dessert board: Pair them with mini brownies, chocolate-covered strawberries, and macarons for a stunning presentation.
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Dusted with powdered sugar: A light dusting adds visual appeal and a touch of sweetness.
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As a breakfast treat: Serve with coffee or tea for a slightly indulgent morning pastry.
Because they’re not overly sweet, they transition beautifully from dessert to brunch and everything in between.
The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion
What makes Cherry Pie Bites so special is their universal appeal. They’re nostalgic and modern at the same time, comforting yet classy. You can dress them up for a dinner party or serve them casually during movie night. They fit in at baby showers, Thanksgiving dinners, birthday parties, and weekend picnics.
This flexibility is what sets them apart. With minimal effort, you get a dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious and one that guests of all ages will reach for again and again.
Conclusion:
Cherry Pie Bites prove that you don’t need a complicated recipe to create something spectacular. With just a few ingredients, a touch of creativity, and the magic of puff pastry, you can make a dessert that’s comforting, versatile, and guaranteed to please.
They’re quick enough for a last-minute treat, customizable enough to suit any occasion, and adorable enough to earn a permanent spot in your recipe box. Whether you stick to the classic version or try out your own twist, one thing is for sure these Cherry Pie Bites are here to steal the show.